Which is bigger: Tanzania or Nigeria?

Tanzania is larger (945,087 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Nigeria (923,768 km²).

Why do Tanzania and Nigeria 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 Tanzania and Nigeria are distorted compared to their true land area.

Tanzania vs Nigeria Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Tanzania and Nigeria. 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.

Loading comparison...

Tanzania ↗

Surface Area945,087 km²

Population56,318,348

TypeCountry

Loading contour...

Nigeria ↗

Surface Area923,768 km²

Population195,874,740

TypeCountry

Loading contour...