Ukraine vs Germany: Which Country Is Larger, and by How Much?
Ukraine covers about 1.69 times as much area as Germany. Territory alone, however, does not tell us how many people live in a country or how densely populated it is. Below, we compare area, population and geographic extent, and explain why estimates of Ukraine’s population need to be treated with caution.
Ukraine covers about 1.69 times as much area as Germany
The difference in area is approximately 245,944 km². Germany covers about 59% of Ukraine’s area. Yet Germany has a much larger population and is therefore far more densely populated.
Ukraine and Germany in numbers
Choose a measure to see each country’s value, the difference and their relative size.
How much larger is Ukraine than Germany?
By total area, Ukraine exceeds Germany by approximately 245,944 km².
In relative terms:
Ukraine and Germany: comparison table
| Measure | Ukraine | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 603,628 km² | 357,684 km² |
| Capital | Kyiv | Berlin |
| West to east | 1,316 km | ≈ 640 km |
| North to south | 893 km | ≈ 876 km |
| Neighboring countries | 7 | 9 |
| Access to the sea | Black Sea and Sea of Azov | North Sea and Baltic Sea |
| Population | ≈ 38.98 million — international model-based estimate for 2025* | 83.47 million — Destatis, 31 Dec 2025 |
| Density using these figures | ≈ 64.6 people/km²* | ≈ 233.4 people/km² |
* Ukraine’s population during the full-scale war cannot be treated as an administrative count with the same precision as Germany’s official statistics. The figure used here is an international model-based estimate from World Bank / UN data.
How far do the countries extend from west to east and north to south?
Area describes the size of a territory, but the countries have different shapes. Ukraine extends much farther from west to east.
Ukraine
According to Ukraine’s State Statistics Service, its maximum extents are about 1,316 km west to east and 893 km north to south.
Germany
Germany’s maximum extents are about 640 km west to east and 876 km north to south.
The north–south figures are close: 893 km for Ukraine and about 876 km for Germany. Ukraine’s west–east extent, however, is more than twice Germany’s.
Where are Ukraine and Germany located?
Germany is in Central Europe. Ukraine lies farther east, between Central and Eastern Europe. The countries do not share a border; Poland lies between substantial parts of their territories.
Germany
Germany borders nine countries and has coasts on the North and Baltic seas.
Ukraine
Ukraine borders seven countries, has access to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and occupies a large part of the southwestern East European Plain.
How far apart are Ukraine and Germany?
There is no single distance between two entire countries: the answer depends on the cities and route chosen. Kyiv and Berlin provide a useful example.
✈ Straight-line distance
Approximately 1,200 km between Kyiv and Berlin.
🚗 By road
Usually about 1,330–1,390 km, depending on the route and border crossings.
Western Ukraine is closer to Germany
Trips from Lviv, Uzhhorod and other cities in western Ukraine to Germany are considerably shorter than trips from Kyiv or eastern regions. For travel planning, calculate the route between specific cities.
Which countries border Ukraine and Germany?
Ukraine — 7 neighbors
Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Belarus and Russia.
Germany — 9 neighbors
Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Germany is smaller by area but has more land neighbors because of its location in the center of Europe.
How do the climates of Ukraine and Germany differ?
Both countries lie in temperate latitudes, but oceanic and continental influences affect them differently.
Ukraine
Much of the country has a temperate continental climate. The contrast between winter and summer temperatures generally increases toward the east.
Germany
Germany lies in a transition zone between the maritime climate of Western Europe and the more continental climate of Eastern Europe. Atlantic influence moderates the climate in western and northwestern regions.
Comparing the climate of either country using a single temperature would be misleading: regional differences matter in both.
Why is Germany more densely populated despite its smaller area?
Many more people live on Germany’s smaller territory. This translates into a higher population density and, on average, a denser pattern of cities and transport links.
Using these figures, Germany is about 3.6 times more densely populated. The Ukrainian figure is an estimate, not a current census count.
Comparing the economies of Ukraine and Germany
A country’s land area says little about the size of its economy. The economic gap between Ukraine and Germany is much greater than the difference in their areas.
GDP per capita is not a salary. It measures economic output per person, but does not tell you what a particular worker earns or what a household has left after expenses.
Income and salaries: why a simple comparison can mislead
Nominal earnings are considerably higher in Germany. A fair comparison also needs to account for taxes, social contributions, employment, housing costs and differences in statistical methods.
We do not place a single “average salary” for Ukraine alongside these figures if it uses a different method or covers a different group of workers. A neat-looking table would be less accurate than an explanation of the differences.
Cost of living, healthcare, social protection and education
These topics matter if you are comparing the countries as places to live. It makes more sense to examine specific systems and circumstances than to assign a single overall score.
🏠 Cost of living
Nominal incomes are higher in Germany, but rent, insurance contributions and services can take up a substantial part of a household budget. Compare costs for particular cities and households.
🏥 Healthcare
Access to most healthcare services in Germany is tied to statutory or private health insurance. Your health insurer (Krankenkasse) and insurance status are important.
🛡️ Social protection
Germany has health and pension insurance, unemployment and long-term care insurance, as well as family and social benefits. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and legal status.
🎓 Education
School education in Germany is organized by the federal states. Types of schools, schedules and some rules therefore differ between states.
Is one country simply “better”?
No single objective score can combine geography, income, healthcare, housing, family, language and safety. For a practical decision, compare the measures and personal circumstances that matter to you.
Frequently asked questions about Ukraine and Germany
Which country is larger by area?
Ukraine: 603,628 km², compared with approximately 357,684 km² for Germany.
How does Ukraine’s area compare with Germany’s?
Ukraine covers about 1.69 times as much area. Calculation: 603,628 ÷ 357,684 ≈ 1.69.
How much larger is Ukraine in square kilometers?
Approximately 245,944 km² larger.
What is the percentage difference?
Relative to Germany’s area, Ukraine is about 68.8% larger.
Which country extends farther from west to east?
Ukraine: about 1,316 km, compared with approximately 640 km for Germany.
How do the countries compare from north to south?
Their maximum extents are close: about 893 km for Ukraine and 876 km for Germany.
How far is it from Kyiv to Berlin?
About 1,200 km in a straight line. A road route is usually about 1,330–1,390 km, depending on the route.
Which country has more people?
Germany. Destatis counted 83.47 million residents as of 31 December 2025. World Bank data give a model-based estimate of about 38.98 million for Ukraine in 2025, but uncertainty is greater during the war.
Which country is more densely populated?
Germany: about 233 people per km² based on the figures above, compared with an estimated 65 people per km² in Ukraine.
Does Ukraine’s area include Crimea?
Yes. The area refers to Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Data sources
- Official Ukrainian government resource / Ministry of Foreign Affairs material — Ukraine’s area of 603,628 km².
- State Statistics Service of Ukraine — west–east extent of 1,316 km and north–south extent of 893 km.
- Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis) — Germany’s area of about 357,684 km².
- Destatis — Germany’s population of 83,467,117 on 31 December 2025.
- World Bank — Ukraine & Germany — GDP, GDP per capita and inflation for 2025.
- World Bank / UN population data — model-based population estimate for Ukraine.
- Destatis — Average gross monthly earnings — €4,851 per month for full-time employees in 2025, excluding special payments.
- Destatis — Median earnings 2025 — median annual gross earnings of €54,066.
- Germany Travel — Germany’s maximum extents: 876 km north–south and 640 km west–east.
- German Weather Service (DWD) — Germany’s climate zones and maritime-to-continental transition.
Explore life in Germany
If you are interested in everyday life rather than geography, explore a specific topic.
