World: Largest Countries, by area
CountryArea,
in square kilometers
RussiaRussia17,098,242
CanadaCanada9,984,670
USAUnited States of America9,833,517
ChinaChina9,596,960
BrazilBrazil8,515,770
AustraliaAustralia7,741,220
IndiaIndia3,287,263
ArgentinaArgentina2,780,400
KazakhstanKazakhstan2,724,900
AlgeriaAlgeria2,381,741
Democratic Republic of CongoDemocratic Republic of Congo2,344,858
GreenlandGreenland2,166,086
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia2,149,690
MexicoMexico1,964,375
IndonesiaIndonesia1,904,569
SudanSudan1,861,484
LibyaLibya1,759,540
IranIran1,648,195
MongoliaMongolia1,564,116
PeruPeru1,285,216
ChadChad1,284,000
NigerNiger1,267,000
AngolaAngola1,246,700
MaliMali1,240,192
South AfricaSouth Africa1,219,090
ColombiaColombia1,138,910
EthiopiaEthiopia1,104,300
BoliviaBolivia1,098,581
MauritaniaMauritania1,030,700
EgyptEgypt1,001,450
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2021
  • Published: Mar 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Russia's vast expanse

Russia leads with an area of approximately 17,098,242 square kilometers, making it the largest country in the world. Its size is more than double that of Canada, the second-largest country, which spans 9,984,670 square kilometers.

Top five dominate global landmass

The five largest countries - Russia, Canada, USA, China, and Brazil - collectively cover over 39 million square kilometers, showcasing their significant share of the Earth's land.

Continental leaders

Each continent's largest country by area is Russia in Europe and Asia, Canada in North America, Brazil in South America, Australia in Oceania, and Algeria in Africa, highlighting geographical dominance.

Asia's extensive reach

Asia is home to four of the top ten largest countries globally, with Russia, China, India, and Kazakhstan, illustrating the continent's diverse and extensive geographic landscape.

Africa's varied topography

Africa's largest countries, Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, show the continent's range in landscapes, from the Sahara Desert to dense rainforests, covering 2,381,741 and 2,344,858 square kilometers, respectively.

Island nations' significant area

Indonesia, the largest archipelago state, has an area of 1,904,569 square kilometers, demonstrating the vast spaces island nations can cover.

Middle Eastern expanse

Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East, encompasses 2,149,690 square kilometers, reflecting the region's considerable size and geopolitical importance.

Latin America's diverse scales

Brazil and Argentina lead in South America with areas of 8,515,770 and 2,780,400 square kilometers, respectively, showcasing the continent's vast and varied terrain.

The unique position of Greenland

Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is the world's largest island with 2,166,086 square kilometers, yet it has a distinct status due to its self-governing arrangement and geographic isolation.

Contrast in size within top 20

The difference in area between Russia, the largest country, and Egypt, the 30th, highlights the disparity in global land distribution, with Russia being over 17 times larger than Egypt's 1,001,450 square kilometers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the largest country in the world by area?

The largest country in the world by area is Russia, covering approximately 17,098,242 square kilometers.

Which countries collectively dominate the global landmass?

The countries that collectively dominate the global landmass are Russia, Canada, USA, China, and Brazil, covering over 39 million square kilometers.

Which are the largest countries by area in each continent?

The largest countries by area in each continent are Russia in Europe and Asia, Canada in North America, Brazil in South America, Australia in Oceania, and Algeria in Africa.

Terms and Definitions

Area refers to the amount of space a surface or place covers, usually measured in square kilometres or square miles. This measurement is typically used to determine the size of a geographical entity, such as a country.

A country is a distinct region or geographic area that is identified as a distinct national entity for political, geographical or cultural reasons. It usually refers to a political state or nation that has its own government, laws, and typically has borders separating it from other countries.

Population density describes the measure of the number of people living per unit of area, typically per square kilometer or mile. It helps assess the human pressure on the environment and is a key figure used in demography and urban planning.

Demography is the statistical study of populations and how they change over time. It can include the study of the size, structure, and distributions of these populations, and spatial or temporal changes in them in response to birth, migration, aging, and death.

The population of a country is the total amount of people living within that country's borders. It is a key figure for understanding the demographics, economy, and politics of a given nation.

A landlocked country is one that does not have any coastline or seaports, being entirely surrounded by land. It depends on neighbouring coastal nations for access to international waters and trade routes.

Borders are geographical boundaries that define and separate the territories of political entities such as countries, federal states, and provinces. They may be defined by natural landmarks, legal agreements or other means, and can often impact matters like international relations and trade.

A territory is a defined area, including land, sea, or airspace, which is claimed and controlled by a specific country or state. It includes any area within the country's jurisdiction.
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