Determining the sheer scale of our planet is a fascinating endeavor, and one of the most compelling aspects is understanding the size of the countries that divide its landmass. When we ask, “What Is The Biggest Country In The World?”, the answer is definitively Russia. Spanning an astonishing 17,098,242 square kilometers (6,601,665 square miles), Russia dwarfs all other nations in terms of area, covering approximately 11% of the Earth’s total landmass of 148,940,000 square kilometers (57,510,000 square miles).
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Unveiling the World’s Largest Countries by Area
To truly grasp the immensity of Russia and its place among global giants, let’s delve into a detailed ranking of countries and dependencies based on their total area. It’s important to note that “Total Area” encompasses both land area and water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. The measurements are provided in both square kilometers (Km²) and square miles (mi²) for easy comparison.
| # | Country | Total Area (Km²) | Total Area (mi²) | Land Area (Km²) | Land Area (mi²) | % of world landmass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 17,098,242 | 6,601,665 | 16,376,870 | 6,323,142 | 11.0% |
| 2 | Canada | 9,984,670 | 3,855,101 | 9,093,510 | 3,511,022 | 6.1% |
| 3 | China | 9,706,961 | 3,747,877 | 9,388,211 | 3,624,807 | 6.3% |
| 4 | United States | 9,372,610 | 3,618,783 | 9,147,420 | 3,531,837 | 6.1% |
| 5 | Brazil | 8,515,767 | 3,287,955 | 8,358,140 | 3,227,095 | 5.6% |
| 6 | Australia | 7,692,024 | 2,969,906 | 7,682,300 | 2,966,151 | 5.2% |
| 7 | India | 3,287,590 | 1,269,345 | 2,973,190 | 1,147,955 | 2.0% |
| 8 | Argentina | 2,780,400 | 1,073,518 | 2,736,690 | 1,056,641 | 1.8% |
| 9 | Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 | 1,052,089 | 2,699,700 | 1,042,360 | 1.8% |
| 10 | Algeria | 2,381,741 | 919,595 | 2,381,740 | 919,595 | 1.6% |
| 11 | DR Congo | 2,344,858 | 905,354 | 2,267,050 | 875,313 | 1.5% |
| 12 | Greenland | 2,166,086 | 836,330 | 410,450 | 158,476 | 0.3% |
| 13 | Saudi Arabia | 2,149,690 | 830,000 | 2,149,690 | 830,000 | 1.4% |
| 14 | Mexico | 1,964,375 | 758,449 | 1,943,950 | 750,563 | 1.3% |
| 15 | Indonesia | 1,904,569 | 735,358 | 1,811,570 | 699,451 | 1.2% |
| 16 | Sudan | 1,886,068 | 728,215 | 1,765,048 | 681,489 | 1.2% |
| 17 | Libya | 1,759,540 | 679,362 | 1,759,540 | 679,362 | 1.2% |
| 18 | Iran | 1,648,195 | 636,371 | 1,628,550 | 628,786 | 1.1% |
| 19 | Mongolia | 1,564,110 | 603,906 | 1,553,560 | 599,833 | 1.0% |
| 20 | Peru | 1,285,216 | 496,224 | 1,280,000 | 494,211 | 0.9% |
| 21 | Chad | 1,284,000 | 495,755 | 1,259,200 | 486,180 | 0.8% |
| 22 | Niger | 1,267,000 | 489,191 | 1,266,700 | 489,075 | 0.9% |
| 23 | Angola | 1,246,700 | 481,353 | 1,246,700 | 481,353 | 0.8% |
| 24 | Mali | 1,240,192 | 478,841 | 1,220,190 | 471,118 | 0.8% |
| 25 | South Africa | 1,221,037 | 471,445 | 1,213,090 | 468,376 | 0.8% |
| 26 | Colombia | 1,141,748 | 440,831 | 1,109,500 | 428,380 | 0.7% |
| 27 | Ethiopia | 1,104,300 | 426,372 | 1,000,000 | 386,102 | 0.7% |
| 28 | Bolivia | 1,098,581 | 424,164 | 1,083,300 | 418,264 | 0.7% |
| 29 | Mauritania | 1,030,700 | 397,955 | 1,030,700 | 397,955 | 0.7% |
| 30 | Egypt | 1,002,450 | 387,048 | 995,450 | 384,345 | 0.7% |
| 31 | Tanzania | 945,087 | 364,900 | 885,800 | 342,009 | 0.6% |
| 32 | Nigeria | 923,768 | 356,669 | 910,770 | 351,650 | 0.6% |
| 33 | Venezuela | 916,445 | 353,841 | 882,050 | 340,561 | 0.6% |
| 34 | Pakistan | 881,912 | 340,508 | 770,880 | 297,638 | 0.5% |
| 35 | Namibia | 825,615 | 318,772 | 823,290 | 317,874 | 0.6% |
| 36 | Mozambique | 801,590 | 309,496 | 786,380 | 303,623 | 0.5% |
| 37 | Turkey | 783,562 | 302,535 | 769,630 | 297,156 | 0.5% |
| 38 | Chile | 756,102 | 291,932 | 743,532 | 287,079 | 0.5% |
| 39 | Zambia | 752,612 | 290,585 | 743,390 | 287,024 | 0.5% |
| 40 | Myanmar | 676,578 | 261,228 | 653,290 | 252,237 | 0.4% |
| 41 | Afghanistan | 652,230 | 251,827 | 652,860 | 252,071 | 0.4% |
| 42 | Somalia | 637,657 | 246,201 | 627,340 | 242,217 | 0.4% |
| 43 | Central African Republic | 622,984 | 240,535 | 622,980 | 240,534 | 0.4% |
| 44 | South Sudan | 619,745 | 239,285 | 610,952 | 235,890 | 0.4% |
| 45 | Ukraine | 603,500 | 233,013 | 579,320 | 223,677 | 0.4% |
