Discover the Top Contender: Unveiling the Largest Country in the World

The largest country in the world, based on land area, is Russia.

Which Country Holds the Title for Being the Largest in the World?

Russia: The Largest Country in the World

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning over two continents – Europe and Asia. With a total land area of 17.1 million square kilometers, it covers about one-eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land area. It borders Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea and Mongolia.

The country is divided into 85 federal subjects which include 22 republics and 46 oblasts (provinces), nine krais (territories), four autonomous okrugs (districts), one autonomous oblast (region) and two federal cities. Moscow is Russia’s capital city and is also its largest city with a population of over 12 million people.

How Did This Country Become Known as the Largest in Terms of Land Area?

Historical Origins

The origins of Russia date back to the ninth century when Slavic tribes settled along the Volga River. Over time these tribes united under a common ruler known as Rurik who became their first prince. The Mongol invasion of Russia in the thirteenth century led to the formation of a centralized state under Ivan III in 1462.

The expansion of Russia continued through colonization and conquest which saw them gain control over vast territories including Siberia and Alaska. By the end of the nineteenth century Russia had become one of the world’s great powers with an empire that spanned three continents.

Notable Features and Landmarks Found Within the Vast Country

Natural Wonders

  • Lake Baikal: The world’s deepest lake and the largest freshwater lake by volume
  • The Caucasus Mountains: A range of mountains that stretches from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea
  • The Volga River: Europe’s longest river which flows through Russia for over 3,500 km
  • Kamchatka Peninsula: A remote region known for its volcanoes, geysers and hot springs

Man-made Structures

  • St. Basil’s Cathedral: A famous landmark in Moscow with its colorful onion-shaped domes
  • The Kremlin: A fortified complex in Moscow that serves as the official residence of the President of Russia
  • The Hermitage Museum: One of the world’s largest museums located in St. Petersburg with a collection of over three million items including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.
  • Moscow Metro System: An efficient and beautiful subway system with stations decorated with sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass.

The Influence of Size and Geography on the History and Development of this Country

Geographical Challenges

Russia’s size has played a significant role in shaping its history. Its vastness has made it difficult to govern effectively leading to periods of decentralization and fragmentation. It also presents challenges when it comes to transportation, communication, and resource distribution.

Russia’s geography has also contributed to its development. The country is home to some of the coldest inhabited places on earth which has led to a focus on industries such as oil, gas, mining, and forestry. Additionally, access to natural resources such as timber, diamonds, gold, coal, iron ore, and nickel has played a significant role in Russia’s economic development.

Are There Any Countries That Come Close to Rivaling This One in Terms of Land Area or Population?

China: Largest Population

While Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, China comes closest with a land area of 9.6 million square kilometers. However, China surpasses Russia when it comes to population size with over 1.4 billion people compared to Russia’s population of just over 144 million.

Canada: Second Largest Country by Land Area

Canada is the second-largest country in terms of land area with a total area of 9.98 million square kilometers. It shares many similarities with Russia including its vastness and harsh climate which has led to a focus on resource extraction industries such as oil, gas, mining, and forestry.

Other countries that come close to rivaling Russia in terms of land area include the United States (9.83 million square kilometers), Brazil (8.5 million square kilometers), and Australia (7.69 million square kilometers).

In conclusion, Russia is the largest country in the world both in terms of land area and population.

FAQ

Is Canada larger than China?

Canada covers 9,879,750 square kilometers, China covers 9,600,013 square kilometers, the United States covers between 9,525,067 and 9,831,510 square kilometers, and Brazil covers 8,515,770 square kilometers.

What is the world smallest country?

Vatican City, surrounded by Rome, is the world’s smallest independent state with a land area of only 0.49 square kilometers (0.19 square miles).

Which country is no 1?

According to rankings for 2022, Switzerland has been determined to be the top country in the world.

Which is biggest country in Asia?

Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area, covering over 17 million square kilometers, with 77% of it being in Asia. The second largest country in Asia is China, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometers.

Is Asia bigger than Canada?

Canada is much smaller than Asia, with an area of about 9,984,670 sq km. In comparison, Asia is about 44,614,000 sq km, which is 4.5 times bigger than Canada and makes Asia 347% larger than Canada.

Is China a ___ country large?

Taking up roughly 9.6 million square kilometers (3,700,000 sq mi), this country is ranked as the third largest in the world in terms of land area.

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