Which Is the Largest Country in the World? Full Comparison by Area

Our planet is a vast tapestry of varied landscapes, ranging from the sun-drenched dunes of the Sahara to the icy, silent stretches of the Siberian tundra. For any enthusiastic traveller or a professional in the finance and insurance sectors, understanding the sheer scale of these landmasses is more than just a lesson in geography. It is about grasping the logistical challenges, the economic potential, and the diverse risks that come with crossing such immense borders. When we ask which is the largest country in the world, the answer seems straightforward at first glance, but the nuances of total area versus land area often spark a fascinating debate.

In this guide, we shall explore the giants of our globe, comparing them by their total surface area and looking at the unique characteristics that define them. Whether you are planning a cross-continental railway journey through the heart of Eurasia or a road trip across the Australian Outback, the size of your destination dictates everything from your itinerary to the type of travel insurance you might require to stay protected against the unpredictable.

The Undisputed Giant: Russia

When discussing the largest country in the world, Russia stands in a league of its own. Spanning two continents: Europe and Asia, it covers a staggering 17,098,242 square kilometres. To put that into perspective, Russia accounts for approximately 11% of the Earth's total inhabited land area. It is so vast that it encompasses 11 different time zones. If you were to board the Trans-Siberian Railway in Moscow and travel all the way to Vladivostok, you would cover over 9,000 kilometres of track, witnessing the landscape shift from European forests to the rugged Ural Mountains and finally the vastness of the taiga.

Because of this immense scale, a trip to Russia is rarely a simple city break. The geographical diversity means you could be facing sub-zero temperatures in the north while enjoying a relatively mild climate in the south. Such varied conditions emphasize the importance of being prepared. For instance, travel insurance for such a destination is not just a checkbox for a visa application; it is a vital safety net. Should you find yourself needing medical assistance in a remote part of the Siberian wilderness, the costs of medical evacuation can be monumental. Ensuring your policy covers such contingencies is essential for any large-scale expedition.

The North American Titans: Canada and the United States

Following Russia, the silver medal for size goes to Canada. With a total area of 9,984,670 square kilometres, Canada is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere. It is a land defined by its wilderness, containing more than half of all the natural lakes on the planet. From the jagged peaks of the Rockies to the maritime charm of the Atlantic coast, Canada offers a sense of space that is hard to find elsewhere.

However, the ranking for the third and fourth spots often depends on how you measure "area." The United States and China frequently trade places in these lists. The United States has a total area of approximately 9,833,517 square kilometres. This figure includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and various territories. The US is a masterclass in geographical variety, featuring everything from the tropical Everglades in Florida to the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii and the arctic reaches of Alaska.

When travelling through these North American giants, the vast distances between cities mean that flight delays or lost luggage are statistically more likely than on shorter, regional hops. This is another area where a robust travel insurance policy proves its worth, offering compensation for travel disruptions that could otherwise derail an expensive holiday.

The Asian Powerhouse: China

China ranks closely with the United States, with a total area often cited around 9,596,960 square kilometres. It is the largest country situated entirely within Asia. China’s geography is as deep as its history, featuring the highest plateau on Earth: the Tibetan Plateau, vast deserts like the Gobi, and lush, subtropical forests in the south.

The complexity of navigating a country of this size, especially one with such high population density in its eastern hubs, requires careful planning. For the modern traveller, exploring the Great Wall or the futuristic skyline of Shanghai is an unforgettable experience, but the sheer scale of domestic travel within China means one must remain mindful of the logistics and potential health risks in different provinces.

The Southern Hemisphere Leaders: Brazil and Australia

Moving south of the equator, we find the fifth and sixth largest nations. Brazil, the jewel of South America, covers 8,515,770 square kilometres. It is the only country in the world that has the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn running through it. Home to the majority of the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil's size is matched only by its incredible biodiversity.

Then we have Australia, which is unique in being both a country and a continent. Covering 7,741,220 square kilometres, it is the largest country without any land borders. The "Island Continent" is famous for its vast "Red Centre" or Outback, where the distance between petrol stations can be hundreds of kilometres.

Travelling in Australia or Brazil often involves heading into remote areas where infrastructure may be sparse. Whether you are trekking through the Amazon or driving across the Nullarbor Plain, the risk of accidents or sudden illness is ever-present. This is why many experienced travellers ensure their travel insurance includes specific provisions for adventure activities or remote recovery, as local healthcare facilities might be a long flight away.

