Countries and their borders have been changing throughout history. Once a part of powerful empires, countries have emerged to be sovereign and independent states today. The largest countries are ranked based on the area they cover, which combines water and land surfaces in square kilometres. A survey conducted by Statista that was released in July 2019 stated the largest countries in the world. These countries also include overseas territories, boundaries, and coastlines.
7 Largest Countries In The World
1. The Rise And Fall Of Powers: Russia
Spread across an area of 17,098,242 square kilometres, Russia leads as the world’s largest country. From the Mongol invasion, and the rule of the Romanov dynasty to the Bolsheviks, the Soviet Union and modern-day Russia, the country has undergone major changes. The country expands from Europe to Northern Asia. The biggest country in the world has different types of environments that range from deserts to Arctic regions. The country covers 11 time zones and has the longest river in Europe, the Volga. Russia has natural attractions like Olkhon Island and Ruskeala, heritage destinations like Sergiev Posad and The Solovki Islands, and landmarks like Catherine Palace, St Basil’s Cathedral, Winter Palace, Moscow Kremlin, and more.
2. Meet The Northern Lights: Canada
The second-largest country in the world, Canada, is on an expanse of 9,984,670 square kilometres. Even though Canada is spread over two-fifths of North America, the country has a lower population density compared to Russia. Among the biggest countries in the world, Canada had two main conquerors—the English and the French—who went on to shape the country’s future. Canada shares its borders with the United States and covers six time zones. The country has dense forests and arctic and subarctic territories. A few of the best places to visit in Canada are Quebec City, Bay Of Fundy, Montmorency Falls, and Yellowknife for the Northern Lights.
3. Uncle Sam Ranks Third: USA
Bound by countries like Canada and Mexico and oceans like the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, the United States of America emerges as the third-largest country in the world with 9,833,517 square kilometres. The 50 states cover different land types like rainforests, arctic regions, prairies and deserts. Due to immigration from around the world, the USA’s population is very diverse. One of the largest countries in the world, the USA has come a long way since European settlements in 1565, drawing the Constitution in 1787, Civil War in 1861, and the present-day developed country. Most visited places in the country include Yosemite, Grand Canyon, New York City, Maui, Glacier National Park and more.
4. Largest In Asia: China
One of the largest countries in the world, China is spread over 9,596,960 square kilometres. The largest country in Asia, China is spread across approximately one-fourteenth of the land of Earth. Right from the coldest places on Earth to coastal lowlands and the highest and lowest places in the world, China has it all. The country has been ruled by powerful dynasties like the Shang and Qing dynasties to communist leader Mao Zedong who founded the People’s Republic of China to become the second-largest economy in the world. Destinations that you must include on your trip to are the Great Wall Of China, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and more.
Also, Read: Ancient Temples In China You Must Visit
5. Where The Amazon Is: Brazil
The fifth-largest country in the world, Brazil covers over 8,515,770 square kilometres. Brazil has no deserts or arctic regions as it is home to the Amazon River Basin. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil remains one of the best destinations along with Salvador, Manaus, Foz do Iguaçu and more. One of the biggest countries in the world, Brazil offers beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, and its carnivals. One of the biggest democracies in the world, Brazil was claimed by the Portuguese in 1500, and later it was overthrown to establish a federal republic and the country saw political leaders like Getulio Vargas, Joao Goulart and most recently Jair Bolsonaro taking charge.
6. One Of The Best Countries To Live: Australia
One of the largest countries in the world, Australia is spread over 7,741,220 square kilometres. Also called The Last of Lands and The Oldest Continent, Australia lies in the southern hemisphere between the Pacific and Indian oceans. It was one of the last continents that was explored by Europeans, and the Commonwealth of Australia came into existence in 1901. The country finally became free from the British parliament in 1896 through the Australia Act. Present-day Australia has quality education, accessible healthcare and quality life making it one of the best places to live and visit. Popular destinations visited in Australia are the Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach, Sydney Opera House and more.
7. Land Of Diversity: India
Home to basins of the Indus and Ganges rivers, India is spread over an expanse of 3,287,263 square kilometres. With unique landforms like the Himalayas, Deccan Plateau, dense forests, hills and rivers, India is a versatile land. India is also where one of the oldest civilisations existed, the Indus Valley Civilisation, and shares borders with countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and more. Among the largest countries in the world, India has had flourishing kingdoms like the Mughal, Pallava, Maurya, and Chalukya dynasties and many more. India is also home to multiple cultures, traditions and cuisines and some of the most visited tourist locations like Goa, Andaman, Kerala, Coorg and more.
Varied Countries And Their Landscapes
Other countries following the above-listed largest countries in the world are Argentina, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Greenland and Saudi Arabia. These countries have varied environments like snow-capped mountains, coastlines, highly elevated mountainous regions, and deserts.
