The CIA World Factbook Edition 2020 Geography
Area - comparative In 32 editions of 36.
Area - comparative was published in 32 editions of the CIA World Factbook, from 1990 to 2025. The 2020 edition carries it in 267 entries, in its Geography section. Every entry is shown as that edition published it.
- entries in the 2020 edition
- 267
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Area - comparative” (1997 to 2025), “Comparative area” (1990 to 1992), “Area--comparative” (1999) and “Area-comparative” (1998).
the entry has the field in that editionnot in that editionthe open editionEach entry below ends in its editions with Area - comparative, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down; choose one in a row to read that edition’s text there.
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Entries with Area - comparative in each edition
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World
1 entryWorld
land area about 16 times the size of the US
- Africa-US area comparison map :
- Africa-US area comparison map
- Antarctica-US area comparison map :
- Antarctica-US area comparison map
- Asia-US area comparison map :
- Asia-US area comparison map
- Australia-US area comparison map :
- Australia-US area comparison map
- Europe-US area comparison map :
- Europe-US area comparison map
- North America - US area comparison map:
- North America - US area comparison map
- South America-US area comparison map :
- South America-US area comparison map
Africa
56 entriesAlgeria
slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas
Angola
about eight times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Area comparison map: about eight times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Botswana
slightly smaller than Texas; almost four times the size of Illinois
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Texas; almost four times the size of Illinois
Cameroon
slightly larger than California; about four times the size of Pennsylvania
Area comparison map: slightly larger than California; about four times the size of Pennsylvania
Central African Republic
slightly smaller than Texas; about four times the size of Georgia
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Texas; about four times the size of Georgia
Chad
almost nine times the size of New York state; slightly more than three times the size of California
Area comparison map: almost nine times the size of New York state; slightly more than three times the size of California
Comoros
slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC
Congo, Democratic Republic of the now Democratic Republic of the Congo
slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US
Area comparison map: slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US
Congo, Republic of the now Republic of the Congo
slightly smaller than Montana; about twice the size of Florida
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Montana; about twice the size of Florida
Egypt
more than eight times the size of Ohio; slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico
Area comparison map: more than eight times the size of Ohio; slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico
Ethiopia
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Guinea
slightly smaller than Oregon; slightly larger than twice the size of Pennsylvania
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Oregon; slightly larger than twice the size of Pennsylvania
Kenya
five times the size of Ohio; slightly more than twice the size of Nevada
Area comparison map: five times the size of Ohio; slightly more than twice the size of Nevada
Libya
about 2.5 times the size of Texas; slightly larger than Alaska
Area comparison map: about 2.5 times the size of Texas; slightly larger than Alaska
Madagascar
almost four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of Arizona
Area comparison map: almost four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of Arizona
Mauritania
slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico; about six times the size of Florida
Area comparison map: slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico; about six times the size of Florida
Mauritius
almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC
Morocco
slightly more than three times the size of New York; slightly larger than California
Area comparison map: slightly more than three times the size of New York; slightly larger than California
Mozambique
slightly more than five times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of California
- Area comparison map.:
- Area comparison map.
Namibia
almost seven times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly more than half the size of Alaska
Area comparison map: almost seven times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly more than half the size of Alaska
Niger
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Nigeria
about six times the size of Georgia; slightly more than twice the size of California
Area comparison map: about six times the size of Georgia; slightly more than twice the size of California
- total:
- 4,477 km
- border countries (4):
Benin 809 km, Cameroon 1975 km, Chad 85 km, Niger 1608 km
853 km
- territorial sea:
- 12 nm
- exclusive economic zone:
- 200 nm
- continental shelf:
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
- varies;
- equatorial in south,
- tropical in center,
- arid in north
southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north
- mean elevation:
- 380 m
- lowest point:
- Atlantic Ocean 0 m
- highest point:
Chappal Waddi 2,419 m
- natural gas,
- petroleum,
- tin,
- iron ore,
- coal,
- limestone,
- niobium,
- lead,
- zinc,
- arable land
- agricultural land:
- 78% (2011 est.)
- arable land:
- 37.3% (2011 est.) / permanent crops: 7.4% (2011 est.) / permanent pasture: 33.3% (2011 est.)
- forest:
- 9.5% (2011 est.)
- other:
- 12.5% (2011 est.)
