Hey there, fellow geography enthusiasts and casual map scrollers! Have you ever looked at a map and thought, ‘Wow, why is Greenland the size of a small continent when it’s really just a glorified ice cube?’ Well, you’re not alone! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of actual country sizes, where we’ll explore how geography has been playing a massive prank on us all.
Related reading: The Real Size
First off, let’s talk about the infamous Mercator projection. This classic map-making technique is like that one friend who always exaggerates their height. Sure, it makes Greenland look like the superstar of the North, but in reality, it’s smaller than the combined size of New Mexico and Texas. Sorry, Greenland, but you’re more of a sidekick in the Arctic drama!
Now, let’s shift our gaze to the true sizes of countries as measured by actual landmass. For instance, did you know that Russia is not just the biggest country in the world, but it’s also the biggest country by a landslide? With over 17 million square kilometers, it’s like the overachiever at a school talent show, leaving everyone else behind. Canada, the second largest, is like, ‘Hey, I’m pretty big too!’ but only manages to claim about half of Russia’s size.
But wait, let’s sprinkle in some controversy! What about the good ol’ USA? It’s the third largest country, which is like being the bronze medalist in a two-player race. However, when we talk about actual landmass, the USA is still impressive, coming in hot with around 9.8 million square kilometers. It’s the ‘land of the free and home of the brave,’ while also being the land of the large, let’s be honest.
And then there’s Australia, which is sometimes mistaken for a small continent, but it’s really just a giant island that decided to be rebellious and call itself a country. Size-wise, it’s about 7.7 million square kilometers. Plus, it’s got more unique wildlife than your average pet store. Just remember, if you see a kangaroo casually hopping by, you’re not in a cartoon.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the small country in the corner?). Countries like Vatican City or Monaco may snag their way into the headlines with their charm and money, but when it comes to size, they’re smaller than your average backyard. Vatican City is a mere 44 hectares. That’s not even enough land for a decent game of backyard cricket!
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Maps can be deceiving, and sometimes it’s hard to recognize the true scale of our world. Next time you whip out a map, remember to take it with a pinch of salt (and maybe a side of humor). And who knows? You might just impress your friends with your newfound knowledge about the actual sizes of countries. Just don’t forget to let them know that Greenland is much more than just a white spot on a map—it’s a massive ice cube waiting for someone to throw a party on!
In conclusion, as we journey through the wild and wacky world of country sizes, let’s embrace the absurdity of our maps and celebrate the diversity of our planet. So, grab your globe, give it a spin, and remember: size doesn’t always matter, but it sure does make for a good conversation starter!
Inspired by: “Actual country sizes” (r/interestingasfuck)