Top 10 Largest Countries in the World

The world’s vast landscapes include a variety of nations that differ in size, culture, and geography. In this list of the top 10 largest countries in the world by land area, we focus on the sheer expanse of each nation's territory. These countries span continents, incorporating diverse climates, ecosystems, and populations. From the frozen tundras of Russia to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, these nations cover millions of square kilometers, often stretching across multiple time zones and geographical features. Our ranking is based on each country’s total land area in square kilometers and square miles. Although size doesn’t necessarily equate to population or global influence, these countries play a significant role in natural resources, biodiversity, and regional stability. This list explores the geographic scale and uniqueness of the largest countries in the world.

Russia

Rank: 1

Land Area: 17098242 km²

Russia, the largest country in the world by a considerable margin, spans Europe and Asia, covering 17 million square kilometers. From dense forests to expansive tundras, its landscape includes almost every natural feature imaginable, stretching over 11 time zones. Russia’s land area is greater than the surface area of Pluto, an astronomical fact that emphasizes its size. The country is rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals, particularly in the Siberian region, which remains largely uninhabited due to its extreme climate. Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia’s two largest cities, are in the European part of the country, while much of the vast Asian territory remains remote and sparsely populated.

Did you know? Russia’s Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest freshwater lake and contains about 20% of the Earth’s fresh water.

Canada

Rank: 2

Land Area: 9984670 km²

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with a landmass that spans from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward to the Arctic Ocean. Much of Canada’s landscape is covered in forests, lakes, and tundras, with approximately 31,700 lakes across the country. Canada’s vast wilderness includes parts of the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Shield, and the Arctic tundra. Its low population density makes it one of the most open, wild countries, with over 90% of Canadians living within 200 kilometers of the U.S. border. Known for its diverse ecology and national parks, Canada is home to breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Did you know? Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world, stretching over 202,080 kilometers (125,570 miles).

China

Rank: 3

Land Area: 9596961 km²

China, the world’s third-largest country by land area, offers a variety of geographical landscapes, from the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau to the plains of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Known for its cultural and historical landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, China also boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from deserts in the north to tropical forests in the south. With the highest population in the world, China has rapidly urbanized in recent decades, with cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou becoming global economic hubs.

Did you know? China’s Great Wall, often regarded as one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering, stretches over 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles).

United States

Rank: 4

Land Area: 9525067 km²

The United States covers over 9.5 million square kilometers, making it the fourth largest country globally. Its landscape varies widely, from the Alaskan tundra to the deserts of Arizona, the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and the coastal plains of the Southeast. This vast country includes multiple ecosystems, national parks, and significant geological features, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. Each state offers unique geographical and cultural characteristics, making the U.S. one of the most diverse countries in the world.

Did you know? The U.S. is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali, which stands at 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).

Brazil

Rank: 5

Land Area: 8515767 km²

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest globally, occupying about half of the continent’s total landmass. Famous for the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, Brazil plays a crucial role in global biodiversity and oxygen production. The country’s landscape includes coastlines, savannas, mountains, and wetlands, supporting rich ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are cultural and economic centers, known for their vibrant festivals and cultural heritage.

Did you know? The Amazon River, which flows through Brazil, is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles).

Australia

Rank: 6

Land Area: 7692024 km²

Australia, the world’s largest island and smallest continent, is renowned for its unique ecosystems and landscapes. Spanning deserts, rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s biodiversity is unparalleled. Known for its outback, the sparsely populated interior region, Australia is home to unique species like kangaroos, koalas, and emus. The majority of Australians live along the coastal cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, leaving much of the country’s interior open wilderness.

Did you know? Australia is home to the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, which spans over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles).

India

Rank: 7

Land Area: 3287263 km²

India, the seventh largest country, is marked by diverse topography, from the towering Himalayas to the vast Indo-Gangetic plains. Known for its cultural heritage, India is also one of the world’s most populous nations, with vibrant cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Its ecosystem ranges from deserts in the west to rainforests in the northeast, supporting an array of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses.

Did you know? India has a range of climates, from arid deserts to humid rainforests, leading to a rich variety of plant and animal life.

Argentina

Rank: 8

Land Area: 2780400 km²

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is known for its varied landscapes, which include the Pampas grasslands, the Andes Mountains, and the Patagonian desert. From bustling Buenos Aires to the scenic regions of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina attracts millions of visitors for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and wildlife.

Did you know? Argentina is home to the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere, Mount Aconcagua, which reaches 6,960 meters (22,837 feet).

Kazakhstan

Rank: 9

Land Area: 2724900 km²

Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, is the world’s largest landlocked country. Its landscape includes steppes, mountains, and deserts, with vast areas that remain uninhabited. Rich in natural resources, Kazakhstan plays a significant role in global energy markets and regional geopolitics.

Did you know? Kazakhstan’s Lake Balkhash is unique for having one half of the lake’s water fresh and the other half saline.

Algeria

Rank: 10

Land Area: 2381741 km²

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, is known for the Sahara Desert, which covers over 80% of its territory. Its coastal region along the Mediterranean is fertile and densely populated, contrasting sharply with the vast desert interior.

Did you know? Algeria’s Tassili n’Ajjer region contains prehistoric cave art dating back more than 12,000 years.