Largest Country in the World, Area, Population, Significance

The largest country in the world refers to a nation with the greatest total land area. Earth’s land surface spans around 148 million square kilometers, and a handful of countries occupy most of it. From Russia’s icy frontiers to Brazil’s rainforests, these countries shape global trade, climate, and politics. Understanding their size helps

explain how geography influences economic and environmental power worldwide.

Largest Country in the World

The largest country in the world is Russia, spanning 17.1 million square kilometers and stretching across Europe and Asia. This means it covers 11% of Earth’s total land area and spans 11 time zones, more than any other nation. Russia’s immense landmass includes forests, lakes, mountains, and permafrost regions, giving it immense natural resources but also governance challenges.

Read About: Most Populated Country in the World

Largest Country in the World List by Area

These five countries occupy nearly one-third of the Earth’s landmass. The top 5 largest countries based on the area has been tabulated below:

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Top 5 Largest Countries of the World

1. Russia- The Largest Country in the World

• Russia remains the world’s largest nation, extending from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
• Area: 17.1 million sq km
• Capital: Moscow
• Population (2025): ~144 million
• Natural Wealth: Oil, gas, coal, forests (20% of global coverage)

Its vast expanse allows major influence over trade routes, energy supply, and global politics, though managing remote regions remains a challenge.

2. Canada- The Second Largest Country

• Canada ranks second among the largest countries in the world, with 9.98 million sq km.
• Population: ~40 million
• Unique Feature: World’s longest coastline- 243,000 km
• Resource Strength: Freshwater reserves, minerals, and Arctic oil

Canada’s northern territories remain largely uninhabited, highlighting its contrast between size and population density

3. China- The Largest in Asia

• China, covering 9.6 million sq km, ranks fourth globally (However it is disputed till date).
• Population: ~1.4 billion
• Geography: Plateau, plains, deserts, and mountains
• Key Fact: Shares borders with 14 countries

Despite being smaller than Russia and Canada in area, its vast population and economic scale make China a global powerhouse.

4. United States- The Third Largest

• The United States extends across 9.8 million sq km with varied landscapes, from Alaska’s tundra to Florida’s beaches.
• Population: ~340 million
• Economy: Largest nominal GDP in the world
• Environment: Diverse biomes including deserts, forests, and grasslands

Its large area allows vast agricultural productivity, industrial growth, and cultural diversity.

5. Brazil- The Largest in South America

• Brazil, at 8.5 million sq km, ranks fifth.
• Population: ~213 million
• Unique Feature: Amazon Rainforest covering 60% of its land
• Biodiversity: Home to 10% of Earth’s species

Brazil’s large geography plays a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle through its Amazon ecosystem.

Read About: Superlatives of the World

Largest Country in the World Map

If visualized on a world map, the five largest countries dominate their entire continents. Together, these five countries create a belt of geographical dominance across the Northern Hemisphere, influencing global weather patterns, trade corridors, and energy routes.

• Russia spans across northern Eurasia, visible as the most extensive landmass.
• Canada occupies the northern half of North America.
• China covers the eastern section of Asia with dense central plains along with several diverse land features..
• The United States stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific with Alaska adding Arctic coverage.
• Brazil fills the majority of South America’s eastern region.

Largest Country in the World Geographical Significance

The largest countries in the world significantly affect the Earth’s climate and ecosystems:

• Russia and Canada regulate global temperature through Arctic and boreal forests.
• China and the U.S. impact emissions, industry, and innovation.
• Brazil’s Amazon Basin absorbs a large percentage of the world’s carbon dioxide.
• These nations also contain major rivers (Amazon, Mississippi, Yangtze), glaciers, and deserts that influence the global hydrological and atmospheric balance.

Largest Country in the World Economic and Strategic Importance

Large territories often mean greater resource availability and political leverage. BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) plus South Africa accounted for over 32% of global GDP in 2022, while the G7 (including the US and Canada) represented around 30% of global GDP.

• Russia: Major energy exporter and military power.
• China: Leading manufacturer and trading hub.
• United States: Technological and financial superpower.
• Canada: Supplier of minerals, timber, and oil sands.
• Brazil: Agricultural and environmental leader.

Largest Country in the World Challenges

Despite being large in the area of extension, these countries face several challenges as given below:

• Climate Change Impact:
  • Arctic melting and Amazon deforestation affect global systems.
  • Way Forward: Strengthen international environmental commitments.
• Unequal Development:
  • Remote regions remain poor and underdeveloped.
  • Way Forward: Expand infrastructure and digital access.
• Population Imbalance:
  • Dense cities vs. empty rural zones.
  • Way Forward: Promote regional industrialization.
• Resource Dependence
  • Heavy reliance on oil or coal exports.
  • Way Forward: Diversify towards clean energy sectors.
• Environmental Degradation
  • Overexploitation of forests and minerals.
  • Way Forward: Enforce conservation laws.
• Governance Issues
  • Difficult to administer vast territories.
  • Way Forward: Improve decentralization and local governance.
• Border Conflicts
  • Large borders increase geopolitical tensions.
  • Way Forward: Strengthen diplomacy and security cooperation.
• Natural Disasters
  • Droughts, floods, and wildfires affect vast lands.
  • Way Forward: Invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
• Urbanization Pressure
  • Rapid city growth strains resources.
  • Way Forward: Promote smart urban planning.
• Climate Refugees
  • Migration from affected regions
  • Way Forward: Develop humanitarian and migration frameworks.

Largest Country in the World India’s Position

India ranks seventh among the largest countries in the world, covering 3.29 million sq km. Though smaller than Russia or Canada, India’s geographic diversity, ranging from the Himalayas to coastal plains, supports one of the world’s richest ecosystems.

Features:

• Population (2025): 1.46 billion (largest globally)
• Coastline: 7,516 km
• Climate Zones: India experiences a wide range of climate zones, from tropical monsoon in the south to alpine/ tundra in the Himalayas and arid desert in the west.
• Economic Impact: Fifth-largest global economy
• India’s geographical advantage aids its agricultural productivity, renewable energy expansion, and trade through key ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi.

Largest Country in the World UPSC

The largest countries in the world, Russia, Canada, the United States, China and Brazil, represent the geographical and ecological pillars of our planet. Their vast territories hold immense resources, biodiversity, and strategic strength. While their size grants influence, it also demands responsible management to protect the environment and ensure equitable growth. For India and developing nations, studying these countries’ geography and governance provides lessons in balancing expansion with sustainability. The major features of these largest countries are:

• Russia’s Lake Baikal holds 20% of Earth’s freshwater.
• Canada has more lakes than all other countries combined.
• China’s Great Wall extends over 21,000 km.
• The U.S. has the world’s largest economy and advanced climate zones.
• Brazil produces nearly 6% of global oxygen through the Amazon rainforest.