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Turkey
Spain
Area Comparison
Istanbul is 9.0x larger than Madrid
Population Comparison
Istanbul has 4.6x more people than Madrid
In terms of area, Istanbul is 9.0x the size of Madrid. Istanbul spans 5,461 km² (2,109 mi²) while Madrid covers 604 km² (233 mi²) — a difference of 4,857 km². You could fit Madrid inside Istanbul approximately 9 times.
To put Istanbul's size in perspective, its area of 5,461 km² is about 1.2x smaller than Shanghai. Meanwhile, Madrid at 604 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul.
Turkey's largest city, spanning Europe and Asia. Known as "The City on Two Continents", Istanbul covers 5,461 km² with a population of 15.5 million. The city was founded around 660 BC. Istanbul is known for Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Istanbul Metro.
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents — Europe and Asia
Spain's capital and largest city. Nicknamed "The Capital of the Sun", Madrid has an area of 604 km² and is home to 3.3 million people. The city dates back to 852. Visitors come for Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Madrid Metro.
Madrid is the highest capital city in the European Union at 650 meters above sea level
Looking beyond city limits, the Madrid metropolitan area covers 8,028 km², which is 1.5x larger than greater Istanbul at 5,461 km². The Istanbul metro area is also more populous, with 15.5 million people compared to 6.8 million.
Istanbul has a population density of 2,831 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Madrid, with 5,513 people per km², is a densely populated city. Madrid is noticeably denser, packing 1.9 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Europe, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Istanbul (Turkey) and Madrid (Spain) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Istanbul has a oceanic climate while Madrid experiences hot-summer Mediterranean conditions. When it's noon in Istanbul, it's 10:00 AM in Madrid — a 2-hour time difference.
Size Ratio
Madrid fits inside Istanbul ~9 times
Density Gap
Madrid is 1.9x more densely populated
History
Istanbul is ~1,512 years older
The straight-line distance from Istanbul to Madrid is 2,739 km (1,702 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~3h 43m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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