There are about 250 countries and territories around the world. Some of them occupy a very small area, while others are spread over several million kilometers. What are the most big countries by territory? Where are they located, and how many people inhabit them? All this will be discussed below.
It is no secret that most of the planet's territory is covered by oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. In total, they occupy about 71% of the Earth, with the remaining 29% being land inhabited by humans. Moreover, more than 40% of the land is the area occupied by large countries of the world. There are 10 of them on the planet.
List of large countries
- So, Russia is at the head of the largest countries. Its territory is several times larger than the territory of many other countries and amounts to 17,075,400 km2. At the same time, there are very few bodies of water in the country and 16,995,800 km2 is land. Consequently, 12.5% of the Earth's landmass is in Russia alone;
- Canada is in second place on this list. Its area is almost 2 times smaller than Russia - 9,984,670 km2. Of these, about 9 million square kilometers are land. Therefore, it occupies 6.1% of the earth's land mass;
- The third place of honor belongs to China. This amazing country belongs to 9,596,960 km2, of which only 200 thousand are water sources, and the rest is land. Therefore, China makes up 6.26% of the Earth's land area. But at the same time, almost 1.5 billion people live in this territory;
- Large countries by area include the United States of America. They occupy the fourth stage and have an area of 9,518,900 km2. Of this, land accounts for approximately 9,162,000 km2, which means that America occupies 6.15% of the Earth's territory. But if we talk about the size of the American population, then the United States is in 3rd place;
- Next comes Brazil. Its area is slightly more than 8 million square kilometers, or more precisely 8,511,965 km2, on which almost 200 million people live. The country of carnivals occupies 5.67% of the earth's land area;
- The next country is Australia. Its uniqueness is that it is a separate continent and completely constitutes its territory, which extends over 7,686,850 km2. Of these, only about 67 thousand km2 fall on water sources. Therefore, Australia occupies 5.1% of the entire planet's landmass;
- India rightfully took seventh position. Its area is 3,287,590 km2, of which 2,973,190 km2 is land. Consequently, 2% of the earth's land falls on this eastern country;
- Next comes Argentina. It accounts for 1.8% of the Earth's territory because the countries have an area of 2,776,890 km2;
- In penultimate place is Kazakhstan. Just like the previous country, it occupies 1.8% of the earth's land and has an area of 2,717,300 km2;
- And finally, Sudan closes this list. Its area is 2,505,810 km2, which corresponds to 1.6% of the planet's land mass.
The Russian Federation is located on the Eurasian continent and occupies a significant part of it - almost a third of the continent. The country ranks first in terms of territory, but in terms of population density it ranks only 9th. The most populous city in Russia is its capital, Moscow. The country is divided into territories and regions, as well as into republics and autonomous okrugs. There are 46 regions in Russia, 22 republics, 17 autonomous subjects and districts. Russia has beautiful nature, many rivers and lakes. Some rivers are famous all over the world, such as the Amur, Don or Volga. The length of each of them is at least 10 km. On the territory of the Russian Federation there is also the deepest Lake Baikal, filled with pure water and attracting tourists from all over the world. The nature of Russia is diverse. Here you can soak up the sunny beach, plunge into the warm southern sea or see never-melting glaciers, feel the frost in summer time year and watch the northern lights.
Russia is a neighboring country for 19 states, the border between them runs both by land and sea
China's population density is the highest, and the country is not only among the top three as the largest by area, but it is also one of the most densely populated.
China is located on the Eurasian continent, where its border touches the borders of 14 countries, and on the other side it is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. China is divided into 31 territorial entities. Of these, 22 are provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 centrally subordinate cities. The capital of China is Beijing.
The country is the largest on the continent of South America and shares common borders with all countries located on it. WITH east side Brazil is located on the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the country's capital is very easy to remember, since it bears the name of its state - Brazil.
Brazil is the world's largest supplier of sugar, oranges, wheat and soybeans. The state cooperates and exports agricultural products to countries such as Russia, the USA, China, Indonesia and others.
The main attraction of Brazil is, of course, its colorful carnivals. To watch this celebration, many people come from far corners of the planet. The scope of the festival is amazing: a riot of colors, feathers, sparkles - all this remains in the memory forever.
The symbol of Brazil is the statue of Christ the Savior, it is located in the city of Rio De Janeiro on the top of Mount Corcovado
It ranks second in area in South America. The country's layout is oblong and runs from north to south. Argentina is diverse in its climate conditions, and this is not surprising! On large territory various natural areas are located. The south of Argentina is cold and has deserts with harsh weather conditions, the north of the country has a subtropical climate. In the west along the border there is the Andes mountain system, and on the eastern side Argentina is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
The most big city Argentina is Buenos Aires, which is also the capital of the state
Sudan
The main part of the country's territory is the Darfur and Kordofan plateaus, surrounded by the Central African Highlands to the south and the Ethiopian Highlands to the east. The main waterway of Sudan is the famous Nile River.
