Gaza’s size is frequently misconstrued due to its dense population and limited land area. While it might seem insignificant on a world map, comparing Gaza’s footprint to well-known cities and even countries like the UK offers a surprising perspective on its actual dimensions. This article examines Gaza’s size relative to various global locations, highlighting its unique geographical context.
Gaza vs. Major Cities:
Newsweek created a series of maps visually comparing Gaza’s 141 square miles to major cities. When superimposed on London, Gaza stretches from Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire to Epsom in Surrey. While Gaza’s length rivals London’s sprawl, its population of 2.2 million is dwarfed by London’s, which is over four times larger.
Similarly, Gaza spans across central Tokyo from Ota City to Katsushika City. Tokyo’s population, originating in the 12th century, is roughly six times that of Gaza. Although Tokyo boasts a slightly higher population density, the visual comparison underscores Gaza’s considerable length.
Overlaid on Paris, Gaza extends beyond the city limits, reaching from Massy in the southwest to Charles de Gaulle Airport in the northeast. While Paris proper has a population slightly smaller than Gaza’s, the greater metropolitan area houses over 13 million people.
Gaza vs. Other Global Locations:
Compared to Toronto, Gaza’s southern part would encompass Mississauga, while its northern reach extends over East York. Toronto’s metropolitan area, with over 6.2 million people, significantly surpasses Gaza’s population, despite having a lower population density.
Placed over Jakarta, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Gaza stretches from Tangerang near Soekarno-Hatta Airport to West Java. Jakarta’s population density, with nearly 42,000 people per square mile, highlights the extreme density of Gaza, which has around 15,600 people per square mile.
In Sydney, Gaza would cover the area south of the Parramatta River, including areas like Bondi and Marrickville, reaching the Western Sydney Parklands. Sydney’s population density is significantly lower than Gaza’s.
Gaza Compared to the UK:
While the article doesn’t directly compare Gaza to the entire UK, it’s clear that Gaza is significantly smaller than the UK. The UK encompasses 93,628 square miles, making it vastly larger than Gaza’s 141 square miles. The population of the UK is also considerably greater, with approximately 67 million people. The comparisons to London, a single city within the UK, demonstrate the vast difference in scale.
Conclusion:
Visualizing Gaza’s footprint against familiar urban landscapes provides a clearer understanding of its physical size. While significantly smaller than the UK in both area and population, Gaza’s length is surprisingly comparable to the sprawl of major global cities. However, its exceptionally high population density distinguishes it, creating unique challenges and humanitarian concerns.
