What factors determine a nation’s size? Three factors are used to determine the size of a country. The size of a country, its population, and its economic performance are these three variables. Do you want to discover which nation has the largest land area in the world? If yes then you’ve come to the right place. The list of the ten largest countries in the world can be seen below. Please follow us through to the very end for more information and specifics.
Which nations spring to mind when you think of the largest nations on earth? If you’re asking about the country with the largest total area or the most people, the answer may likely vary. We’ll concentrate on the nations with the largest land areas for our needs. This takes into consideration the country’s total surface area, which includes both land and ocean areas. Square miles are another unit of measurement. The top 10 countries by land area are:
10. ALGERIA
- LAND SIZE: 2,381,741 km²
- CAPITAL: Algiers
- DIALING CODE: +213
- CONTINENT: Africa
- CURRENCY: Algerian Dinar
- TIMEZONES: 1
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic/Standard Algerian Berber
- GDP PER CAPITA: 3,690.63 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: 10° to 12° C (50° to 54° F)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: 24° to 26° C (75° to 79° F)
Algeria is closing off the top 10 countries by land area. North African nation Algeria is bordered by five other nations. Algeria, which is situated between Morocco and Tunisia, is the largest country in Africa with a total size of 2,381,741 km2. Algeria is a country with enormous sand dunes, cherries, dates, and mint tea.
The population of the country lives along the Mediterranean shore because most of it is desert, making up the northern portion of the great Sahara. The majority of the population, companies and tourist attractions are situated along the northern coast to take advantage of the Mediterranean Sea’s sparkling waters.
9. KAZAKHSTAN
- LAND SIZE: 2,724,900 km²
- CAPITAL: Nur-Sultan
- DIALING CODE: +7
- CONTINENTS: Asia & Europe
- CURRENCY: Kazakhstani Tenge
- TIMEZONES: 2
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Kazakh/Russian
- GDP PER CAPITA: 10,373.79 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: -9°C and -12°C
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: 22°C to 23°C
Kazakhstan, the ninth-largest country in the world, is located in Central Asia and is surrounded by five other nations. With a size of 2,724,900 km², it is the largest landlocked nation in the world and is surrounded by stunning mountains and other natural beauty.
The Russian space base “Baikonur Cosmodrome” and comedian Borat are Kazakhstan’s most well-known exports. Russia launches rockets into orbit from here. Desert covers the majority of the nation. Seven National Parks, numerous fishing lakes, and numerous mountain ranges with some snow-capped summits may all be found in Kazakhstan. The nation is renowned for having extremely cold, long winters that blanket the entire country in snow. After that, you can ski really well.
Kazakhstan has become a surprisingly diverse nation since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, serving as a cultural crossroads between the Caspian Sea and China. Almaty, the largest city in the nation and its former capital, is known for its hip cafes, relaxing fountains, lush parks, and wide, busy boulevards. Astana is quickly becoming a sophisticated metropolis, following in the footsteps of its predecessor.
8. ARGENTINA
- LAND SIZE: 2,780,400 km²
- CAPITAL: Buenos Aires
- DIALING CODE: +54
- CONTINENT: South America
- CURRENCY: Argentine Peso
- TIMEZONES: 1
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Spanish
- GDP PER CAPITA: 10,636.12 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: 46–55 °F (8–13 °C)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: 72–75 °F (22–24 °C)
Argentina, the eighth-largest country in the list of top 10 countries by land area, is in South America and is bordered by seven other nations. The Iguazu Falls and the Andes Mountains call it home. It occupies an area of 2,780,400 km2 and is well-known for tango, soccer, wine, and cattle.
It is a nation with gorgeous scenery, interesting cities, and friendly people. Argentina is a sizable and diverse nation. Due to its unique shape, the nation has a stunning degree of versatility. You can view lush wetlands, snow-capped peaks, tropical beaches, and bone-dry plateaus in a few days.
Whether it’s stunning natural areas, unique cities, or possibly delectable food, whatever it is you’re searching for. Most likely, you’ll discover it in Argentina. That is an intriguing nation. Although some claim Argentina is the most “westernized” nation in South America, closer examination reveals that it yet retains a highly distinctive personality.
7. INDIA
- LAND SIZE: 3,287,263 km²
- CAPITAL: New Delhi
- DIALING CODE: +91
- CONTINENT: Asia
- CURRENCY: Rupee
- TIMEZONES: 1
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Hindi/English
- GDP PER CAPITA: 2,256.59 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: 10–15 °C (50–59 °F)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE:4°C (84.9°F) to 42.2°C (108°F)
India, the world’s seventh-largest country, is located in Southern Asia. It is the second most populated nation and is also home to many different languages, cultures, and religions. India is well-known for its yoga, cricket, spices, and wildlife and has 39 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its total area is 3,287,263 km².
