Diaries of TravelHistory · Journeys · Discovery

World Records & Superlatives

The biggest, smallest, most crowded and most connected countries on Earth — ranked from our own dataset of 249 countries and territories.

Open the interactive map →

Largest Countries in the World by AreaRanked by total land and water area. Russia is nearly twice the size of the next-largest country.#1 🇷🇺 Russia · 17,098,242 km² (6,601,665 mi²)
Smallest Countries in the World by AreaThe tiniest sovereign states and territories — Vatican City is smaller than many city parks.#1 🇻🇦 Vatican City · 0.44 km² (0 mi²)
Most Populous Countries in the WorldRanked by number of people. Together, the top two are home to more than a third of humanity.#1 🇨🇳 China · 1.39 billion
Least Populous Countries in the WorldThe world's smallest populations — several of these nations have fewer people than a single small town.#1 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands · 67
Most Densely Populated Countries in the WorldPeople per square kilometre. Micro-states and city-states pack the most people into the least space.#1 🇲🇴 Macau · 21,055
Countries With the Most NeighboursWhich countries share a land border with the most others? China and Russia sit right at the top of the list.#1 🇨🇳 China · 16
Countries With the Most Official LanguagesSome nations recognise a remarkable number of official languages side by side.#1 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe · 15

The map lover's shelf

A few things for anyone who loves maps and history. As an Amazon Associate, Diaries of Travel earns from qualifying purchases.