The Top 10 Largest Countries at a Glance

To help you visualise the scale, here is a comparison of the top ten nations by total area:

Why Land Area and Total Area Matter

You might notice that different sources sometimes give slightly different rankings for the top five. This is usually because of how they calculate "total area." Total area includes the land mass plus all inland waterways like lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. For a country like Canada, which is famously "water-rich," its ranking stays high because of its millions of lakes.

In contrast, if we were to look strictly at land area (the surface of the country excluding all water bodies), the rankings might shift. For example, some datasets suggest that the United States has a slightly larger land area than Canada once all the northern lakes are subtracted. Regardless of these technicalities, the fact remains that these nations are the true behemoths of our world, shaping global politics, trade, and climate.

The Geographic Giants of Africa and South America

Completing the top ten are India, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Algeria. India, the seventh largest, is a subcontinent in its own right, bursting with cultural and geographical diversity. Argentina occupies most of the southern portion of South America, stretching from the tropical north to the glacial landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.

Kazakhstan holds the title of the world's largest landlocked country, a massive steppe-land that serves as a bridge between Europe and the Far East. Finally, Algeria is the largest country in Africa. Since the partition of Sudan in 2011, Algeria has taken the top spot on the continent, with the vast majority of its territory covered by the Sahara Desert.

Navigating the Giants: A Traveller's Perspective

Visiting any of the top ten largest countries is a significant undertaking. The sheer volume of land means that you cannot "see" the country in a single trip. Instead, you have to choose regions. In a country like Russia or Canada, moving from one province to another can be like entering a different world entirely.

Logistical planning becomes paramount. You must consider visa requirements, internal transport (often involving domestic flights or long-distance trains), and the varying levels of healthcare across different regions. It is also wise to remember that the larger the country, the more varied the legal and financial landscape.

When you are thousands of miles from home in a country as large as Brazil or Kazakhstan, having a safety net is non-negotiable. While we often think of travel insurance as a way to cover medical bills, it also provides invaluable assistance in navigating lost documentation or emergency communication. In many of these large nations, certain regions may have specific entry requirements or mandatory insurance stipulations, so always check the local regulations before you depart.

Read More : Which is the Cleanest Country in the World? 

Conclusion

The question of which is the largest country in the world reveals a lot about our planet's diverse nature. From the frozen reaches of Russia and Canada to the arid deserts of Algeria and Australia, these nations represent the extreme scales of geography. They offer a lifetime of exploration for the curious traveller and a complex environment for the global citizen.

Understanding the size of these countries helps us appreciate the logistical and environmental challenges they face. It also reminds us that when we venture out to explore these vast territories, we must do so with respect for the scale and a well-prepared plan.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Which is the largest country in the world by total area?

Russia is the largest country in the world, covering over 17 million square kilometres.

2. Is China larger than the United States?

The ranking between China and the US often shifts depending on whether you count coastal and territorial waters. Generally, they are very similar in size, occupying the third and fourth spots.

3. Which is the largest country in Africa?

Algeria is the largest country in Africa by total area, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

4. What is the largest landlocked country?

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to an ocean.

5. Does the largest country also have the largest population?

No. While Russia is the largest by area, India and China have the largest populations in the world.

6. Is Antarctica a country?

No, Antarctica is a continent governed by the Antarctic Treaty System. If it were a country, it would be the second largest in the world.

7. Which country has the longest coastline?

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching over 202,000 kilometres.

8. Why do some maps make Greenland look larger than Australia?

This is due to the Mercator projection used in most maps, which distorts the size of landmasses as they get closer to the poles. In reality, Australia is more than three times larger than Greenland.

9. Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting these large countries?

Requirements vary. For example, Russia often requires proof of insurance for visa applications, while others like the USA or Canada do not mandate it but strongly recommend it due to high healthcare costs.

10. Which is the largest country in South America?

Brazil is the largest country in South America, followed by Argentina.

11. Does total area include lakes and rivers?

Yes, the "total area" of a country typically includes its landmass and all inland water bodies.

12. How many time zones does Russia have?

Russia spans 11 different time zones due to its massive east to west breadth.

13. Which is the smallest country in the world?

Vatican City is the smallest country, covering only about 0.44 square kilometres.

14. Why is India considered a "subcontinent"?

Due to its vast size, distinct tectonic plate, and the natural barrier of the Himalayas, India is often referred to as a subcontinent.

15. Can I drive across the largest countries?

Yes, but it requires immense planning. Driving across Russia or Australia can take weeks and involves navigating very remote stretches of land.