Switzerland Size Compared to US State

Understanding how the size of Switzerland compares to U.S. states helps put global geography into perspective. Switzerland, a small yet densely populated European country, is often compared to U.S. states to help readers better grasp its scale. If you’ve ever asked, “Switzerland size compared to US state,” this article gives a clear and detailed answer.

How Big Is Switzerland?

Switzerland covers a total area of approximately 15,940 square miles (41,285 square kilometers). Despite being compact, it is geographically diverse, with mountains, lakes, and urban hubs packed into a relatively small space.

• Total Area: 15,940 sq mi (41,285 sq km)
• Capital: Bern
• Population: Approx. 8.7 million
• Topography: Alpine mountains, plateaus, and lakes

Switzerland Size Compared to U.S. States

To visualize Switzerland’s size, it helps to compare it to individual U.S. states. Below is a detailed comparison table:

As seen above, Switzerland is larger than the smallest U.S. states like Rhode Island and Connecticut but significantly smaller than mid-sized states like West Virginia and South Carolina.

Closest US State in Size to Switzerland

The closest state in size to Switzerland is Maryland, which has an area of 12,407 sq mi (32,133 sq km). Switzerland is slightly larger but still comparable in land area.

Switzerland vs. Maryland

• Switzerland: 15,940 sq mi
• Maryland: 12,407 sq mi
• Difference: ~3,500 sq mi (~9,000 sq km)

Visualizing the Size Difference

To put it simply:

• Switzerland is roughly the size of 1.3 Marylands.
• It would fit into Texas (~268,596 sq mi) more than 16 times.

Why Size Matters in Geography

Size comparisons are important in global studies because they help in understanding population density, resource management, climate variations, and travel distances. Switzerland, for instance, though smaller than many U.S. states, is a global leader in finance, innovation, and public transport efficiency.

Summary Table: Switzerland vs Key U.S. States