07.08.2013

The total area of ​​planet Earth is 510 million km2, and the area of ​​all continents is only 149 million km2 (30% of the total area). About 50% of this territory belongs to just ten countries, which will be discussed in our ranking - This is the top 10 largest countries in the world. By the way, there are a total of 206 countries on the planet, of which 194 are independent states.

10. Algeria

Territory: 2,381,740 km2 Population: 37 million people Capital: Algeria

Opens ten largest countries in the world the only representative of the African continent, the Algerian People's Democratic Republic, or simply Algeria, is the northernmost and largest independent African state. Most of Algeria is covered by the Sahara Desert. The country's main source of income is the gas and oil industry. The country occupies one of the leading positions in the world in terms of oil and gas reserves. Despite this, more than 17% of the population lives below the poverty line. Although the country is not included in the top ten, . A familiar picture.

9. Kazakhstan

Territory: 2,724,900 km2 Population: 17 million people Capital: Astana

A post-Soviet country with a rich historical and cultural past, Kazakhstan is in 9th place. Like Russia, Kazakhstan is a Eurasian state, most of which is located in Asia. Like Algeria, Kazakhstan can be classified as a gas and oil magnate.

8. Argentina

Territory: 2,766,890 km2 Population: 41 million people Capital: Buenos Aires

One of two Latin American countries in our ranking- Argentina. The homeland of the two past and present times, Maradona and Messi, is named after the precious metal - silver, of which there later turned out to be not much there. Interesting fact- in the capital of Argentina you can walk along the longest street in the world - the number of houses on the street exceeds 20,000.

7. India

Territory: 3,287,590 km2 Population: 1,223 million people Capital: New Delhi

One of the two world leaders in terms of population, India also has a huge area, more than 3 million, and the seventh largest country in the world. The country's economy is struggling to keep up with its excellent population and area figures. Potentially, the Indian economy is one of the leading economies of the world in the future. The birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism and, of course, tea.

6. Australia

Territory: 7,686,850 km2 Population: 23 million people Capital: Canberra

The only mainland country in the ranking is Australia, a continent in which everything is the other way around - in winter it is hot and summer, and in summer it is cold and winter. Despite the vast territories in Australia's possessions, not all of them are accessible to life. In and around Australia coastal waters There are many unique and very large ones, but the population of the country, on the contrary, is not very numerous. Despite this, Australia's Human Development Index is second in the world, and its GDP is 12th. Interesting fact: use a search engine to ask “how do Australians see the world?” and you will be pleasantly surprised. Perhaps even something will turn inside you.

5. Brazil

Territory: 8,511,965 km2 Population: 197 million people Capital: Brasilia

The second and last Latin American country on this list largest countries- the largest state in South America. The birthplace of carnivals in Rio de Janeiro and, of course, the most football country in the world. For any person interested in sports, Brazil is, first of all, the 5-time world champions in football and the homeland of Pele, the king of football. The capital of Brazil, the city of Brasilia, was built in just 3.5 years.

4. China

Territory: 9,640,821 km2 Population: 1,347 million people Capital: Beijing

Every sixth inhabitant of the planet is Chinese. In the course of history, the country's almost 1.5 billion population received the 4th largest state territory in the world (6% of the total land area on the planet). It’s difficult to talk about China, because it is the first in almost everything. Look at the country of origin 10 household appliances in your home and are guaranteed to find something from China. There is no need to talk about the achievements of Chinese athletes. USA on olympic games now there is someone to compete with.

3. USA

Territory: 9,826,675 km2 Population: 314 million people Capital: Washington

The United States of America, with , won in this ranking, largest countries an unusual bronze award. The most “democratic” country in the world, well, at least that’s what they say, has all the prerequisites for this: the first GDP indicator in the world, a huge territory in the center North America. It is washed on both sides by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The country's population, as well as its area, is the third largest among all countries. One thing is bad - tornadoes and cyclones with frantic force and enviable regularity give the residents of the United States a beating.

2. Canada

Territory: 9,976,139 km2 Population: 34 million people Capital: Ottawa

The northern neighbor of the United States, which has surpassed its competitor in territory by only 3 France or Spain. But not the entire territory of Canada is as suitable for life, and the population of the country is ridiculous compared to the territory it occupies - only 34 million people, which is why the population density is one of the lowest in the world. Despite all this, Canada, with its ecology and nature, remains a “promised land” and a lifelong dream for many. Interesting fact: The northernmost settlement in the world is in Canada, and the length of its borders is a record. All this is thanks to the large population of the eastern part of the country.

