There are many misconceptions and theories about the size of Russia when compared to Africa. Although Africa is a continent and not a country of its own, is Russia bigger than Africa?
No, it is not. A study shows that Africa is approximately 1.7 times bigger than Russia. According to world maps, Africa covers 11.7 million mi2 (30.3 million km²), while Russia covers 6.6 million mi² (17.1 million km²).
In this article, you will learn about the size and population of Russia compared to Africa and some of the largest countries in the world and Africa.
Let’s dive right into it.
How big is Russia?
Russia is the largest country in the world, and it covers a total area of 6.6 million mi² (17.1 million km²). It is also known as the Russian Federation, and it is located on both the continents of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
Russia holds twelve different time zones and borders 14 different countries by land. It is also the 9th most populated country, with an estimated population of about 146 million people.
How big is Africa?
Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, right after Asia. It covers 11.7 million mi2 (30.3 million km²), with around 1.4 billion people.
Africa covers 18% of the world’s population. It also covers 6% of the surface of the earth.
Why does Russia look bigger than Africa on the map?
It is because of the type of projection used on the map. Many maps use the Mercator projection, which distorts the size and shape of land masses near the pole.
The Mercator projection uses a 3D cylindrical projector, making Russia appear larger than Africa. However, in reality, Africa is 1.7 times bigger than Russia.
What are the largest countries in the world?
Now let’s see some of the biggest countries in the world and their area. They are;
1. Russia
Russia is the biggest country in the world and sits between two continents, Asia and Europe. Covering 6.6 million mi² (17.1 million km²). with an estimated population of 146 million people.
2. Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world and the largest in America. Covering about 10 million km², with an estimated population of 37 million.
3. The United States of America
The USA is a transcontinental country located primarily in North America. It is the third largest country in the world, covering 3.8 million mi² (9.9 million km²). Furthermore, with an estimated population of 331 million inhabitants.
4. China
China, located in East Asia, is the fourth-largest country in the world. Covering about 3.7 million mi² (9.6 million km²) with an estimated population of 1.4 billion inhabitants.
5. Brazil
Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world and the largest in South America. It covers 3.3 million mi² (8.5 million km²), with an estimated 210 million inhabitants.
6. Australia
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and the largest in Oceania. Covering an area of 3 million mi² (7.7 million km²), with an estimated 25.7 million inhabitants.
7. India
India is the seventh-largest country in the world, located in South Asia. It covers an area of 1.3 million mi² (3.3 million km²). India is the second most populated country in the world, with an estimated population of 1.4 billion.
8. Argentina
Argentina, originally known as the Republic of Argentina, is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest in South America.
It is located in southern South America, covering 1.1 million mi² (2.8 million km²). Argentina also has an estimated population of 47.3 million.
9. Kazakhstan
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a transcontinental country, located mainly in Central Asia and partly in Eastern Europe.
Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, covering a total area of 1.1 million mi² (2.8 million km²). The Republic of Kazakhstan has an estimated population of 19 million.
10. Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the 10th in the world.
It covers a total area of 920 thousand mi² (2.4 million km²) and is the 32nd most populated country with an estimated population of 44 million.
FAQs
Is Russia wider than Africa?
When the width is measured, Russia is indeed wider than Africa, however, not by much.
Which continent is Russia bigger than?
Russia is larger than the continent of Antarctica and Australia.
Is Asia bigger than Africa?
Yes, it is. According to National Geographic, Asia is the largest continent in the world. Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia follow it.
Is Russia more populated than Africa?
No. The population of Russia is estimated at 146 million, while Africa has an estimated population of 1.4 billion.
Is the US bigger than Russia?
No. Russia is said to be 1.7 times bigger than the US. The US covers an area of 3.8 million mi² (9.8 million km²). In comparison, Russia covers 6.6 million mi² (17.1 million km²).
Conclusion
Although Russia is the largest country in the world, it is not bigger than Africa. It only appears to be bigger on maps because of the projection used. But in reality, Africa is almost two times larger than Russia.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, if you did, you should also see what countries have green, yellow, and blue flags.
Thanks for reading.
