Land Area By Country
Land area is a key factor in a country's geographical significance and resource potential. This dataset from Global Firepower ranks nations by their total land area, showcasing the vast geographic diversity across the globe.
Which country has the largest land area?
Russia leads the world in land area, spanning an immense 17,098,242 square kilometers, making it the largest country globally. Canada follows with 9,984,670 square kilometers, and the United States ranks third with 9,826,675 square kilometers. China and Brazil complete the top five, with 9,596,961 and 8,514,877 square kilometers, respectively.
Top 10 countries by land area
The top 10 countries with the largest land areas are:
1. Russia: 17,098,242 km²
2. Canada: 9,984,670 km²
3. United States: 9,826,675 km²
4. China: 9,596,961 km²
5. Brazil: 8,514,877 km²
6. Australia: 7,741,220 km²
7. India: 3,287,263 km²
8. Argentina: 2,780,400 km²
9. Kazakhstan: 2,724,900 km²
10. Algeria: 2,381,741 km²
How is land area distributed globally?
Land area is distributed unevenly across continents. Russia dominates Eurasia with its vast expanse, while Canada and the United States represent the largest countries in North America. In the Southern Hemisphere, Brazil and Australia showcase their geographic dominance. Africa's largest countries include Algeria, DR Congo, and Sudan, reflecting its diverse landmass distribution.
Why does land area matter for nations?
Land area contributes to a nation's resource availability, biodiversity, and strategic importance. Larger countries like Russia and China benefit from diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources, while smaller nations often focus on efficient land use and urban development to maximize their potential.