1. Russia

Territory: 17,075,400 km2 Population: 143 million people Capital: Moscow

With a large gap from pursuers and competitors - Russian Federation the biggest country in the world. A Eurasian state, most of which is located in Asia and in lands unsuitable for human life. The richest country in the world in terms of reserves of raw materials and fuel resources. It is also the longest country in the world - when people go to bed in the European part of the country, in the other part they can already lazily stretch and wake up. The most “neighboring” country borders 18 countries.

03.05.2013

A hundred years ago, countries strived to become the most powerful and developed powers in the world, capturing more and more territories and spreading their influence. This is the top 10 most great empires world in history. They are considered the most important and longest lasting, they were powerful and played an important role in history. The Russian Empire and even the great Macedonian Empire created by Alexander the Great did not make it into the top 10, but it was the first European empire that advanced into Asia and defeated the Persian Empire, and perhaps one of the most powerful in ancient world. But it is believed that these 10 great empires were more important in history, made a greater contribution.

Mayan Empire (c.2000 BC-1540 AD)

This empire is distinguished by its longevity, its cycle lasted almost 3500 years! This is twice the life of the Roman Empire. So far, scientists know very little about the first 3,000 years, as well as about the mysterious pyramid-like structures scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Well, is it worth mentioning the famous doomsday calendar?

French Empire (1534-1962)

Second largest in history great empire- French colonial empire, occupied 4.9 million square miles and covered almost 1/10 of the total area of ​​the Earth. Her influence made French one of the most widespread at that time, brought fashion to French architecture, culture, cuisine, etc. to all corners of the globe. However, she gradually lost influence, and two world wars completely deprived her of her last strength.

Spanish Empire (1492-1976)

One of the first large empires that seized territories in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, creating colonies. For hundreds of years it remained one of the most important political and economic forces in the world. The main contribution to history is undoubtedly the discovery of the New World in 1492 and the spread of Christianity in the Western world.

Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

The last ruling dynasty of China in its imperial past. It was founded by the Manchu clan Aisin Gioro in the territory of modern Manchuria in 1644, quickly grew and developed and eventually covered all the territories of modern China, Mongolia and even parts of Siberia by the 18th century. The empire covered an area of ​​more than 5,700,000 square miles. The dynasty was overthrown during the Xinhai Revolution.

Umayyad Caliphate (661-750)

One of the fastest growing great empires in history, whose life, however, was just as short. It was founded by one of the four caliphates - the Umayyad Caliphate, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad and served to spread Islam throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Sweeping away everything in its path, Islam seized power in the region and retains it to this day.

Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BC)

Most often it is called the Medo-Persian Empire. Stretching from the Indus Valley of modern Pakistan to Libya and the Balkans, this empire is the largest Asian empire in ancient history. The founder was Cyrus the Great, best known today as an enemy of the Greek city-states during the Greco-Persian Wars, who was killed by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. After his death, the empire split into two large parts and several independent territories. The model of state and bureaucracy invented in this empire still works today.

Great Ottoman Empire (1299-1922)

Became one of the largest and longest-lived great empires of the world in history. At its height (under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent) in the 16th century, it extended from the southern borders of the Holy Roman Empire to Persian Gulf, and from the Caspian Sea to Algeria, effectively holding control over most of southeastern Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. At the beginning of the 17th century, the empire included no fewer than 32 provinces, along with numerous vassal states. Unfortunately, ethnic and religious tensions and competition from other powers led to a gradual disintegration in the 19th century.

Mongol Empire (1206-1368)

Despite the fact that the empire lasted only 162 years, the pace at which it grew is frightening. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan (1163-1227), the entire territory from of Eastern Europe to the Sea of ​​Japan. At its peak, it covered an area of ​​9,000,000 square miles. Perhaps the empire would have been able to capture Japan if the ships had not been destroyed by the tsunamis of 1274 and 1281. By the mid-14th century, the empire began to gradually disintegrate due to internal conflicts and eventually split into several states.

