The Top 10 Largest Countries in the World in 2026 By Total Area

Understanding the size of countries helps us appreciate their geographic diversity, natural resources, and global importance. As of 2026, the world’s largest countries by area continue to shape global geopolitics, economic power, and cultural influence. These nations span millions of square kilometres — from icy Arctic tundras to tropical rainforests, vast plains, deserts, and mountain ranges.

In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll explore the top 10 largest countries in the world by total land and water area, ranked from the biggest to the smallest among them. You’ll learn interesting facts, area details, and why size still matters in today’s world.

1. Russia — 17,098,242 km²

At #1, Russia is by far the largest country in the world. Its territory stretches roughly 17.1 million square kilometres, covering a significant portion of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. This giant spans 11 time zones and includes a wide range of landscapes — from frozen Arctic tundra to dense taiga forests, rolling hills, and vast river systems.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~17.1 million km²

• Continent: Europe and Asia

• Major Features: Siberian wilderness, Ural Mountains, Arctic coastline

Russia’s sheer size gives it a unique position in global geopolitics, natural resources, and climate influence. Its vast wilderness hosts the world’s largest intact forests, which play a key role in the Earth’s ecological balance.

2. Canada — 9,984,670 km²

In second place is Canada, the largest country wholly within the Western Hemisphere. Covering almost 10 million square kilometres, Canada is known for its long coastline, boreal forests, and thousands of freshwater lakes that define much of its geography.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~9.98 million km²

• Continent: North America

• Major Features: Great Lakes, Canadian Shield, Arctic Archipelago

Despite its enormous size, Canada’s population density is low, with most people living within a few hundred kilometres of the US border. The country’s vast natural landscapes attract tourists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world.

3. China — 9,596,960+ km²

China ranks #3 in land area — a vast country covering nearly 9.6 million square kilometres. Most of this area is in Asia, and China’s borders stretch from high mountain ranges to fertile river plains and desert plateaus.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~9.6 million km²

• Continent: Asia

• Major Features: Himalayan region, Gobi Desert, Yangtze River

China’s huge landmass supports a massive population and diverse ecosystems. It stretches across tropical, temperate, and subarctic zones, making it one of the most geographically varied nations on Earth.

4. United States of America — ~9.4–9.8 million km²

The United States is the fourth largest country by total area, covering around 9.4–9.8 million km² depending on how water surfaces are counted. It includes 50 states and diverse geographic zones from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, and from Arctic Alaska to tropical Hawaii.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~9.5 million km²

• Continent: North America

• Major Features: Grand Canyon, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains

The vast majority of its area is land, but large lakes and coastal waters also contribute to the total measurement.

5. Brazil — 8,510,346 km²

Brazil is not only the largest country in South America, it also ranks 5th globally by total area. With over 8.5 million square kilometres, Brazil’s territory contains vast Amazon Rainforest, tropical savannas, and extensive coastlines.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~8.51 million km²

• Continent: South America

• Major Features: Amazon Basin, Pantanal wetlands

Brazil’s huge land area supports unparalleled biodiversity and is crucial for global climate patterns due to the Amazon’s role as a “green lung” for the planet.

6. Australia — 7,741,220 km²

Australia, the only country that is also a continent, holds 6th place in the top 10. Its total area is around 7.7 million square kilometres, but most of this is arid desert and semi-arid land.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~7.7 million km²

• Continent: Oceania

• Major Features: Outback deserts, Great Barrier Reef, coastal cities

Though Australia’s interior is sparsely populated, its natural beauty and geological diversity — from coral reefs to mountains — make it a unique country among the world’s largest.

7. India — 3,287,263 km²

India is the seventh largest country by area, covering over 3.2 million square kilometres. Unlike many larger countries, India’s area is densely populated with diverse cultures, languages, and climates.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~3.3 million km²

• Continent: Asia

• Major Features: Himalayan foothills, Deccan Plateau, Indo-Gangetic Plains

From snowy mountains in the north to sandy beaches in the south, India’s geography supports some of the world’s oldest civilizations and cultural traditions.

8. Argentina — 2,780,400 km²

Ranking eighth, Argentina covers about 2.78 million square kilometres. It is the second largest country in South America after Brazil and includes everything from glaciers in Patagonia to subtropical forests in the north.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~2.78 million km²

• Continent: South America

• Major Features: Andes Mountains, Pampas grasslands, Patagonian glaciers

Argentina’s vast land area supports a rich mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

9. Kazakhstan — 2,724,910 km²

Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and 9th by total area, covering over 2.7 million square kilometres. It lies mainly in Central Asia, with a smaller portion extending into Eastern Europe.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~2.72 million km²

• Continent: Asia/Europe

• Major Features: Steppes, desert landscapes, Caspian coast

Despite its huge size, Kazakhstan has one of the lowest population densities in the world due to its wide plains and desert regions.

10. Algeria — 2,381,741 km²

Closing the top 10 is Algeria, the largest country in Africa. With approximately 2.38 million square kilometres, much of its area is dominated by the Sahara Desert.

Key Highlights:

• Size: ~2.38 million km²

• Continent: Africa

• Major Features: Sahara dunes, Atlas Mountains, Mediterranean coast

Though many imagine deserts when they think of Algeria, its northern regions also feature fertile valleys and historic cities.

Summary Table: Top 10 Largest Countries in the World (2026)

Why Country Size Matters in 2026

Understanding the largest countries by area is more than a geography lesson — it’s a glimpse into how territory influences world relations. Here’s why size still matters:

Natural Resources

Large countries often hold vast natural resources — forest cover, fresh water, minerals, energy sources, and farmland — that influence global markets and sustainability. For example, Russia, Brazil, and Canada have sprawling forests that impact climate dynamics.

Strategic Influence

Countries with extensive land borders and coastlines often play vital roles in trade, security, and diplomacy. The United States and China are prime examples, combining area with population and economic strength.

Environmental Diversity

Larger nations usually encompass multiple climate zones — from polar regions to tropical forests, deserts, and mountains. This diversity supports unique ecosystems and biological richness.

Economic Impact

While area doesn’t directly equal economic power, it shapes infrastructure, agriculture, population distribution, and trade routes. Countries like Australia, India, and Brazil use their landmass for economic development in sectors like mining, agriculture, and tourism.

The top 10 largest countries in the world in 2026 reflect not only physical size but also diversity, influence, and global significance. From Russia’s Arctic tundra to Australia’s deserts, and from Canada’s lakes to India’s cultural expanse, each country on this list offers unique insights into the world’s geography and global dynamics.

Whether you’re a student, traveler, content creator, or geography enthusiast, these rankings provide a foundational understanding of how geography shapes the modern world.