Which is bigger: Spain or Turkmenistan?

Spain is larger (505,990 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Turkmenistan (488,100 km²).

Why do Spain and Turkmenistan look different on the map than in reality?

The common Mercator projection enlarges areas the farther they lie from the equator, so the on-map size proportions of Spain and Turkmenistan are distorted compared to their true land area.

Spain vs Turkmenistan Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Spain and Turkmenistan. Compare their overlaid silhouettes and learn how the Mercator projection distorts scale.

Direct Silhouette Overlay (same scale)

Comparison of shapes at the exact same, real geographic scale. Click or tap and drag either silhouette to adjust positioning manually.

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Spain ↗

Surface Area505,990 km²

Population46,796,540

TypeCountry

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Turkmenistan ↗

Surface Area488,100 km²

Population5,850,908

TypeCountry

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