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Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area, Name and List

Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area is discussed in detail in this article. Check table of Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area below.
authorImageNigam Sharma9 Jul, 2024
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Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area

Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area: When we talk about the largest countries in the world, we refer to the total area, including land and water. These countries span vast territories across continents, featuring diverse landscapes, climates, and ecosystems. Here, we look into the top 10 largest countries by area, exploring their geographical expanse and some unique features.

Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area

When discussing the largest countries by area, we explore vast territories that span continents, encompassing diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures. These countries not only contribute significantly to global geography but also showcase the immense diversity of our planet. Below is a table highlighting the top 10 largest countries by total area:
Rank Country Area (square kilometers) Capital Unique Features
1 Russia Approximately 17.1 million Moscow Largest country by area, spans 11 time zones, diverse landscapes including tundra and taiga.
2 Canada Approximately 9.98 million Ottawa Second largest country, vast wilderness, Rocky Mountains, longest coastline.
3 United States Approximately 9.83 million Washington, D.C. Diverse geography from forests to deserts, major rivers like Mississippi.
4 China Approximately 9.6 million Beijing Most populous country, Himalayas, Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.
5 Brazil Approximately 8.51 million Brasília Amazon Rainforest, Amazon River, largest country in South America.
6 Australia Approximately 7.69 million Canberra Only country that is also a continent, diverse ecosystems, Outback.
7 India Approximately 3.29 million New Delhi Himalayas, Ganges River, diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
8 Argentina Approximately 2.78 million Buenos Aires Andes mountains, Pampas grasslands, cultural influence in tango.
9 Kazakhstan Approximately 2.72 million Nur-Sultan Largest landlocked country, steppes, mountains, rich in resources.
10 Algeria Approximately 2.38 million Algiers Largest country in Africa, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Mediterranean coast.

Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area Details

The top 10 largest countries in the world by area cover vast stretches of land and diverse landscapes. From the expansive tundra of Russia, spanning 17.1 million square kilometers, to Canada's rugged Rocky Mountains and vast boreal forests at 9.98 million square kilometers, these countries showcase nature's grandeur on a monumental scale. The United States follows with its varied terrain, from the Appalachian Mountains to the arid deserts of the Southwest, covering 9.83 million square kilometers. Each of these countries not only represents immense geographical diversity but also plays a crucial role in global biodiversity and cultural heritage.

1. Russia

  • Area : Approximately 17.1 million square kilometers
  • Location : Eastern Europe and Northern Asia
  • Capital : Moscow
Russia is the largest country in the world, covering more than one-eighth of Earth's inhabited land area. It spans 11 time zones and incorporates a variety of environments, including tundra, taiga, steppes, and mountainous regions. The Ural Mountains, which run north to south, are traditionally considered the boundary between Europe and Asia.

2. Canada

  • Area : Approximately 9.98 million square kilometers
  • Location : North America
  • Capital : Ottawa
Canada is the second-largest country globally and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It is known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, and the extensive boreal forests. The country also boasts the longest coastline in the world.

3. United States

  • Area : Approximately 9.83 million square kilometers
  • Location : North America
  • Capital : Washington, D.C.
The United States is the third-largest country by total area and features a diverse range of geographical regions, from the temperate forests of the East Coast to the deserts of the Southwest and the arctic conditions of Alaska. Major river systems like the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers traverse the country.

4. China

  • Area : Approximately 9.6 million square kilometers
  • Location : East Asia
  • Capital : Beijing
China is the fourth-largest country by area and the most populous. It has a vast and varied landscape that includes mountains such as the Himalayas, plateaus like the Tibetan Plateau, deserts, and fertile river basins, notably the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

5. Brazil

  • Area : Approximately 8.51 million square kilometers
  • Location : South America
  • Capital : Brasília
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is known for its extensive Amazon Rainforest, which represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests. The Amazon River, the world's largest by discharge volume of water, runs through it.

6. Australia

  • Area : Approximately 7.69 million square kilometers
  • Location : Oceania
  • Capital : Canberra
Australia, the only country that is also a continent, features a diverse range of ecosystems, including deserts, tropical rainforests, and mountain ranges. The Outback, a vast remote interior, contrasts with its bustling coastal cities.

7. India

  • Area : Approximately 3.29 million square kilometers
  • Location : South Asia
  • Capital : New Delhi
India, the seventh-largest country, features a wide range of landscapes from the Himalayan mountain range in the north to the coastal regions in the south. The Ganges River, a vital water source for millions, flows through the fertile northern plains.

8. Argentina

  • Area : Approximately 2.78 million square kilometers
  • Location : South America
  • Capital : Buenos Aires
Argentina, the eighth-largest country, boasts diverse geographical features, including the Andes mountains, the Pampas grasslands, and the Patagonia region. The country is known for its cultural influence in dance (tango) and cuisine (beef).

9. Kazakhstan

  • Area : Approximately 2.72 million square kilometers
  • Location : Central Asia
  • Capital : Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest overall. It features a vast expanse of steppes, desert regions, and mountains. The country is rich in mineral resources and has significant oil reserves.

10. Algeria

  • Area : Approximately 2.38 million square kilometers
  • Location : North Africa
  • Capital : Algiers
Algeria, the largest country in Africa, features extensive desert regions, particularly the Sahara, which makes up a significant portion of its area. The Atlas Mountains and a Mediterranean coastline add to its geographical diversity. These ten countries cover vast areas of the Earth's surface, each with unique geographical and cultural features. From the icy expanses of Russia and Canada to the tropical rainforests of Brazil and the diverse ecosystems of Australia, these countries showcase the planet's incredible diversity. Understanding their size and the landscapes they encompass provides insight into the natural world and the challenges of managing such extensive territories.

Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area FAQs

Q1. What is the largest country in the world by area?

Ans. Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering approximately 17.1 million square kilometers.

Q2. Which country has the longest coastline?

Ans. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, thanks to its numerous bays, inlets, and islands along its shores.

Q3. What is the smallest country among the top 10 largest countries by area?

Ans. Algeria is the smallest country among the top 10 largest countries by area, with approximately 2.38 million square kilometers.

Q4. Which country is both a continent and a country?

Ans. Australia is both a continent and a country, covering approximately 7.69 million square kilometers.

Q5. What are some notable geographical features of Brazil?

Ans. Brazil is known for the Amazon Rainforest, which is the largest rainforest in the world, and the Amazon River, which is the largest river by discharge volume.
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