Top 10 Largest Countries by Land Area

With a total area of approximately 17,125,200 square kilometers (6,612,100 sq mi), Russia is the largest country in the world by land area. Spanning across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia's diverse landscape ranges from Arctic tundras to subtropical forests. The country's vast territory accounts for over 11% of the Earth's total land area, making it roughly 1/8th the size of the United States. In Russian history, the country was part of various empires and was known as Kievan Rus' before becoming an independent nation.

Covering a vast territory of approximately 10,085,000 square kilometers (3,900,000 sq mi), Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area. This northern nation stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific Ocean and features diverse geography including mountains, forests, lakes, and tundras. Approximately 40% of the world's fresh water lies within Canada's borders, with many notable rivers such as the Mackenzie and St. Lawrence. The country is home to a variety of indigenous peoples and has a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years.

With an expansive territory of about 9,596,961 square kilometers (3,705,407 sq mi), China is the third-largest country in terms of land area. Its varied landscapes include deserts, mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as extensive coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and Yellow Sea. A significant portion of China's territory was under foreign control at various times throughout history, with Mongolia controlling nearly 70% during the Yuan dynasty. The country is also home to some of the world's oldest and most influential civilizations, such as the Shang and Qin dynasties.

Spanning a vast area of approximately 9,161,928 square kilometers (3,537,438 sq mi), the United States is fourth in terms of land area among countries worldwide. The country's diverse geography includes major mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains and Appalachian Mountains, extensive coastlines along both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and vast plains stretching across the interior. Approximately 20% of the world's freshwater is found within U.S. territories, with numerous notable rivers including the Mississippi, Missouri, and Colorado.

Covering a massive area of around 8,514,877 square kilometers (3,288,000 sq mi), Brazil is the largest country in both South America and the Latin American region by land area. The diverse landscape includes Amazon rainforest, which makes up more than 60% of its territory, as well as the world's largest freshwater reserve - the Amazon River. The vast tropical climate allows for a wide range of flora and fauna species to thrive within its borders. Brazil has played significant roles in various international agreements, including the UN and Mercosur.

Situated on the Asian continent and occupying an area of approximately 7,617,930 square kilometers (2,936,557 sq mi), Australia is both the world's smallest continental country by land area and the largest island nation globally. The diverse landscape consists of tropical rainforests in the north, arid deserts to the west, temperate forests in the south, and rocky coastlines along its extensive borders on all sides except for a very small portion near Papua New Guinea. Over 20% of Australia's land is classified as National Parks.

Extending across a vast area of around 3,287,590 square kilometers (1,269,219 sq mi), India ranks seventh in terms of the largest landmass among countries worldwide. The nation’s geography encompasses diverse landscapes from snow-capped Himalayas in the north to tropical rainforests along the southern coastlines and arid deserts in the west. Approximately 3.3% of the world's total freshwater resource lies within Indian territorial boundaries, making it a vital source for its water supply.

With an expansive territory of approximately 2,780,400 square kilometers (1,073,518 sq mi), Argentina ranks eighth among countries with the largest land area globally. The diverse geography includes major mountain ranges such as the Andes in the west and subtropical forests to the east, encompassing its varied flora and fauna across nearly all regions of the country. Its vast territory accounts for about 1/8th of South America's total region.

Situated within Central Asia and occupying an area of around 2,724,900 square kilometers (1,052,100 sq mi), Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country by land area in the world. The vast territory spans both deserts and mountain ranges including the Tian Shan in its south and Caspian Sea coastline to the north. Over 80% of Kazakhstan's surface features arid plains and steppes.

Extending across an expansive area of approximately 2,381,741 square kilometers (919,595 sq mi), Algeria ranks tenth among countries with the largest landmass globally. The nation’s diverse geography encompasses Mediterranean coastal plains in the north to Sahara Desert in the south and mountain ranges including the Atlas Mountains along its western borders. Approximately 7% of Algeria's total area is classified as protected areas or national parks due to environmental conservation efforts.