Largest Countries by Area
Wanna feel small? Check out the gigantic proportions of these vast lands. We’re talking about Russia, China, and the United States—all heavy hitters in the game of “who owns more dirt.”
Russia
Picture a place where if you start a road trip on Monday, you’d be in the same country by Sunday—and still not see it all. That’s Russia for you, rocking the world record with 17 million-plus square kilometers of pure spaciousness. It’s got the most land on Earth—11% to be exact—and offers one heck of a diversity tour, from freezing tundras to gateways into Europe and Asia. You could fit umpteen countries inside it and still have room for a matryoshka doll collection.
| Country | Total Area (Km²) | Total Area (mi²) | Land Area (Km²) | Land Area (mi²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | 17,098,242 | 6,601,665 | 16,376,870 | 6,323,142 |
China
Let’s swing over to China, where a simple trip can involve one-fourth of the world’s population…and some spicy noodles. Covering 9.3 million square klicks (yup, that’s industry speak for kilometers), China isn’t just big—it’s a bustling hub from deserts like the Gobi to bustling cities like Shanghai. Throw in a few disputed territories and, wham, you’ve got even more ground to argue over.
| Country | Total Area (Km²) | Total Area (mi²) | Land Area (Km²) | Land Area (mi²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 9,300,000 | 3,600,000 | (Disputed Territories) | (Disputed Territories) |
United States
Next up, the good ol’ U.S. of A. More than just apple pies and baseball, the United States is a land of sweeping prairies, towering cities, and coastline views that could knock your socks off. Being in the top three for largest stratospheres, the U.S. covers over 9.1 million square kilometers of ‘land of the free’—and there’s a bit extra if you count its watery reaches.
| Country | Total Area (Km²) | Total Area (mi²) | Land Area (Km²) | Land Area (mi²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 9,100,000 | 3,500,000 | (Extent due to coastal waters) | (Extent due to coastal waters) |
These massive areas hide everything from breathtaking natural wonders to cities teeming with life. There’s more to explore, y’all! Curious about which countries fit where? Take a peek at these lists: list of countries in Europe, list of Asian countries, and list of African countries.
Small but Mighty
Vatican City
Vatican City is the little dynamo of countries—it might only cover 0.19 square miles, but it packs a punch in terms of global clout. This tiny enclave is the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, hosting both spiritual and administrative functions. Sure, with just 800 to 900 folks calling it home, it may not be bustling, but it’s sure influential (USATODAY).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Area (sq miles) | 0.19 |
| Area (sq km) | 0.49 |
| Population | 800-900 |
For those intrigued by history and world affairs, Vatican City stands alone as something truly special on the list of the smallest countries.
Monaco
Over on the glamorous French Riviera, Monaco struts its stuff as the second smallest country around. At 0.78 square miles, this seaside gem may be tiny, but it’s packed with glitz and wealth. Monaco’s got the title of smallest coastal United Nations member and throws one heck of a party with its Formula One Grand Prix (USATODAY).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Area (sq miles) | 0.78 |
| Area (sq km) | 2.02 |
| Population | 38,695 |
Beyond its size, Monaco shines with luxury and finance, making it stand out in the list of European countries.
Nauru
Floating in the central Pacific, Nauru might stretch only 8.1 square miles, but it’s got a fascinating story. Known for phosphate mining, this island nation once boasted one of the highest GDPs around.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Area (sq miles) | 8.1 |
| Area (sq km) | 21 |
| Population | 10,834 |
Nauru holds a unique spot among the list of island countries, facing environmental and economic challenges that make it a true standout.
These modest-sized places each pack a punch when it comes to culture, economy, and politics, offering something truly unique for anyone interested in the list of countries by area.
World of Wild Wonders
Canada
Canada and its colossal size make it a giant on the globe, occupying an area of nearly 10 million square kilometers (just shy of 4 million square miles). With bragging rights as the second-biggest country around, it’s got natural treasures for days—think the Rocky Mountains’ peaks, endless prairies, and a mind-boggling number of lakes (over 2 million!). Such landscapes bring jaw-dropping views and a cornucopia of resources. Feast your eyes on the stats:
| Feature | Area |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 9,984,670 km² (3,855,100 mi²) |
| Land Area | 9,093,507 km² (3,511,023 mi²) |
| Water Area | 891,163 km² (344,080 mi²) |
Curious about what makes Canada’s turf so unique or how it stacks up with the big players? Check out our bite-sized breakdown.
Brazil
Brazil takes up a massive chunk of South America, spreading its vibrant vibes over roughly 8.5 million square kilometers (a smidge over 3 million square miles). Its kaleidoscope of scenery ranges from the lush green stretch of the Amazon to the watery wonders of the Pantanal and the touristy hotspots along its long coastline. With all that variety, no wonder it’s got the title for one of the world’s biodiversity kings.
| Feature | Area |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 8,515,767 km² (3,287,956 mi²) |
| Land Area | 8,358,140 km² (3,227,027 mi²) |
| Water Area | 157,627 km² (60,928 mi²) |
Wanna dive into Brazil’s natural prowess and find out where it fits in the South American shuffle? We’ve got all the juicy details ready for you.
