Big and small Countries

Overview of Countries

• There are 195 recognized countries in the world.
• Country size can be measured by land area or population density.

The Biggest Countries

• Russia: Largest country, covering over 17 million square kilometers, accounting for 11% of Earth's landmass.
• Canada: Second largest at 9.9 million square kilometers (9 million land; remainder water).
• China: Third, with a total area of 9.7 million square kilometers (9.4 million land).
• United Kingdom: Much smaller at 243,000 square kilometers.

The Smallest Countries

• Vatican City State: Smallest country, less than half a square kilometer, serves as the Pope's residence.
• Monaco: Second smallest, covering 2 square kilometers.
• Gibraltar: Third smallest, with an area of 6.8 square kilometers.
• Many small countries are island nations, not all islands have sovereign status.

The Most Populated Countries

• China: Most populous country, with over 1.4 billion residents, about one-sixth of the global population.
• India: Close second, also with just under 1.4 billion people.
• United States: Third place with 331 million people.
• United Kingdom: Population of around 68 million.

The Least Populated Countries

• Vatican City State: Smallest population, around 800 inhabitants.
• Monaco: Although marginally larger, has a population of about 37,000.

Population Density Insights

• Macau: World's most densely populated area, 21,000 people per square kilometer.
• Monaco: Second most densely populated, with 36,000 people in 2 square kilometers (18,000 per square kilometer).