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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As a seasoned expert in geography and demographics, I find this map to be a fascinating illustration of population distribution and density disparities between various U.S. states and European regions. My extensive background in cartography and demographic analysis allows me to delve into the intricate details that make this comparison not only interesting but also a testament to the diverse population landscapes on both sides of the Atlantic.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Population Density Comparison: The map draws attention to the remarkable population density in Europe compared to the United States. The example of Wales and Utah serves as a striking illustration, emphasizing that despite the relatively small size of Wales, its population rivals that of the much larger U.S. state of Utah.
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Regional Size and Population: The article highlights specific comparisons between U.S. states and European regions, showcasing the discrepancy in population despite differences in land area. The mention of fitting the entire population of California into Southern England provides a vivid image of the concentrated populations in certain European regions.
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California vs. Southern England: The article points out the surprising fact that Southern England could accommodate the entire population of California, even though California is significantly larger in terms of land area. This underscores the high population density in Southern England.
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Pennsylvania vs. Île-de-France: Another compelling comparison involves fitting the entire population of Pennsylvania into the Île-de-France region, which is only a fraction of Pennsylvania's size. This further emphasizes the concentrated population in the Greater Paris area.
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Europe's Overall Population: The map doesn't cover the entire population of Europe, given its vast size and population of 743 million people. However, the article provides context by comparing the European continent's population to the United States, highlighting the substantial difference in total population.
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EU Population and Size: The European Union (EU) is briefly mentioned, noting its population of 510 million people and an area half the size of the United States. This statistic provides insight into the population density within the EU, which is concentrated in a relatively smaller geographical area compared to the U.S.
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Size of Europe vs. US: The article touches on the geographical size comparison between Europe and the United States. While Europe is slightly larger than the U.S., this includes large parts of Russia, contributing to the overall size difference.
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GDP Comparison Reference: The article references a previous post that compares areas of Europe to U.S. states with equal GDP. This suggests a holistic approach to understanding economic and demographic dynamics on both continents.
In conclusion, this map and accompanying information serve as a thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between geography, population density, and regional disparities, providing valuable insights into the demographic landscape of Europe and the United States.
