WHEN it comes to ranking the largest countries on Earth in 2023, we focus on total land area rather than population. These countries boast vast expanses of territory that beckon to those seeking wide-open spaces and new horizons.
If you’ve ever yearned for more room to roam, consider the following United Nations-recognized nations, each large enough to accommodate you and your family comfortably, with plenty of breathtaking landscapes to explore.
Let’s delve into the top ten largest countries in the world in 2023 and, if you have a thirst for open space and extended journeys, perhaps find inspiration for your next travel destination. Although visiting the top-ranked country might pose challenges due to ongoing conflicts, the others offer unique opportunities to explore their immense territories.
- Algeria – 2,381,740 km²
Algeria, situated in North Africa, achieved its independence in 1962 following an eight-year struggle against French occupation. Prior to that, the land endured centuries of foreign rule, dating back to the 3rd Century BC with the Numidians.
With a population of approximately 45.5 million, Algeria in 2023 is renowned for its Mediterranean climate and vast Saharan deserts, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tassili n’Ajjer, famous for its abundant rock art.
- Kazakhstan – 2,724,900 km²
Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, boasts a total area of 2,724,900 km². Its territory spills over into Europe west of the Ural River.
With an estimated population of just under 19.6 million, Kazakhstan ranks among the less densely populated nations on this list. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, with over a million ethnic Kazakhs returning in the subsequent decade.
Known as the world’s largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan is a region of diverse landscapes, from the expansive Kazakh Steppe adorned with Bronze Age petroglyphs to its rugged mountains, canyons, and the famous Baikonur Cosmodrome, where numerous space missions are launched.
- Argentina – 2,780,400 km²
Argentina, spanning 2,780,400 km², finds itself in eighth place among the world’s largest countries. This South American nation is famous for producing two of the greatest football players in history.
With an estimated population of around 45.75 million, Argentina is a vibrant country graced with stunning landscapes and a 4,989 km coastline. Its journey to independence from Spain began in 1816, ultimately culminating in the Argentina we know today. Beyond its football fame, Argentina is celebrated for its picturesque beaches, the towering Andes mountains, Telampaya National Park, and mesmerizing waterfalls.
- India – 3,287,263 km²
India, with its expansive 3,287,263 km², ranks as the seventh-largest country globally. It also lays claim to the world’s rainiest location.
This ancient nation, formerly known as the “Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire,” has been inhabited for millennia, with traces dating back to the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC – the Indus Valley civilization. India is renowned for its religious monuments, palaces, diverse wildlife (including elephants and tigers), and its rich, varied geography featuring mountains, deserts, and the iconic Ganges River.
With an estimated population of nearly 1.43 billion, India stands as the most densely populated country on this list, surpassing even China.
- Australia – 7,741,220 km²
Australia’s vastness is so exceptional that it qualifies as its own continent, covering a total area of 7,741,220 km², which is more than twice the size of India.
As a pop-culture icon, Australia is famous for “shrimps on the barbie,” its unique and formidable wildlife (including Saltwater crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos), the striking Outback, Ayers Rock, and, notably, the Great Barrier Reef.
With a population of just under 26.5 million, Australia ranks as the most sparsely populated country on this list, closely trailing Kazakhstan. Indigenous Australians have inhabited the land for over 60,000 years, and it later became a part of the British Empire, primarily serving as a penal colony with over 150,000 convicts.
- Brazil – 8,515,770 km²
Brazil, the largest country in South America and the southern hemisphere, encompasses a total area of 8,515,770 km².
Brazil is renowned for the Amazon rainforest, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and its unwavering passion for football, with numerous FIFA World Cup victories.
With over 216.35 million inhabitants, Brazil stands as the most populous country in South America. It achieved full independence from Portuguese rule in 1822 after more than three centuries of colonial governance.
- China – 9,596,960 km²
China, the largest country entirely within Asia, spans a total area of 9,596,960 km², ranking fourth globally in land area and second in population size, with an estimated 1.425 billion inhabitants.
As one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, China boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th Century BC. Known for landmarks such as the Great Wall, Giant Pandas, the ethereal Zhangjiajie mountains, and the Forbidden City, it offers a myriad of captivating attractions.
- The USA – 9,833,517 km²
The United States of America, with its vast 9,833,517 km², takes second place in North America as the largest country.
The USA declared independence from British rule in 1776 and has since played a pivotal role in global politics. Its diverse landscapes encompass the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley, and other natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon.
With an estimated population of just under 340 million, there is ample room for exploration within the United States.
- Canada – 9,984,670 km²
Canada, with a colossal total area of 9,984,670 km², stands as the second-largest country globally and the largest in North America, surpassing the USA.
Despite its immense size, Canada maintains a relatively small population, estimated at 38.7 million in 2023. This vast land is home to attractions like Niagara Falls, extensive forests teeming with wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain lions, as well as the longest coastline globally, spread across over 52 thousand islands. The country boasts numerous lakes, including Lake Superior, Huron, and Great Bear Lake, which contribute to its status as the nation with the most lakes, exceeding the rest of the world combined.
- Russia – 17,098,242 km²
Russia reigns supreme as the largest country in the world, covering an astounding 17,098,242 km². It nearly doubles the size of Canada and constitutes roughly 11 percent of the Earth’s total landmass. Russia’s vast expanse extends from the northeast of Europe across the northern reaches of Asia.
Due to permafrost, over 60 per cent of Russia is uninhabitable. Thanks to portions of it melting, some people hunt mammoth tusks in the country.
With a population of just under 145 million, Russia is another sparsely populated nation on this list. Due to the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing conflict, travelling to Russia is ill-advised.
(Filed by Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)
Source: BBC Science Focus