Real size
How big is the United Kingdom really?
240,000 km²
92,500 sq mi · 80th largest of the 167 here · about the size of Ghana
Normal web maps draw it 2.9× too big
The United Kingdom covers 240,000 km² (92,500 sq mi), about the size of Ghana. A normal web map draws it about 2.9 times too big, because it lies far from the equator (around 54°N), and those maps stretch land more the closer it gets to the North Pole.
Measured from our map outlines, so official figures can differ by a few percent. Ranks count the 167 countries and territories on these pages: those over 5,000 km², not counting disputed territories.
Part of the land The United Kingdom holds or claims is disputed (2 disputes). Our area follows the borders drawn on today's map. See the disputed territories →
- Real area
- 240,000 km²
- Size rank
- 80th of 167
- On a normal web map
- 2.9× too big
- Latitude
- 54°N
Countries about the same size
- GhanaAbout the same size
- UgandaAbout the same size
- RomaniaAbout the same size
- GuineaAbout the same size
- LaosAbout the same size
The United Kingdom through history
Borders here have moved many times. Step through our maps, from 2000 BCE to today, to see who ruled this land before, and how big their realms really were.
Open the history map →Browse the eras →
Common questions
- How big is the United Kingdom?
- The United Kingdom covers about 240,000 km² (92,500 sq mi). It is the 80th largest of the 167 countries and territories on these pages (those over 5,000 km²).
- Why does the United Kingdom look so big on maps?
- Most web maps use the Mercator projection, which keeps shapes right but stretches area more and more toward the poles. Averaged over the whole country, it draws the United Kingdom about 2.9 times too big.
- Is the United Kingdom bigger than Ghana?
- They are about the same size: within 5% of each other.
- Is the United Kingdom bigger than Uganda?
- They are about the same size: within 5% of each other.