It so happened that peoples and states fenced off each other with borders. Now on the globe there are more than two hundred states, large and small, and even quite dwarf.
The political map of the world in its historical development went through several stages. The ancient Stone Age hunter did not need borders. He moved freely on the earth behind herds of animals. And settled throughout the world, in search of better living conditions.
Over time, nationalities formed, surpluses appeared that embodied in wealth. There was a need to protect them from capture and appropriation by strangers, not from their "tribal clan". So the nations began to divide the earth into pieces, borders appeared.
As a result of the seizure of new territories and the development of uninhabited areas, large states were formed, which will be discussed in our article. Take the criteria for area and population.
If you follow the monistic theory, Mankind originated in Africa, and with it we begin the review.
The largest countries in the world:
10
Algeria
Area: 2 381 740 km²
The official name of the largest country in Africa is Algeria’s People’s Democratic Republic. The area of this state in the north of the African continent is 2,381,740 km².
The oldest traces of settlements on the territory of modern Algeria date back to the Paleolithic era. Over time, the territory of the country was part of the Phoenician influence, the Byzantine and Turkish empires.
For a long time, the country remained a colony of France, and only on March 18, 1962 gained independence. The French government used the desert lands of Algeria to test nuclear weapons.
Algeria is now a presidential republic. The population mainly professes Islam. As in most African countries, the country has free medicine and education, but these industries are at a low level. In the 60-70s of the twentieth century, many states were formed on the African continent, but the Republic of Algeria is still the largest country in Africa.
A unique fact from the history of the country can be called the existence from 1947 to 1967 of the only French Hammagir cosmodrome on the continent.
9
Kazakhstan
Area: 2,724,902 km²
The Republic of Kazakhstan, as the official name of this country sounds, ranks fourth in terms of area among Asian states. The area of this country, which is located in Asia and Europe, is 2 724 902 km².
One of the youngest states on the planet. The name "Kazakhstan" began to be used in 1991, after the collapse of the USSR. In the era of the Middle Ages and the New Age, the territory of modern Kazakhstan was part of large Turkic and Iranian-speaking state entities. From the 17th, the Kazakh steppes are part of Russia, and on December 16, 1991, Kazakhstan declared its independence.
The uniqueness of the territory is that it has various climatic and natural zones: from deserts to highlands. The diversity of nature led to the diversity of flora and fauna of this country. More than 170 species of mammals, 490 species of birds and about 100 species of fish live in the country.
But there is a distinctive feature of Kazakhstan - the presence of the world's largest Baikonur cosmodrome.
On our site thebiggest.ru you can find out about the largest cities of Kazakhstan.
8
Argentina
Area: 2,766,890 km²
The Republic of Argentina in the South American continent is the second largest after Brazil. The area of this state is 2,766,890 km². The state claims to be part of Antarctica, but officially the southern continent is a neutral territory, and world organizations do not recognize this claim.
From ancient times, the territory of modern Argentina was inhabited by various ethnic groups. In the XVI century, these territories began to conquer and master the Spanish conquistadors. As a result of military clashes and wars with neighboring states, in 1816 independence was proclaimed. In 1853, the territory received its current name - Argentina.
May 25, the country celebrates a national holiday - Day of the beginning of the first revolution. Among politicians, the Argentines are especially revered by the first president, Urkis, as well as President Perron and his famous wife Evita.
Of unique traditions, this is Fathers Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of May and the Argentine Carnival on January 16.
7
India
Area: 3,287,263 km²
One of the most mysterious countries not only on the Asian continent, but also the whole world. The area of the Republic of India is 3,287,263 km². Interestingly, in terms of area and population, India in the Asian continent is second only to China.
On the territory of modern India, human remains were found, whose age is approximately 400,000-700,000 years. The uniqueness of India also lies in the fact that in the interfluve of the Indus and Ganges the oldest civilization on Earth arose.
Remaining for a long time under the rule of other peoples and states, the Indians managed to create a unique culture. Only in 1947, India achieved independence from England. There are still two official languages in India - Hindi and English.
India is developing multifaceted, but continues to be a hotbed of turbulence. Territorial conflicts with Pakistan, the operation of extremist religious organizations - all these are everyday life of modern India. Not in one other country in the world two prime ministers in a row were not killed in the attacks.
But one cannot fail to note the positive aspects. Jawaharlar Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi glorified their country to the whole world. Gandhi deserved a peace prize for his work, but he never received it. In memory of him, the Nobel Committee in 1948, in the year of the death of Mahatma Gandhi, did not award this prize to anyone, with the wording that there are no worthy people among the living.
6
Australia
Area: 7,692,024 km²
The State of the Australian Union, which includes the mainland of the same name, the island of Tasmania and a number of islands in the Pacific Ocean, covers an area of 7 692 024 km². Officially, the name of the continent and, as a consequence, the country was fixed in 1824.
Before European studies, the mainland was inhabited by natives who arrived here through the Pacific Islands from Asia, some 70 thousand years ago. In modern times, Europeans began to settle in Australia, mostly the British.
Now Australia is one of the economically developed countries. In terms of living, it occupies 13th place in the world. Australia is considered the largest island nation on Earth. We know from school that this is both a country and a continent.