The capital of Sudan occupies approximately 120 km² and, in fact, consists of three cities - Khartoum, North Khartoum and Omdurman, united into one Big city, the settlement took a common name - Khartoum.
Now the question of which is the largest country in the world should not arise. This list represents the ten largest countries by territory. If we were talking about population, it would be completely different. After all, for example, in China, more than a hundred people live on one square kilometer, while in Russia there are only about a dozen.
If we talk about which is the largest country in Europe, then of the above countries, a significant part of Europe is occupied, of course, by Russia, but since it is located only partially on its territory, the first place rightfully belongs to Ukraine.
07.08.2013
The total area of planet Earth is 510 million km2, and the area of all continents is only 149 million km2 (30% of total area). About 50% of this territory belongs to just ten countries, which will be discussed in our ranking - This is the top 10 largest countries in the world. By the way, there are a total of 206 countries on the planet, of which 194 are independent states.
10. Algeria
Territory: 2,381,740 km2 Population: 37 million people Capital: Algeria
Opens ten largest countries in the world the only representative of the African continent, the Algerian People's Democratic Republic, or simply Algeria, is the northernmost and largest independent African state. Most of Algeria is covered by the Sahara Desert. The country's main source of income is the gas and oil industry. The country occupies one of the leading positions in the world in terms of oil and gas reserves. Despite this, more than 17% of the population lives below the poverty line. Although the country is not included in the top ten, . A familiar picture.
9. Kazakhstan
Territory: 2,724,900 km2 Population: 17 million people Capital: Astana
A post-Soviet country with a rich historical and cultural past, Kazakhstan is in 9th place. Like Russia, Kazakhstan is a Eurasian state, most of which is located in Asia. Like Algeria, Kazakhstan can be classified as a gas and oil magnate.
8. Argentina
Territory: 2,766,890 km2 Population: 41 million people Capital: Buenos Aires
One of two Latin American countries in our ranking- Argentina. The homeland of the two past and present times, Maradona and Messi, is named after the precious metal - silver, of which there later turned out to be not much there. Interesting fact- in the capital of Argentina you can walk along the longest street in the world - the number of houses on the street exceeds 20,000.
7. India
Territory: 3,287,590 km2 Population: 1,223 million people Capital: New Delhi
One of the two world leaders in terms of population, India also has a huge area, more than 3 million, and the seventh largest country in the world. The country's economy is struggling to keep up with its excellent population and area figures. Potentially, the Indian economy is one of the leading economies of the world in the future. The birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism and, of course, tea.
6. Australia
Territory: 7,686,850 km2 Population: 23 million people Capital: Canberra
The only mainland country in the ranking is Australia, a continent in which everything is the other way around - in winter it is hot and summer, and in summer it is cold and winter. Despite the vast territories in Australia's possessions, not all of them are accessible to life. On the territory of Australia and in its coastal waters there are many unique and very large ones, but the population of the country, on the contrary, is not very numerous. Despite this, Australia's Human Development Index is second in the world, and its GDP is 12th. Interesting fact: use a search engine to ask “how do Australians see the world?” and you will be pleasantly surprised. Perhaps even something will turn inside you.
5. Brazil
Territory: 8,511,965 km2 Population: 197 million people Capital: Brasilia
The second and last Latin American country on this list largest countries - largest state South America. The birthplace of carnivals in Rio de Janeiro and, of course, the most football country in the world. For any person interested in sports, Brazil is, first of all, the 5-time world champions in football and the homeland of Pele, the king of football. The capital of Brazil, the city of Brasilia, was built in just 3.5 years.
4. China
Territory: 9,640,821 km2 Population: 1,347 million people Capital: Beijing
Every sixth inhabitant of the planet is Chinese. In the course of history, the country's almost 1.5 billion population received the 4th largest state territory in the world (6% of the total land area on the planet). It’s difficult to talk about China, because it is the first in almost everything. Look at the country of origin 10 household appliances in your home and are guaranteed to find something from China. There is no need to talk about the achievements of Chinese athletes. USA on olympic games now there is someone to compete with.
3. USA
Territory: 9,826,675 km2 Population: 314 million people Capital: Washington
The United States of America, with , won in this ranking, largest countries an unusual bronze award. The most “democratic” country in the world, well, at least that’s what they say, has all the prerequisites for this: the first GDP indicator in the world, a huge territory in the center North America. It is washed on both sides by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The country's population, as well as its area, is the third largest among all countries. One thing is bad - tornadoes and cyclones with frantic force and enviable regularity give the residents of the United States a beating.