2,930 sq km (2012)
- largest population of any African nation;
- significant population clusters are scattered throughout the country, with the highest density areas being in the south and southwest as shown in this population distribution map
periodic droughts; flooding
- serious overpopulation and rapid urbanization have led to numerous environmental problems;
- urban air and water pollution;
- rapid deforestation;
- soil degradation;
- loss of arable land;
- oil pollution - water, air, and soil have suffered serious damage from oil spills
- party to:
- Biodiversity,
- Climate Change,
- Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
- Desertification,
- Endangered Species,
- Hazardous Wastes,
- Law of the Sea,
- Marine Dumping,
- Marine Life Conservation,
- Ozone Layer Protection,
- Ship Pollution,
- Wetlands
- signed, but not ratified:
none of the selected agreements
the Niger River enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea
Senegal
slightly smaller than South Dakota; slightly larger than twice the size of Indiana
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than South Dakota; slightly larger than twice the size of Indiana
Seychelles
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Somalia
almost five times the size of Alabama; slightly smaller than Texas
Area comparison map: almost five times the size of Alabama; slightly smaller than Texas
South Africa
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
South Sudan
more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Texas
Area comparison map: more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Texas
Sudan
slightly less than one-fifth the size of the US
Area comparison map: slightly less than one-fifth the size of the US
Uganda
slightly more than two times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Area comparison map: slightly more than two times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Zambia
almost five times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Texas
Area comparison map: almost five times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Texas
Zimbabwe
about four times the size of Indiana; slightly larger than Montana
Area comparison map: about four times the size of Indiana; slightly larger than Montana
Antarctic Region
5 entriesFrench Southern and Antarctic Lands
- Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul):
- less than one-half the size of Washington, DC;
- Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): more than 10 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Iles Crozet: about twice the size of Washington, DC;
- Iles Kerguelen: slightly larger than Delaware;
- Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): land area about one-third the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Europa Island (Iles Eparses): about one-sixth the size of Washington, DC;
- Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): about eight times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): about seven times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): about 1.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands now South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
slightly larger than Rhode Island
Arctic Region
4 entriesIceland
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; about the same size as Kentucky
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; about the same size as Kentucky
Asia
23 entriesAfghanistan
almost six times the size of Virginia; slightly smaller than Texas
Area comparison map: almost six times the size of Virginia; slightly smaller than Texas
Azerbaijan
about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Maine
Area comparison map: about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Maine
Bangladesh
slightly larger than Pennsylvania and New Jersey combined; slightly smaller than Iowa
Area comparison map: slightly larger than Pennsylvania and New Jersey combined; slightly smaller than Iowa
Bhutan
slightly larger than Maryland; about one-half the size of Indiana
Area comparison map: slightly larger than Maryland; about one-half the size of Indiana
Georgia
slightly smaller than South Carolina; slightly larger than West Virginia
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than South Carolina; slightly larger than West Virginia
India
slightly more than one-third the size of the US
Area comparison map: slightly more than one-third the size of the US
Kazakhstan
slightly less than four times the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than four times the size of Texas
Korea, North now North Korea
slightly larger than Virginia; slightly smaller than Mississippi
Area comparison map: slightly larger than Virginia; slightly smaller than Mississippi
Korea, South now South Korea
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Indiana
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Indiana
Maldives
about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
Mongolia
slightly smaller than Alaska; more than twice the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Alaska; more than twice the size of Texas
Pakistan
slightly more than five times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of California
Area comparison map: slightly more than five times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of California
Russia
approximately 1.8 times the size of the US
Area comparison map: approximately 1.8 times the size of the US
Turkmenistan
slightly more than three times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than California
Area comparison map: slightly more than three times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than California
Uzbekistan
about four times the size of Virginia; slightly larger than California
Area comparison map: about four times the size of Virginia; slightly larger than California
Central America and the Caribbean
33 entriesBahamas, The now The Bahamas
slightly smaller than Connecticut
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Connecticut
Costa Rica
slightly smaller than West Virginia
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than West Virginia
Dominican Republic
slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey
Area comparison map: slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey
Jamaica
about half the size of New Jersey; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Area comparison map: about half the size of New Jersey; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Nicaragua
slightly larger than Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than New York state
Area comparison map: slightly larger than Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than New York state
Panama
slightly smaller than South Carolina
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than South Carolina
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
twice the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: twice the size of Washington, DC
Trinidad and Tobago
slightly smaller than Delaware
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Delaware
Europe
49 entriesAndorra
2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Austria
about the size of South Carolina; slightly more than two-thirds the size of Pennsylvania
Area comparison map: about the size of South Carolina; slightly more than two-thirds the size of Pennsylvania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
slightly smaller than West Virginia
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than West Virginia
Bulgaria
almost identical in size to Virginia; slightly larger than Tennessee
Area comparison map: almost identical in size to Virginia; slightly larger than Tennessee
Czechia
about two-thirds the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than South Carolina
Area comparison map: about two-thirds the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than South Carolina
