Top 10 Largest & Biggest Countries In The World

Largest countries in the world by Area
 
top 10

In discussions about the largest country globally, the United States often comes to mind. However, when considering only the mainland area, this notion is inaccurate. To unveil the true largest country in the world based on landmass, continue reading as we present the top 10 countries with the most extensive areas.

Highlights

  • Largest Country in the World
  • Top 10 Countries List with Area

1. Russia: Area Occupied - 16,378,410 km² / 11%

Russia [Shutterstock]

Russia, a transcontinental country, claims the top spot with an area of 17,098,246 km². Encompassing one-eighth of the Earth's mainland, Russia is the largest country in both Asia and Europe. Moscow, its capital, is the largest city.

2. Canada: Area Occupied - 9,903,507 km² / 6.1%

Canadian logo with the title 'Logo for Great Canadian Supplement'

Canada, a North American country, secures the second position due to its vast land area, including expansive freshwater lakes. It boasts the world's longest bi-national border with the United States and holds the record for the longest coastline.

3. China: Area Occupied - 9,326,410 km² / 6.3%

flags of the people's republic of china and the russian federation - china stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

China, the most populous country globally, ranks third in total land area. With diverse landscapes from deserts to subtropical forests, China's capital is Beijing, while Shanghai is its most prominent city.

4. USA: Area Occupied - 9,147,593 km² / 6.1%

us capitol - usa stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

The United States of America, the fourth-largest country by both area and population, shares its borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. Its total area, including rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, is comparable to China.

5. Brazil: Area Occupied - 8,460,415 km² / 5.6%

brazilian flag - brazilian flag stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Covering approximately half of South America, Brazil shares its borders with ten other countries. Brasilia, the capital, stands as the most populous city in the country.

6. Australia: Area Occupied - 7,633,565 km² / 5.2%

Location Australia. Red pin on the map.

Australia, the only country sharing its name with a continent, is the largest country in Oceania and the sixth-largest globally. The mainland constitutes half the size of Tasmania.

7. India: Area Occupied - 2,973,190 km² / 2.0%

India text with indian images

India, the seventh-largest country, holds the second position in the world by population. Covering 91% land and 9% water, India is situated north of the equator.

8. Argentina: Area Occupied - 2,736,690 km² / 1.8%

Argentina [Shutterstock]

As the second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest globally, Argentina boasts diverse ecosystems, making it one of the most bio-diverse nations.

9. Kazakhstan: Area Occupied - 2,699,700 km² / 1.8%

Kazakhstan and neighbor countries  kazakhstan stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Another transcontinental country, Kazakhstan, claims the ninth spot. It is the world's largest landlocked area, with a sparse population mainly situated in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

10. Algeria: Area Occupied - 2,381,741 km² / 1.6%

Algeria Map of Algeria. A detail from the World Map. algiers algeria stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, secures the tenth position. With Algiers as its capital, Algeria became the continent's largest country after the creation of South Sudan in 2011.

In determining the largest country globally, it's crucial to consider land area measurements rather than relying solely on maps or globes. The top 10 countries listed here collectively constitute half of the world's land area. Each country's specific boundaries contribute to its geographical footprint, emphasizing the dynamic and diverse nature of our world.