Brazil and the United States, giants of the Americas, often spark curiosity regarding their geographical dimensions. Both rank among the world’s largest nations, but understanding their size comparison requires a deeper look beyond simple rankings. This article delves into a detailed comparison of Brazil and the United States, exploring their total area, landmass, and other geographical aspects to provide a comprehensive understanding of their sizes relative to each other.
Unpacking the Geography and Size of the United States
The United States, a sprawling nation encompassing 50 states, extends across North America with non-contiguous territories like Alaska and Hawaii adding to its vastness. Frequently cited as the 4th largest country globally by total area, it covers approximately 3.8 million square miles. This places it behind Russia, Canada, and China in overall size. When considering solely land area, the US maintains its position as the 3rd largest, after Russia and China, boasting around 3.53 million square miles. Notably, the contiguous United States, the 48 states connected in one landmass, accounts for roughly 3 million square miles. Alaska, the largest state, while separated from the contiguous US by Canada, contributes significantly with approximately 663,268 square miles. It’s worth noting that total area figures for the US can vary slightly depending on the source; for instance, Encyclopaedia Britannica lists 3,677,649 square miles, while The World Factbook reports 3,796,742 square miles.
Delving into the Dimensions of Brazil
Brazil, situated along the eastern coastline of South America, dominates a substantial portion of the continent’s interior. It shares borders with nearly every South American nation, excluding only Chile and Ecuador, highlighting its expansive regional presence. Beyond the mainland, Brazil includes several archipelagoes in the Atlantic Ocean, such as Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll, further adding to its geographical diversity. Characterized by its immense size, varied climate, diverse relief, and abundant natural resources, Brazil is a country of significant geographical complexity. Globally, Brazil ranks as the fifth-largest country in terms of both total area and land area, covering approximately 3.3 million square miles, which includes about 21,411 square miles of water. Within the Americas, Brazil stands as the largest contiguous territory and holds the title of the largest country in both South America and the Southern Hemisphere.
Size Comparison: US vs. Brazil – Land, Water, and Population
While the United States’ total area exceeds Brazil’s by roughly 500,000 square miles, a nuanced comparison reveals a different perspective. Brazil’s landmass actually surpasses the contiguous United States by approximately 300,000 square miles. A significant factor in this difference lies in the proportion of water area within each country. The US possesses considerably more water area, estimated at around 685,924 square miles, compared to Brazil’s approximately 21,441 square miles. Consequently, the US holds a larger percentage of the world’s water, ranging from 3.96% to 6.97%, while Brazil accounts for a smaller 0.65%. In terms of population, the US Census Bureau estimates the United States’ population at approximately 327 million, making it the third most populous country worldwide, following China and India. Brazil, with an estimated population of 210 million, ranks as the fifth most populous. In conclusion, considering total area, the United States is geographically larger than Brazil. However, when focusing on contiguous landmass, Brazil presents a larger territory.