| 46 | Madagascar | 587,041 | 226,658 | 581,795 | 224,632 | 0.4% |
| 47 | Botswana | 582,000 | 224,711 | 566,730 | 218,816 | 0.4% |
| 48 | Kenya | 580,367 | 224,081 | 569,140 | 219,746 | 0.4% |
| 49 | France | 551,695 | 213,011 | 547,557 | 211,413 | 0.4% |
| 50 | Yemen | 527,968 | 203,850 | 527,970 | 203,850 | 0.4% |
(Table continues with the remaining countries as in the original article)
Russia: The Colossus of Continents
Russia’s vast expanse is truly remarkable. Spanning across eleven time zones, from the borders of Europe to the Pacific Ocean, Russia occupies a significant portion of both Europe and Asia. This transcontinental nation’s size is so immense that it’s larger than the entire continent of Australia and nearly twice the size of the contiguous United States.
A panoramic view of Moscow, the capital city of Russia, showcasing the modern cityscape alongside the historic Kremlin and Moskva River, illustrating the country’s blend of vastness and urban development.
To put its size into perspective, consider these comparisons:
- Area Equivalent: Russia’s total area is roughly equivalent to the combined areas of the United States, China, and Argentina.
- Continental Reach: If Russia were a continent, it would be the seventh largest, surpassing even Australia.
- Distance Across: Traveling from Russia’s westernmost point to its easternmost point would take you across nearly half the globe.
This sheer size contributes to Russia’s diverse landscapes, ranging from arctic tundra and vast forests to grasslands and mountains. It also influences its climate, resources, and cultural diversity, making it a truly unique and globally significant nation.
Beyond Russia: A Look at the Top Contenders
While Russia firmly holds the title of the biggest country, the nations trailing behind are also geographically impressive.
Canada, the second-largest country, encompasses vast wilderness, including extensive forests, mountains, and arctic regions. Its coastline is the longest in the world, bordering three oceans.
China, in third place, boasts a diverse geography from the Himalayas to deserts and fertile plains, supporting the world’s largest population.
The United States, ranking fourth, stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and includes diverse landscapes from mountains and deserts to fertile farmlands and arctic territories in Alaska.
Brazil, the largest country in South America and fifth globally, is characterized by the Amazon rainforest, vast river systems, and diverse ecosystems.
A breathtaking satellite view of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, highlighting the lush greenery and immense scale of this vital ecosystem within one of the world’s largest countries.
Australia, often called the “island continent” and the sixth largest country, is known for its unique wildlife, deserts, and diverse coastal regions.
These top countries, along with Russia, collectively demonstrate the vast scale of our planet and the diverse geographical tapestry it holds.
Why Country Size Matters
Understanding the size of countries is more than just a matter of geographical trivia. It has significant implications in various aspects:
- Resource Management: Larger countries often possess greater natural resources, influencing their economic and political power.
- Environmental Impact: The size and geographical diversity of a country impact its environmental policies and contributions to global climate discussions.
- Geopolitics: Landmass plays a crucial role in geopolitical strategy, trade routes, and international relations.
- Cultural Diversity: Vast countries frequently encompass a wider range of cultures, ethnicities, and languages within their borders.
In conclusion, when considering what is the biggest country in the world, Russia stands out as a land of immense proportions. However, exploring the ranking of the largest countries provides valuable insights into the geographical diversity and scale of our world, highlighting the unique characteristics and global significance of each nation. The size of a country is not merely a number; it’s a key factor shaping its identity, resources, and role in the global landscape.
