What are the largest counties in the world? Knowing how large the landmass of a country is, can make us to appreciate how enormous the earth is. Apart from that, countries with huge landmasses offer several benefits to the world, including economic opportunities, diverse ecosystem, natural resources, tourism & recreation, and more.
The list of the largest countries in the world is often compiled by population ranking or size by area. However, in this context, it will be based on their administrative areas. This means it will be calculated by total area, including land and water areas.
It should not be a surprise that the Big Four in the world when it comes to countries by area are Russia, Canada, United States, and China. They are known for their vast land masses on the face of the earth which has ranked them as the biggest countries in the world. These countries are so large that they welcome a significant number of immigrants & visitors yearly.
How about we check out 10 of the largest countries in the world and learn how big these nations really are.
Related: The 10 World’s Largest Cities by population as Tokyo takes the lead
List of Top 10 Largest Countries in the World By Area
| # | Country | Total Area Size (km2) |
| 1. | Russia | 17,098,242 km2 |
| 2. | Canada | 9,984,670 km2 |
| 3. | United States of America | 9,883,520 km2 |
| 4. | China | 9,706,961 km2 |
| 5. | Brazil | 8.515,767 km2 |
| 6. | Australia | 7,692,024 km2 |
| 7. | India | 3,287,590 km2 |
| 8. | Argentina | 2,780,400 km2 |
| 9. | Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 km2 |
| 10. | Algeria | 2,381,741 |
These are the 10 Largest Cities in the World by Area Size in Descending Order
10. Algeria
Algeria is a North African nation which spans between the Mediterranean shoreline and the Saharan desert. The capital and the largest city of the country is Algiers. The geographical and historical ties, language, traditions, and Islamic legacy characterize Algeria as a key element of the Maghreb and the larger Arabic world.
The Sahara and its harsh climate often shape the weather of the country. Algeria’s economy depends on the state, which has been one of the legacies of the socialist post-independence development model. This country boosts seven UNESCO sites. Algeria is the tenth-most-populous country in Africa and the 32nd-most-populous country in the world with its population of 44 million.
Algeria’s total area size is 2,381,741 km2, which makes it one of the largest countries in the world and the largest in Africa.
9. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and largest country in the Central Asia region. It is not surprising that this country is the world’s largest landlocked country. The size of Kazakhstan has been measured to be 2,724,900 km2.
Its capital city is Astana, and the biggest city is Almaty – the main cultural and economic center.
By population, it has about 20 million people and is regarded to have one of the lowest population densities. Kazakh from the country’s name, Kazakhstan means “wanderer” or “freedom”. Thus, the very essence of the nation’s remote age of nomadism and the strong will to become independent is pronounced in the national anthem.
It should also be noted that when talking about ethnic diversity, Kazakhstan is are not lacking at all. There are inhabitants of more than 120 nations and nationalities in Kazakhstan.
8. Argentina
Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world and second-largest country in South America with an area size of 2,780,400 km2. It consists of numerous plains, deserts, tundra, and forests, besides thousands of feet of mountain ranges, rivers and the vastness of oceans. Argentina also owns a chunk of Antarctica and certain islands in the south Atlantic.
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and Spanish is the official language spoken not only in the capital but in the entire country.
A fun fact? The Southernmost city in the world is called Ushuaia and it is located in Argentina.
Argentina’s economy progress comes from its being rich in natural resources, having a highly literate population, and diversified industrial base, and as an export-oriented agricultural sector. The economy ranks as the third largest in Latin America and the second largest in South America.
7. India
The world’s most-populous country also makes it to the list of the largest countries in the world by area. Located in South Asia, India’s total area size is measured at 3,287,590 km2 and its population is estimated at 1.4 million. Also called the Republic of India, its capital is New Delhi while its most populous city is Mumbai.