Denmark
slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts; about two-thirds the size of West Virginia
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts; about two-thirds the size of West Virginia
Finland
slightly more than two times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Montana
Area comparison map: slightly more than two times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Montana
France
slightly more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than the size of Texas
Germany
three times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Montana
Area comparison map: three times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Montana
Holy See (Vatican City)
about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC
Area comparison map: about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC
Hungary
slightly smaller than Virginia; about the same size as Indiana
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Virginia; about the same size as Indiana
Italy
almost twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Arizona
Area comparison map: almost twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Arizona
Luxembourg
slightly smaller than Rhode Island; about half the size of Delaware
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Rhode Island; about half the size of Delaware
Malta
slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Montenegro
slightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Connecticut; slightly larger than twice the size of Delaware
Netherlands
slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
North Macedonia
slightly larger than Vermont; almost four times the size of Delaware
Area comparison map: slightly larger than Vermont; almost four times the size of Delaware
Norway
slightly larger than twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than New Mexico
Area comparison map: slightly larger than twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than New Mexico
Poland
about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico
Area comparison map: about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico
Romania
twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Area comparison map: twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
San Marino
about one-third the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: about one-third the size of Washington, DC
Serbia
slightly smaller than South Carolina
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than South Carolina
Slovakia
about one and a half times the size of Maryland; about twice the size of New Hampshire
Area comparison map: about one and a half times the size of Maryland; about twice the size of New Hampshire
Spain
almost five times the size of Kentucky; slightly more than twice the size of Oregon
Area comparison map: almost five times the size of Kentucky; slightly more than twice the size of Oregon
Sweden
almost three times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than California
Area comparison map: almost three times the size of Georgia; slightly larger than California
Switzerland
slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Ukraine
almost four times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Texas
Area comparison map: almost four times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Texas
United Kingdom
twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Area comparison map: twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Middle East
19 entriesBahrain
3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Cyprus
about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut
Area comparison map: about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut
Iran
almost 2.5 times the size of Texas; slightly smaller than Alaska
Area comparison map: almost 2.5 times the size of Texas; slightly smaller than Alaska
Iraq
slightly more than three times the size of New York state
Area comparison map: slightly more than three times the size of New York state
Jordan
about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Indiana
Area comparison map: about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Indiana
Lebanon
about one-third the size of Maryland
Area comparison map: about one-third the size of Maryland
Oman
twice the size of Georgia
Area comparison map: twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Kansas
Qatar
almost twice the size of Delaware; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Area comparison map: almost twice the size of Delaware; slightly smaller than Connecticut
Saudi Arabia
slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US
Area comparison map: slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US
United Arab Emirates
slightly larger than South Carolina; slightly smaller than Maine
Area comparison map: slightly larger than South Carolina; slightly smaller than Maine
Yemen
almost four times the size of Alabama; slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming
Area comparison map: almost four times the size of Alabama; slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming
North America
6 entriesMexico
slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than three times the size of Texas
United States
- about half the size of Russia;
- about three-tenths the size of Africa;
- about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil);
- slightly larger than China;
- more than twice the size of the European Union
Oceania
34 entriesAustralia
slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states
Micronesia, Federated States of now Federated States of Micronesia
four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)
Area comparison map: four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)
New Zealand
almost twice the size of North Carolina; about the size of Colorado
Area comparison map: almost twice the size of North Carolina; about the size of Colorado
Palau
slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Papua New Guinea
slightly larger than California
Area comparison map: slightly larger than California
Tonga
four times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: four times the size of Washington, DC
Tuvalu
0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges
- Baker Island:
- about 2.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Howland Island: about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Johnston Atoll: about 4.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Kingman Reef: a little more than 1.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Midway Islands: about nine times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC;
- Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC
South America
13 entriesArgentina
slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US
Area comparison map: slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US
Bolivia
slightly less than three times the size of Montana
Area comparison map: slightly less than three times the size of Montana
Chile
slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana
Colombia
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
- total:
- 6,672 km
- border countries (5):
Brazil 1790 km, Ecuador 708 km, Panama 339 km, Peru 1494 km, Venezuela 2341 km
3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)
- territorial sea:
- 12 nm
- exclusive economic zone:
- 200 nm
- continental shelf:
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
- flat coastal lowlands,
- central highlands,
- high Andes Mountains,
- eastern lowland plains (Llanos)
- mean elevation:
- 593 m
- lowest point:
- Pacific Ocean 0 m
- highest point:
Pico Cristobal Colon 5,730 m
- petroleum,
- natural gas,
- coal,
- iron ore,
- nickel,
- gold,
- copper,
- emeralds,
- hydropower
- agricultural land:
- 37.5% (2011 est.)
