Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
All land on our planet is divided between about two hundred different countries and territories. The only exception is Antarctica, which, in accordance with a special convention, does not belong to any state and is not itself a state either. Among the countries there are both very small in territory, such as Monaco and Malta, and those that occupy millions of square kilometers.
We present to your attention the ten largest countries in the world by area. An interesting fact: if you add up all the countries listed in our rating together, they will occupy about half of the entire land area of the globe.
Ranking of the largest countries by territory in the world
| Nomination | a place | country | area |
| Ranking of the largest countries by territory in the world | 10 | Algeria | 2,381,740 sq. Km |
| 9 | Kazakhstan | 2 724 902 sq. Km | |
| 8 | Argentina | 2 780 4000 sq. Km | |
| 7 | India | 3,287,000 sq. Km | |
| 6 | Australia | 7,686,850 sq. km | |
| 5 | Brazil | 8 515 767 sq. km | |
| 4 | USA | 9 519 431 sq. km | |
| 3 | China | 9 598 962 sq. km | |
| 2 | Canada | 9 984 670 sq. Km. | |
| 1 | Russia | 17 125 191 sq. Km |
10th place – Algeria
Rating: 4.1
Algeria is located in northern Africa and is the largest country on the continent. Most of its territory (about 80%) is occupied by the Sahara Desert, so that settlements are concentrated mainly along the coast, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The area of Algeria is 2,381,740 sq. Km. The capital of the state also has the name Algeria. A significant part of the population is made up of Arab-Berbers, one of the oldest African peoples. A total of 41.32 million people live in the country, most of them profess Islam, which is the official state religion.
The arid desert climate prevailing in Algeria severely limits the use of land resources. In the summer season, the air temperature can reach 50 degrees Celsius, however, in the winter, frost and snow are possible. Sandstorms are also common, interfering with the daily life of Algerians. The country has a well-developed oil industry. It is also worth noting that Algeria has the most modern and largest army on the African continent.
The tourism sector makes a significant contribution to the country's budget. Algeria attracts international visitors with ancient landmarks, desert oases tours, exquisite oriental cuisine and modern five-star hotels. Among the attractions are the deepest cave in Africa, Anu Ifflis and the famous Ink Lake.
9th place – Kazakhstan
Rating: 4.2
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world. Its territory covers 2 724 902 sq. Km. The Aral Sea and part of the Caspian Sea are located on the territory of Kazakhstan, the latter being the largest closed body of water on the planet. Most of the country's territory consists of steppe and desert areas. Kazakhstan borders on Russia and several Asian states. The population is about 18 million people, this number, in addition to the Kazakhs themselves, includes other peoples living in the country, mostly Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars and Uzbeks. The Russian language has the status of the second official here and most of the inhabitants speak it.
The main source of support and development of the economy in Kazakhstan is the extraction of natural resources, primarily oil, gas, coal and various minerals.
The country has a well-developed tourism industry. Due to the presence of mineral lakes and ski resorts, as well as the mass of architectural and natural attractions, tourists in Kazakhstan will always find something to do. But the greatest asset of a state with a rich history is its distinctive traditions, rooted in the times of nomadic peoples and carefully preserved from generation to generation. Kazakhs are distinguished by their hospitality and culinary talents, especially in the preparation of meat, which forms the basis of their diet. However, Kazakhstan is also a very modern state. It is here that the first of all and the largest cosmodrome in the world, Baikonur, is located. And the capital Nur-Sultan is a dynamic metropolis with advanced architecture and infrastructure.
8th place – Argentina
Rating: 4.3
The area of Argentina is 2,780,400 square kilometers. The country's territory stretches from north to south, on one side framed by the Andes mountains, and on the other, east – washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The great length has led to the formation of several climatic zones, in particular the southern part is characterized by a severe cool climate. The population of Argentina is about 44 million people, most of whom live in large cities, and only a small proportion of the inhabitants live in the south and in the western mountainous areas. Ethnically, it consists of the descendants of the Spanish colonialists, as well as Italians and other Europeans who arrived later. Argentina got its name in the 16th century by the Spaniards, who hoped to find deposits of argentum, that is, silver, in their new colonies.