2. Canada
Territory: 9,976,139 km2 Population: 34 million people Capital: Ottawa
The northern neighbor of the United States, which has surpassed its competitor in territory by only 3 France or Spain. But not the entire territory of Canada is as suitable for life, and the population of the country is ridiculous compared to the territory it occupies - only 34 million people, which is why the population density is one of the lowest in the world. Despite all this, Canada, with its ecology and nature, remains a “promised land” and a lifelong dream for many. Interesting fact:
The northernmost settlement in the world is in Canada, and the length of its borders is a record. All this is thanks to the large population of the eastern part of the country.
1. Russia
Territory: 17,075,400 km2 Population: 143 million people Capital: Moscow
With a large gap from pursuers and competitors - Russian Federation the biggest country in the world. A Eurasian state, most of which is located in Asia and in lands unsuitable for human life. The richest country in the world in terms of reserves of raw materials and fuel resources. It is also the longest country in the world - when people go to bed in the European part of the country, in the other part they can already lazily stretch and wake up. The most “neighboring” country borders 18 countries.
20. Peru is a country in South America. The capital is Lima. Area - 1,285,220 km². It is the third largest country in South America by area.
19. Mongolia is a state in Central Asia. The capital is Ulaanbaatar. Area - 1,564,116 km².
18. Iran is a state in southwest Asia. The capital is the city of Tehran. Area - 1,648,000 km².
17. Libya - a state in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast. The capital is Tripoli. Area - 1,759,540 km².
16. Sudan is a state in East Africa. Khartoum. Area - 1,886,068 km².
15. Indonesia is a state in the South- East Asia. The capital is Jakarta. Area - 1,919,440 km².
14. Mexico is a state in North America. The capital is Mexico City. Area - 1,972,550 km².
13. Saudi Arabia- the largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. The capital is Riyadh. Area - 2,149,000 km².
12. Denmark is a state in Northern Europe, a senior member of the Commonwealth of States of the Kingdom of Denmark, which also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The capital is Copenhagen. Area - 2,210,579 km².
The territory of the island of Greenland is 98% of the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark
11. Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state in Central Africa. The capital is Kinshasa. Area - 2,345,410 km².
10. Algeria is a state in North Africa in the western part of the Mediterranean basin. The capital is Algeria. Area - 2,381,740 km². Algeria is the largest country in Africa by territory.
9. Kazakhstan is a state located in the center of Eurasia, most of which belongs to Asia, and a smaller part to Europe. The capital is Astana. Area - 2,724,902 km².
Kazakhstan - largest country, which does not have access to the World Ocean.
8. Argentina is a country located in the southeastern part of the South American mainland, the eastern part of the island Tierra del Fuego, nearby Estados islands, etc. The capital is Buenos Aires. Area - 2,766,890 km².
7. India is a country in South Asia. The capital is New Delhi. Area - 3,287,263 km².
6. Australia is a state in the Southern Hemisphere, occupying the mainland of Australia, the island of Tasmania and several other islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans. The capital is Canberra. Area - 7,692,024 km².
5. Brazil - located in the eastern and central part of the mainland of South America. The largest state in terms of area and population in South America. The capital is Brasilia. Area - 8,514,877 km².
The only country on both American continents that speaks Portuguese.
4. The USA is a state in North America. The capital is Washington. Area - 9,519,431 km².
3. China is a state in East Asia. The capital is Beijing. Area - 9,598,077 km².
China is the largest country in the world by population - over 1.35 billion.
2. Canada is a country in North America. The capital is Ottawa. Area - 9,984,670 km².
1. Russia is a state in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Moscow the capital. The area of Russia, taking into account the two new regions of Crimea and Sevastopol, in 2014 is 17,126,122 km².
Russia is the largest state in terms of area in both Europe and Asia.
