5 Countries That Are Nearly Identical in Size to South Dakota

South Dakota covers 77,123 glorious square miles but how does it stack up when compared to other countries around the world? The results might surprise you.

There are five countries in particular that are nearly identical in size to the Mount Rushmore State.

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1) Kyrgyzstan - 77,201 Square Miles

The country of Kyrgyzstan is extremely close in size to South Dakota, barely edging it out by only 78 square miles. This Central Asian country is known for its breathtaking mountains, nomadic culture, and eagle hunting.

2) Senegal - 75,951 Square Miles

Only slightly smaller than South Dakota, the West African nation of Senegal sits on the Atlantic coastline and is known as the "Gateway to Africa".

3) Belarus - 80,160 Square Miles

The Eastern European nation of Belarus is only slightly larger than South Dakota and is bordered by the countries of Russia (to its east), Poland (to its west) and Ukraine (to its south).

4) Guyana - 83,000 Square Miles

Located in Northern South America, Guyana is known for its stunning waterfalls, pristine rainforests, and unique wildlife, like jaguars, giant otters, and harpy eagles. It also stands out as the only English speaking country on the South American continent.

5) Syria - 71,498 Square Miles

The Middle Eastern nation of Syria has been through a lot in recent years, but with the overthrow of the Assad regime in late 2024, experts are hopeful that the country can turn it around and build a brighter future for its citizens. It's only a few thousand square miles smaller than South Dakota but much of its land is desert.