The Argentine economy is based on agriculture and various types of industry. The country also produces natural resources such as oil and uranium ore.
Argentina is known throughout the world as the birthplace of tango. The country's capital, Buenos Aires, is one of the most beautiful cities in South America and is famous for its excellently preserved historic colonial-style architecture. The Iguazu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also very popular among tourists.
7th place – India
Rating: 4.4
India extends over 3,287,000 sq. Km. In the north, it borders on a number of Asian states, in the west, east and south it is washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. India is known as one of the most densely populated countries in the world with a population density of over 350 people per square kilometer. In total, 1.33 billion people live here. India owes its name to the Indus River, on the banks of which the first settlers built their homes. Before being conquered by the British, it was one of the richest countries in the world. At this time, its economy is in the development stage, a significant contribution is made by cultural spheres, in particular Indian cinema and tourism.
The homeland of Buddhism, spices and black tea is extremely attractive to tourists. A unique culture that has preserved ancient oriental traditions, exotic cuisine, magnificent historical buildings – all this can be seen in India. Religion plays a huge role in the life of the local population. The country has many temple complexes with luxurious architecture open to the public. But perhaps the most famous part of the country is the state of Goa. It is one of the main centers of Indian tourism, teeming with first class resorts.
6th place – Australia
Rating: 4.5
Australia is the only state in the world that occupies the entire territory of the mainland. Its area is 7 686 850 sq. km. It is washed by the waters of the Indian and Pacific Ocean. The name Australia comes from the Latin Terra Australis Incognita, which translates to “unknown southern land”. This is how the still undiscovered, but presumably existing, continent was indicated on maps from the 2nd century AD. The bulk of the population, whose total number reaches 24 and a half million people, are descendants of immigrants from England and Ireland. Australia has a very low population density, as a large part of its territory is not suitable for living.
The economy of the state is flourishing thanks to the extraction of diamonds, minerals and a developed oil refining industry. In addition, the mainland annually attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world. Australia has many amazing animals that are not found anywhere else, and the flora is replete with rare plant species. Near the Australian shores lies the Great Barrier Reef, every diver's dream. There are other natural attractions such as Uluru Rock or Hillier Pink Lake. Most interestingly, the unspoiled nature in Australia coexists with vibrant, ultra-modern cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
5th place – Brazil
Rating: 4.6
Brazil occupies 8,515,767 sq. km. It is a bright and beautiful country with emotional, welcoming people. She is known all over the world for her annual grandiose carnivals and her five-time championship soccer team. The state borders on almost all South American countries, and in the east it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The name owes its origin to the special variety of mahogany growing here, Pau Brasil. In total, Brazil is home to 209, 3 million inhabitants who speak 175 languages.
The country has deposits of minerals, especially iron ore, and the cultivation of fruits, sugar cane, tobacco and coffee is also an important part of the economy. It is Brazilian coffee that is considered the best in the world.
Despite the constant influx of tourists, poorly explored places remain on the territory of the country, most of them are located in the vast and dangerous jungles of the Amazon. Among the natural wonders of Brazil, in addition to the aforementioned river, it is worth highlighting the famous Iguazu Falls. But most of all tourists are attracted by Rio de Janeiro, a city of contrasts and entertainment, the symbol of which is the statue of the Savior, one of the new wonders of the world.
4th place – USA
Rating: 4.7
The area of the United States of America is 9,519,431 sq. km. It is the only country located simultaneously in all climatic zones: from the arctic to the tropics. Its coast is washed by the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The United States neighbors Canada, Mexico and Russia through the Bering Strait. In addition to the mainland, the state also includes the Hawaiian Islands located in the Pacific Ocean. The population is over 327.2 million. The ethnic composition is one of the most diverse, but this is not surprising, given that the country was inhabited and built by descendants of settlers literally from all over the world.
