Which is bigger: United States or Russia?

Russia is larger (17,098,246 km²) — about 1.7 times the size of United States (9,833,517 km²).

Why do United States and Russia 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 United States and Russia are distorted compared to their true land area.

United States vs Russia Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between United States and Russia. 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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United States ↗

Surface Area9,833,517 km²

Population326,687,501

TypeCountry

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Russia ↗

Surface Area17,098,246 km²

Population144,478,050

TypeCountry

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