The uniqueness of the country is that it is inhabited by animals that you will not find in other parts of the world. These are animals of the marsupial family: kangaroos, Koala bears, marsupials. The flora of the evergreen shrubs and trees is also unique. In addition, TheBiggest has a very interesting article on Australia's most dangerous animals.
5
Brazil
Area: 8 514 877 km²
The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South America in terms of area and population. After the Portuguese discovered Terra da Vera Cruz (Land of the True Cross), the territories of future Brazil fell under the influence of the Spaniards, and only in 1822 the country gained independence.
Every inhabitant of the land associates this country with football and the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro. For Russians, it’s also with the dream of Ostap Bender to take a walk in Rio in white trousers.
Brazil has become a place of synthesis of European and local traditions. This affects both secular life and religion. For example, there is no one dominant religion in the country, and 8% of Brazilians generally consider themselves unbelievers in God. Although all over the world we recognize the monument to Jesus Christ, towering above the beautiful city of Brazil.
The flora and fauna of the country is amazing and diverse. The largest Amazon river flows through it. The Brazilian jungle is the lungs of planet Earth.
4
USA
Area: 9,526,468 km²
By area, the United States of America is only slightly inferior to China and firmly occupies the 4th position in the world.
A relatively young state was formed as a result of the War of Independence in 1776. Since then, the country has significantly expanded its territories, began to actively develop and now occupies a leading position in many sectors of the economy and social life.
The United States has a unique legal system. The country's constitution, adopted in 1787, is still valid today with some amendments.
But, despite the relative perfection of the legal and state system, the United States holds the palm in the number of crimes. For every 100 thousand people there are 730 people convicted of crimes. The USA is also the leader among all countries of the world in the number of military bases located in different parts of the world.
3
China
Area: 9,598,077 km²
Officially, this country is listed on a map called the People's Republic of China and is the largest country in the world in terms of population.
According to the latest data, China has a population of 1.4 billion.
China is also the oldest state on the planet, formed 3,500 years ago. The population is ethnically represented mainly by the Han ethnic group (as the Chinese call themselves).
The country, or rather its people, in ancient times gave the world community many discoveries and inventions that are used today.
A large area determined the diversity of the animal and plant world. In the Republic of China, 3% of all global bamboo plantations grow. In addition, more than 500 species of this plant are known in the country.
Today, China is the fastest growing country in the world. The Chinese are very hardworking and responsible people. The uniqueness of the state is that the Chinese managed to harmoniously combine the communist ideology with elements of despotism and a market economy with democratic principles.
Along with Japan and England, China is one of the most conservative countries in the world. And you can read about the largest cities in China on our website thebiggest.ru.
2
Canada
Area: 9 984 670 km²
Constitutional Monarchy Canada is the largest state in North America. Its total area is 9 984 670 km². "Canada" is an Indian word meaning "settlement", "land". Since 1545, this name was assigned to the northern territories of the continent, and later became the name of the country. But the official, so to speak, birthday of the country is 1534, when the first colony was formed (now the city of Quebec).
Unique, but Canada, through the islands, borders the European states of Denmark and France. It was the French, along with the British, who for a long time owned these lands. For this reason, Canada has two official languages - English and French.
The head of state is the Queen of the British Commonwealth; she also appoints the Governor General of Canada.
Due to climatic conditions, most of the country is not populated. After World War II, the Canadian economy was actively integrated into the US economy. The same processes occur in social and cultural life. The border between the two states is pure convention, a tribute to international law.
1
Russia
In the photo: World map. We will not fill Russia with red, because it will occupy most of the image area. We think you already see and know the borders of this country.
Area: 17 124 442 km²
The largest country in the world has recently increased its territory by joining the Crimea peninsula. Today, the Russian Federation has an area of 17 124 442 km².
Russia, like Kazakhstan and Turkey, is located in two parts of the world - Europe and Asia. The name of the country comes from the Greek "Rus" - Russia. But historians have no consensus on this.
Russia is also the most multinational state on planet Earth. About 190 nationalities live in its territories. It is noteworthy that many of them retain their original culture and language. Although the official language of the Russian Federation is recognized only Russian. But in places of compact residence of peoples, it is possible to conduct training and speak native languages.
The Russian state dates back to the distant 9th century, with the formation of the Russian-Slavic state with its center in Kiev. Many traditions and ceremonies, holidays have been preserved to this day. There are few countries that have such a glorious and controversial history.
Now it is one of the leading states on the world map. Russian politicians, writers, scientists are known far beyond the borders of the country. In different parts of the world you can also find dishes of national Russian cuisine.
We advise you to see: The largest cities in Russia.
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Conclusion
The map of the world is constantly changing. New areas appear, with the collapse of the colonial system, new states appear. An amazing property of history is that the world is changing before our eyes. Politicians, political and economic experts predict radical changes in the political map of the world in the near future. Geopolitics actively intervenes in the life of any country and even every person. Wars and disputes between states are always associated with borders and territories.
Unfortunately, wars continue today. But I want to believe that one day all borders will disappear, and each person will have a passport that says "Citizen of the planet Earth."
Article author: Valery Skiba