Which is bigger: Sweden or Iraq?

Sweden is larger (438,574 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Iraq (435,052 km²).

Why do Sweden and Iraq 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 Sweden and Iraq are distorted compared to their true land area.

Sweden vs Iraq Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Sweden and Iraq. 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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Sweden ↗

Total surface area438,574 km²ed. 2024

Population10,596,6202025

Land area407,270 km²2023

TypeCountry

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Iraq ↗

Total surface area435,052 km²ed. 2024

Population47,020,7742025

Land area434,130 km²2023

TypeCountry

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