The world is made up of nearly two hundred countries, each varying in size, population, and geographical features. While some nations are small island states with limited landmass, others stretch across vast territories that cover multiple time zones, different climatic zones, and a wide range of landscapes. The size of a country often influences its culture, economy, defense, and role in international relations. Understanding the largest countries in the world by area and their capitals not only gives insight into global geography but also highlights how land distribution has shaped human history and modern development.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 20 largest countries in the world by area, discussing their approximate land sizes, their geographical features, and the important capitals that serve as administrative, cultural, and political hubs.
Largest Countries in the World by Area and Capitals
| Country | Capital | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Moscow | 17,098,242 |
| Canada | Ottawa | 9,984,670 |
| China | Beijing | 9,596,961 |
| United States | Washington, D.C. | 9,525,067 |
| Brazil | Brasília | 8,515,767 |
| Australia | Canberra | 7,692,024 |
| India | New Delhi | 3,287,263 |
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | 2,780,400 |
| Kazakhstan | Astana (Nur-Sultan) | 2,724,900 |
| Algeria | Algiers | 2,381,741 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Kinshasa | 2,344,858 |
| Greenland (Denmark) | Nuuk | 2,166,086 |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 2,149,690 |
| Mexico | Mexico City | 1,964,375 |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | 1,904,569 |
| Sudan | Khartoum | 1,861,484 |
| Libya | Tripoli | 1,759,541 |
| Iran | Tehran | 1,648,195 |
| Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | 1,564,116 |
| Peru | Lima | 1,285,216 |
Overview of the Largest Countries in the World by Area
1. Russia – Moscow
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering about 17,098,242 square kilometers, which is almost one-eighth of the world’s total land area. It spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, making it a transcontinental country with vast natural resources, including oil, gas, forests, and minerals.
The capital city, Moscow, is not only Russia’s political center but also a cultural and economic hub, famous for its historical landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square. Moscow plays a crucial role in global politics and serves as one of the largest cities in Europe.
2. Canada – Ottawa
Canada is the second-largest country in the world with an area of about 9,984,670 square kilometers. It is located in North America and is known for its vast wilderness, lakes, and forests. Despite its huge size, Canada has a relatively small population concentrated near the United States border.
The capital, Ottawa, is a planned city known for its political importance, government institutions, and cultural heritage. However, the largest city in Canada is Toronto, while Montreal is another cultural hub.
3. China – Beijing
China ranks third in the world by area, covering approximately 9,596,961 square kilometers. It is the most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people, and has diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to mountains, grasslands, and fertile plains.
The capital, Beijing, is one of the world’s oldest cities and a center of Chinese culture, history, and governance. Iconic landmarks include the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, symbolizing China’s deep-rooted civilization.
4. United States – Washington, D.C.
The United States occupies the fourth position, with a total area of about 9,525,067 square kilometers. It consists of 50 states, spanning from Alaska in the northwest to Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The country is highly developed and known for its diverse landscapes and global influence.
The capital city, Washington, D.C., serves as the nation’s political headquarters, home to the White House, the Capitol, and many federal institutions. It is not the largest city in the U.S., but it holds immense importance for national and international politics.
5. Brazil – Brasília
Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering around 8,515,767 square kilometers. It is famous for the Amazon rainforest, which is the largest tropical forest in the world, as well as its cultural richness and biodiversity.
The capital, Brasília, was built in the 1960s to promote development in the interior of the country. Designed as a modern city with unique architecture, it represents the political heart of Brazil, while São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are economic and cultural giants.
6. Australia – Canberra
Australia is the sixth-largest country by area, with about 7,692,024 square kilometers. It is also the largest island and the only country that is also a continent. Australia is known for its deserts, coastal cities, and diverse ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef.
The capital city, Canberra, was selected as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne. Although smaller in population, it is the administrative center of the country, hosting the Parliament House and many government institutions.
7. India – New Delhi
India is the seventh-largest country, covering around 3,287,263 square kilometers. Despite its size, it ranks second in terms of population, with over 1.4 billion people. India’s geography includes the Himalayas, fertile plains, deserts, and coastal areas.
The capital, New Delhi, forms part of the larger Delhi metropolitan area and serves as the country’s political and administrative hub. It is also rich in history, with landmarks such as the India Gate, Red Fort, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
8. Argentina – Buenos Aires
Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest in South America, covering about 2,780,400 square kilometers. Its geography ranges from the Pampas grasslands to the Andes mountains and Patagonia in the south.
The capital, Buenos Aires, is one of the most vibrant cities in Latin America, known for its European-style architecture, tango music, and cultural diversity.
9. Kazakhstan – Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, occupies around 2,724,900 square kilometers. It stretches across Central Asia and a small part of Eastern Europe, with vast steppes and desert landscapes.
