The world encompasses approximately 130,094,010 square kilometers, with 196 countries spread across its expanse. Among these nations, Russia boasts the largest territory. Below are the top 10 largest countries by area:
Largest Countries in the World
The world is home to a diverse array of countries, each with its own unique culture, history, and geography. Among them, some stand out for their sheer size, encompassing vast landscapes and abundant natural resources. In this list, we’ll explore the top 10 largest countries by land area, spanning continents and offering a glimpse into the magnitude of their territories.
List of Top 10 Largest Countries in the World
Explore the vast and diverse landscapes of Earth’s largest countries, from the icy tundra of the north to the tropical rainforests in the south. Join us on a journey through these mighty nations, uncovering their rich tapestries and unique characteristics that make them truly remarkable on the global stage. Embark on this adventure to discover the wonders of our world’s largest countries.
The total area includes land area and water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, and rivers).
- Total Area = Land Area (in Km²) + Water Bodies (in Km²)
- Total Area = Land Area (in mi²) + Water Bodies (in mi²)
| S.NO. | Country | Total Area (in sq. km) | Total Area (in sq. mi) | Land Area (in sq. km) | Land Area (in sq. mi) | % of the world’s landmass |
| 1. | Russia | 17,098,242 | 6,601,665 | 16,376,870 | 6,323,142 | 11% |
| 2. | Canada | 9,948,670 | 3,855,101 | 9,093,510 | 3,511,022 | 6.1% |
| 3. | China | 9,706,961 | 3,747,877 | 9,388,211 | 3,624,807 | 6.3% |
| 4. | United States | 9,372,610 | 3,618,783 | 9,147,420 | 3,531,837 | 6.1% |
| 5. | Brazil | 8,515,767 | 3,287,955 | 8,358,140 | 3,227,095 | 5.6% |
| 6. | Australia | 7,692,024 | 2,969,906 | 7,682,300 | 2,966,151 | 5.2% |
| 7. | India | 3,287,590 | 1,269,345 | 2,973,190 | 1,147,955 | 2% |
| 8. | Argentina | 2,780,400 | 1,073,518 | 2,736,690 | 1,056,641 | 1.8% |
| 9. | Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 | 1,052,089 | 2,699,700 | 1,042,360 | 1.8% |
| 10. | Algeria | 2,381,741 | 919,595 | 2,381,740 | 919,595 | 1.6% |
Russia, the largest country in the world, spans 17,098,246 square kilometers, making it 45 times larger than Japan and accounting for 13% of the Earth’s land area. Stretching from its eastern border with Japan to Europe, Russia covers 11 time zones, creating a maximum time difference of 10 hours within the country.
Home to nearly 40% of the world’s natural resources, Russia is a powerhouse in natural resource deposits. It leads globally in confirmed reserves of natural gas, coal, iron ore, asbestos, zinc, and other minerals. Despite its vast landmass, Russia ranks ninth in population, behind countries such as China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. As of 2023 estimates, Russia’s population is slightly ahead of Japan, which ranks 11th globally.
Canada ranks as the second-largest country globally, trailing only Russia. Boasting a 243,000-kilometer coastline, Canada holds the title for the world’s longest coastline. Meanwhile, Japan’s forests cover around 35% of its land, contributing to 9% of the global 4.1 billion hectares of forested areas.
In Canada, forest bathing is gaining popularity as a wellness practice. In some areas, doctors even prescribe it to help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being, reflecting a growing recognition of the benefits derived from nature.
With a land extent of 9.6 million square kilometers, China comes in fourth. The 1,318-kilometer Shinkansen travels between Shanghai and Beijing’s capital in roughly four and a half hours. A comparison of the 830 km long straight distance between Sapporo and Tokyo gives you an idea of how big China is.
China has the greatest region of deserts in the world, with vast deserts like the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts. Yellow sand is inflicting harm not only to China as a whole but also to other nations like Japan. Still, the latest efforts to combat desertification are beginning to show outcomes, and the situation seems to developing and improving.
The United States, the world’s third-largest country, spans 9,833,517 square kilometers, making it about 26 times larger than many smaller nations.
Renowned for its agricultural prowess, nearly 40% of U.S. land is used for farming. It leads in the production of diverse crops and animal products, including milk, cheese, oranges, apples, tomatoes, soybeans, wheat, and corn.
Brazil is the fifth-largest country globally, dominating Central and South America with 8,510,346 square kilometers, over half the continent’s area.
Brazil leads as the top coffee exporter worldwide, producing 3 million tons annually. Its coffee plantations cover 27,000 square kilometers, contributing 30% to global coffee production.
Australia ranks sixth globally in land area, being both a country and continent. Spanning 7,692,024 square kilometers, it stands unique as the only nation to fully occupy a continent. Australia’s diverse climate zones range from arid deserts in the interior to tropical rainforests in the north, temperate regions in the south, and subtropical climates along the coasts. Each zone boasts distinct features, contributing to the nation’s rich environmental diversity.
With a surface area of 3,287,263 square kilometers, India ranks seventh globally. Despite being about one-third the size of China, India will surpass China as the most populous country in 2023.
Over 50% of India’s workforce is employed in agriculture, making it an agricultural powerhouse. Around 42% of India’s land is used for cropland. Major crops like rice, wheat, and corn dominate, constituting about 60% of the agricultural land. Food culture varies regionally, with rice being predominant in the south and wheat in the north.
Argentina, the world’s eighth-largest country, spans 2,796,427 square kilometers. Its elongated shape stretches from the tropical north to the frigid south, encompassing diverse climate zones.
Renowned for its expansive pampas, this affluent country excels in cattle and agricultural sectors. It’s a global leader in livestock and crop production, with approximately 27% of its terrain allocated to grasslands and grazing, and around 39% designated for agriculture.
Kazakhstan, situated at the heart of Eurasia, ranks ninth in the world for its vast land area of 2,724,902 square kilometers. The country is predominantly covered by deserts and grasslands, once traversed by nomadic farmers.
Despite its arid landscapes, Kazakhstan boasts abundant natural resources, including significant reserves of natural gas, oil, and various minerals. It is believed that Kazakhstan possesses every naturally occurring element on Earth.
Algeria, located in northern Africa, ranks tenth in size. Spanning 2,381,741 square kilometers, it is the largest country in Africa.
While the Sahara Desert covers over 80 percent of the country, Algeria also boasts mountainous areas and a 1,200 km long Mediterranean coast. In recent years, the Algerian government has actively promoted tourism, leading to the designation of seven locations as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.