Hectare (ha)
Definition: A hectare (symbol: ha) is a metric unit of area equal to exactly 10,000 square meters, or a square measuring 100 meters by 100 meters.
History/origin: The hectare was introduced with the metric system as a practical larger land unit derived from the are. It became standard for agriculture and land management in metric countries.
Current use: Hectares are used around the world for farms, forests, parks, vineyards, and large development sites.
Square mile (mi²)
Definition: The square mile is a large imperial and US customary area unit. It covers a one-mile by one-mile square, equal to 27,878,400 ft² or 640 acres.
History/origin: Surveying, county records, and regional maps in mile-using countries made mi² a natural unit for describing broad territories before metric area units became widespread.
Current use: Mi² is common in US geography, municipal profiles, park statistics, lake areas, county data, population density figures, and comparisons of large places.