British Empire (1603 to 1997)

Despite its short life span of only 400 years, the British Empire (essentially several British Isles) managed to become the largest in history. At its peak in 1922, the empire dominated almost 500 million people (1/5 of the world's population at that time) and covered more than 13 million square meters. miles (1/4 of the Earth's area)! That empire had colonies on all continents of the world. Alas, everything must come to an end. After two world wars, Britain was financially devastated and, after the loss of India in 1947, gradually began to lose influence and colonies.

Greater Roman Empire (27 BC to 1453)

Founded in 27 BC. Octavian Augustus it existed for 1500 years! And it was eventually overthrown by the Turks under the leadership of Mehmed II, who destroyed Constantinople in 1453. For 117 AD heyday came great empire . At this time she was the most powerful on earth, although not the largest in history. The population was 56.8 million people, the territory under its rule was 2,750,000 km². The influence on modern Western culture, language, literature, and science is difficult to assess because it is incredibly large.

1. British Empire (42.75 million km²)
Highest peak - 1918

The British Empire is the largest state that has ever existed in the history of mankind with colonies on all inhabited continents. Largest area The empire reached in the mid-1930s, when the lands of the United Kingdom extended over 34,650,407 km² (including 8 million km² of uninhabited land), which is about 22% of the earth's land. The total population of the empire was approximately 480 million people (about one-fourth of humanity). It is the legacy of Pax Britannica that explains the role in English as the most common in the world in the fields of transport and trade.

2. Mongol Empire (38.0 million km²)
Highest flowering - 1270-1368.

Mongol Empire (Mongolian Mongolian ezent guren; Middle Mongolian ᠶᠡᠺᠡ ᠮᠣᠨᠭᠣᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ, Yeke Mongγol ulus - Great Mongol State, Mongolian Ikh Mongol ulus) - a state that emerged in the 13th century as a result of the conquests of Genghis Khan but also his successors and included the most the largest contiguous territory in world history from the Danube to the Sea of ​​Japan and from Novgorod to Southeast Asia (area approx. 38,000,000 square kilometers). Karakorum became the capital of the state.

During its heyday it included vast territories Central Asia, Southern Siberia, Eastern Europe, Middle East, China and Tibet. In the second half of the 13th century, the empire began to disintegrate into uluses, headed by the Chingizids. The largest fragments of Great Mongolia were the Yuan Empire, Ulus Jochi ( Golden Horde), the Hulaguid state and the Chagatai ulus. The Great Khan Kublai, who assumed (1271) the title of Emperor Yuan and moved the capital to Khanbalyk, laid claim to supremacy over all uluses. By the beginning of the 14th century, the formal unity of the empire was restored in the form of a federation of virtually independent states.

In the last quarter of the 14th century, the Mongol Empire ceased to exist.

3. Russian Empire (22.8 million km²)
Highest flowering - 1866

Russian Empire (Russian doref. Rossiyskaya Imperiya; also All-Russian Empire, Russian State or Russia) - a state that existed in the period from October 22 (2) November 1721 to February Revolution and the proclamation of the republic in 1917 by the Provisional Government.

The Empire was proclaimed on October 22 (November 2, 1721) following the results of the Northern War, when, at the request of senators, Russian Tsar Peter I the Great accepted the titles of Emperor of All Russia and Father of the Fatherland.

The capital of the Russian Empire from 1721 to 1728 and from 1730 to 1917 was St. Petersburg, and in 1728-1730 Moscow.

The Russian Empire was the third largest state ever to exist (after the British and Mongol Empires) - stretching to the Arctic Ocean in the north and the Black Sea in the south, to the Baltic Sea in the west and the Pacific Ocean in the east. The head of the empire, the All-Russian Emperor, had unlimited, absolute power until 1905.

On September 1 (14), 1917, Alexander Kerensky proclaimed the country a republic (although this issue fell within the competence of the Constituent Assembly; on January 5 (18), 1918, the Constituent Assembly also declared Russia a republic). However, the legislature of the empire - The State Duma- was dissolved only on October 6 (19), 1917.

Geographical position of the Russian Empire: 35°38’17" - 77°36'40" north latitude and 17°38' east longitude - 169°44' west longitude. The territory of the Russian Empire by the end of the 19th century - 21.8 million km² (that is, 1/6 of the land) - it ranked second (and third ever) in the world, after the British Empire. The article does not take into account the territory of Alaska, which was part of it from 1744 to 1867 and occupied an area of ​​1,717,854 km².

