These are the largest countries on Earth in 2024, ranked by their total area. We’re looking at the size of the land, not the number of people, to determine the top 10. So, if you’ve been feeling a bit crowded where you are now, you might want to consider moving to one of these really big countries that the United Nations recognizes.

Each of these countries is spacious enough for you and your family, with plenty of open areas to explore. Keep reading to find out about the 10 largest countries in the world this year and maybe plan your next vacation if you enjoy lots of open space and long travel distances. Just a heads up, though, visiting the number one might be a bit challenging.

10. Algeria – 2,381,740km²

In 1962, this North African nation gained its independence after an eight-year war against France. Before that, the country endured centuries of foreign rule, dating back to the 3rd Century BC with the Numidians.

With a population of about 45.5 million in 2024, Algeria is known for its Mediterranean climate and Saharan deserts. One notable site is Tassili n’Ajjer, recognized for its abundant rock art and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

9. Kazakhstan – 2,724,900km²

Covering an extensive area of 2,724,900 square kilometers, Kazakhstan is a large country in Central Asia that extends into Europe west of the Ural River.

With an approximate population of just under 19.6 million, Kazakhstan is among the less densely populated nations on this list.

Having gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 after a period of rule and oppression, the nation saw over a million ethnic Kazakh people returning in the decade following its independence.

Famous for being the world’s largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan is home to the vast Kazakh Steppe, a renowned region filled with Bronze Age petroglyphs, mountains, canyons, and more. Additionally, it serves as a significant location for space missions, housing the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

8. Argentina – 2,780,400km²

Argentina boasts a total area of 2,780,400 square kilometers, making it the eighth-largest country globally. This South American nation is renowned for producing two of the world’s greatest football players.

With an estimated population of around 45.75 million, Argentina is a bustling country featuring breathtaking landscapes and an extensive 4,989-kilometer coastline.

Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816, initially forming the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata alongside Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. As the other South American nations separated, Argentina evolved into the independent country we recognize today. Beyond its football prowess, Argentina is famous for its beautiful beaches, the Andes mountains, Telampaya National Park, and stunning waterfalls.

7. India – 3,287,263km²

India, with a vast total area of 3,287,263 square kilometers, stands as the seventh-largest country globally and is recognized for being home to the rainiest place on Earth.

This historically and culturally rich nation, once known as the Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire, has been inhabited since the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC during the Indus Valley civilization. India is renowned for its religious monuments, palaces, diverse wildlife (including elephants and tigers), and its varied geography featuring mountains, deserts, and the iconic Ganges River.

Boasting an estimated population of nearly 1.43 billion, India holds the title of the most densely populated country on this list and surpasses China as the most populous country on Earth in 2024.

6. Australia – 7,741,220km²

Australia, technically its own continent due to its enormous size of 7,741,220 square kilometers, surpasses even India, being over twice as large.

A pop-culture icon, Australia is renowned for its unique features such as shrimps on the barbie, distinctive and sometimes dangerous wildlife like Saltwater crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos, the vast Outback, Ayers Rock, and notably the Great Barrier Reef.

Despite a population of just under 26.5 million, Australia holds the title of the most sparsely populated nation on this list, closely following Kazakhstan. Aboriginal Australians have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years, and the nation later became part of the British Empire, gaining notoriety for being a home to over 150,000 convicts.

5. Brazil – 8,515,770km²

Brazil, the largest country in South America and the southern hemisphere, encompasses a vast total area of 8,515,770 square kilometers.

Renowned for the iconic Amazon rainforest, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and its fervent love for football (with the most FIFA World Cup wins), Brazil stands out as a cultural and geographical powerhouse.

With a population of just over 216.35 million, Brazil holds the distinction of being the most populous country in South America. The nation achieved full independence in 1822 after enduring more than three centuries of Portuguese rule.

4. China – 9,596,960km²

China, the largest country fully within Asia, boasts a substantial total area of 9,596,960 square kilometers, trailing only three other nations in size.

Ranked as the fourth largest country globally by total area, China takes the second spot for the world’s most populous country, with the UN estimating its population at just over 1.425 billion.

With roots dating back to as early as the 13th Century BC, China is an ancient nation. Known today as a communist nation, it is famous for its remarkable landmarks like the Great Wall, adorable Giant Pandas, the ‘floating’ Zhangjiajie mountains, and the iconic Forbidden City, among many other captivating sites.

3. The USA – 9,833,517km²

The USA, covering a vast total area of 9,833,517 square kilometers, stands as the second largest country in North America.

Gaining independence from British rule in 1776, the United States of America has a rich history marked by wars, prosperity, and significant influence in world politics.

Blessed with natural marvels such as the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley, mighty rivers, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, the USA is a land of both natural and man-made wonders.

With an estimated population of just under 340 million people, the United States offers ample space for exploration and discovery.

2. Canada – 9,984,670km²

With a vast total area of 9,984,670 square kilometers, Canada holds the title of the second-largest country globally and is the largest nation in North America, surpassing the USA.

Despite its immense size, Canada has a relatively small population, with the UN estimating it at just 38.7 million, notably less than the UK’s population of 67.7 million. If spacious landscapes are your preference, Canada offers plenty, even if much of it is covered in snow and ice.

Canada is home to remarkable features like Niagara Falls, extensive forests teeming with bears, wolves, and mountain lions, prairies hosting bison, and the world’s longest coastline spread across over 52 thousand islands. The country boasts numerous lakes, including Lake Superior, Huron, and Great Bear Lake, contributing to a total of up to 2 million lakes, thought to exceed the rest of the world combined.

1. Russia – 17,098,242km²

Russia holds the title of the largest country globally, covering a vast total area of 17,098,242 square kilometers. It surpasses Canada and constitutes approximately 11 percent of the Earth’s total landmass. Spanning from the northeast of Europe to the northern reaches of Asia, Russia is nearly twice as large as Canada.

A significant portion of Russia, exceeding 60 percent, is uninhabitable due to permafrost. However, some areas are becoming accessible as portions of the permafrost melt, leading to activities such as hunting mammoth tusks.

With a population of just under 145 million, Russia is another sparsely populated nation on this list.