Asia is by far the biggest continent on Earth with 31,105,763 km2 of land. Asia has a diverse range of climates and biomes, including the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, the deserts of Saudi Arabia, and the icy tundra of Siberia in Russia. In addition to several non-country territories like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Palestine, and four transcontinental countries (Russia, Egypt, Cyprus, and Turkey) that have land in Asia but are usually counted as European or African, Asia comprises 45 sovereign states that have received full UN recognition.  This is significant since, when included as Asian nations, two of those transcontinental nations—Turkey and Russia—are the largest and tenth largest on the continent. The list below will only mention proper Asian countries.

List of Top 10 Largest Countries In Asia By Area 

1. China
2. India 
3. Kazakhstan
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Indonesia
6. Iran
7. Mongolia
8. Pakistan
9. Turkey
10. Myanmar

1. China

China is the third-largest country in the world and the largest in Asia by land area, officially known as the People’s Republic of China. China is a large country with a varied terrain that includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and massive river systems. Its total area is around 9.7 million square kilometers. Its enormous size adds to its diverse climate, which is tropical in the south and subarctic in the north.

China borders 14 other countries, including numerous Central Asian countries, Russia, and India. The vastness of the country’s territory includes a variety of topographical characteristics, including the majestic Himalayan mountain range, the vast Gobi Desert, and the lush plains beside important rivers like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

Throughout history, this enormous region has been essential in forming China’s political, economic, and cultural developments. The varied landscapes of the nation are a reflection of its rich past and have shaped economic activity, agricultural methods, and settlement patterns. China is home to one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, and its vast territory has served as a blank canvas for a diverse and vibrant culture that is now undergoing massive global evolution.

2. India

India, officially the Republic of India, is the seventh-largest nation in the world and second-largest in Asia, with a land area of around 3.3 million square kilometers. India is a country in South Asia that borders Pakistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to the east. The Indian Ocean borders it to the south, offering a long stretch of shoreline.

India’s terrain is varied, encompassing the mighty Himalayan mountain range in the north, the lush coastal regions in the east and west, the rich plains of the Ganges and Indus river valleys, and the parched Thar Desert in the west. The physical layout of the nation has greatly influenced the development of its cultural and economic environment.

India is the second-most populous country in the world, home to almost 1.3 billion people. Due to its large land area, it is home to many different languages, ethnic groups, and cultural traditions, creating a diverse melting pot. Over its long history, India’s geography has shaped its agricultural practices, trading routes, and habitation patterns, creating the colorful mosaic that now characterizes the country.

Read More: How Did India’s Population Grow to Such Staggering Numbers?

3. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the biggest landlocked nation in the world, tenth largest by land size in the world and third largest in Asia, comprising around 2.7 million square kilometers. It is situated in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Russia borders it to the north, China borders it to the east, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan border it to the south, and the Caspian Sea borders it to the west. Kazakhstan’s varied topography includes wide steppes, deserts, mountain ranges, and the shores of the Caspian Sea.

The expansive Kazakh Steppe, which takes up much of the country’s center and northern areas, dominates the landscape of the nation. The biggest inland body of water in the world, the Caspian Sea, serves as a substantial western boundary. Kazakhstan’s terrain is very diverse due to the presence of the Altai, Tian Shan, and other mountain ranges.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has been essential to both economic growth and regional geopolitics. Rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas, have propelled the country’s economic expansion. Due to its large geographical size and advantageous location at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is a major actor in the geopolitical and economic dynamics of the area.

4. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, which covers around 2.1 million square kilometers and is located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, is the 13th biggest nation in the world by land area and the fourth largest in Asia. Saudi Arabia has coasts along the Arabian Gulf to the east and the Red Sea to the west. It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Oman to the southeast, and the United Arab Emirates to the east.

Large deserts dot the country’s geography; among them is the Rub’ al Khali, often known as the Empty Quarter, one of the world’s biggest continuous sand deserts. The rocky plateau, known as the Arabian Shield, stretches over the western portion of the nation. The Sarawat Mountains in the west and the Hijaz mountain range along the Red Sea coast are both located in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a major player in the global energy market and has enormous strategic importance because of its enormous oil reserves. The nation’s political, economic, and cultural hub is located in the capital city of Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has established itself as a major actor in the Middle East and the international scene thanks to the special mix of its large land area, abundant economic resources, and strategic location.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia is the biggest island nation in the world, a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands located in Southeast Asia. Covering a size of over 1.9 million square kilometers, Indonesia has an amazing and varied terrain. The country borders Papua New Guinea in New Guinea and Malaysia on the island of Borneo.

Indonesia’s terrain varies from lush lowlands and dense tropical rainforests to massive volcanic peaks. Among them is Mount Indonesia, which is the nation’s highest peak. Because the archipelago is a member of the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes and volcanic activity occur often.

Due to its distinct geography, Indonesia is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, some of which are native to the area, and possesses remarkable biodiversity. The nation has an equally varied cultural landscape, home to a multitude of ethnic groups, dialects, and customs.

Indonesia is a prominent actor in the world economy. Its advantageous position makes trading routes easier, and its natural resources—minerals and a significant palm oil sector, among others—contribute to its economic significance. The political and economic hub of this enormous and vibrant archipelagic nation is Jakarta, the capital.

6. Iran

Iran is a nation in Western Asia formally referred to as the Islamic Republic of Iran. With a total geographic area of over 1.6 million square kilometers, Iran is the 17th biggest country in the world and the sixth largest in Asia. Iran has a varied landscape with mountain ranges, plateaus, and large deserts. It is bordered by Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

The Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut deserts, which straddle central and eastern Iran, respectively, are the dominant features of the country’s west, where the Zagros Mountains stand. The north is bordered by the Caspian Sea, which offers a more mild environment.

