Map of the 10 largest countries in the world.

Countries by Area

Planet Earth is the 5th largest planet on the solar system, with a total surface area of approximately 510.1 million km2. About 29.2% or 149 million km2 of the Earth’s surface is dry land, while the rest of the surface is covered by water.

The Earth’s surface is divided into large land masses known as continents. The continents are further subdivided into countries, some of which span over large surfaces. Countries are defined by their borders. A country’s political and natural borders determine its physical territory or size. A political boundary is an imaginary line separating one political entity or country from another.

Countries can be ranked by total surface area or land area. Total surface area include the land area and territorial waters belonging to a country. The world’s three largest countries by total area are Russia, Canada, and the US. Together, these countries occupy roughly 7% of the total Earth surface.  The three smallest countries are the Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru. Historically, the largest country or empire was the British Empire, which had influence over 24% of the total Earth Surface. 

Contents:

10 Largest Countries In The World

Map of the 10 largest countries in the world.

The world's ten largest countries cover a total area of approximately 85.74 million km2 or 16.8% of the Earth's total surface area or 49.7% of the total land area of the planet. 

Rank

Country

Total Area in km2 Land Area in km2  Water Area in km2

1

Russia

17,098,242

16,377,742 720,500

2

Canada

9,984,670

9,093,507 891,163

3

United States

9,833,517 

9,147,593 685,924

4

China

9,596,960

9,326,410  270,550

5

Brazil

8,515,770

8,358,140 157,630

6

Australia

7,741,220

7,682,300  58,920

7

India

3,287,263

2,973,193 314,070

8

Argentina

2,780,400

2,736,690 43,710

9

Kazakhstan

2,724,900

2,699,700 25,200

10

Algeria

2,381,740

2,381,740 0

Russia is the largest country in the world with a total area of approximately 17.1 million km2. Of Russia’s total surface area, water accounts for 720,500 km2. Russia is approximately 1.8 times the size of the US.

Canada is the largest country in the Americas and the world’s second-largest country after Russia with a total area of approximately 9.98 million km2. About 9% of Canada’s total surface area is covered with water. Canada is slightly larger than the US.

Canada is followed closely by the United States of America, which has a total surface area of 9.83 million km2 (excluding the overseas territories). However, only 9.1 million km2 of the US total surface area is land. The rest of the area is covered in water. The US is about half the size of Russia and the continent of South America, sligthly larger than Brazil and China, and over twice the size of the European Union.

China is the largest country in Asia and the world’s fourth-largest country, with an area of approximately 9.6 million km2. However, when it comes to total land area, China is slightly larger than the US, covering approximately 9.3 million km2

Brazil and Australia are the 5th and 6th largest countries with total areas of about 8.5 million and 7.7 million km2 respectively. Brazil’s 157,630 km2 and Australia’s 58,920 km2 are covered in water. 

India, the world’s second-most populous country, has a total area of approximately 3.3 million km2, making it the world’s 7th largest country. Just about 314,000 km2 of India’s total surface is covered by water. India is slightly over one-third the size of the US.

Argentina, Kazakhstan and Algeria complete the list of the world's ten largest countries, with surface areas of 2.78 million, 2.72 million and 2.36 million km2 respectively. Only about 43,710 km2 of Argentina's surface area is covered by water, while Kazakhstan water bodies cover a total area of 25,200 km2. Algeria has no water area. Argentina and Kazakhstan's combined area is slightly larger than one-half of the US. Algeria is slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas.

Some Sources Consider China Larger Than The US

Countries worldwide can be ranked using different indices, including total surface area, land area, population, population density, size of the economy, and so much more. It is not a secret that China and the US have always competed for leadership in world affairs, with each aiming to outdo the other. 

One of the areas that will remain a topic of debate as long as the two countries exist is; "which is the larger country?" While there is authentic data to settle the argument, it depends on who is interpreting the data; Chinese or American. According to numerous sources, including the CIA World Factbook, the US is the third-largest country after Russia and Canada by total surface area. The US has a total area of approximately 9.8 million km2. It is closely followed by China, with a total surface area of approximately 9.6 million km2. The total surface area includes land area and water surface.

However, China has an edge over the US when it comes to total land area. China’s total land area is approximately 9.3 million km2, while the US land area is 9.1 million km2. Therefore, China is approximately 2% larger than the US in terms of land area. 

How Big Is Antarctica Compared To The World's Largest Countries?

Antarctica is the coldest, brightest, windiest, driest, and highest continent in the world. It is located mostly to the south of the Antarctic Circle and has a coastline of approximately 18,000 km. Antarctica is almost entirely covered by a thick ice sheet and accounts for about 90% of the Earth’s ice. If the ice covering the region were to melt right now, the sea level worldwide would be raised by 200 feet. But, how big is Antarctica?

