See how many you know by scrolling down our list – bonus points if you get them in the right order! Some of them might even end up on your travel bucket list.
10. Algeria
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Four fifths of Algeria is made up by the Sahara Desert and the north-west is dominated by the Atlas Mountains, which means that 91% of the population lives along the Mediterranean coast on just 12% of the country’s total landmass.
Algiers is the whitewashed capital – it overlooks the sparkling Med and its casbah is one of the country’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Other major cities in Africa’s largest country include Oran, where rai folk music originated, and Constantine, which is known as the ‘city of bridges’ due to its array of structures that stretch between the two cliffs its is built upon.
9. Kazakhstan
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You might have heard of Kazakhstan, but not be 100% sure about much else – that’s OK, we didn’t know a great deal either, but we’re here to enlighten you about this surprisingly scenic Central Asian country. It borders the Caspian Sea, Russia and China, and its striking natural parks and attractions include the unfathomably bright turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake in Ile-Alatau National Park and the otherworldly layout of Charyn Canyon. Lake Kaindy features an underwater forest that rises up out of the water and Plateau Ustyurt is a desert between the Caspian and Aral Seas that looks like the terrain of another planet – it features limestone monoliths that overlook saltpans. The elusive Persian leopard, marbled polecat and Brandt’s hedgehog have been spotted on its soil.
8. Argentina
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The eighth largest country in the world, but the second largest in South America, is the fascinating land of Argentina, which stretches 2,360 miles from north to south. Featuring deserts and tundras, forests and mountains, and even a slice of the antarctic, Argentina boasts one of the most diverse landscapes within one country. From the sunbaked streets of Buenos Aires to the snowy peaks and seven wondrous lakes of Patagonia, and from salt flats to cacti forests, Argentina really is full of some of the world’s most mesmerising sights.
7. India
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The South East Asian country of India is the seventh largest and the second most populous country in the world behind China, which is quite understandable as it brings to mind the bustling streets of Mumbai with its honking tuk tuks and packed trains that travel across its rolling landscape. It contains roughly one sixth of the world’s population. While it’s true that many parts of the country are crowded, especially in touristy areas, there are plenty of serene and secluded parts to explore, such as the coastal Kerala, and the Himalayan valleys.
6. Australia
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Australia is the sixth largest country on our planet, but the smallest continent. It’s also one of the youngest places in the world – it was founded in January 1788. It’s no wonder that many Brits flock down under to start a new life, it boasts vibrant, youthful cities and some of the most spectacular beaches you can imagine. Sydney’s awesome structures and Melbourne’s coffee culture contrast with expanses of wild outback, such as the Kimberley.
5. Brazil
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This might come as a surprise, but Brazil is actually only slightly smaller than the whole of the US, and it takes up half the continent of South America. Impressively, 90% is powered by hydropower. Its main hubs are Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro and the ultra modern capital of Brasilia. The country is also home to large chunk of the Amazon Rainforest.
4. China
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China doesn’t just hold masses of land, but it’s a smorgasbord of culture too, from the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing to the Great Wall and the Yangtze – the longest river in Asia. You’re likely to come across the term megalopolis in this part of the world, which means a cluster of several cities. In 2018, there were nine of these officially approved super cities in the country – one of which is Shanghai.
3. US
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There isn’t much in it, but the US just pips China to the post when it comes to landmass including territories – China is home to around a billion more people than America though. It’s probably one of the nations we all know best, from California on the west coast to the iconic cities of New York and Miami in the east. Not to mention all the postcard-worthy spots in the centre – from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley.
2. Canada
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Another youngster in the top ten is Canada, which is only technically just over 150 years old. Its epic natural surroundings, including the Rocky Mountains and Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, lay claim to some unusual records too. In Ottawa, you’ll find the world’s longest ice-skating rink, The Rideau Canal, while Manitou Lake near the Saskatchewan-Alberta border is the largest lake within a lake on the planet. And of course, while it isn’t the largest waterfall in the world, Niagara Falls is probably the most famous.
1. Russia
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At number one is, of course, Russia at an utterly mind-boggling 17.1 million square kilometres. It spans across the whole of northern Asia, comprising 11 time zones and a variety of terrains, from deserts to forests and Arctic tundra. Russia boasts Europe’s longest river, the Volga, its largest lake, Ladoga, and the world’s deepest lake, Baikal. The country has recorded the world’s lowest temperatures outside the North and South poles – in Okymakon, the cold can freeze your saliva, eyelashes, and even vodka if it’s left outside!
