When discussing the geographical size of countries, maps can sometimes be misleading. These two-dimensional representations of our three-dimensional world often distort perceptions of area. A more accurate comparison relies on examining the square mileage or square kilometers of each nation. Focusing on China and the United States, two of the world’s largest countries, reveals a nuanced comparison when considering both total area and land area.
While both nations rank among the top four largest globally, the distinction between total surface area and land area becomes crucial. Total surface area includes inland water bodies such as lakes and rivers, whereas land area specifically measures the landmass. This difference significantly impacts the size ranking of countries like Canada, which possesses vast inland waters, compared to the United States, where land area constitutes a larger proportion of its total size.
According to the World Atlas, the United States slightly surpasses China in total surface area, claiming the third position globally with approximately 9.8 million square kilometers. China follows closely in fourth place with around 9.6 million square kilometers. This total area comparison includes all territorial waters, lakes, and rivers within each country’s borders.
However, a different picture emerges when we examine land area. In terms of landmass alone, China is actually approximately 2% larger than the United States, according to World Atlas. This is because the United States has a higher proportion of its total area covered by water compared to China. This subtle difference highlights the importance of specifying whether “total area” or “land area” is being used for comparison.
To put these sizes into perspective within the global context, Russia firmly holds the title of the world’s largest country by a significant margin. Its total surface area reaches a massive 17.1 million square kilometers. Canada secures the second position, largely due to its extensive northern territories and numerous inland water bodies. Following these giants, the United States and then China complete the list of the top four largest nations by total area.
It’s also interesting to note the population densities in relation to these vast areas. Despite its immense size, Russia is sparsely populated, hosting only about 2% of the world’s population. In contrast, the United States ranks as the third most populous country globally. While population density is a separate factor from geographical size, it adds another layer to understanding the scale and scope of these nations.
In conclusion, when you compare the size of China to the USA, the answer depends on what you are measuring. In total surface area, the United States is slightly larger. However, when considering land area alone, China marginally surpasses the U.S. Both countries are geographically enormous, ranking among the largest in the world, but understanding the nuances of “total area” versus “land area” provides a more accurate and complete comparison.
