Are you curious about which country is the widest in the world? This question has intrigued many, and with good reason. Our planet is teeming with diverse and captivating countries, each showcasing its unique culture, history, and geography. Yet, a few stand out among these nations for their impressive width.
In this blog post, I’ll share the 12 widest countries in this blog post. From Russia to Brazil, these countries cover vast land areas, span multiple time zones, and feature diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Whether you’re a geography buff, a world traveler, or simply someone curious about the world, this post is for you.
By the end of this post, you’ll better understand which countries are the widest in the world and what makes them unique. You’ll also learn about each country’s regions, climates, and cultures, giving you a more nuanced perspective. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the 12 widest countries in the world.
1. Russia
Russia, the largest country by area, covers over 17 million square kilometers and spans Europe and Asia across 11 time zones. It shares borders with 16 sovereign nations, more than any other country.
With an approximate population of 144 million, Russia is the ninth most populous country globally. Russian is the official language, and the Russian ruble is the currency.
Known for its vast natural resources, Russia boasts significant oil, gas, timber, and minerals reserves. Considerable attractions include iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
The country’s history is shaped by czars, communist leaders, and now a president. Russia has also been a key player in significant world events, including World War II and the Cold War.
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2. Canada
Canada is the second-largest country by land area after Russia. It spans over 9.98 million square kilometers and has a population exceeding 37 million. It is located in North America and shares its southern border with the United States.
The country’s diverse landscape features mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. Western Canada’s Canadian Rockies are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, while national parks like Banff and Jasper draw millions of visitors annually.
With one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, Canada excels in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. It is a leading exporter of agricultural products like wheat and canola. The manufacturing sector is robust, covering industries from automobiles to aerospace.
Canada’s multicultural makeup includes people from around the globe. It celebrates two official languages, English and French, and is renowned for its welcoming approach to immigrants. Known for its universal healthcare system, the country ensures medical care access for all citizens and permanent residents.
3. China
China is the fourth-largest country globally and the largest in Asia, covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometers. It is also the most populous nation, with over 1.4 billion residents.
The country features a variety of landscapes, from extensive deserts and towering mountains to lush forests. Dominating its geography is the Himalayan mountain range, which includes Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth.
Rich in history and culture, China is celebrated for ancient landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. In recent years, it has emerged as a global economic powerhouse, boasting a rapidly expanding economy and a substantial manufacturing sector.
Additionally, China plays a significant role in international politics and actively participates in global initiatives, including the Paris Agreement on climate change.
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4. Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic state and the 14th-largest country by area, encompassing over 17,000 islands across 1,904,569 square kilometers. Strategically located across Southeast Asia and Oceania, it spans the equator and lies along key sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean.
This nation is the largest entirely comprised of islands, with 13,466 islands in its archipelago, 922 of which are permanently inhabited. With a population surpassing 271 million, it is the most populous island nation globally and hosts over 1,300 recognized ethnic groups, including the Javanese, Sundanese, Batak, Sulawesi, Madurese, and Betawi.
Known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, Indonesia is home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia arnoldii, and the giant lizard, the Komodo dragon. Its economy thrives on rich natural resources like oil, gas, coal, and minerals.
The country’s rich history includes eras of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, and Dutch colonization. Indonesia achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1945 and is now a democratic republic with a presidential system of government.
5. United States of America
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world, ranking third in terms of total area behind Russia and Canada. With a land area of approximately 9.8 million square kilometers, the country spans many landscapes and climates. From the tropical beaches of Hawaii to the frigid tundra of Alaska, the United States offers a diverse range of natural wonders.
One of the most notable features of the United States is its system of government. As a federal republic, the country is divided into 50 states, each with its unique culture and history. The United States is also home to a diverse population, with people from all over the world coming to live and work in the country.
The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of economy. With a gross domestic product of over $21 trillion, it is a major player in global trade and commerce and is also home to many of the world’s largest corporations, including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Despite its many strengths, the United States has its challenges. The country has struggled with inequality and social justice issues, particularly in recent years. However, many Americans remain optimistic about the future and continue to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
6. Brazil
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, spanning approximately 8.5 million square kilometers. It borders ten other countries in South America and hosts the Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
With a diverse population exceeding 210 million, Brazil is the sixth most populous country globally. Portuguese is the official language, reflecting a rich cultural heritage shaped by European, African, and indigenous influences.
Economically, Brazil has the ninth-largest nominal GDP worldwide. Its varied economy focuses on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with notable coffee, soybeans, and sugarcane outputs.
Touristically, Brazil attracts visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and cultural sites. Iconic landmarks include the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the Iguazu Falls, which it shares with Argentina.
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7. Australia
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with a total area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers. The government is located in the southern hemisphere, which the Indian and Pacific Oceans surround. Australia is also the largest country in Oceania, and its capital city is Canberra.