Historic temples, opulent Maharaja palaces made of gold, huge towns with millions of residents, and chaotic, noisy street life are all present. You must be capable of handling it. India likes to display all of its numerous faces. Do you desire a beach? The beach follows. You want mountains, right? The highest mountains in the world follow. Do you want dessert, too? You are in India at the appropriate time even then!
6. AUSTRALIA
- LAND SIZE: 7,692,024 km²
- CAPITAL: Canberra
- DIALING CODE: +61
- CURRENCY: Australian Dollar
- TIMEZONES: 3
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English
- GDP PER CAPITA: 60,443.11 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: as low as 5 degrees Celsius
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE:6 – 25.8°C (65.5 – 78.4°F)
Australia, which is located in the Southern Hemisphere, is the sixth-largest country in the list of top 10 countries by land area. It is the world’s smallest continent and home to a variety of flora and fauna. It has a 7,692,024 km2 area and is famous for its kangaroos, beaches, and wine.
For many years, the nation has been the ideal destination for travelers. Who wouldn’t want to trek around this amazing nation, after all? maybe take a campervan rental and travel around? You will feel quite at home in the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, on the other hand.
On the other side, there is the bushland and the outback’s limitless panorama. No two states in Australia are alike since it is so diverse. On one of the many white beaches, like those on the Whitsunday Islands, you may unwind in total relaxation. You can also explore the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant coral reef system, get up and personal with crocodiles in the wild like Steve Irwin, or go surfing off the coast of Perth. Do you intend to visit Australia? After that, take your time since there is a lot to see and do.
5. BRAZIL
- LAND SIZE: 8,515,767 km²
- CAPITAL: Brasilia
- CONTINENTS: South America
- DIALING CODE: +55
- CURRENCY: Brazilian Real
- TIMEZONES: 4
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Portuguese
- GDP PER CAPITA: 7,507.16 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: 13-18°C (55-65°F)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: high 30’s to low 40’s (°C)
Brazil is the fifth-biggest nation in the world and the largest country in South America. Brazil has four separate time zones and an area of 8,515,767 km². The nation has a border with ten other nations and is home to the greatest area of the Amazon rainforest. The majority of people in Brazil reside close to the water. Brasilia, the nation’s capital, is located almost precisely in the middle of Brazil.
You probably envision beautiful Brazilian women in small bikinis on white beaches when you think of Brazil. Perhaps the enormous Jesus the Redeemer statue that guards Rio de Janeiro Brazil is well-known for its samba music, football, and carnival. The people are proud of their varied roots and long histories. But in this vast nation, there is much more to discover.
Brazil offers more than 7000 miles of tropical beaches, a diverse population, unique cities, and a variety of topographical features. Brazil offers adventures for all visitors to South America with the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, the renowned Iguaçu Falls, and the largest wetland on earth.
4. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- LAND SIZE: 9,525,067 km²
- CAPITAL: Washington, D.C.
- CONTINENTS: North America
- DIALING CODE: +1
- CURRENCY: United States Dollar
- TIMEZONES: 6
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English
- GDP PER CAPITA: 70,248.63 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE:2 °F (0.7 °C)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE:9 °F (22.2 °C)
According to the area, the United States of America comes in fourth place in the top 10 countries by land area. The country has a total area of 9,525,067 km2 (3,677,649 mi2), which includes both the mainland and the overseas territories. The USA is now only marginally bigger than China. The United States may even be considered to be larger than China if one were to add the marine regions surrounding the various U.S. island holdings. The nation has two land borders, one in the north with Canada and one in the south with Mexico. The population of the USA is dispersed widely over 6 timezones. Nonetheless, the Eastern half of the country, particularly the East Coast, has the highest concentration of residents. Washington (D.C.), the nation’s capital, is also located there.
Many individuals believe that America is just like it is in movies. Quick, cash-driven rushed, and shallow. But this well-known nation is much more than just a scene from a big-budget Hollywood film. Stunning natural areas, enormous cities, leisurely beaches, and delectable cuisine. Of course, there will be some locations that look familiar to you, but you’ll be amazed by the undiscovered hotspots in this amazing nation.
