Brazil and the United States stand as titans among nations, both geographically expansive and influential on the world stage. As two of the largest countries by area globally, and dominant forces within the Americas, understanding their size relationship is a frequently asked question. While both are undeniably vast, the nuances of their dimensions reveal interesting facts about continental dominance and land composition. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to answer the question: How Big Is Brazil Compared To The United States?
Understanding the Size of the United States
The United States, a nation stretching across North America, encompasses 50 states, a figure that includes the non-contiguous territories of Alaska and Hawaii. This expansive reach contributes to a total area of approximately 3.8 million square miles. This impressive figure positions the US as the fourth-largest country worldwide when considering total area, surpassed only by Russia, Canada, and China. Focusing solely on land area, the United States maintains its ranking as the third largest globally, and the largest within North America, covering roughly 3.53 million square miles. The core contiguous United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, still boasts a considerable area of around 3 million square miles.
Alaska, geographically separated from the contiguous US by Canada, is the largest state, contributing a massive 663,268 square miles to the nation’s total. It’s worth noting that precise figures for the US’s total area can vary slightly depending on the source. For instance, the Encyclopaedia Britannica cites 3,677,649 square miles, while The World Factbook records 3,796,742 square miles. These minor discrepancies often arise from differing methodologies in measuring coastal and territorial waters.
Exploring the Dimensions of Brazil
Brazil, a South American giant, dominates the eastern coastline and vast interior of the continent. It shares borders with nearly every other South American nation, excluding only Chile and Ecuador, underscoring its central continental position. Beyond the mainland, Brazil’s territory includes several significant archipelagos such as Rocas Atoll, Fernando de Noronha, and Trindade and Martim Vaz, adding to its geographical complexity. Brazil’s sheer size, coupled with its diverse climate, varied relief, and abundant natural resources, makes it a country of immense geographical diversity.
Ranked as the fifth-largest country globally by both total and land area, Brazil spans approximately 3.3 million square miles, including a relatively small 21,411 square miles of water. It proudly holds the title of the largest country in South America and the entire Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, Brazil represents the largest contiguous territory within the Americas, a distinction highlighting its unbroken landmass.
Side-by-Side Size Comparison: US vs. Brazil
When directly comparing the total areas, the United States emerges as larger than Brazil by approximately 500,000 square miles. However, an interesting counterpoint arises when considering the contiguous United States. Brazil actually surpasses the contiguous US in size by roughly 300,000 square miles. This difference is primarily attributed to Alaska’s vast territory, which significantly boosts the overall size of the US.
A notable contrast also lies in the composition of their areas. The United States possesses a considerably larger water area, accounting for about 685,924 square miles compared to Brazil’s relatively modest 21,441 square miles. In terms of global water percentages, US waters represent 3.96-6.97% of the world’s total, while Brazil’s constitute a smaller 0.65%.
Population figures further contextualize the size comparison. According to the US Census Bureau, the United States is home to approximately 327 million people, making it the third-most populous country in the world, following China and India. Brazil, with a population of around 210 million, ranks as the fifth-most populous nation.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Size
In conclusion, while both Brazil and the United States are undeniably massive countries, the United States is definitively larger than Brazil when considering total area. However, it’s crucial to remember that Brazil is geographically larger than the contiguous United States. The inclusion of Alaska is the key factor that tips the scale in favor of the US in overall size. Ultimately, both nations command impressive continental territories, reflecting their significant global presence and diverse internal landscapes.
