Largest countries in the world | Statista (2024)

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Sep 27, 2023

The statistic shows the 30 largest countries in the world by area. Russia is the largest country by far, with a total area of about 17 million square kilometers.

Population of Russia

Despite its large area, Russia - nowadays the largest country in the world - has a relatively small total population. However, its population is still rather large in numbers in comparison to those of other countries. In mid-2014, it was ranked ninth on a list of countries with the largest population, a ranking led by China with a population of over 1.37 billion people. In 2015, the estimated total population of Russia amounted to around 146 million people.

The aforementioned low population density in Russia is a result of its vast landmass; in 2014, there were only around 8.78 inhabitants per square kilometer living in the country. Most of the Russian population lives in the nation’s capital and largest city, Moscow: In 2015, over 12 million people lived in the metropolis.

The 30 largest countries in the world by total area (in square kilometers)

CharacteristicArea in square kilometers
Russia17,098,242
Canada9,984,670
USA9,833,517
China9,596,960
Brazil8,515,770
Australia7,741,220
India3,287,263
Argentina2,780,400
Kazakhstan2,724,900
Algeria2,381,741
Democratic Republic of Congo2,344,858
Greenland2,166,086
Saudi Arabia2,149,690
Mexico1,964,375
Indonesia1,904,569
Sudan1,861,484
Libya1,759,540
Iran1,648,195
Mongolia1,564,116
Peru1,285,216
Chad1,284,000
Niger1,267,000
Angola1,246,700
Mali1,240,192
South Africa1,219,090
Colombia1,138,910
Ethiopia1,104,300
Bolivia1,098,581
Mauritania1,030,700
Egypt1,001,450

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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in geopolitics and international affairs, I find the intersection of economy, politics, and geography to be a fascinating realm to explore. My extensive knowledge in these domains allows me to delve into the nuances of global dynamics, and the recent article by Aaron O'Neill on the 30 largest countries in the world by area aligns perfectly with my expertise.

The data presented in the article is based on the total area of countries, with Russia claiming the top spot at a staggering 17,098,242 square kilometers. Now, to put this into perspective, it's crucial to understand the intricate relationship between a country's size and its population.

Russia, despite being the largest country in the world, exhibits a relatively small total population compared to its vast expanse. In 2015, Russia's population was around 146 million people, positioning it ninth globally in terms of population. This stark contrast between its immense landmass and moderate population density (approximately 8.78 inhabitants per square kilometer in 2014) can be attributed to the sheer size of the country.

Moreover, the article touches on the distribution of the Russian population, highlighting that a significant portion resides in Moscow, the nation's capital and largest city. With over 12 million people living in Moscow in 2015, it serves as a focal point for population concentration within the expansive borders of Russia.

Now, turning our attention to the comprehensive list of the 30 largest countries, it's intriguing to note the diverse geographical and demographic landscapes these nations exhibit. From the vast wilderness of Canada and the United States to the populous expanse of China and India, the data reflects the multifaceted nature of global geography and its impact on population distribution.

As an aficionado of international affairs, I appreciate the effort to capture these complex dynamics in a succinct and informative manner. This article not only provides a snapshot of the largest countries but also invites further exploration into the geopolitical, economic, and political intricacies that underlie these statistics. The interplay between size, population, and density in these nations adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of our interconnected world.

Largest countries in the world | Statista (2024)
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