Africa is a vast and diverse continent, stretching from the Mediterranean coast in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south, and from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Indian Ocean in the east. It is home to over a billion people and holds some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, from sweeping deserts and tropical rainforests to expansive savannas and majestic mountain ranges. In this guide, we explore the top 15 largest countries in Africa, detailing their locations, sizes, and the unique characteristics that make each of them stand out.
Top 15 Largest Countries in Africa
Algeria
Located in North Africa, Algeria is the largest country on the continent, covering about 2.38 million square kilometers. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north, offering a long coastline, while most of its interior is dominated by the vast Sahara Desert. Algeria is rich in oil and natural gas reserves and has a mix of Arab, Berber, and French cultural influences.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Situated in Central Africa, the DRC covers 2.34 million square kilometers, making it the second-largest country in Africa. It is rich in mineral resources and is home to the Congo River, one of the world’s most powerful waterways. The DRC also boasts tropical rainforests, savannas, and volcanic mountains.
Sudan
Sudan, in North-East Africa, occupies 1.88 million square kilometers. It has a long stretch along the Red Sea and a predominantly desert landscape, with the Nile River flowing through its territory. Sudan has a rich ancient history, being home to the Nubian pyramids and archaeological treasures.
Libya
Covering 1.76 million square kilometers, Libya is located in North Africa along the Mediterranean coast. Its interior is largely desert, with the Sahara covering much of the land. Libya is known for its oil wealth and ancient ruins from the Roman and Greek periods.
Chad
Chad is a Central African country spanning 1.28 million square kilometers. It is landlocked and features desert in the north, dry Sahel in the center, and fertile savanna in the south. Lake Chad, once one of Africa’s largest lakes, lies in the western part of the country.
Niger
Located in West Africa, Niger covers about 1.27 million square kilometers. The country’s terrain is mostly desert, with the Sahara dominating its northern region. Agriculture and livestock are vital to its economy, especially in the more fertile southern areas.
Angola
Situated in Southern Africa along the Atlantic coast, Angola has an area of 1.24 million square kilometers. It is rich in oil and diamonds, with varied landscapes that include coastal plains, highland plateaus, and desert areas in the south.
Mali
Mali, a West African nation, spans 1.24 million square kilometers. It is largely desert or semi-desert, but the Niger River runs through it, providing fertile lands in some regions. Historically, Mali was home to the great empires of West Africa and the famous city of Timbuktu.
South Africa
Located at the southern tip of the continent, South Africa covers 1.22 million square kilometers. It is known for its varied landscapes, including mountains, savannas, and coastlines along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It also has a diverse economy and rich cultural heritage.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, spans 1.10 million square kilometers. It is a landlocked country with a highland terrain and a long history as one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. Ethiopia is also notable for never having been colonized, aside from a brief Italian occupation.
Mauritania
Covering 1.03 million square kilometers, Mauritania is located in North-West Africa. The Sahara covers most of its territory, and it has a small Atlantic coastline. Mauritania’s culture blends Arab-Berber traditions with Sub-Saharan African influences.
Egypt
Egypt, in North-East Africa, has an area of 1.00 million square kilometers. It is famous for its ancient civilization along the Nile River, which flows through its otherwise desert landscape. Egypt has coastlines along both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Tanzania
Situated in East Africa, Tanzania covers 945,000 square kilometers. It is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, as well as famous wildlife-rich national parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The island of Zanzibar also belongs to Tanzania.
Nigeria
Nigeria, in West Africa, has an area of 924,000 square kilometers. It is Africa’s most populous country and has diverse landscapes ranging from coastal plains to savannas and rainforests. Nigeria is a major economic powerhouse on the continent.
Namibia
Located in Southern Africa, Namibia covers about 825,000 square kilometers. It is known for the Namib Desert along its Atlantic coastline, dramatic landscapes, and rich wildlife.
SEE ALSO: African Countries and their Official Languages (complete list)
Top 10 Largest Countries in Africa (Table)
| Country | Capital | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Algiers | 2,381,741 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Kinshasa | 2,344,858 |
| Sudan | Khartoum | 1,861,484 |
| Libya | Tripoli | 1,759,541 |
| Chad | N’Djamena | 1,284,000 |
| Niger | Niamey | 1,267,000 |
| Angola | Luanda | 1,246,700 |
| Mali | Bamako | 1,240,192 |
| South Africa | Pretoria | 1,221,037 |
| Ethiopia | Addis Ababa | 1,104,300 |
| Mauritania | Nouakchott | 1,030,700 |
| Egypt | Cairo | 1,002,450 |
| Tanzania | Dodoma | 945,087 |
| Nigeria | Abuja | 923,768 |
| Namibia | Windhoek | 825,615 |
Top 15 Largest Countries in Africa with Capitals and Major Cities
| Country | Capital | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Algiers | Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Blida |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Kinshasa | Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani, Goma |
| Sudan | Khartoum | Omdurman, Port Sudan, Kassala, Nyala |
| Libya | Tripoli | Benghazi, Misrata, Sabha, Bayda |
| Chad | N’Djamena | Moundou, Sarh, Abeche, Kelo |
| Niger | Niamey | Zinder, Maradi, Agadez, Diffa |
| Angola | Luanda | Huambo, Lobito, Benguela, Lubango |
| Mali | Bamako | Sikasso, Mopti, Timbuktu, Kayes |
| South Africa | Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial) | Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Soweto |
| Ethiopia | Addis Ababa | Dire Dawa, Mekelle, Gondar, Bahir Dar |
| Mauritania | Nouakchott | Nouadhibou, Rosso, Kaedi, Kiffa |
| Egypt | Cairo | Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, Aswan |
| Tanzania | Dodoma | Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya |
| Nigeria | Abuja | Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt |
| Namibia | Windhoek | Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Oshakati, Rundu |
FAQ
What is the largest country in Africa by area?
The largest country in Africa is Algeria, covering about 2.38 million square kilometers.
Which African country has the most population among the largest countries?
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, despite being 14th in size by land area.
Are all the largest countries in Africa rich in natural resources?
Most of them, such as the DRC, Angola, and Libya, are rich in resources like oil, minerals, and natural gas.
Which largest countries in Africa are landlocked?
Countries like Chad, Mali, Niger, and Ethiopia are landlocked.
Do all the largest African countries have deserts?
Not all, but many such as Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania have vast desert regions.
Which largest African country has the highest mountain?
Tanzania has Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.