Antarctica is the world’s 5th largest continent after Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It covers a total area of approximately 14.2 million km2, of which approximately 13,915 km2 or 98% is ice-covered. Antarctica’s surface area is almost 1.5 times that of the United States. It is roughly the size of the US (9.8 mil. km2) and India (3.3 km2) combined. Russia (17.1 mil. km2) is the only country larger than Antarctica. It is worth noting that Antarctica is the 5th largest continent by area but the least inhabited region.

The Five Smallest Countries in the World

The world's five smallest countries have a combined total area of approximately 110.44 km2, about 36 times smaller than the US’ smallest state (Rhode Island).

Vatican City, an enclave within Rome, Italy, is the smallest country in the world with a total area of approximately 0.44 km2.  It is interesting to note that Vatican City is only about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC, US.

The Principality of Monaco, a city-state within France, is the world’s second-smallest country, covering a total area of approximately 2 km2. It has a coastline of about 4.1 km and a land border of only 5.5 km. It is about thrice the size of the National Mall.

Nauru is the smallest country not categorized as a city-state. It is also the smallest republic and the smallest island country. It is the 3rd smallest country with an area of approximately 21 km2, with a coastline of about 30 km. Nauru does not share its land borders with any country. It is only 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC.

Tuvalu and San Marino are the 4th and 5th smallest countries, with a total area of approximately 26 and 61 km2 respectively. Tuvalu is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and is located between Australia and Hawaii and has a 24-km coastline. San Marino is located in Southern Europe and is surrounded by Italy. San Marino is about one-third the size of Washington, DC.

Rank  Country Total Area in km2
1 Vatican City 0.44
2 Principality of Monaco 2
3 Nauru  21 
4 Tuvalu 26
5 San Marino 61 

Biggest Countries And Empires Of The Past

Some of the countries existing today as individual states once existed as one large sovereign state or empire. However, due to war, conflicts, uprising, rebellion, and annexation, these sovereign states dissolved into individual states. Some of these previously large countries or empires that no longer exist are;

British Empire - 35.5 million km2

British Empire map
A map showing all territories that were once part of the British Empire.

The British Empire was the world’s largest empire in history and had influence in almost all the continents. The empire comprised colonies, dominions, protectorates, territories, and mandates administered by the UK. By 1920, the British Empire had influence over 35.5 million km2or 24% of the Earth’s land area. The empire’s land area was almost four times that of the modern US or twice as large as Russia. At its peak (1913), the empire had a total population of about 412 million, or 23% of the world’s population. 

Mongol Empire - 24 million km2

Although the British Empire was the world’s largest empire in history, the Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire. The empire existed up to 1309 and covered 24 million km2 or 16% of the Earth’s total land area. It stretched from East Asia to the Arctic and covered much of Eastern and Central Europe. The Mongol Empire was almost three times larger than the US. 

Russian Empire - 22.8 million km2

The Russian Empire existed from 1721 to 1917 and stretched over Asia, North America, and Europe. It was the third-largest empire by total area of influence, covering approximately 22.8 million km2 or 15.3% of the Earth’s total land area. The empire was only about 5 million km2 larger than Russia SFSR (present-day Russia) and 0.4 million km2 larger than the subsequent Soviet Union.  

The Soviet Union - 22.4 million km2

USSR Map
Map and Flags of the Republics of the Former USSR

The Soviet Union, commonly known as the USSR, existed between 1922 and 1991. It was a union of several Soviet republics governed by the Communist Party. Although Moscow was the capital, the USSR had influence over an area of approximately 22.4 million km2 or about 15% of the Earth’s total land area, and a population of over 286.7 million people. The USSR was about 5 million km2 larger than present-day Russia and 2.5 times larger than the US. The Soviet Union disintegrated into at least 15 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Moldova, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. 

Qing Dynasty - 4.7 million km2

Qing Dynasty was China’s last imperial dynasty that ruled China proper for almost three centuries between 1644 and 1912. It was the world’s 4th largest empire, influencing an area of approximately 14.7 million km2, or 9.9% of the Earth’s total land area. The empire’s total land area was equivalent to the current area covered by Antarctica and almost 1.5 times larger than the US. Qing Dynasty was succeeded by the Republic of China.

Republic Of China - 11.4 million km2

The Republic of China (ROC) was a short-lived state that existed between 1912 and 1949, after which it was relocated to the island of Taiwan. By 1949, ROC was the world’s most populous country with 549 million people. It covered an area of approximately 11.4 million km2 or 7.7% of the Earth’s total land area. ROC was about 2 million km2 larger than the US.

