How Big Is the Gap Between Largest and Smallest?
Russia, the world's largest country, is over 34 million times larger than Vatican City, the smallest. Interestingly, most of the top-ranked countries are vast continental nations, while the smallest are largely tiny European city-states and Pacific island nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ranking different from population rankings?
Yes, land area and population are entirely separate measures. Canada, for example, ranks 2nd in area but has a very low population density.
Could this ranking ever change?
It can change very rarely due to territorial disputes, border adjustments, or the emergence of newly independent states, but the countries at the top and bottom have generally stayed stable for a long time.