The map above shows how the population of various US states compares with certain regions of Europe. For example, Wales has a population of around 3 million people, which is roughly the same as the US state of Utah.
The map is interesting because it shows just how densely populated Europe is in many places. For example, you could fit the entire population of California (38.8 million & the most populous state) in Southern England, despite the fact that California is around 70,000 sq miles (180,000 sq km) larger than the entire United Kingdom.
Similarly, you could fit the entire population of Pennsylvania into the Île-de-France (Greater Paris) region, which is just 1/10th the size.
The map does not cover the whole of Europe, because the continent has a population of 743 million people, compared to the US population of just 319 million people.
In terms of size the two are almost even, with Europe only slightly bigger than the US (10.2 million sq km vs 9.8 million sq km) but this includes large parts of Russia. The EU, which many people think of as Europe, has a population of 510 million people, in an area half the size of the US (4.3 million sq km).
To see how the two compare in terms of GDP have a look at our previous post: Areas of Europe Compared To US States With Equal GDP & Corresponding Cities
Also have a look at our guide to 2023 International Container Shipping Rates.
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Henrik Fugmann says
Don´t you have a map where US states are compared to European countries?
The Economist had one some years ago.
Christian says
Where’s TEXAS?
petr says
if you go right from south england/california you’ll find it
Robert says
Benelux.
Denny Smith says
I’d say in 1155, approximately–certainly beyond the Norman Conquest, but well before the Magna Carta. Hey, how’s your weather back there in the 12th-century?
jack k says
in the southern us or in northern france. i live in texas.
Rob says
Texas is stuck in the 1860’s and is geographically located in the northern part of Mexico.
deanna says
Where is Washington
Giovanni says
Puerto Rico is not a US State
John says
Thanks , thank you – why so many damn idiots see 🙈 damn Puerto Rico – as damn state – uneducated damn idiots ….
Steve says
Where’s Alaska?
al says
ireland
J Paul says
Alaska is inside Ireland–and apparently it’s the same size as Washington DC! OOPS!!!!
J Paul says
Oh, never mind my previous comment. This map is according to “population size.”
Liam Sheppard says
It’s population not area
Kevin W Drummond says
Dude, acc to actual statistics, you’ve almost doubled the population of eu. True, not all members of eu include all European populations, your assertions are only slightly true. Having lived in both areas, yes, the pop of eu is far more affected by pop density than the US. This has shaped a few fundamental differences in the cultures, as well.
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=EU-US-CN
Web search this
Jesse Lawrence says
This is not accurate. California alone is vastly bigger than the UK yet you have it squeezed inside a bit of England and Wales:
“United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 sq km, while California is approximately 403,882 sq km, making California 66% larger than United Kingdom.”
MoverDB says
This map is looking at population, not area.
John Evans says
What does the heading say?
Jeff says
That’s because California is pathetically weak, even compared to the UK…pretty sad!
Denny Smith says
This superposition of Europe and the U.S. is really compelling. It makes me grateful that Americans have been able to set aside so much wilderness for a legacy of permanent protection. But simultaneously sad that the roads and towns in the rest of our country are blighted with endless mini-mall, fast-food, big-box eyesores.
How great if Europe could re-wild or at least restore some wilderness and wetlands, and America could preserve its small-town rural charm of Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Wisconsin and the Dakotas; build more housing in clustered transit hubs, not horizontal sprawl; and enforce more intelligent design codes that nourish our national soul, and not fetishize our consumption appetite. Europe needs more nature and an appreciation of pluralistic societies. America needs more public art, civic humanity and a national esthetic.
Liam Sheppard says
I agree although 10% of uk is national parks. And France, Spain and Germany and some Eastern European. Have large parks. We need more trees in the uk
Jeff says
I like how my great state of Arizona dominates Texas in size…haha!