When considering the sheer scale of countries across the globe, maps can sometimes be deceiving. Two-dimensional representations often fail to accurately convey the vastness of our three-dimensional world. A more precise method to grasp the true size of a nation is by examining its area, typically measured in square miles or kilometers. This brings us to a common question, especially for those in North America: how big is Russia compared to the US?
Russia definitively holds the title of the world’s largest country, dwarfing many others in landmass. According to World Atlas, Russia’s total area is a staggering 17.1 million square kilometers. This transcontinental nation stretches across both Asia and Europe, claiming the top spot in global size rankings, followed by Canada and then the United States. To put this into perspective, Russia’s land area is so immense that it encompasses nine different time zones, highlighting its east-to-west expanse. Furthermore, it shares borders with an impressive sixteen other countries, underscoring its significant geographical footprint in Eurasia.
In contrast, the United States, while undeniably large, occupies a smaller area compared to Russia. The US boasts a total surface area of approximately 9.8 million square kilometers. Interestingly, the debate for the third-largest country often involves the US and China. While the total area places the United States slightly ahead of China (which has around 9.6 million square kilometers), China actually surpasses the US in terms of land area alone by about 2%, according to World Atlas. This difference arises due to the significant number of inland water bodies within the US, such as lakes and rivers, which contribute to the total surface area but not the landmass.
When we directly compare Russia to the United States, the size disparity becomes even more apparent. NationMaster.com indicates that Russia is roughly 1.8 times larger than the United States. Essentially, the US is about half the size of Russia in terms of landmass. This substantial size difference is notable, especially considering both are global powers with significant influence.
Despite its enormous area, Russia’s population is relatively sparse. It is home to only about 2% of the world’s population. Conversely, the United States ranks as the third most populous country in the world, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This contrast highlights the vast, open spaces that characterize much of Russia, in stark comparison to the more densely populated United States.
In conclusion, Russia is considerably larger than the United States. It claims the top spot as the world’s largest country, nearly doubling the landmass of the US. Understanding this size difference provides valuable context when considering the geography, population distribution, and global influence of these two major nations. While both are vast countries, Russia’s sheer size truly sets it apart on the global map.
