Top 10 Largest Countries by Area

The world is home to 195 countries, each with its unique size, culture, and geography. Some nations span entire continents, while others are tiny islands. Today, we'll explore the 10 largest countries by land area, from the frozen tundras of Russia to the tropical rainforests of Brazil. For more fascinating geographical discoveries, explore our guides to the deepest lakes in the world and tallest mountains in the world.

Methodology

This ranking is based on total land area measurements for each country, using the most recent and accurate geographical data available. The criteria for inclusion are:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sovereign states recognized by the United Nations
• Total land area including all territories claimed by each country
• Measurements based on official government data and international geographical surveys
• Excludes disputed territories where sovereignty is contested

Data Sources:

• United Nations Statistics Division
• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook
• National statistical offices and geographical surveys
• International boundary and territorial databases

Important Considerations:

• Land area measurements include all land within a country's borders but exclude water bodies
• Some measurements may vary slightly due to different calculation methods or territorial disputes
• Rankings are based on total area, not population density or economic size
• Data reflects the most current official measurements available

Verification Process: All area measurements have been cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources and represent the most current and accurate data available. For countries with territorial disputes, the measurements reflect the areas claimed by each country.

List of Largest Countries by Area

10. Algeria - 2,381,741 km²

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the 10th largest in the world. Located in North Africa, it's known for its vast Sahara Desert, which covers about 80% of the country. The capital, Algiers, sits on the Mediterranean coast, while the interior is dominated by the world's largest hot desert. For more about extreme climates, explore our guide to the coldest places on Earth.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~45 million
• Capital: Algiers
• Major cities: Oran, Constantine, Annaba
• Famous for: Sahara Desert, ancient Roman ruins, oil reserves

Interesting Facts:

• Algeria has the world's largest hot desert (Sahara) covering 80% of its territory
• The country has over 1,000 archaeological sites, including the ancient Roman city of Timgad
• Algeria is Africa's largest natural gas exporter and a major oil producer
• The country has a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and French cultural influences

9. Kazakhstan - 2,724,900 km²

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country and the 9th largest overall. This Central Asian nation is known for its vast steppes, the Baikonur Cosmodrome (where Russian space missions launch), and its rich oil and gas reserves.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~19 million
• Capital: Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
• Major cities: Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe
• Famous for: Space launches, oil industry, nomadic culture

Interesting Facts:

• Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country and spans two continents (Asia and Europe)
• The Baikonur Cosmodrome has launched more space missions than any other facility in the world
• The country has the world's largest reserves of uranium and is a major producer of wheat
• Kazakhstan was the last Soviet republic to declare independence in 1991

8. Argentina - 2,780,400 km²

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and the 8th largest in the world. From the Andes Mountains in the west to the Atlantic coast in the east, Argentina offers incredible geographic diversity, including the famous Patagonia region. The country is also home to some of the world's most impressive natural features, similar to those found in our guide to natural wonders of the world.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~45 million
• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Major cities: Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza
• Famous for: Tango, beef, wine, Patagonia, football

Interesting Facts:

• Argentina is home to the world's widest river (Río de la Plata) and the highest waterfall outside Venezuela
• The country has the world's largest Spanish-speaking population and is the birthplace of tango
• Argentina is one of the world's largest wine producers, with Mendoza being the wine capital
• The country has more psychologists per capita than any other nation in the world

7. India - 3,287,263 km²

India is the 7th largest country by area but the 2nd most populous nation in the world. This South Asian giant is incredibly diverse, featuring the Himalayas in the north, tropical beaches in the south, and the Thar Desert in the west. India is home to some of the world's most populous cities, including Mumbai and Delhi.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~1.4 billion
• Capital: New Delhi
• Major cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata
• Famous for: Bollywood, spices, ancient history, diverse culture

Interesting Facts:

• India has 22 official languages and over 1,600 dialects spoken across the country
• The country is home to the world's largest film industry (Bollywood) and produces more movies than Hollywood
• India has the world's largest democracy and the second-largest English-speaking population
• The country invented the number zero, chess, and the decimal system

6. Australia - 7,692,024 km²

Australia is the world's smallest continent but the 6th largest country. This island nation is known for its unique wildlife, vast outback, and coastal cities. It's the only country that occupies an entire continent.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~26 million
• Capital: Canberra
• Major cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
• Famous for: Kangaroos, Great Barrier Reef, Outback, beaches

