By Travel Facts
Last time we talked about the smallest countries in the world in this new edition however, let’s talk about the largest countries in the world!
The three largest sovereign countries in the world by area are Russia, Canada and the United States. Together, they occupy about a quarter of the Earth’s landmass. You can read below how the rest of the top largest countries.
1
Russia – 17,098,242 Sq. km
Russia is by-far the largest country in the world, covering over 17 million square kilometers of land. The transcontinental country extends halfway around the Northern Hemisphere, over much of Europe and the whole of North Asia. It boasts 11 time zones, and borders 14 different countries. Russia’s runner-up, Canada, barely reaches-over half of Russia’s size in land area. The country covers 1/8 out of the world’s all inhabitable land, while of its own area, only 4.21% is water.
2
Canada – 9,984,670 Sq. km
The world’s second-largest country is the largest of the Americas with nearly 10 million km.sq. of terrestrial area, of which 8.93% is water. Canada was first inhabited by the Inuit in the north, and Native Americans around. Frenchman Jacques Cartier navigated the great entrance via the Saint Lawrence River in 1534 and claimed the shores for the French crown, followed by more English and French settlers. Diplomatic and military matters pertained to the British, and the territory was contested land with Civil Wars. Divided times again, but managing to stay collectively, “Canada” became self-governing under the British Crown in 1931.
3
United States of America – 9,826,675 Sq. km
De USA, land of the free! With 9.826.675 km², the country is in 3rd place of largest countries in the world and is just ahead of neighboring Canada. King-size burgers and hot dog sandwiches, from shiny Hollywood and meter-long limousines, from President Obama and sky-high skyscrapers, from Las Vegas and gigantic shopping malls. The country where everything is possible, but certainly not everything is allowed.
Many people think that the United States is like you see it in the movies. Fast, money-hungry, hurried and superficial. But this world-famous country is much more than just a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster. Beautiful nature reserves, overwhelming cities, relaxed beaches and delicious food. Of course, some places will look familiar to you, but be surprised by the unknown hotspots in this fascinating country.
4
China – 9,706,961 Sq. km
China is the largest country in Asia, boasting massive land where only 1.5% is water. Like Russia, China borders 14 countries, but covers only one time zone. The most-populated country in the world is also its major economic power. The land of early civilization was inhabited for thousands of years, with many legacies shaping the country into present-day regions and cultures. China is home to ancient high traditions, and known-for cultural shifts, mysticism, and Mao’s mastery as a ruler.
5
Brazil – 8,514,877 Sq. km
The largest country in South America occupies over 47% of the continent and borders every other country except Ecuador and Chile. Brazil comprises 26 states and one federal district, with the most-populous city of São Paulo. Within the last century, Brazil gained a wonderful blend of culture from a high level of immigration. It is the largest country in the world that uses Portuguese as an official language, and boasts one of the most diverse populations.
6
Australia – 7,741,220 Sq. km
Oceania’s largest country sits entirely within the Southern Hemisphere. It is the only “coterminous” country in the world, with no distinction where continent ends and country begins. Australia boasts deep history with first inhabitants dating back to 65,000 years ago when they migrated from Southeast Asia. The colonized country developed hundreds of distinct languages before seeing the first European settlers in the early 17th century. Australia gained independence from Britain in 1901. It is one of the most world’s most multicultural countries, and home to the longest continuous culture.
7
India – 3,287,263 Sq. km
The second-largest country in Asia is also the second most populous country in the world that is expected to surpass China’s population count, while its land-area is almost half the size of 6th-ranked, Australia. India is bordered by more, populous countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Nepal, and Pakistan. The country, not for the faint-hearted, is subject to monsoons and hot weather, but with many must-see places and diverse topography.
8
Argentina – 2,780,400 Sq. km
Argentina is the second-biggest country in South America. It is a long, protruding stretch of land extending into Patagonia, with the Atlantic Ocean on the right and Pacific to the left. Argentina is traversed by the Andes Mountain Range, while sharing the majority of the continent’s Southern Cone with Chile. Argentina also claims part of Antarctica’s territory of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands.
9
Kazakhstan – 2,724,900 Sq. km
Kazakhstan is the largest, as well as most economically and politically powerful country in Central Asia. The largest country in the world without an ocean coast over spills into Eastern Europe and borders the Caspian Sea, Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The country is known for one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 6 people per square kilometer. The landscape is uniform, with a lot of desert in full snow-coverage during very cold winters. There are also seven National Parks, some fishing lakes, and many mountainous areas, with snow-capped peaks for skiing.
10
Algeria – 2,381,741 Sq. km
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, located in the north of the continent. It bounds the Mediterranean Sea between Morocco and Tunisia with lands of fruit-bearing trees, like cherries and dates, and immense sands covering 90 percent of the country. Algeria’s southern portion is dominated by deserts that transition into the northern part of the Saharan Desert below. The coastal plains in the north under Mediterranean influence, are separated by the Atlas mountains from the southern region.
