How Big Is France Compared to USA: A Closer Look
France and the United States are two prominent countries, each with their own unique characteristics and qualities. One key aspect that often captures people’s curiosity is their size. In this article, we will explore how big France is compared to the USA and answer some common questions related to their size differences.
France, often referred to as the Hexagon due to its distinct shape, covers an area of approximately 551,695 square kilometers (213,011 square miles). On the other hand, the United States, known for its vastness and diverse landscapes, spans a massive 9,826,675 square kilometers (3,796,742 square miles). Comparing these figures, it becomes evident that the USA is considerably larger than France, covering almost 18 times the land area.
To put this into perspective, let’s dive into some common questions regarding the size comparison between France and the USA:
1. Is France bigger than any individual US state?
No, France is not bigger than any individual US state. The largest state in the US, Alaska, alone covers an area of over 1.7 million square kilometers (663,300 square miles), which is more than three times the size of France.
2. How does France’s population compare to that of the USA?
As of 2021, France has a population of approximately 67 million people, while the United States boasts a population of over 330 million. The USA has a significantly larger population than France.
3. How does France’s coastline compare to that of the USA?
France has a coastline that stretches for around 3,427 kilometers (2,130 miles). In contrast, the USA has an extensive coastline that spans approximately 19,924 kilometers (12,383 miles), making it much longer than France’s coastline.
4. What is the highest point in France compared to the USA?
The highest point in France is Mont Blanc, standing tall at 4,808 meters (15,774 feet). In comparison, the highest point in the USA is Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), which reaches a staggering 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).
5. How long would it take to drive across France compared to the USA?
Driving across France from east to west would take roughly 10-12 hours, given the country’s size. However, driving across the USA from coast to coast could take anywhere from 4 to 7 days, depending on the route and stops made along the way.
6. How many time zones are there in France compared to the USA?
France operates on one time zone, Central European Time (CET). In contrast, the USA has multiple time zones, ranging from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), with a total of nine different time zones.
7. How does France’s landlocked status compare to the USA?
France is not a landlocked country as it has coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea. The USA, on the other hand, is not landlocked either, as it has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
8. What is the percentage of arable land in France compared to the USA?
Around 33% of France’s land area is arable, suitable for agricultural purposes. In comparison, the USA has approximately 18% of its land classified as arable.
9. How do France’s natural resources compare to those of the USA?
France has limited natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite. In contrast, the USA possesses vast reserves of natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, copper, gold, and uranium.
10. How does the size of France’s road network compare to that of the USA?
France has an extensive road network, with approximately 1.03 million kilometers (639,000 miles) of roads. However, the USA boasts an even larger road network, covering over 6.58 million kilometers (4.09 million miles).
11. How do France’s agricultural lands compare to those of the USA?
France has a rich agricultural heritage, with about 52% of its land dedicated to agriculture. In contrast, the USA allocates around 44% of its land for agricultural purposes.
12. How does France’s size impact its diversity of landscapes compared to the USA?
Despite its smaller size, France offers diverse landscapes, ranging from the picturesque French Riviera to the stunning French Alps. Nevertheless, the USA’s vastness provides an unparalleled range of landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Florida Everglades.
In conclusion, while France holds its own with its unique charm and cultural significance, the USA’s sheer size is undeniably impressive. From land area to population, coastlines to time zones, and natural resources to road networks, the USA’s vastness far surpasses that of France. Nonetheless, both countries offer a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored and cherished.