Australia
Meet Australia—not just a sunburnt country, but a whole continent at over 7.6 million square kilometers (nearly 3 million square miles). Packed with the rust red of the Outback, verdant rainforests, and that iconic Great Barrier Reef, it’s like walking into nature’s showroom. Every corner’s a little different, making it a place where nature truly steals the spotlight.
| Feature | Area |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 7,692,024 km² (2,969,907 mi²) |
| Land Area | 7,682,300 km² (2,966,151 mi²) |
| Water Area | 58,920 km² (22,731 mi²) |
Want to ogle at Australia’s geographic marvels and see where it scores among other island nations? Dive into our treasure trove of tidbits.
These spaces flaunt nature’s dramatics, each with its own stamp on the world map. For those itching for more on different stretches of the globe, browse through our tales on European seats of culture, African heartlands, and more to quench your thirst for worldly wonders.
Big Ol’ Lands
Thinking about those countries with heaps of land? It’s hard to miss the big shots like India, Argentina, and Kazakhstan when it comes to sheer size. So, let’s give these countries a good look.
India
India’s got a whopping 3.287 million square kilometers under its belt. That’s enough room to be the 7th biggest land-hog worldwide (Worldometers). Known for its crazy mix of places—from the mighty Himalayas up north to the chill beaches down south—India’s got it all. You’ve got a ton of climates, cultures, and wildlife all tucked into its snug borders.
| Country | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| India | 3,287,263 |
Want to know more about the other Asian spots? Have a gander at the list of asian countries.
Argentina
Sitting pretty as the planet’s 8th largest landholder, Argentina sprawls over 2.78 million square kilometers (Worldometers). Its incredible mix of land ranges from the mighty Andes, stretches of flat lands (Pampas), to the dry vibes of Patagonia. This South American wonder keeps things interesting with its rich tapestry of climates and striking beauty.
| Country | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 2,780,400 |
For the scoop on fellow South American states, have a peek at the list of south american countries.
Kazakhstan
Taking the 9th place in worldwide land size, Kazakhstan covers 2.72 million square kilometers (Worldatlas). It’s nestled in Central Asia and offers endless steppes, deserts, and mountain views. That ginormous area isn’t just for show; it serves as a treasure trove of resources and farming goldmines.
| Country | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 |
Curious about European nations? Check out the list of european countries.
With all that land and diverse scenery, these countries definitely leave their mark on the globe in both space and culture. For a deep dive into more of the planet’s space hogs, check out our thorough list of countries by area.
Islands of Big Countries
Taking a closer look at some of the massive islands owned by big countries gives us a peek into their unique environments and rich histories. Let’s chat about Greenland, Indonesia, and Madagascar.
Greenland
Greenland is kinda like a big icy province within Denmark, chilling between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Boasting a small crowd of around 56,000 folks, most are Inuit or Danish. Greenland’s got a rep for being the planet’s biggest island, dominated by breathtaking icy sights.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 2.1 million sq km |
| Population | About 56,000 |
| Major City | Nuuk |
Wanna know more about Europe? Slide over to our list of European countries.
Indonesia
Indonesia takes the cake as the largest island-only country, scattered with over 17,000 islands. Stretching over 5,000 kilometers, it’s a smorgasbord of volcanoes, jungles, and stunning coral reefs. Named one of Earth’s mega-diverse spots, it houses a mind-boggling variety of wildlife.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Islands | Over 17,000 |
| Key Islands | Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, New Guinea |
| Land Area | 1.9 million sq km |
Curious about Asia? Take a gander at our list of Asian countries.
Madagascar
Madagascar is the fourth-biggest island globally, hanging out off Africa’s southeastern coast. Known for its wild mix of plants and critters you won’t find anywhere else, this hotspot covers about 587,000 square clicks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 587,000 sq km |
| Unique Feature | Endemic species |
| Major City | Antananarivo |
Wanna learn about African countries? Head over to our list of African countries.
These islands shine bright with their lush cultures and natural wonders. For the full scoop on island nations, check out our list of island countries.
European Giants
Europe’s got some heavy hitters when it comes to countries. France, Ukraine, and Spain not only cover a lot of ground but have also gifted the world a truckload of cultural perks and historical tales worth telling.
France
Clocking in at about 643,801 square kilometers, France wears the crown for the biggest land area in the European Union. This chunk of earth has everything from the busy buzz of Paris streets to calm countrysides and those celeb-studded beaches on the French Riviera. With so much land comes bountiful farm produce and a spot on the list of places everyone wants to visit.
