Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area, Population, Capital & Facts, Full details 2025 updated.
Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area
When we talk about the Top 10 Largest Countries in the World by Area, most people think only about land area. But size also brings diversity in population, culture, and governance. Some countries are vast in area but sparsely populated, while others are smaller yet hold huge populations. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 largest countries by area along with their population and capital city facts.
Table of Contents
1. Russia
- Area: 17,098,242 sq. km
- Population: ~146 million
- Capital: Moscow
Russia is the biggest country on Earth, occupying over one-eighth of the planet’s total land surface. Despite its size, much of its land is sparsely populated due to extreme climates, especially Siberia.
2. Canada
- Area: 9,984,670 sq. km
- Population: ~39 million
- Capital: Ottawa
Canada is the world’s second-largest nation and the biggest one in the Western Hemisphere. It has a small population compared to its landmass, with most people living near the US border.
3. China
- Area: 9,596,961 sq. km
- Population: ~1.4 billion
- Capital: Beijing
China has the highest population of any country in the world. Despite being slightly smaller in area than Canada, its population is nearly 35 times larger, making it one of the most influential global powers.
4. United States of America (USA)
- Area: 9,525,067 sq. km
- Population: ~340 million
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
The USA ranks fourth in size. Its diverse geography ranges from deserts and mountains to fertile plains. It is also one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations globally.
5. Brazil
- Area: 8,515,767 sq. km
- Population: ~216 million
- Capital: Brasília
Brazil is the biggest country in South America, famous for the Amazon rainforest, and it’s the only nation in the Americas where Portuguese is the official language.
6. Australia
- Area: 7,692,024 sq. km
- Population: ~27 million
- Capital: Canberra
Australia is both a country and a continent. With a relatively small population, much of its land is desert, known as the Outback.
7. India
- Area: 3,287,263 sq. km
- Population: ~1.43 billion
- Capital: New Delhi
India ranks 7th in land area but 2nd in population, making it one of the most densely populated among large nations. It is known for its cultural diversity and fast-growing economy.
8. Argentina
- Area: 2,780,400 sq. km
- Population: ~46 million
- Capital: Buenos Aires
Argentina is the second-largest country in South America. Argentina is well known for its tango dance, delicious beef, and the breathtaking scenery of Patagonia.
9. Kazakhstan
- Area: 2,724,900 sq. km
- Population: ~20 million
- Capital: Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Kazakhstan holds the title of the world’s largest landlocked country, with no direct access to the sea. It has vast steppes and significant mineral resources.
10. Algeria
- Area: 2,381,741 sq. km
- Population: ~46 million
- Capital: Algiers
Algeria is the largest country in Africa. Much of its territory lies within the Sahara Desert, making it hot and arid.
Quick Summary Table
| Rank | Country | Area (sq. km) | Population | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 17,098,242 | 146M | Moscow |
| 2 | Canada | 9,984,670 | 39M | Ottawa |
| 3 | China | 9,596,961 | 1.4B | Beijing |
| 4 | USA | 9,525,067 | 340M | Washington D.C. |
| 5 | Brazil | 8,515,767 | 216M | Brasília |
| 6 | Australia | 7,692,024 | 27M | Canberra |
| 7 | India | 3,287,263 | 1.43B | New Delhi |
| 8 | Argentina | 2,780,400 | 46M | Buenos Aires |
| 9 | Kazakhstan | 2,724,900 | 20M | Astana |
| 10 | Algeria | 2,381,741 | 46M | Algiers |
Final Thoughts
The largest countries in the world show a fascinating balance between geography and population. While countries like Russia and Canada have vast land but fewer people, nations like India and China have massive populations within smaller land areas. Together, these 10 countries shape much of the world’s politics, economy, and culture.