Largest states by area by continent
- Asia - Russia (the area of the Asian part of Russia is 13.1 million km²)
- Europe - Russia (the area of the European part of Russia is 3.986 million km²)
- Africa - Algeria (area 2.38 million km²)
- South America - Brazil (area 8.51 million km²)
- North America - Canada (area 9.98 million km²)
- Australia and Oceania - Australia (area 7.69 million km²)
Largest countries by population
- People's Republic of China - 1,366,659,000
- India - 1,256,585,000
- USA - 317,321,000
- Indonesia - 249,866,000
- Brazil - 201 017 953
- Pakistan - 186,977,027
- Nigeria - 173,615,000
- Bangladesh - 156,529,084
- Russia - 146,048,500 (including Crimea and Sevastopol)
- Japan - 127,100,000
- Mexico - 119,713,203
- Philippines - 99,798,635
- Ethiopia - 93,877,025
- Vietnam - 92 477 857
- Egypt - 85,402,000
- Germany - 80 523 746
- Iran - 77,549,005
- Türkiye - 76,667,864
- Thailand - 70 498 494
- Democratic Republic of the Congo - 67,514,000
China and India (1st and 2nd places) account for 33% of the world’s population, and the next 15 countries (3rd to 17th places) have another 33%
Largest states by population by continent
- Asia - China (1,366,659,000)
- Europe - Russia (population of the European part of Russia - 114,200,000)
- Africa - Nigeria (173,615,000)
- South America - Brazil (201,017,953)
- North America - USA (317,321,000)
- Australia and Oceania - Australia (24,104,000)
9th place: - a state with an area of 2,724,902 km², located in the center of Eurasia, most of which belongs to Asia, and the smaller part to Europe. Kazakhstan is the fourth largest country in Asia by area.
8th place: - a state in South America with an area of 2,766,890 km². Argentina is the second largest country in South America. Argentina claims part of the territory of Antarctica, but it is not included in the total territory of the country, because According to international standards, Antarctica is neutral territory.
7th place: - a state in South Asia with an area of 3,287,263 km². India is the third largest country in Asia by territory.
6th place: - a state in the Southern Hemisphere, occupying the mainland of Australia, the island of Tasmania and several other islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans. The area of Australia is 7,692,024 km².
5th place: - a state in South America with an area of 8,514,877 km². Brazil - largest country in South America by area.
4th place: USA- the second largest state in North America. You can find different data on the area of the United States. The CIA World Fact Book puts the figure at 9,826,675 km², which puts the United States in third place in terms of territory among countries in the world, but the CIA data takes into account the area of territorial waters (5.6 km from the coasts). Encyclopedia Britannica indicates the area of the United States excluding territorial and coastal waters - 9,526,468 km². Thus, the USA is still smaller than China in area.
3rd place: - a state in East Asia with an area of 9,598,077 km² (including Hong Kong and Macau). China is the second largest country in Asia.
2nd place: Canada is the largest country in North America by territory with an area of 9,984,670 km².
The largest country in the world by territory is Russia, its area for 2019 is 17,124,442 km² (including Crimea) . Russia is located in Europe and Asia at the same time. The area of the European part of Russia is about 3.986 million km², which is 7 times larger than the area of the second country according to this indicator. European country- Ukraine. The European part of Russia makes up about 40% of the territory of all Europe. 77% of Russia's territory is located in Asia; the Asian part of Russia has an area of 13.1 million km², which is also noticeably larger than the area of any Asian country. Thus,Russia is the largest country in both Europe and Asia.
Map of Russia in 2019 (with Crimea):
Russia (with Crimea) on the globe:
The largest states by area by continent and part of the world
The largest country in Asia is Russia (the area of the Asian part of Russia is 13.1 million km²)
The largest country in Europe is Russia (the area of the European part of Russia is 3.986 million km²)
The largest country in Africa is Algeria (area 2.38 million km²)
The largest country in South America is Brazil (area 8.51 million km²)
The largest country in North America is Canada (area 9.98 million km²)
The largest country in Oceania is Australia (area 7.69 million km²)
The largest countries in the world by population
10th place: Japan is an island state in East Asia with a population of 126.4 million people.
8th place: Bangladesh is a state in South Asia with a population of 169.5 million people.
7th place: Nigeria is a state in West Africa with a population of 198.6 million people.
6th place: Brazil - population 209.5 million people.
5th place: Pakistan is a state in South Asia with a population of 212.7 million people.
4th place: Indonesia is a state in Southeast Asia with a population of 266.3 million people.
3rd place: USA - population 327.2 million people.
2nd place: India - population 1.357 billion people.
The largest country in the world by population is China. Population - 1.394 billion people. But, according to scientists, China will lose its leadership in this indicator in 2022, because... it will be surpassed by India, which has higher population growth rates. At the beginning of 2019, India's population is 97% of China's population.
The largest states by population by continent and part of the world
The largest country in Asia by population is China (1.394 billion people)
The largest country in Europe by population is Russia (the population of the European part of Russia is 114 million people)
The largest country in Africa by population is Nigeria (198.6 million people)
The largest country in South America by population is Brazil (209.5 million people)
The largest country in North America by population is the USA (327.2 million people)
The largest country in Oceania by population is Australia (25.2 million people)