3. CHINA
- LAND SIZE: 9,596,961 km²
- CAPITAL: Beijing
- CONTINENT: Asia
- DIALING CODE: +86
- CURRENCY: Yuan
- TIMEZONES: 5
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Mandarin
- GDP PER CAPITA: 12,556.33 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: 6–10°C (43–50°F)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: 18-28°C (65-82°F)
In addition to having the greatest population, China is also the third-largest country in terms of land area. China has a land area of 9,596,961 km² and has 5 separate time zones. China has 14 neighbors, including Russia. China also boasts the most cities in the world with a population of over a million people, as well as the biggest city in terms of population. The Eastern side of China is where the majority of the people are concentrated. Beijing, the nation’s capital, is situated in the East, specifically in the Northeast.
China is a vast, diverse country that is very dissimilar from the western Netherlands. China is a well-liked tourism destination precisely because of this. Traveling across this stunning nation, from large cities to remote mountain villages and barren plains, can easily take months. Remember that China has a population of almost 1,3 billion people and is larger than all of Europe. Planning your trip is the main challenge when visiting China. There is simply too much to see!
2. CANADA
- LAND SIZE: 9,984,670 km²
- CAPITAL: Ottawa
- CONTINENT: North America
- DIALING CODE: +1
- CURRENCY: Canadian Dollar
- TIMEZONES: 6
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: French, English
- GDP PER CAPITA: 51,987.94 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: between -5°C and -15ºC
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: 15°C–35°C
Canada is the largest country in North America and the second-largest country in our list of top 10 countries by land area. Alaska to the north and the United States to the south connect it. The entire UK is larger than 9,984,670 km², or 40 times the size of Canada. Canada still has Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, and it continues to be a very old country with a surprising amount of natural beauty. The first people to live here were Native Americans and Inuit thousands of years ago.
There are six different time zones in Canada. Moreover, it ranks among the nations with the most islands, which adds to Canada’s overall size. The vast majority of Canadians reside in the southernmost regions of their country, at or close to the border with the United States, Canada’s only land neighbor, even though its northern shore reaches the Arctic Sea. Ottawa, the nation’s capital, is consequently situated in the Southeast of Canada, popularly known as the “Great White North.”
You’ll experience a series of surprises as you travel through Canada. Here, nature can take any course. Renting a car or taking a bus will allow you to explore this nation’s glaciers, snow plains, and national parks including Yoho, Kootenay, and Okanagan Valley, Rocky Mountains, vast lakes, prairies, and numerous islands. Your journey will become even more memorable as a result.
1. RUSSIA
- LAND SIZE: 17,098,246 km²
- CAPITAL: Moscow
- CONTINENTS: Asia & Europe
- DIALING CODE: +7
- CURRENCY: Russian Ruble
- TIMEZONES: 11
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Russian
- GDP PER CAPITA: 12,194.78 USD (2021)
- AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE: -6°C (22°F)
- AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE: 18°C (64°F)
Russia is the world’s largest nation by a wide margin. With a total area of 17,098,246 km² (6,601,670 mi2), the nation is divided into 11 different time zones. Russia shares a border with 14 nations, the most of any country in the world (together with China). Russia is one of the few countries in the world that spans two continents. In Asia, about 75% of Russia is located, and about 25% is in Europe.
Nonetheless, the largest population centers, including Moscow, are located in Russia’s European region. Just 23% of Russia’s over 147 million citizens call the country’s sparsely populated Asian region home, while approximately 77% of them reside in the country’s smaller European region. Even if Russia were divided into two separate nations, one European and one Asiatic, each would remain the biggest nation on its particular continent.
Kazan, Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Saint Petersburg are additional significant cities. Siberia’s enormous territory trembles in -50 degrees Celsius average temperatures. Oymyakon, the coldest inhabited location on Earth, is also located in Russian territory. Russia also referred to as “The Russian Federation,” takes pride in displaying its power. Without that show of authority, the country is also striking in terms of size and natural beauty.
CONCLUSION
As you learned about the top 10 countries by the land area above, you’ll observe that the sizes of all of the major countries by area vary substantially. It’s crucial to remember that a country’s total area typically consists of both its landmass and a portion of the sea that extends to (or beyond) its continental shelf. However, because different nations estimate their maritime area in different ways, the rankings are sometimes subject to change.
It’s also fascinating to examine the greatest nations within each continent as well as the largest nations in the world as a whole. Why Antarctica is not included on the list is a common question. This is due to the fact that it has no independent nations. But, if it were a country, it would be the second biggest in the world.
