A Comprehensive Guide to the Sizes of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros

Westeros, the vast and varied realm from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, presents a rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures. While the exact sizes of the seven kingdoms are not explicitly detailed in the texts, we can make some general observations based on the lore and maps provided.

Introduction to Westeros

The total area of Westeros is often compared to that of medieval Europe, suggesting a size of several hundred thousand square miles. Each kingdom has its own distinct culture, geography, and political importance within the realm.

Geographical Estimates and Comparisons

Based on various calculations and conversions, here's a breakdown of the estimated sizes of the Seven Kingdoms, with a focus on the North, the Reach, the Riverlands, Dorne, the Vale, the Stormlands, the Westerlands, and the Crownlands:

The North

Roughly the size of several real-world countries combined, the North covers a significant portion of the northern part of Westeros, known for its harsh winters and vast wilderness. It is estimated to cover approximately 3.64 million square kilometers, making it larger than India, the seventh-largest country in the world.

The Reach

The Reach, a fertile and populous area, is known for its agriculture and chivalric culture. It is smaller than the North but still significant. The Reach is estimated to cover about 1.45 million square kilometers, almost as large as Mongolia. It includes the Arbor and the Shield Islands.

The Riverlands

Lying in the center of Westeros, the Riverlands are known for their many rivers and fertile lands, making it crucial for agriculture and trade. The Riverlands are estimated to cover approximately 1.05 million square kilometers, making it significantly larger than many of the other kingdoms.

Dorne

Dorne, located in the southernmost part of Westeros, is characterized by its hot climate and unique culture. It is smaller than many of the other kingdoms. Dorne is estimated to cover about 0.97 million square kilometers, roughly the size of Belgium.

The Vale

Home to steep cliffs and valleys, the Vale is a mountainous region that is smaller compared to the North. It is estimated to cover about 0.76 million square kilometers, similar to the size of the Ukrainian land mass.

The Stormlands

Home to the coastal region known for its storms and rugged terrain, the Stormlands are smaller than the North but still notable. It is estimated to cover about 0.62 million square kilometers, making it roughly the size of Ukraine.

The Westerlands

The Westerlands, home to the wealthy Lannisters and known for its gold mines, is smaller than the North but still significant. It is estimated to cover about 0.5 million square kilometers, comparable to the size of Belgium.

The Crownlands

The Crownlands, which surround the capital Kings Landing, are politically significant but smaller in size compared to the other kingdoms. The Crownlands are estimated to cover about 0.35 million square kilometers, roughly the size of Belgium.

The Iron Islands

With its unique geography and lifestyle, the Iron Islands is the smallest of the realms. It is estimated to cover about 30,870 square kilometers, roughly the size of Belgium.

Conversions and Comparisons

The calculations and conversions used here are based on the following standards: 1 league 5.556 km, although George R.R. Martin's version is 1 league 3 miles / 4.828 km. These estimates help put the sizes of the Seven Kingdoms into perspective and highlight their vast discrepancies.

In conclusion, the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros each offer unique environments, cultures, and histories, contributing to the rich narrative and geographical diversity within the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. Whether it's the expansive and harsh North or the more fertile and populous Reach, every kingdom has something to offer, making the realm a captivating and vast universe.