Countries of the World Compared by Area

Here is a list of the world's five largest and five smallest countries according to land mass.

Five largest countries in the world:

1. Russia - the largest country in the world, covering a total area of 17,098,242 square kilometers (6,601,670 sq. miles). It spans two continents (Europe and Asia) and has a diverse landscape, including tundras, forests, and mountains.

2. Canada - the second largest country in the world, with an area of 9,984,670 square kilometers (3,854,082 sq. miles). Most of Canada's area is covered by forests, lakes, and rivers. Canada is also known for the fact that its coastline is the longest in the world.

3. China - the country covers an area of 9,596,961 square kilometers (3,705,406 sq. miles) and is the world's third-largest country in this regard. It is home to the world's largest population of more than 1.4 billion people. China is famous for its incredibly diverse landscape, from the Himalayas to the Gobi Desert.

4. United States - the fourth largest country in the world, covering an area of 9,526,468 square kilometers (3,676,487 sq. miles). The U.S. is a country with diverse geographic features, from the Rocky Mountains to the Grand Canyon.

5. Brazil - the fifth largest country in the world, covering an area of 8,515,767 square kilometers (3,287,956 sq. miles). Brazil is home to the world's largest Amazon rainforest.

Five smallest countries in the world:

1. Vatican City - the world's smallest country, covering just 0.44 square kilometers. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church and the seat of the Pope.

2. Monaco - the second smallest country in the world, covering an area of 2.02 square kilometers (0.78 sq. miles). Among other things, Monaco is famous for its luxury casinos, the Grand Prix, and a harbor full of luxury yachts.

3. Nauru - one of the smallest countries in the world, both in terms of population and area. This tiny island state located in the Pacific Ocean covers an area of 21 square kilometers (8.1 sq. miles).

4. Tuvalu - a tiny island state located in the Pacific Ocean, covers an area of about 26 square kilometers (10 sq. miles). It consists of nine coral atolls and is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

5. San Marino - a small country located in southern Europe with an area of only 61 square kilometers (23.5 sq. miles). It is one of the oldest republics in the world, famous for its medieval castles and beautiful views.