Ten Largest Countries in the World: A Look at Land Mass and Geography (Km²)
Source: World Meters
Publication Date: 2024
Region: Worldwide
Survey time period: November 2024
The top 10 largest countries by landmass showcase a diverse array of landscapes, climates, and ecosystems:
- Russia – By far the largest, covering over 17 million square kilometers, Russia spans Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It has vast forests, the expansive Siberian tundra, and mountains, offering habitats for diverse wildlife like bears and Siberian tigers.
- Canada – At around 9.98 million square kilometers, Canada has dense forests, tundra, and the Rocky Mountains. Known for its natural beauty, it contains numerous lakes and a unique Arctic landscape.
- China – With 9.6 million square kilometers, China is home to mountains, plateaus, and deserts. The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers support fertile lands crucial for agriculture.
- United States – The U.S. covers around 9.63 million square kilometers and includes diverse terrains like the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, deserts, and coastlines.
- Brazil – The largest country in South America (8.51 million square kilometers), Brazil is famous for the Amazon Rainforest and River, which play a crucial role in global biodiversity and carbon storage.
- Australia – As a continent and country (7.7 million square kilometers), Australia’s ecosystems range from deserts to rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef, with species found nowhere else.
- India – Spanning 3.29 million square kilometers, India has the Himalayas, fertile plains, and plateaus, with a history of rich cultural and religious diversity.
- Argentina – At 2.78 million square kilometers, Argentina has varied landscapes including the Pampas, Andes Mountains, and Patagonia.
- Kazakhstan – Central Asia’s largest country (2.72 million square kilometers), Kazakhstan features the Kazakh Steppe and significant deserts.
- Algeria – The largest country in Africa, Algeria (2.38 million square kilometers) is dominated by the Sahara Desert, with a Mediterranean coastline and mountain ranges.
These countries not only hold unique natural resources but also contribute to global cultural and environmental diversity through their varied climates and ecosystem.
