Which is bigger: Vietnam or Malaysia?

Vietnam is larger (331,212 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Malaysia (330,803 km²).

Why do Vietnam and Malaysia 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 Vietnam and Malaysia are distorted compared to their true land area.

Vietnam vs Malaysia Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Vietnam and Malaysia. 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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Vietnam ↗

Surface Area331,212 km²

Population95,540,395

TypeCountry

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Malaysia ↗

Surface Area330,803 km²

Population31,528,585

TypeCountry

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