Here’s France’s land area laid out:
| Country | Total Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| France | 643,801 |
Curious for more deets? Swing by our list of European countries page.
Ukraine
Ukraine’s a whopper too, taking the medal for the biggest country sitting entirely in Europe. Covering about 603,550 square kilometers, this place is rich with culture and terrain that stretches from peaks to fields and meandering rivers. Its lands deliver so much food that folks call it “Europe’s breadbasket.”
Peep Ukraine’s land area below:
| Country | Total Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | 603,550 |
Interested in more juicy bits about Ukraine? Check our list of countries by area.
Spain
With about 505,992 square kilometers to its name, Spain is fourth on Europe’s size chart. Known for its lively culture, storied past, and a landscape that bounces from sunny beaches to rocky ranges, Spain’s size brings along a buffet of climates and natural variety.
Catch a quick peek at Spain’s land area:
| Country | Total Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| Spain | 505,992 |
Want to dig deeper into what makes Spain tick? Visit our list of countries in Europe.
By grasping how massive these European bigwigs are, you can better appreciate their punch on the world stage. For more size comparisons, swing by our list of countries by area to explore.
African Magnificence
Africa packs a punch when it comes to land size and diversity. Topping the charts with their grand landscapes are Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan. Let’s check ’em out.
Algeria
Algeria, Africa’s grand champ in the size department, stretches across 2,381,741 square kilometers. It’s not just Africa’s biggest by land; it makes the worldwide heavyweight list at number ten, believe it or not! Algeria’s got a slice of everything: bits of the Sahara Desert, some towering mountains, and even a piece of the Mediterranean shoreline.
| Thing | Info |
|---|---|
| Land Size (sq km) | 2,381,741 |
| World Rank in Size | 10th |
| Cool Stuff | Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains |
Wanna know more about Africa’s big players? Check out our list of African countries.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Next up is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is no small fry with 2,344,858 square kilometers. Packed with a buffet of natural goodness, it boasts thick rainforests and the Congo River – one of the heavyweights among river systems around the globe.
| Thing | Info |
|---|---|
| Land Size (sq km) | 2,344,858 |
| World Rank in Size | 11th |
| Cool Stuff | Rainforests, Congo River |
If you’re into nature and eco-balance, give a gander at our list of developing countries.
Sudan
Now, let’s talk about Sudan. It covers a whopping 1,861,484 square kilometers. Think desert vibes, the legendary Nile River, and a treasure trove of historic spots like the Nubian pyramids.
| Thing | Info |
|---|---|
| Land Size (sq km) | 1,861,484 |
| World Rank in Size | 16th |
| Cool Stuff | Deserts, Nile River, Nubian pyramids |
Hankering for more info on land titans? Check this out: list of largest countries by area.
These three giants — Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan — paint a picture of Africa’s incredible range and vastness. From Algeria’s endless sands to the lushness of the DRC and Sudan’s historic wonders, there’s a whole lot of exploring to be done!
Asia’s Richness
Asia boasts some of the planet’s most varied and massive countries. Let’s spotlight three of the continent’s biggest lands: Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Iran.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia takes the crown as the Middle East’s largest country and ranks 12th globally by land size. Spanning about 2,150,000 square kilometers (830,000 square miles), it’s infamous for vast stretches of sand, like the Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter—earth’s most extensive continuous sand desert. The country’s landscape is mostly dry deserts, rocky plateaus, and towering mountains.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 2,150,000 sq km (830,000 sq mi) |
| Major Desert | Rub’ al Khali |
| Geographic Traits | Deserts, Plateaus, Mountains |
Mongolia
Mongolia sits as the world’s 18th largest country, flaunting nearly 1,564,116 square kilometers (603,909 square miles) of unique terrain. Known for its wide steppes and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia’s land is a mix of vast grasslands and deserts, leading to its status as one of the least populated places on the globe.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 1,564,116 sq km (603,909 sq mi) |
| Major Desert | Gobi Desert |
| Geographic Traits | Steppes, Grasslands, Mountains |
Iran
Iran, or Persia, proudly stands as the 17th largest country worldwide, covering around 1,648,195 square kilometers (636,372 square miles). Its geography is a colorful palette of mountain ranges like the Zagros and Alborz, alongside vast desert basins. Iran’s climate stretches from bone-dry areas to the lush, subtropical stretches by the Caspian Sea.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 1,648,195 sq km (636,372 sq mi) |
| Major Mountain Ranges | Zagros, Alborz |
| Geographic Traits | Deserts, Mountain Ranges, Subtropical pockets near the Caspian Sea |
These nations stand out not just for their size, but their breathtaking terrains and features. For more dazzling geographic insights, check out our list of Asian countries and list of countries by area sections.
Peek into more fascinating corners of the globe in our list of Middle East countries, list of Southeast Asian countries, and list of developed countries.