The hectare is a unit of area and is a non-SI but metric unit with the symbol ha.
It represents the area equal to that of a square with edges 100m long (ie 1hm² or 10,000m²). This is the equivalent to about 2.47 acres.
Its size is down to its use primary use; that for measuring the size of land.
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).