The capital, Astana, recently renamed back to Astana after being called Nur-Sultan, is a modern city with futuristic architecture. It serves as the political and economic center of the country, though Almaty remains the cultural capital.
10. Algeria – Algiers
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, covering about 2,381,741 square kilometers. Much of its land is part of the Sahara Desert, but it also has fertile coastal regions along the Mediterranean Sea.
The capital city, Algiers, is located along the coast and is known for its mix of modern and Ottoman architecture. It is the country’s main political and cultural hub.
11. Democratic Republic of the Congo – Kinshasa
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second-largest country in Africa, with an area of about 2,344,858 square kilometers. It is rich in minerals and natural resources but has faced political instability.
The capital, Kinshasa, lies along the Congo River and is one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a vibrant cultural and political center.
12. Greenland (Denmark) – Nuuk
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is the largest island in the world and covers about 2,166,086 square kilometers. Most of it is covered by ice sheets, making it sparsely populated.
The capital, Nuuk, is the cultural and economic center of Greenland. Despite being small, it plays a crucial role in Arctic politics and climate discussions.
13. Saudi Arabia – Riyadh
Saudi Arabia, covering around 2,149,690 square kilometers, is the largest country in the Middle East. It is known for its deserts, oil reserves, and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The capital, Riyadh, is a rapidly growing city and serves as the country’s political and administrative hub. It is also one of the wealthiest cities in the Arab world.
14. Mexico – Mexico City
Mexico has an area of about 1,964,375 square kilometers, making it the fourteenth-largest country in the world. Its geography includes mountains, deserts, and tropical coastlines.
The capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, rich in history and culture. It was built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan.
15. Indonesia – Jakarta
Indonesia, covering 1,904,569 square kilometers, is the largest archipelagic country in the world, consisting of over 17,000 islands. It is known for its biodiversity, tropical climate, and cultural variety.
The capital, Jakarta, is located on the island of Java and is a bustling metropolis. However, due to overpopulation and flooding, the government is relocating the capital to a new city, Nusantara.
16. Sudan – Khartoum
Sudan is the third-largest country in Africa, covering around 1,861,484 square kilometers. It has diverse landscapes, including deserts and the Nile River.
The capital, Khartoum, is located at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers, serving as a political and cultural hub.
17. Libya – Tripoli
Libya occupies about 1,759,541 square kilometers, most of which is desert. It is known for its vast oil reserves and location in North Africa along the Mediterranean coast.
The capital, Tripoli, is the largest city in Libya and has a mix of modern and historical architecture.
18. Iran – Tehran
Iran, located in Western Asia, covers an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers. It has diverse landscapes including deserts, mountains, and fertile plains.
The capital, Tehran, is the largest city in Iran and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub.
19. Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia covers around 1,564,116 square kilometers, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world. Its geography is dominated by steppes, mountains, and the Gobi Desert.
The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is home to nearly half of the country’s population and serves as the political and cultural center.
20. Peru – Lima
Peru, covering about 1,285,216 square kilometers, is located in western South America. It is known for the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and ancient civilizations like the Inca.
The capital, Lima, is the largest city in Peru and a key cultural, political, and economic center in South America.
Conclusion
The largest countries in the world by area and their capitals not only highlight the vastness of our planet but also show how geography shapes nations. From Russia’s immense territory stretching across two continents to Peru’s unique combination of mountains and rainforests, these countries stand out not only for their size but also for their cultural and historical contributions. Their capitals, while often not the largest cities in population, serve as vital hubs for governance, identity, and national pride. Understanding these countries gives us a deeper appreciation of global geography and the balance between land, people, and political centers.
READ ALSO: Smallest Countries in the World by Area and their Capitals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which is the largest country in the world by area?
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering about 17,098,242 square kilometers.
2. Which is the second-largest country in the world?
Canada is the second-largest country, with a total land area of about 9,984,670 square kilometers.
3. What is the largest country in Asia?
The largest country in Asia is Russia, though a significant part of it also lies in Europe. If considering only the Asian landmass, China is the largest.
4. What is the largest country in Africa?
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, covering around 2,381,741 square kilometers.
5. Which is the largest country in South America?
Brazil is the largest country in South America, with an area of about 8,515,767 square kilometers.
6. Which country has the largest capital city by population?
Among the largest countries listed, China’s Beijing and India’s New Delhi are among the most populated capitals.
7. What is the smallest country in the world by area?
Although not on this list, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with an area of only about 44 hectares (0.44 sq km).
8. Which of the largest countries are landlocked?
Kazakhstan and Mongolia are the largest landlocked countries in the world by area.
9. Which is the only continent that is also a country?
Australia is both a continent and a country, making it unique in the world.
10. Why are capitals important in large countries?
Capitals serve as the political, administrative, and cultural centers of nations, especially in large countries where governance across vast territories can be challenging.