Which is bigger: Sudan or Libya?

Sudan is larger (1,886,068 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of Libya (1,759,540 km²).

Why do Sudan and Libya 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 Sudan and Libya are distorted compared to their true land area.

Sudan vs Libya Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Sudan and Libya. 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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Sudan ↗

Surface Area1,886,068 km²

Population41,801,533

TypeCountry

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Libya ↗

Surface Area1,759,540 km²

Population6,678,567

TypeCountry

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