Asia, the largest continent in the world, is home to countries that span vast landscapes, from snowy mountain ranges and dense forests to wide deserts and fertile plains. Below is a detailed look at the 15 largest countries in Asia, highlighting their location, total area, and unique geographical or cultural features.
15 Largest Countries in Asia by Land Area
List of top 15 Largest Countries in Asia
Russia
Located in Northern and Eastern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world, covering about 17.1 million square kilometers in total, with a major portion in Asia. It spans across multiple climatic zones, from the Arctic tundra in the north to temperate forests in the south. Russia’s Asian territory includes the Siberian wilderness, Lake Baikal, and part of the Ural Mountains.
China
Situated in East Asia, China covers 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the second-largest country in Asia. It features diverse landscapes such as the Himalayas, the Gobi Desert, and fertile river valleys like those of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. China is also home to the Great Wall and a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years.
India
Found in South Asia, India occupies 3.29 million square kilometers. It is known for its varied geography, ranging from the towering Himalayan peaks in the north to tropical coastlines in the south. The Ganges River, the Thar Desert, and vast agricultural plains make India one of the most diverse countries in the world.
Kazakhstan
Positioned in Central Asia, Kazakhstan spans 2.72 million square kilometers. It is characterized by vast steppes, parts of the Caspian Sea, and stretches of desert. The country has a rich nomadic history and plays a key role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Saudi Arabia
Located in Western Asia (Middle East), Saudi Arabia covers 2.15 million square kilometers. It is largely desert, with famous regions such as the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter). The country is home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, significant in the Islamic world.
Iran
In Western Asia, Iran occupies 1.65 million square kilometers. Its terrain includes mountain ranges like the Zagros and Elburz, vast deserts, and the Caspian Sea coastline. Iran boasts ancient cities, Persian gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Mongolia
Situated in East-Central Asia, Mongolia covers 1.56 million square kilometers. Known for its vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and rugged mountains, it is a country of low population density but rich nomadic traditions and historical significance under the Mongol Empire.
Indonesia
Located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia spans 1.9 million square kilometers, most of which is made up of thousands of islands, including Sumatra, Java, and Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei). The country has tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and incredible biodiversity.
Pakistan
In South Asia, Pakistan covers 881,913 square kilometers. It has diverse terrain, from the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges to the Indus River plains and arid deserts. It also holds historical sites from the Indus Valley Civilization.
Turkey
Positioned in Western Asia (partly in Europe), Turkey occupies 783,356 square kilometers in Asia. Its landscape features mountains, plateaus, and coastlines along the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. Turkey is historically significant, connecting ancient civilizations like the Byzantines and Ottomans.
Myanmar (Burma)
Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar covers 676,578 square kilometers. It features fertile river valleys, dense forests, and mountain ranges. The Irrawaddy River runs through the country, supporting agriculture and trade.
Afghanistan
Situated in Central and South Asia, Afghanistan spans 652,230 square kilometers. Its rugged mountains, arid plains, and historical Silk Road routes have shaped its cultural and strategic importance.
Yemen
In Western Asia (Arabian Peninsula), Yemen occupies 527,968 square kilometers. It is known for its mountains, coastal plains along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, and historic cities like Sana’a.
Thailand
Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand covers 513,120 square kilometers. It features tropical beaches, lush jungles, and fertile river basins, as well as cultural landmarks such as Buddhist temples and royal palaces.
Turkmenistan
Situated in Central Asia, Turkmenistan spans 488,100 square kilometers. The country is dominated by the Karakum Desert and is known for its ancient Silk Road cities and Caspian Sea coastline.
SEE ALSO: Official Languages of Asian Countries | Complete List
Largest countries in Asia by Location and Area
| Country | Location in Asia | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Northern & Eastern Asia | 17,098,242 |
| China | East Asia | 9,596,961 |
| India | South Asia | 3,287,263 |
| Kazakhstan | Central Asia | 2,724,900 |
| Saudi Arabia | Western Asia | 2,149,690 |
| Indonesia | Southeast Asia | 1,904,569 |
| Iran | Western Asia | 1,648,195 |
| Mongolia | East-Central Asia | 1,564,110 |
| Pakistan | South Asia | 881,913 |
| Turkey | Western Asia (partly in Europe) | 783,356 |
Top 15 Largest Countries in Asia with Capitals and Major Cities
| Country | Capital | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Russia (Asian part) | Moscow | Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Vladivostok |
| China | Beijing | Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu |
| India | New Delhi | Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru |
| Kazakhstan | Astana (Nur-Sultan) | Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam |
| Iran | Tehran | Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz |
| Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | Erdenet, Darkhan, Choibalsan, Mörön |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Makassar |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi |
| Turkey (Asian part) | Ankara | Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Gaziantep |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Naypyidaw | Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Mawlamyine |
| Afghanistan | Kabul | Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad |
| Yemen | Sana’a | Aden, Taiz, Al Hudaydah, Ibb |
| Thailand | Bangkok | Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai |
| Turkmenistan | Ashgabat | Turkmenabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Balkanabat |
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What is the largest country in Asia by land area?
Russia is the largest country in Asia, covering about 17.1 million square kilometers, although part of it extends into Europe.
Which is the second-largest country in Asia?
China is the second-largest, with an area of about 9.6 million square kilometers.
What is the smallest country in Asia?
The smallest independent country in Asia is the Maldives, with an area of around 300 square kilometers.
Which Asian country has the highest population?
China has the highest population in Asia, followed closely by India.
Are all the largest Asian countries also the most populated?
No, countries like Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia have large land areas but relatively small populations compared to India or China.
Which countries in Asia are both large in size and have diverse climates?
China, India, and Russia have vast areas that include a wide range of climates, from deserts to tropical regions and snow-covered mountains.