France and the United States are both influential global powers, yet when it comes to geographical size, they are vastly different. Understanding just how big the United States is compared to France requires looking at various metrics, from total area to population distribution. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to illustrate the scale difference between these two nations.
The most straightforward comparison is land area. The United States covers a massive expanse of approximately 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million square kilometers). In contrast, France, while geographically significant within Europe, occupies a considerably smaller area of around 213,000 square miles (551,000 square kilometers). To put it simply, the United States is roughly 18 times larger than France in terms of total area. This stark difference in size has implications for various aspects, including geography, climate, and resource availability.
Breaking down the area further, we can examine land and water distribution. The United States has a land area of approximately 3.5 million square miles and a water area of around 250,000 square miles. France, with its smaller total area, has a land area of about 211,000 square miles and a proportionally smaller water area. While both countries possess diverse landscapes, the sheer scale of the US allows for a much wider range of geographical features, from vast plains and deserts to towering mountain ranges and extensive coastlines.
Another perspective on size is population density. While the US is much larger, its population is also significantly greater than France’s. However, due to its vast area, the population density of the United States is lower than that of France. The US has a population density of around 94 people per square mile, while France has a denser population of approximately 310 people per square mile. This means that while the US has a larger overall population, people are more spread out across the country compared to France, where the population is more concentrated.
The difference in size between France and the US has shaped their respective histories, economies, and global roles. The vast resources and diverse geography of the United States have contributed to its economic power and agricultural capacity. France, despite its smaller size, has leveraged its strategic location in Europe and historical influence to become a major player on the world stage. Understanding the scale difference is crucial for appreciating the unique characteristics and global positions of both France and the United States.
In conclusion, when considering “How Big Is France Compared To The Us,” the answer is definitively much smaller. The United States dwarfs France in total area, landmass, and water area. While population density offers a different dimension, the fundamental difference in geographical scale remains a key factor in understanding these two important nations.
SOURCES: CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; Food and Agriculture Organization; Food and Agriculture Organisation, electronic files and web site.; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; British Broadcasting Corporation 2014; World Development Indicators database; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Heal The World Foundation.; United Nations World Statistics Pocketbook and Statistical Yearbook, City Population, CIA World Factbook, World Gazetteer, Official government websites.; World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; International Road Federation, World Road Statistics and electronic files, except where noted.; Wikipedia: Google Street View (Coverage); United Nations World Statistics Pocketbook and Statistical Yearbook; CIA Factbook: List of countries by coastline size; Wikipedia: List of countries and territories by border/area ratio (Border/area ratio); Wikipedia: Antipodes (Countries); Wikipedia: List of highest towns by country (Sovereign, fully recognized countries); Wikipedia: List of countries by northernmost point; FAO; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, December 2003; Wikipedia: List of countries by lowest point; CIA World Factbook 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; CIA World Factbook 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: List of political and geographic borders (Countries); United Nations Environmental Program and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Center for International Earth Science Information Network