One of the most striking features of Australia is its unique wildlife. The country is home to many species not found anywhere else, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, is the world’s most extensive coral reef system and is home to thousands of species of marine life.
Australia is also known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the vast Outback to tropical rainforests and pristine beaches. The country has a rich Aboriginal history and culture, and visitors can learn about this heritage by visiting sites such as Uluru and Kakadu National Park.
In terms of economy, Australia is a highly developed economy with a strong service sector and a thriving mining industry. The government is also a significant exporter of agricultural products, such as wheat, beef, and wool.
8. India
India is the seventh-largest country globally, covering 3,287,263 square kilometers. It is located in South Asia, bordered by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. India is celebrated for its diverse culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes.
Over 1.3 billion people live in India, which is the second-most populous country after China. Known for vibrant cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, as well as its rural villages, India operates as a federal republic with a parliamentary system, with New Delhi serving as its capital.
Economically, India boasts a varied landscape, with significant agriculture, manufacturing, and services contributions. The IT industry, in particular, has seen rapid growth, positioning India as a major producer of textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Visitors to India encounter a land of contrasts, rich in cultural heritage and bustling with modern life. Historic sites such as the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the ancient city of Hampi offer a glimpse into its storied past. In contrast, its diverse food scene offers an array of regional cuisines to delight any palate.
9. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country and ranks ninth-largest overall, spanning 2,724,900 square kilometers. The nation’s population is around 18 million, with the majority residing in urban areas such as the capital city, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), and Almaty.
Rich in natural resources, Kazakhstan leads the world in uranium production and is a major wheat producer. Its largest economy in Central Asia is undergoing diversification to lessen its reliance on oil and gas revenues.
The landscape is varied, featuring the Altai Mountains in the east and the Caspian Sea to the west. The vast Kazakh Steppe covers much of the territory. Several national parks and protected areas are also key features of this nation.
Kazakhstan is culturally diverse. Its population is predominantly Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken. The country celebrates a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional Kazakh music, dance, and art.
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10. Argentina
In the southern half of South America, Argentina is the eighth-largest country globally and the second-largest in South America after Brazil. It spans 2,780,400 square kilometers, making it one of the widest countries in the world.
The nation boasts diverse landscapes, including the Andes mountains, the Pampas grasslands, and the Iguazu Falls. Natural wonders like the Perito Moreno Glacier and Tierra del Fuego National Park are also prominent features.
With a population exceeding 45 million, Spanish is the official language of Argentina, which has a rich cultural heritage shaped by indigenous peoples, European settlers, and other immigrant groups.
Argentina is renowned for its culinary offerings, especially its world-famous steak and Malbec wine. Additionally, it is celebrated for tango music and dance, which originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century.
11. Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and ranks as the 10th largest globally, covering an area of approximately 2.38 million square kilometers. Located in North Africa, it shares borders with Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, and Western Sahara, with Algiers as its capital and largest city on the Mediterranean coast.
The landscape in Algeria varies greatly, with mountainous regions in the north and the widest deserts in the south. It experiences a Mediterranean climate in the north and a desert climate in the south, with Mount Tahat being the highest point at 2,908 meters.
Influenced by Berber, Arab, and French cultures, Algeria has a rich history. It gained independence from France in 1962. Today, it operates as a republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
Renowned for its vast natural resources, Algeria is Africa’s largest natural gas producer and Europe’s second-largest gas supplier. It is also a significant exporter of crude oil.
12. Mexico
Mexico is the 11th widest country in the world, covering over 1,972,550 square kilometers. It is situated in North America, bordered by the United States to the north, Belize and Guatemala to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and southeast, respectively.
The country has a diverse geography, including deserts, mountains, and beaches. Notable are the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges, which are crucial for the mining industry. Additionally, Mexico hosts active and dormant volcanoes, such as Popocatepetl and Colima, and boasts the Baja California Peninsula, the world’s longest.
Rich in culture and history, Mexico has many archaeological sites, including Teotihuacan, which is famous for the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Renowned for its cuisine, the country offers dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. It is celebrated for its music, dance, and festivals, including the Day of the Dead and the Guelaguetza.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the greatest width from east to west?
Russia is the country with the greatest width from east to west. It spans 11 time zones and covers approximately 10,000 kilometers from the westernmost point to the easternmost point.
How does the size of the 12th largest country compare to that of the smallest nation?
The size of the 12th largest country, Algeria, is approximately 2,381,741 square kilometers, while the smallest nation, Vatican City, has an area of only 0.44 square kilometers. This means that Algeria is over 5 million times larger than Vatican City.
Which is the largest country when considering population size?
China is the largest country by population size, with an estimated population of over 1.4 billion people as of 2021.
What is the ranking of countries by size, precisely the 7th and 2nd positions?
India is the seventh-largest country by area, with approximately 3.29 million square kilometers. At the same time, Canada is the second-largest country, with an area of roughly 9.98 million square kilometers.
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