Which is bigger: Tuvalu or Nauru?

Tuvalu is larger (26 km²) — about 1.2 times the size of Nauru (21 km²).

Why do Tuvalu and Nauru 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 Tuvalu and Nauru are distorted compared to their true land area.

Tuvalu vs Nauru Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Tuvalu and Nauru. 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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Tuvalu ↗

Surface Area26 km²

Population11,000

TypeCountry

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Nauru ↗

Surface Area21 km²

Population10,800

TypeCountry

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