how big is the great barrier reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, covering an area of approximately 348,700 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). It stretches over 2,300 kilometers (about 1,400 miles) along the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef includes around 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Its width ranges from 60 to 250 kilometers, and the reef is so vast it can be seen from outer space. To put its size in perspective, it is roughly the same size as the country of Italy or half the size of Texas.