Iran has a long history and rich culture, having been at the epicenter of civilization for thousands of years. Iran’s cultural identity was founded by the ancient Persian Empire, which is well-known for its contributions to art, science, and administration.

The nation’s political, economic, and cultural center is Tehran, the capital. Iran’s economic significance in the area is largely attributed to its abundant natural resources, which include large deposits of gas and oil. Iran occupies a central position in the Middle East and on the international scene due to its geopolitical significance, historical sites, and varied landscapes.

7. Mongolia

Mongolia is a large, sparsely populated landlocked nation in East and Central Asia that is well-known for its expansive steppes, untamed mountains, and nomadic customs. Mongolia, with its 1.6 million square kilometers of territory, is the 18th biggest nation in the world and the seventh largest in Asia. China borders it to the south, east, and west, and Russia to the north.

The huge Gobi Desert in the south, large grasslands in the center, and mountain ranges like the Altai Mountains in the west and the Khangai Mountains in the north-central section of the nation define the Mongolian landscape. The Mongolian people have always had a close relationship with their surroundings, which is reflected in their nomadic herding lifestyle and traditional yurt houses.

In the middle of the vast steppes lies Ulaanbaatar, the capital and biggest city, which serves as a cultural and economic hub. Mongolia boasts a rich history, most notably as the capital of one of the biggest contiguous empires in history, the Mongol Empire, which was established in the 13th century by Genghis Khan.

Mongolia’s severe weather, which affects cattle and nomadic herders during the hard winters known as “dzuds,” poses difficulties. The nation’s abundant mineral resources also support the growth of its economy. Mongolia is a unique and fascinating country because of its amazing scenery, historical significance, and combination of nomadic cultures.

Read More: Famous Mongolian Leaders

8. Pakistan

Pakistan is a South Asian country with a wide variety of landscapes and cultural traditions. It is the 33rd biggest nation in the world and the eighth largest in Asia, with an area of around 881,913 square kilometers. Pakistan is surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the south, China to the north, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, and the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges to the east. Its terrain also includes the lush Indus River plains and the parched regions of Balochistan.

Pakistan’s urban environment is anchored by its capital, Islamabad, and its largest metropolis, Karachi, which also serves as an economic center. The country boasts a rich historical background, enriched by the cultural contributions of ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley. Amazing examples of Mughal and Islamic architecture include the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort.

Pakistan is well-known for its linguistic and ethnic variety, with the main languages spoken there being Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Urdu. The nation has advanced in a number of fields, including sports, technology, and agriculture, despite obstacles.

Pakistan is positioned to play a major role in both the South Asian region and the global arena due to its strategic location, economic potential, and cultural history. The country is still figuring out how to move forward in the face of changing geopolitics and internal goals for stability and growth.

9. Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental nation with a rich cultural and historical heritage that connects Europe and Asia. Covering an area of around 783,356 square kilometers, it is a significant intersection of geography and culture. Turkey has a varied terrain that includes mountains, plateaus, and coastal areas. It is bordered by eight countries, which includes Iran, Iraq, Greece, Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Syria.

The capital is Ankara; Istanbul, which is situated on both sides of the Bosporus Strait, is a historic city that has served as the seat of several empires, most notably the Byzantine and Ottoman. Turkey has influenced several civilizations, including the Hittites, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

The Anatolian Plateau, the Taurus Mountains, and the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts make up the landscape of the nation. Among Turkey’s natural treasures are Cappadocia, with its unusual rock formations, and Pamukkale, known for its terraces of warm springs.

Turkey is a secular nation with a rich cultural past shaped by Islamic, Turkic, and Ottoman customs. Once a church and then a mosque, the Hagia Sophia represents this merging of cultures. The economy of the country is dynamic and integrates industry, tourism, and agriculture.

Turkey plays the role of a link between continents and civilizations because of its advantageous position, historical relevance, and ability to combine modernity with tradition. These factors make Turkey an intriguing and powerful country in the Middle East and Europe.

Read More: Leaders of The Ottoman Empire

10. Myanmar

The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar has a rich cultural and historical legacy. With a land area of over 676,578 square kilometers, it ranks as the 40th biggest nation globally and the 10th largest in Asia. Myanmar has a varied topography that includes hilly areas, lush plains, and vast coasts along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand.

Important urban hubs are Naypyidaw, which has been the capital since 2006, and Yangon, which is the biggest metropolis and the previous capital. A complicated history, including colonial authority and the impact of several empires, has formed Myanmar. The many temples and pagodas around the nation, including the well-known ancient city of Bagan, are testaments to its rich cultural past.

Myanmar’s multicultural identity is influenced by a variety of ethnic groups, including the Bamar, Shan, Karen, and others. The country has recently seen a political shift and suffered socio-political difficulties.

Natural wonders like the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda and the scenic Inle Lake abound in Myanmar. The nation’s economy is based mostly on tourism, natural resources, and agriculture.

Myanmar’s cultural variety and geographic richness continue to make it an intriguing and dynamic country in Southeast Asia, despite the country’s recent past being one of both success and hardship.

Conclusion

Asia is a continent of enormous physical size, but these largest Asian nations by land area in 2024 will also showcase the region’s rich cultural, geopolitical, and environmental variety. The history of the continent and the global cultural, political, and economic environment are shaped by these countries, whose impact goes well beyond their boundaries.

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