World Countries by Area Ranking
World Countries by Area Largest and Smallest on Earth
Understanding world countries by area ranking offers a fascinating look at global geography. Countries vary drastically in land size, from the vast, expansive terrains of Russia and Canada to the tiny island nations like Nauru and Tuvalu.
This page provides a complete and up-to-date ranking of world countries by area, including land size in square kilometers, unique facts, and an overview of how geography shapes a nation’s identity, resources, and geopolitical influence.
Whether you’re curious about the largest countries in the world by area or the smallest, this guide delivers an easy-to-understand yet deeply informative journey across all continents.
Why Country Size Matters
Strategic Importance
Large countries like Russia, Canada, China, and the United States possess abundant natural resources, vast territories for agriculture, and strategic military advantages due to geographical expanse.
Economic Influence
Land size often correlates with economic strength, though not always. For example, Brazil, due to its massive area, leads in agriculture and biodiversity, while tiny Singapore thrives economically despite limited space
Environmental Diversity
Big countries boast multiple climate zones. Russia covers tundras, forests, and mountain ranges. Brazil features rainforests, coasts, and plateaus. The larger the area, the more biodiversity and ecosystems it can support.
List Of The Biggest Nation :
- Russia with a total area of 17,098,242 Km² Is The World Largest Country With 11% of the total world’s, Surface area
- Ranked second on this list is Canada, a North American country, with a total area of 9,984,670 km²
- China : 9,706,961 km²
- United States Of America (USA) : 9,372,610 km²
- Brazil : 8,515,767 km²
For Further And All Nation Ranked , See Below Content
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Continent-Wise Summary of Countries by Area
Asia
Asia hosts giants like Russia (partly in Asia), China, and India, each with diverse terrains, populations, and climates. Asia dominates the top world countries by area ranking due to its large landmass and multiple vast nations.
Africa
Africa’s largest country is Algeria, followed by DR Congo and Sudan. The continent features extensive deserts, rainforests, and plateaus.
North America
Canada and the United States lead here, showcasing rich biodiversity, major mountain ranges, and major freshwater resources.
South America
Brazil is not only the largest in South America but ranks 5th in the world. It is followed by Argentina and Peru, known for the Amazon, Andes, and more
Europe
Though small compared to other continents, Russia’s European portion makes it the largest here. Ukraine and France follow in size.
Oceania
Oceania : Australia is by far the largest, followed by Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Island nations like Nauru and Tuvalu are among the smallest on Earth.
Countries That Lost or Gained Land
- Sudan lost land to South Sudan in 2011.
- Pakistan and India were partitioned in 1947, affecting total area.
- Russia inherited much of the USSR’s land area.
Which is the largest country by area in the world?
Russia, with an area of 17.1 million sq. km
Which country is the smallest?
Vatican City, only 0.49 sq. km in area.
Which continent has the most large countries?
Asia, with countries like Russia, China, and India.
Is Canada larger than the United States?
Yes, Canada is larger in land area, though the US has more people.
How many countries are under 100 sq. km?
Around 6, including Vatican City, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, San Marino, and Liechtenstein.