India is one of the world’s oldest civilization and it has a tapestry of ancient history, and rich culture. Hindi and English are conversant among the Indians although each state has its own official language(s). The country is known as the birthplace of some of the world’s religions and the country’s spiritual depth extends to its festivals and daily life.
India’s wildlife cannot be left unrecognized because it is home to some unique animals including the majestic Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and the one-horned rhinoceros among others.
6. Australia
Australia also known as the common wealth of Australia is a country in the Australian continent. As the sixth largest country by area, Australia spans measurement of 7,692,024 km2.
This country is regarded as the oldest, flattest and driest inhabited continent without much fertile soils. Its landmass gives it room for robust landscapes including its tropical rainforests and tropical savannas.
Australia’s population is about 27 million which is quite low compared to its enormous area size. However its robust area size supports a variety of animal species and wildlife. Australia’s wildlife is the pride of the nation as they are unique with mammals, reptiles and frogs.
5. Brazil
In terms of total area size, Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country, having a landmass measuring 8.515,767 km2. Brazil is a South American country which also stands out as the largest country in both South America and Latin America.
It is highly recognized for it rich cultural heritage and citizenry talents. The capital of Brazil is Brasilia and its most populated city is Sao Paulo, which is one of the largest cities in the world by population.
Brazil is known for its significant portion of the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest rainforest. It also harbors one of the largest rivers in the world, the Amazon River, while Brazil’s most iconic landmark is the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro.
4. China
Officially called the People’s Republic of China, it’s also in the list of the 10 largest countries in the world. China has a total area size of 9,706,961 km2 and a population reaching 1.4 billion, making it the world’s second most populous country.
China is located in East Asia and its official language is Chinese. The nation has 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 semi-autonomous special administrative regions. The largest city in China in terms of population is Shanghai, while its official capital is Beijing.
The Chinese culture is one of the most known culture in the world and its art works are respected all around the world. The Great Wall of China is one of the most popular landmarks and it is in fact one of the largest man-made structures on earth.
3. United States of America
The United States is located in North America right between Canada and Mexico. It consists of 50 federated states and its capital is Washington DC. With an area size of 9,883,520 km2, the United States is one of the biggest countries in the world by area.
This country is home to several parks which attracts tourist from all over the world. United States ranks third when it comes to population as its population exceeds 334 million. Alaska is the largest state in the U.S and is one of the largest first-level administrative divisions in the world by area.
The country is a popular destination for students who wants to study abroad. This is because its education system is one of the best in the world.
2. Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world by total land area. According to Worldometers, Its total area has been measured to be 9,984,670 km2. Located in North America, Canada has ten provinces and three territories.
The Canadian capital is Ottawa and the three largest metropolitan areas of Canada include; Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Canada in terms of population doesn’t live up to its landmass as it has a total number of 40.5 million residents.
Since the 1800s, the country’s maple leaf has been displayed as its symbol and its flag in general is one of the most beautiful flags. Further emphasis on the flag symbol; it shouldn’t be surprising that Canada is the highest producer of maple syrup across the globe.
1. Russia
With a total area size of 17,098,242 km2, Russia takes the lead as the largest country in the world by area. Russia is a country that is located within Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is known to have up to eleven time zones due to the span of its landmass. The population of Russia is about 147 million, making it the ninth most populous country in the world.
The country’s executive, legislative and judicial capital is Moscow which as well its largest city, while Saint Petersburg is its cultural capital.
Trans-Siberian, the world’s largest railway is located in Russia. Apart from that, it is home to Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world and is recognized as one of the top oil producers.
Related: 10 Smallest Counties in the World
Conclusion
The list of the 10 largest countries in the world is compiled using trusted data from governmental sources that provides accurate data. These countries are so enormous that they share borders with up to 14 countries.
For a recap; these are the world’s largest countries: Russia, Canada, United States, China, Brazil, Australia, India, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Algeria.
Do you live in any of these countries? How about you drop a comment and share with us about your experience.
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