Largest Countries in the World: Top 10 List
The world, or Earth, is home to 195 countries, each with its own unique history, culture, beliefs, and natural wonders. These countries, each covering a certain number of square kilometers, share borders with each other. As of 2024, there are 195 countries represented on the world map. But, do you know which are the top 10 largest countries in the world? In this article, you will find a list of the top 10 largest countries by area, along with some related information about each one. Enjoy your reading!
Top 10 Largest Countries in the World:
Let’s get started by exploring the table below listing the top 10 largest countries in the world with their rank, country, total area in square kilometres, percentage of total Earth/world landmass, capital city, and most populous cities.
| Rank | Country | Total Area (in sq. km) | World Landmass % | Capital | Populous Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 17,098,242 | 11% | Moscow | Moscow |
| 2 | Canada | 9,948,670 | 6.1% | Ottawa | Toronto, Ontario |
| 3 | China | 9,706,961 | 6.3% | Beijing | Shanghai |
| 4 | USA | 9,372,610 | 6.1% | Washington DC | New York City, LA |
| 5 | Brazil | 8,515,767 | 5.6% | BrasÃlia | Sao Paulo |
| 6 | Australia | 7,692,024 | 5.2% | Canberra | Sydney |
| 7 | India | 3,287,590 | 2% | New Delhi | Delhi, Mumbai |
| 8 | Argentina | 2,780,400 | 1.8% | Buenos Aires | Cordoba |
| 9 | Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 | 1.8% | Astana | Almaty |
| 10 | Algeria | 2,381,741 | 1.6% | Algiers | Algiers, Oran |
1. Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world covering 17,098,242 square kilometres. It spans 11 time zones and borders 14 countries. Russia has a diverse range of landscapes and is known for its vast forests, tundra, and mountain ranges. Russia is home to a rich cultural heritage, long history and tradition in the literature, sciences, and arts.
Russia Border Countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, and Ukraine
Iconic Landmarks in Russia: Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, St Nilus Stolobensky Monastery, The Winter Palace, Trans-Siberian Railway, and many more.
2. Canada
After Russia, Canada occupies a vast area by land. It is the second largest country in the world. Canada is 9,948,670 square kilometres and It is bordered by the United States and the Arctic Ocean. Canada is a popular country in the world. Country has vast forest, beautiful mountain ranges and lakes. It is well recognized country with natural beauty and lowest degree of temperature.
Canada Border Countries: United States, Arctic
Iconic Landmarks in Canada: Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, Mount Robson, Hopewell Rocks
3. China
China is the third largest country in the world, covering 9,706,961 square kilometres. It is bordered by 14 countries and has a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. China is known for its ancient history and culture, as well as its rapid economic growth since 2000. China is home to iconic landmarks. Some of the famous places are Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, and Great Wall of China.
China Border Countries: Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, India, Nepa, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar and Vietnam
Iconic Landmarks in China: The Grand Buddha of Leshan and The Great Wall of China
4. United States of America (USA)
The United States is the fourth largest country in the world, covering 9,372,610 square kilometres. The United States is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district, five territories, and 326 Indian reservations. The USA is the world’s third-most populous country, with over 332 million people.
USA Border Countries: Canada and Mexico
Iconic Landmarks in USA: Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, Niagara Falls, Cloud Gate, Mount Rushmore, Monument Valley
5. Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. It is covering 8,515,767 square kilometres. It is also the fifth-most populous country in the world with population of over 212 million.
Brazil Border Countries: South American country except Chile and Ecuador
Iconic Landmarks in Brazil: Christ the Redeemer, Cathedral of Brasilia, Iguazu Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, Amazon Theatre, Maracana
6. Australia
Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country by total area covering 7,692,024 square kilometres and it is the smallest continent in the World. Australia is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and southwest, the Arafura Sea to the north, the Timor Sea to the northwest, the Tasman Sea to the southeast, and the Coral Sea to the northeast.
Australia Border Countries: New Zealand, Indonesia, and New Guinea
Iconic Landmarks in Australia: Sydney Opera House, Uluru, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Twelve Apostles, Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach
7. India
India is the seventh largest country in the world, covering 3,287,590 square kilometers. India is famous for its Cultural and caring experience. India is the most populous country with over 1.4 billion people.
India Border Countries: Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, Myanmar to the east, and Bangladesh to the east and southeast.
Iconic Landmarks in India: Taj Mahal, Gateway of India, Qutub Minar, Mysore Palace, Hawa Mahal, Red Fort, Kedarnath Mandir, Jagannath Mandir
8. Argentina
Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, covering 2,780,400 square kilometers. It is bordered by. Argentina is the world’s 33rd-most populous country, with over 45 million people.
Argentina Border Countries: Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast, and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east
Iconic Landmarks in Argentina: Perito Moreno Glacier, Recoleta Cemetery, Teatro Colon, Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo
9. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, covering 2,724,900 square kilometers. Kazakhstan is the world’s 60th-most populous country, with over 19 million people.
Kazakhstan Border Countries: Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea and Russia to the west
Iconic Landmarks in Kazakhstan: Almaty, Baiterek, Astana, Charyn Canyon, Ascension Cathedral, Khan Shatyr, Hazrat Sultan Mosque
10. Algeria
Algeria is the 10th largest country in the world and the most populous country on the African continent with the highest Human Development Index. It is one of the largest economies globally. Economic growth is largely based on energy export. Algeria shares ground borders in the northeast with Tunisia, in the south with Niger and Mali, in the east with Libya, and in the west with Morocco. Additionally, it shares borders in the southwest with Mauritania and the territory of Western Sahara.
Algeria Border Countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara
Iconic Landmarks in Algeria: Timgad and Djemila, Basilique Notre Dame d’Afrique, Grand Mosque, Kasbah of Algiers
FAQs
Which is the Largest Country in the World? Russia is the largest country in the world. It is 17,098,242 square kilometres with 14 neighbouring countries.
Which is the Smallest Country in the World? Vatican City is an independent state in Rome, Italy, considered a country. It is the smallest country in the world. The total land area of Vatican City is only 0.49 square kilometres or 49 hectares.
Which is the Largest Continent in the World? Asia is the largest Continent in the World with 48 countries and covering an massive area of approximately 44.6 million square kilometres.
Which is the Smallest Continent in the World? Australia is Smallest Continent in the World. It is an island continent completely surrounded by water on all sides.
