There are many large countries in the world that demonstrate a diverse range of ecosystems, temperatures and natural wonders.
Large areas of territory, an abundance of natural resources, and key locations have influenced world history and will continue to have a significant impact on the political, economic and environmental landscapes of the planet.
Here are some of the world’s important and geographically varied countries, listed by total land area, as per Statista.
Russia (Land area: 17,098,242 square kilometers)
Russia is the world’s largest country, spanning across northern Asia and Eastern Europe. Moscow, one of the biggest cities in the world, serves as its capital. The Russian ruble is the currency used in Russia. The country is known for its rich literary, artistic and architectural traditions. Notable buildings include the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Being a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a major player in international diplomacy, especially in Eurasia and Eastern Europe, Russia has enormous geopolitical power.
Canada (Land area: 9,984,670 square kilometers)
The second-largest nation is Canada. The Canadian dollar is its currency. With substantial deposits of oil, natural gas, minerals like nickel and uranium, and an abundance of freshwater resources, Canada is resource-rich economically. In terms of culture, Canada is proud of its multiculturalism, with contributions from immigrants from all over the world, French and British colonial past, and indigenous peoples forming its unique society. The country has a strong industrial sector, a booming services sector, and a strong commitment to promoting innovation and technical breakthroughs.
United States of America (Land area: 9,833,517 square kilometers)
With a varied topography ranging from the temperate woods of the East Coast to the dry deserts of the Southwest and the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, the United States is the third-largest nation in the world. The US dollar is its official currency. Its festivals, literature, music, art and food all showcase the country’s diversity. Big cities with distinctive characteristics and zones of influence, such as New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago, are global hubs for finance, entertainment and culture. The U.S. continues to be the largest economy in the world and the richest nation, maintaining its dominant position from 1960 onwards. Major industries such as manufacturing, services, finance and technology drive the economy of U.S.
China (Land area: 9,596,960 square kilometers)
China is one of the most populated and fourth-largest country. The Renminbi is its currency. The Tibetan Plateau, the Gobi Desert, the rich plains of the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, and mountain ranges like the Himalayas are just a few of the vast and varied landscapes which make up China. The country boasts the biggest purchasing power parity (PPP) and nominal GDP of any country in the world. China has a rich cultural past that dates back more than 5,000 years. The three main pillars of the Chinese economy are manufacturing, exports and investment.
Brazil (Land area: 8,515,770 square kilometers)
Brazil is the fifth-biggest country in the world and the largest in South America. The Brazilian real is its currency. The country is well known for its vast diverse landscapes, which include the biggest tropical rainforest in the world, the Amazon rainforest. Brazil is renowned for its rich and varied culture, which is a result of the influence of Portuguese, African, indigenous and other European civilisations. The music, dancing, food, and festivals of Brazil all reflect the integration of cultures.
Read more: World’s largest economies in 2024, ranked by GDP
Australia (Land area: 7,741,220 square kilometers)
Australia is the sixth-largest country. It is only nation that is also a continent. The Australian dollar is its currency. The country’s distinctive and varied terrain is widely recognised. Australia has a multicultural society, which was influenced by waves of immigration from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It had happened during British colonialism. Also, the country’s indigenous traditions makes it unique culturally. The arts, food, festivals, and sports — especially Australian rules football, rugby and cricket — all showcase the country’s cultural variety.
India (Land area: 3,287,263 square kilometers)
India is the seventh-largest country in the world and also the most populated. Its currency is the Indian rupee. The country is known for its diverse geography, encompassing the majestic Himalayan mountains in the north, fertile plains along the Ganges, tropical rainforests in the Western Ghats, and coastal areas along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Culturally, India is renowned for its rich heritage and diversity, with a history spanning thousands of years.
Argentina (Land area: 2,780,400 square kilometers)
The South American nation spans from the subtropical north to the subantarctic south. The Argentine peso is its currency. Argentine literature, art, architecture, music (particularly tango) and food all reflect its diverse cultures. The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is a flourishing hub of culture, renowned for its theatres, museums and vibrant nightlife following a style of European architecture.
Kazakhstan (Land area: 2,724,900 square kilometers)
Kazakhstan is the world’s biggest landlocked country. It is in Central Asia and has a variety of environments, including wide steppes, deserts and mountains. The Kazakhstani tenge is its currency. Natural resources, especially minerals, oil and gas, are abundant in the country and are essential to its economy. Kazakhstan’s population is culturally varied, including a variety of Kazakh. The rich nomadic heritage of the Kazakh people is represented in customs including horsemanship, yurt lifestyle and traditional music.
Algeria (Land area: 2,381,741 square kilometers)
Algeria ranks as the biggest country in Africa and the 10th largest globally. The Algerian dinar is its currency. The Sahara desert, which covers more than four-fifths of its area, is its dominant feature. Algeria boasts a rich heritage of culture influenced by Arab, Berber and French colonial legacies. The literature, music, architecture and food all showcase the country’s rich cultural legacy.
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