The square kilometre is a unit of area and is a multiple of the square metre; an SI derived unit. It has the symbol km².
A square kilometre is equal to the area of a square with edges 1km long. There are 1,000,000 square metres in a square kilometre.
Square kilometres are often used to describe expansive areas of land due to the large unit size.
The square mile is a unit of area and is an imperial unit with the symbol mi².
One square mile is equal in area to a square with edges one mile in length.
The Romans established the square mile; computed through a system of feet, paces and marches. The square mile's existence still remains in some places; for example "The Square Mile" is a term often used to describe the very centre of London in the UK (which just so happens to measure 1mi²).