Last updated: October 2026 · 3 min read
Country size is measured by total area, including land and inland water. Here are the world’s 10 largest countries and where India stands.
The 10 largest countries
| Rank | Country | Area (approx.) | Continent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 17.1 million km² | Europe/Asia |
| 2 | Canada | 9.98 million km² | North America |
| 3 | United States | 9.83 million km² | North America |
| 4 | China | 9.6 million km² | Asia |
| 5 | Brazil | 8.5 million km² | South America |
| 6 | Australia | 7.7 million km² | Oceania |
| 7 | India | 3.29 million km² | Asia |
| 8 | Argentina | 2.78 million km² | South America |
| 9 | Kazakhstan | 2.72 million km² | Asia |
| 10 | Algeria | 2.38 million km² | Africa |
The order of the USA and China can change depending on whether coastal and territorial waters are included.
India at a glance
India covers about 3.287 million km², roughly 2.4% of the world’s land area, yet is home to about 17-18% of the world’s people, making it the world’s most populous country. It stretches about 3,214 km north to south and 2,933 km east to west.
Interesting facts
- Russia is so wide it spans 11 time zones.
- Canada has the world’s longest coastline.
- Algeria is Africa’s largest country.
- Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country.
- Vatican City (0.44 km²) is the smallest country.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the largest country in the world?
Russia, at about 17.1 million km².
What is India’s rank by area?
7th largest in the world.
Which is the largest country in Asia?
Russia, if counted as Asian; otherwise China.
Keep exploring
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
