How Big is Portugal Compared to a US State?
Portugal, a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, is often compared to various U.S. states in terms of size. When it comes to the question of how big Portugal is compared to a U.S. state, the answer can vary depending on the specific state being compared. However, one of the most common comparisons is between Portugal and the state of Maine.
Maine, the northeasternmost state in the United States, covers an area of approximately 35,385 square miles. In contrast, Portugal spans an area of roughly 35,622 square miles. This means that Portugal is slightly larger than Maine, with a difference of about 237 square miles. Despite this slight difference, both countries share a similar geographical shape, with Portugal resembling a boot-shaped peninsula.
When comparing Portugal to other U.S. states, the differences in size can be more pronounced. For instance, Portugal is roughly the same size as the state of New Mexico, which covers an area of approximately 121,364 square miles. This puts Portugal in the middle of the size range for U.S. states, with some being significantly larger and others smaller.
Another interesting comparison can be made between Portugal and the state of California. California, the most populous state in the United States, covers an area of about 163,696 square miles. This makes it more than four times larger than Portugal. However, when considering the population density, Portugal has a higher population per square mile compared to California, with approximately 106 people per square mile in Portugal and 237 people per square mile in California.
In conclusion, Portugal is slightly larger than the state of Maine and roughly the same size as New Mexico. When compared to larger U.S. states like California, Portugal is significantly smaller. Despite the differences in size, both Portugal and the United States offer diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories that make them unique in their own right.
