How big is the world?

Hello

I am thinking about start playing this game, and I just have some questions before I do.

How big is this world? I've seen a world map on google but its hard to get the felling on how big it really is. Is it just as big as WOW?

And what about races? I've seen classes but cannot find any info on what races to play.

Ok. Lets start at the top here. It's not WoW and it's not a Mmorg.
Now that is over, lets try and give you an idea of what fun we are all having here!
If you played Diablo2 then that makes this answer very easy. Imagine Diablo2 with stunning graphics, tactical combat (Rather than a click fest) and lots of very nice story driven quests, organised and smooth PvP and all the polish you would ever wish for.
Doing just PvE will take you 100+ hours to cover the content and for the money and fun you would be very happy if that is all you wanted.
I don't like PvP in 90% of all games but PvP in this is a lot of fun and there are no 'Uber' people. It's all about skill not equipment and levels. (Although that does have an impact - it sorts itself out quickly enough).

You only get to play Humans (Rumours of other races and locations etc in Expansions every 6 months). But in any game races should only be a visual thing and not a better than other races kind of thing. (Else you get into the template makers of unless your a dwarven warrior then we don't want you as dwarves have xxx ability that make them the best warriors!)

You also only get to go up to 20th lev. Something that you will do around 50% game content. So what then you ask?
Well thats where the fun really starts. It's no longer about getting 1 more level so that the mobs get easy. Its about are you good enough to beat them through your own tactics? (and don't think this is just a use AI against itself kind of thing! - These beasts are nasty!)
Your going to be more interested in finding good friends to co-ordinate with, finding more skills to use and trying cool combo's (like trading card combos).

Don't think of it like WoW or you will suffer a major culture hit that may put you off an otherwise stunning game. If you like RPG games then clear your mind of types of games and just install it and play. Value for money on this one is not going to be an issue.