• By Kamal Kumar
  • Fri, 09 Feb 2024 02:33 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Complete List of Largest Countries in The World:  Our home in the Universe - planet Earth - has a surface area of around 510.1 million square kilometres, consisting of 29% land and 71% water. This division creates a diverse landscape, with continents, islands, and oceans playing vital roles in shaping the planet's geography and supporting a rich array of ecosystems. The land area of planet Earth is divided among 195 countries, barring Antarctica.

With approximately 195 countries worldwide, disparities in land distribution are evident. Vast continents like Asia and Africa host numerous nations, each with its unique cultural and geographical characteristics. Meanwhile, smaller countries, such as those in Europe, demonstrate concentrated landmasses. This division influences political boundaries, resource allocation, and global interactions.

Largest and the smallest country in the world

It always fascinates us how the area of some countries is bigger than the area of a few others. The largest country in the world by size is Russia, with a covered surface area of 17.1 million square kilometres. In stark contrast, the smallest country, Vatican City, nestled within Rome, covers a mere 0.49 square kilometres. Thus, by comparison, 34,949,369 Vatican cities can fit inside Russia. Despite its size, Vatican City holds immense cultural and religious importance as the centre of the Catholic Church. This sharp inequality in land area exemplifies the incredible diversity on Earth, showcasing both the expansive scale of some nations and the concentrated significance packed into the smallest spaces.

Top 10 Largest Countries in the world by area wise

1. Russia: Russia, which is the largest country in the world, spans an immense 17.1 million square kilometres, covering two continents and diverse landscapes from the European plains to Siberian tundras. Its vastness plays a crucial role in global geopolitics, offering abundant natural resources and strategic positioning.

The area of the former USSR, which included Russia, was approximately 22.4 million square kilometres, highlighting the substantial reduction in territorial expanse since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

2. Canada: The 2nd largest country in the world is Canada with an approximate area of around 9.98 million square kilometres. Canada is situated in the North American continent with the longest coastline spanning around 243,042 kilometres. The vast country stretches from the Arctic ocean to the Pacific.

3. United States: The United States, a vast and diverse nation, spans approximately 9.8 million square kilometres. This expansive land includes diverse geographical features, from towering mountain ranges to fertile plains and coastal regions.

4. China: The second most populous country in the world, China is the fourth largest country by area. It has a total area of 9.6 million square kilometres. China is also the largest country by area in Asia. The Asian country is divided into vast pleasures - the Tibbet, Gobi Desert in the north and the Taklamakan Desert in the west.

5. Brazil: This South American country has a total area of 8.51 million sq km, out of this vast area, the Amazon rainforest covers a significant portion.

6. Australia: The world's sixth-largest country at 7.69 million sq km, boasts diverse landscapes. It includes the capital city Canberra and the expansive Australian Outback, one of the Earth's largest deserts.

7. India: Spans 3.29 million sq km, diverse geography from the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau. Ganges and Yamuna rivers are crucial. Rich biodiversity, home to Bengal tigers and Indian elephants.

8. Argentina:  Covers 2.78 million sq km. Varied landscapes – Andes in the west, Pampas in the east. Diverse climate aids agriculture. Wildlife includes vicuña and Andean condor.

9. Kazakhstan: Encompasses 2.72 million sq km. Flat steppes, Caspian Sea to the west, Altai Mountains to the east. Abundant in oil, gas, and minerals. Nomadic heritage influences culture.

10. Algeria: Largest African country at 2.38 million sq km. The Sahara Desert dominates, with a Mediterranean coastline. Rich history shaped by Berber, Arab, and French influences.

Largest Countries in the world by area (Table)

Sr No Country Area (In sq km))
1 Russia  17,098,300
2 Canada 9,984,700 
3 United States 9,562,900
4 China 9,525,100 
5 Brazil  8,515,800
6 Australia 7,741,200
7 India 3,287,300
8 Argentina 2,780,400
9 Kazakhstan 2,724,900
10 Algeria 2,381,700

Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Population Wise

1. India:  Surpassing 1.428 billion, India's dense population showcases cultural richness with diverse ethnicities, languages, and traditions. India, along with having the largest population, also has the largest population density in the world.

2. China:  With over 1.425 billion people, China boasts high-density urban areas. Han Chinese form the majority, but it harbours rich ethnic diversity.

3. United States:  Approximately 339 million people inhabit varied landscapes. Urban density prevails, reflecting a diverse mosaic of cultures, races, and ethnicities.

4. Indonesia:  Home to over 277 million, Indonesia's dense population centres on Java. Ethnic diversity spans the archipelago, with the Javanese forming the majority.

5. Pakistan:  With over 240 million, Pakistan's urban density is prominent. The population reflects a mix of Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, and Baloch communities.

6. Brazil:  Around 223 million people inhabit Brazil, a land of diverse cultures. Indigenous, European, and African influences contribute to its rich ethnic tapestry.

7. Nigeria:  Over 216 million reside in Nigeria. Urban density is high, and ethnic diversity includes the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and various other groups.

8. Bangladesh:  Exceeding 172 million, Bangladesh's urban areas are densely populated. The Bengali majority coexists with various ethnic minorities.

9. Russia:  Around 144 million populate Russia, with sparse density in the vast territory. Ethnic diversity includes a Slavic majority and numerous other groups.

10. Mexico:  Boasting a population of over 128 million, Mexico exhibits varied urban density. A mestizo majority coexists with Indigenous and European influences.

Largest Countries in the world by population (Table)

Sr No Country Population (in billion)
1 India 1.428
2 China 1.425
3 United States 339
4 Indonesia 277
5 Pakistan 240
6 Brazil 223
7 Nigeria 216
8 Bangladesh 172
9 Russia 144
10 Mexico 128