- arable land:
- 1.4% (2011 est.) / permanent crops: 1.6% (2011 est.) / permanent pasture: 34.5% (2011 est.)
- forest:
- 54.4% (2011 est.)
- other:
- 8.1% (2011 est.)
10,900 sq km (2012)
- the majority of people live in the north and west where agricultural opportunities and natural resources are found;
- the vast grasslands of the llanos to the south and east, which make up approximately 60% of the country, are sparsely populated
- highlands subject to volcanic eruptions;
- occasional earthquakes;
- periodic droughts volcanism: Galeras (4,276 m) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major evacuations;
- it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations;
- Nevado del Ruiz (5,321 m), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985 producing lahars (mudflows) that killed 23,000 people;
- the volcano last erupted in 1991;
- additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since then;
- other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace
- deforestation resulting from timber exploitation in the jungles of the Amazon and the region of Chocó;
- illicit drug crops grown by peasants in the national parks;
- soil erosion;
- soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides;
- air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions
- party to:
- Antarctic Treaty,
- Biodiversity,
- Climate Change,
- Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,
- Desertification,
- Endangered Species,
- Hazardous Wastes,
- Marine Life Conservation,
- Ozone Layer Protection,
- Ship Pollution,
- Tropical Timber 83,
- Tropical Timber 94,
- Wetlands
- signed, but not ratified:
Law of the Sea
only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Guyana
slightly smaller than Idaho; almost twice the size of Tennessee
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Idaho; almost twice the size of Tennessee
Paraguay
about three times the size of New York state; slightly smaller than California
Area comparison map: about three times the size of New York state; slightly smaller than California
Peru
almost twice the size of Texas; slightly smaller than Alaska
Area comparison map: almost twice the size of Texas; slightly smaller than Alaska
Uruguay
about the size of Virginia and West Virginia combined; slightly smaller than the state of Washington
Area comparison map: about the size of Virginia and West Virginia combined; slightly smaller than the state of Washington
Venezuela
almost six times the size of Georgia; slightly more than twice the size of California
Area comparison map: almost six times the size of Georgia; slightly more than twice the size of California
Southeast Asia
19 entriesBurma now Burma (Myanmar)
slightly smaller than Texas
Area comparison map: slightly smaller than Texas
Cambodia
one and a half times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Area comparison map: one and a half times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Indonesia
slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Area comparison map: slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Laos
about twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Utah
Area comparison map: about twice the size of Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Utah
Philippines
slightly less than twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Arizona
Area comparison map: slightly less than twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Arizona
Singapore
slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map: slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Thailand
about three times the size of Florida; slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming
Area comparison map: about three times the size of Florida; slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming
Timor-Leste
slightly larger than Connecticut; almost half the size of Maryland
Area comparison map: slightly larger than Connecticut; almost half the size of Maryland
Vietnam
about three times the size of Tennessee; slightly larger than New Mexico
Area comparison map: about three times the size of Tennessee; slightly larger than New Mexico
Oceans
5 entriesPacific Ocean
- about 15 times the size of the US;
- covers about 28% of the global surface;
- almost equal to the total land area of the world
Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook 2020, “Area - comparative”, all entries. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/fields/area-comparative/2020.