Spanish Empire - 13.7 million km2

The Spanish Empire existed between 1499 and 1976 and influenced several overseas territories in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was one of the largest empires, covering approximately 13.7 million km2, or 9.2% of the Earth’s total land area. The total area occupied by the empire was almost 1.5 times the size of the US and slightly less than modern-day Russia. The Spanish Empire was succeeded by several countries and territories, including the Kingdom of Spain, Bolivia, Republic of Chile, and Equatorial Guinea. 

Nazi Germany (The Greater German Reich) - 0.8 million km2

Nazi Germany was a German state that existed from 1933 to 1945, during Adolf Hitler’s reign. It influenced an area of approximately 823,505 km2 in 1940 (over ten times smaller than the US), with a population of over 105 million people. Nazi Germany was dissolved in 1945 and its former territories now consist of Germany and Austria, and parts of other countries such as France, Poland, Luxembourg, Belarus, Denmark, and others.

Countries Of The World By Size

Rank Country Total Area in km2

1

Russia

17,098,242

2

Canada

9,984,670

3

United States

9,833,517

4

China

9,596,960

5

Brazil

8,515,770

6

Australia

7,741,220

7

India

3,287,263

8

Argentina

2,780,400

9

Kazakhstan

2,724,900

10

Algeria

2,381,740

11

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

2,344,858

12

Saudi Arabia

2,149,690

13

Mexico

1,964,375

14

Indonesia

1,904,569

15

Sudan

1,861,484

16

Libya

1,759,540

17

Iran

1,648,195

18

Mongolia

1,564,116

19

Peru

1,285,216

20

Chad

1,284,000

21

Niger

1,267,000

22

Angola

1,246,700

23

Mali

1,240,192

24

South Africa

1,219,090

25

Colombia

1,138,910

26

Ethiopia

1,104,300

27

Bolivia

1,098,581

28

Mauritania

1,030,700

29

Egypt

1,001,450

30

Tanzania

947,300

31

Nigeria

923,768

32

Venezuela

912,050

33

Namibia

824,292

34

Mozambique

799,380

35

Pakistan

796,095

36

Turkey

783,562

37

Chile

756,102

38

Zambia

752,618

39

Morocco

716,550

40

Burma

676,578

41

Afghanistan

652,230

42

South Sudan

644,329

43

France

643,801

44

Somalia

637,657

45

Central African Republic

622,984

46

Ukraine

603,550

47

Madagascar

587,041

48

Botswana

581,730

49

Kenya

580,367

50

Yemen

527,968

51

Thailand

513,120

52

Spain

505,370

53

Turkmenistan

488,100

54

Cameroon

475,440

55

Papua New Guinea

462,840

56

Sweden

450,295

57

Uzbekistan

447,400

58

Iraq

438,317

59

Paraguay

406,752

60

Zimbabwe

390,757

61

Japan

377,915

62

Germany

357,022

63

Congo, Republic of the

342,000

64

Finland

338,145

65

Vietnam

331,210

66

Malaysia

329,847

67

Norway

323,802

68

Cote d'Ivoire

322,463

69

Poland

312,685

70

Oman

309,500

71

Italy

301,340

72

Philippines

300,000

73

Ecuador

283,561

74

Burkina Faso

274,200

75

New Zealand

268,838

76

Gabon

267,667

77

Guinea

245,857

78

United Kingdom

243,610

79

Uganda

241,038

80

Ghana

238,533

81

Romania

238,391

82

Laos

236,800

83

Guyana

214,969

84

Belarus

207,600

85

Kyrgyzstan

199,951

86

Senegal

196,722

87

Syria

187,437

88

Cambodia

181,035

89

Uruguay

176,215

90

Suriname

163,820

91

Tunisia

163,610

92

Bangladesh

148,460

93

Nepal

147,181

94

Tajikistan

144,100

95

Greece

131,957

96

Nicaragua

130,370

97

North Korea

120,538

98

Malawi

118,484

99

Eritrea

117,600

100

Benin

112,622

101

Honduras

112,090

102

Liberia

111,369

103

Bulgaria

110,879

104

Cuba

110,860

105

Guatemala

108,889

106

Iceland

103,000

107

South Korea

99,720

108

Hungary

93,028

109

Portugal

92,090

110

Jordan

89,342

111

Azerbaijan

86,600

112

Austria

83,871

113

United Arab Emirates

83,600

114

Czechia

78,867

115

Serbia

77,474

116

Panama

75,420

117

Sierra Leone

71,740

118

Ireland

70,273

119

Georgia

69,700

120

Sri Lanka

65,610

121

Lithuania

65,300

122

Latvia

64,589

123

Togo

56,785

124

Croatia

56,594

125

Bosnia and Herzegovina

51,197

126

Costa Rica

51,100

127

Slovakia

49,035

128

Dominican Republic

48,670

129

Estonia

45,228

130

Denmark

43,094

131

The Netherlands

41,543

132

Switzerland