Interesting Facts:

• Australia is the only country that occupies an entire continent and is also the world's largest island
• The country has more kangaroos than people (about 50 million kangaroos vs 26 million people)
• Australia is home to the world's largest coral reef system (Great Barrier Reef) and the world's largest monolith (Uluru)
• The country has the world's longest fence (Dingo Fence) stretching over 5,600 kilometers

5. Brazil - 8,515,767 km²

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest in the world. It's home to the Amazon rainforest, the world's largest tropical forest, and boasts incredible biodiversity and natural resources. The Amazon River, which flows through Brazil, is featured in our guide to the longest rivers on Earth.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~215 million
• Capital: Brasília
• Major cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador
• Famous for: Amazon rainforest, football, Carnival, coffee

Interesting Facts:

• Brazil is home to the Amazon rainforest, which produces 20% of the world's oxygen
• The country has the world's largest Portuguese-speaking population and the largest Catholic population
• Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup more times than any other country (5 times)
• The country is the world's largest producer of coffee, sugarcane, and oranges

4. United States - 9,833,517 km²

The United States is the 4th largest country in the world and the 3rd most populous. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the US features diverse landscapes including mountains, deserts, forests, and coastlines. The country is home to some of the world's tallest mountains, including Denali in Alaska.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~331 million
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Major cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston
• Famous for: Hollywood, technology, national parks, diverse culture

Interesting Facts:

• The US has the world's largest economy and the most powerful military
• The country has 50 states and spans 6 time zones (including Alaska and Hawaii)
• The US is home to the world's largest technology companies and the most Nobel Prize winners
• The country has the world's largest highway system and the most airports of any nation

3. China - 9,596,961 km²

China is the world's most populous country and the 3rd largest by area. This ancient civilization spans from the Pacific coast to the Tibetan Plateau, featuring incredible geographic and cultural diversity. China is home to some of the world's most populous cities, including Shanghai and Beijing.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~1.4 billion
• Capital: Beijing
• Major cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu
• Famous for: Great Wall, ancient history, manufacturing, cuisine

Interesting Facts:

• China has the world's largest population and the second-largest economy
• The country is home to the world's longest wall (Great Wall) and the world's largest dam (Three Gorges Dam)
• China invented paper, gunpowder, the compass, and printing
• The country has the world's largest high-speed rail network and the most skyscrapers

2. Canada - 9,984,670 km²

Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Known for its vast wilderness, friendly people, and natural beauty, Canada spans from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north to the Arctic. The country features some of the world's deepest lakes, including Great Slave Lake.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~38 million
• Capital: Ottawa
• Major cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary
• Famous for: Maple syrup, hockey, natural beauty, multiculturalism

Interesting Facts:

• Canada has the world's longest coastline (243,042 kilometers) and the most lakes of any country
• The country has the world's largest French-speaking population outside of France
• Canada is home to the world's largest beaver dam and the world's largest moose population
• The country has the world's highest quality of life and is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries

1. Russia - 17,098,242 km²

Russia is by far the largest country in the world, spanning 11 time zones and covering more than one-eighth of Earth's inhabited land area. From the frozen tundra of Siberia to the bustling cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia is a land of extremes.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~146 million
• Capital: Moscow
• Major cities: St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg
• Famous for: Vodka, literature, ballet, space program, vast wilderness

Interesting Facts:

• Russia spans 11 time zones and has the world's largest forest area (the Taiga)
• The country has the world's largest natural gas reserves and the second-largest oil reserves
• Russia is home to the world's deepest lake (Lake Baikal) and the world's coldest inhabited place (Oymyakon)
• The country has the world's largest railway system and the most nuclear weapons

Summary of the Top 10 Largest Countries

Conclusion

These 10 countries represent incredible geographic diversity and cultural richness. From Russia's massive territory spanning Europe and Asia to Algeria's vast desert landscapes, each nation offers unique experiences and natural wonders. The sheer size of these countries means they often contain multiple climate zones, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural traditions.

Whether you're interested in exploring the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, the frozen landscapes of Russia, or the diverse cities of India, these largest countries offer endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. For more geographical insights, check out our comprehensive guides to the most populous cities and longest rivers on Earth.

This list is based on total land area and includes all territories claimed by each country. Rankings may vary slightly depending on territorial disputes and measurement methods.