The United States is an economically prosperous country with a large number of businesses and well-established exports. Due to the presence of high duties on the import of foreign goods, local production is preferred here. She also excelled in information technology, research and development, and the military industry. It is no secret that the United States has enormous financial and political influence over all countries in North and South America, as well as Europe.
Millions of tourists visit the country every year, thus bringing substantial income to the US government budget. The United States has impressive natural attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, or Yellowstone National Park. Also in the States are four of the ten most popular museums in the world. And of course, people come to the country to look at Hollywood, the center of world film production.
3rd place – China
Rating: 4.8
China is the largest state in Asia, with an area of 9,598,962 sq. km. It has borders with fourteen countries and is washed by four seas of the Pacific Ocean. The modern People's Republic of China is rooted in one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. It was in China that paper, compass and gunpowder were invented. In addition to the size of the territory, the country also differs in the number of population, being the first in this indicator. China is home to 1.386 billion people, and its economic and cultural center, Shanghai, is the largest and most densely populated city in the world. Most of the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom, as it is commonly called, is unevenly settled, due to urbanization and the fact that not all territories of the country are suitable for living.
The pivot of the economy is Chinese production, which exports almost any type of goods. Everything is done in the state: from clothes and household appliances to cars and parts of spacecraft. Also, China has a high level of development in the scientific field.
In terms of tourism, the traces of ancient Chinese civilization are of the greatest interest: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City palace complex, the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang with its famous terracotta army. In addition, many tourists tend to visit Tibet, where the main Buddhist temples and the highest mountains of the planet are located.
2nd place – Canada
Rating: 4.9
Canada occupies 9,984,670 sq. Km. The second largest state is located in North America, it has borders with the main part of the United States and Alaska. The country is washed by three oceans: the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic. It is interesting that with all its vast territory, only about 37 million people live in Canada. The reason for this is the cold and harsh climate prevailing in the north of the country. A significant part of the territory is unsuitable for comfortable living, and the main population is concentrated along the southern border, in the temperate zone. The ethnic composition of Canadians is very diverse, although initially it was represented mainly by the descendants of the French and British.
The state is known for a high level of quality of life, and also leads in the number of citizens with higher education. The Canadian economy is centered around natural resource extraction and fisheries. The country is rich in oil, iron ore and other minerals. It is considered one of the world's leading suppliers of timber.
Canada is known primarily for its ice hockey and its pristine nature. Ecotourism and ski tours are very popular. The main attraction of the country is Niagara Falls, located on the border with the state of New York.
1st place – Russia
Rating: 5.0
The first place in the rating of the world's largest states is occupied by the Russian Federation, whose area is 17,125,191 sq. Km. The country is washed by 12 seas and borders on 18 countries. Due to its vast extent, there are a number of climatic zones, each of which has a rich natural diversity. In different parts of the country you can see taiga and snow-capped mountain peaks and zones of humid subtropical climate with sunny beaches. The territory of Russia is covered with lakes and a dense network of rivers, ten of which are more than 10 kilometers long.
146.7 million people live in the state. The Russian Federation has huge reserves of natural resources, a significant place in the economy is occupied by the extraction of oil, iron ore, coal and other minerals. Recently, the agrarian industry has been developing rapidly. Automotive, aircraft manufacturing and other types of industries are present.
There are many interesting tourist sites in Russia, tens of millions of guests from near and far abroad visit the country every year. The main natural treasures of the country are considered to be the world's deepest lake Baikal and the stratovolcano Elbrus, the highest point in Europe. Russia is known throughout the world for its culture, in particular for its literary and musical heritage. One of the most beautiful cities in the country is St. Petersburg, which is replete with architectural masterpieces, museums and theaters.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