41,277

133

Bhutan

38,394

134

Guinea-Bissau

36,125

135

Moldova

33,851

136

Belgium

30,528

137

Lesotho

30,355

138

Armenia

29,743

139

Solomon Islands

28,896

140

Albania

28,748

141

Equatorial Guinea

28,051

142

Burundi

27,830

143

Haiti

27,750

144

Rwanda

26,338

145

North Macedonia

25,713

146

Djibouti

23,200

147

Belize

22,966

148

Israel

21,937

149

El Salvador

21,041

150

Slovenia

20,273

151

Fiji

18,274

152

Kuwait

17,818

153

Eswatini

17,364

154

Timor-Leste

14,874

155

The Bahamas

13,880

156

Montenegro

13,812

157

Vanuatu

12,189

158

Qatar

11,586

159

The Gambia

11,300

160

Jamaica

10,991

161

Lebanon

10,400

162

Cyprus

9,251

163

Palestine

6,020

164

Brunei

5,765

165

Trinidad and Tobago

5,128

166

Cabo Verde

4,033

167

Samoa

2,831

168

Luxembourg

2,586

169

Comoros

2,235

170

Mauritius

2,040

171

Sao Tome and Principe

964

172

Kiribati

811

173

Bahrain

760

174

Dominica

751

175

Tonga

747

176

Singapore

719

177

Micronesia, Federated States of

702

178

Saint Lucia

616

179

Andorra

468

180

Palau

459

181

Seychelles

455

182

Antigua and Barbuda

443

183

Barbados

430

184

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

389

185

Grenada

344

186

Malta

316

187

Maldives

298

188

Saint Kitts and Nevis

261

189

Marshall Islands

181

190

Liechtenstein

160

191

San Marino

61

192

Tuvalu

26

193

Nauru

21

194

Monaco

2

195

Vatican City

0.44

Source: United Nations Statistics 

Territories and Dependencies

The following table shows the area of territories and dependencies. These geographic entities are not strictly considered to be countries, but rather are related to other countries.

Rank Territory/Dependency Related Country Total Area in km2

1

Greenland

Denmark

2,166,086

2

Svalbard

Norway

62,045

3

Taiwan

China

35,980

4

New Caledonia

France

18,575

5

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

United Kingdom

12,173

6

Kosovo

Disputed, claimed by Serbia

10,887

7

Puerto Rico

United States

9,104

8

French Polynesia

France

4,167

9

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

United Kingdom

3,903

10

Virgin Islands

United States

1,910

12

Faroe Islands

Denmark

1,393

13

Hong Kong

China

1,108

14

Turks and Caicos Islands

United  Kingdom

948

15

Isle of Man

United Kingdom

572

16

Guam

United States

544

17

Northern Mariana Islands

United States

464

18

Curacao

Netherlands

444

19

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Australia

412

20

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

United Kingdom

394

21

Jan Mayen

Norway

377

22

Cayman Islands

United Kingdom

264

23

Niue

New Zealand

260

24

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

France

242

25

Cook Islands

New Zealand

236

26

American Samoa

United States

224

27

Aruba

Netherlands

180

28

British Virgin Islands

United Kingdom

151

29

Wallis and Futuna

France

142

30

Christmas Island

Australia

135

31

Dhekelia

United Kingdom

131

32

Akrotiri

United Kingdom

123

33

Jersey

United Kingdom

116

34

Montserrat

United Kingdom

102

35

Anguilla

United Kingdom

91

36

Guernsey

United Kingdom

78

37

British Indian Ocean Territory

United Kingdom

60

38

Saint Martin

France

54

39

Bermuda

United Kingdom

54

40

Bouvet Island

Norway

49

41

Pitcairn Islands

United Kingdom

47

42

Norfolk Island

Australia

36

43

Sint Maarten

Netherlands

34

44

Macau

China

28

45

Saint Barthelemy

France

25

46

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australia

14

47

Tokelau

New Zealand

12

48

Paracel Islands

Desputed between China, Vietnam, and Taiwan

8

49

Gibraltar

United Kingdom

7

50

Wake Island

Claimed by the US and Marshall Islands

7

51

Clipperton Island

France

6

52

Navassa Island

Desputed between the US and Haiti

5

53

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Australia

5

54

Spratly Islands

Disputed between China, Malasyia, Brunei, Vietnam, Philippines, and Taiwan

5

55

Coral Sea Islands

Australia

3

Source: United Nations Statistics 

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