The regional reform of Peter I for the first time divides Russia into provinces, streamlining administration, supplying the army with provisions and recruits from the localities, and improving tax collection. Initially, the country is divided into 8 provinces headed by governors vested with judicial and administrative powers.

The provincial reform of Catherine II divides the empire into 50 provinces, divided into counties (about 500 in total). To assist governors, state and judicial chambers and other state and social institutions have been created. The governors were subordinate to the Senate. The head of the district is a police captain (elected by the district assembly of nobles).

By 1914, the empire was divided into 78 provinces, 21 regions and 2 independent districts, where 931 cities were located. Russia includes the following territories of modern states: all CIS countries (without the Kaliningrad region and the southern part of the Sakhalin region of the Russian Federation; Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi regions of Ukraine); eastern and central Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania (without the Memel region), several Turkish and Chinese regions. Some provinces and regions were united into a governorate general (Kiev, Caucasus, Siberian, Turkestan, East Siberian, Amur, Moscow). The Bukhara and Khiva khanates were official vassals, the Uriankhai region is a protectorate. For 123 years (from 1744 to 1867), the Russian Empire also owned Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, as well as part of the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada.

According to the general census of 1897, the population was 129.2 million people. The distribution of the population by territory was as follows: European Russia - 94,244.1 thousand people, Poland - 9456.1 thousand people, Caucasus - 9354.8 thousand people, Siberia - 5784.5 thousand people, middle Asia- 7747.1 thousand people, Finland - 2555.5 thousand people.

4. Soviet Union(22.4 million km²)
Highest peak - 1945-1990.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, also the USSR, the Soviet Union is a state that existed from 1922 to 1991 on the territory of Eastern Europe, Northern, and parts of Central and Eastern Asia. The USSR occupied almost 1/6 of the Earth's inhabited landmass; at the time of its collapse it was the largest country in the world by area. It was formed on the territory that by 1917 was occupied by the Russian Empire without Finland, part of the Polish Kingdom and some other territories.

According to the Constitution of 1977, the USSR was proclaimed a single union multinational socialist state.

After World War II, the USSR had land borders with Afghanistan, Hungary, Iran, China, North Korea (since September 9, 1948), Mongolia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Finland, Czechoslovakia and sea borders with the USA, Sweden and Japan.

The USSR was created on December 30, 1922 by uniting the RSFSR, Ukrainian SSR, Belarusian SSR and Transcaucasian SFSR into one state association with a uniform government, capital in Moscow, executive and judicial authorities, legislative and legal systems. In 1941, the USSR entered the Second world war, and after it, along with the United States, was a superpower. The Soviet Union dominated the world system of socialism and was also a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The collapse of the USSR was characterized by an acute confrontation between representatives of the central union government and the newly elected local authorities ( Supreme Councils, presidents of the union republics). In 1989-1990, the “parade of sovereignties” began. On March 17, 1991, an All-Union referendum on the preservation of the USSR was held in 9 of the 15 republics of the USSR, in which more than two-thirds of the voting citizens were in favor of preserving the renewed union. But after the August Putsch and the events that followed it, the preservation of the USSR as a state entity became virtually impossible, as stated in the Agreement on the Creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States, signed on December 8, 1991. The USSR officially ceased to exist on December 26, 1991. At the end of 1991, the Russian Federation was recognized as a successor state of the USSR in international legal relations and took its place in the UN Security Council.

5. Spanish Empire (20.0 million km²)
Highest flowering - 1790

The Spanish Empire (Spanish: Imperio Español) is a collection of territories and colonies that were under the direct control of Spain in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The Spanish Empire at the height of its power was one of largest empires in world history. Its creation is associated with the beginning of the era of the Great geographical discoveries, during which it became one of the first colonial empires. The Spanish Empire existed from the 15th century until (in the case of its African possessions) the end of the 20th century. The Spanish territories were united in the late 1480s with a union of Catholic kings: the King of Aragon and the Queen of Castile. Despite the fact that the monarchs continued to rule each their own lands, they foreign policy was common. In 1492 they captured Granada and completed the Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula against the Moors. The entry of Granada into the Kingdom of Castile completed the unification of the Spanish lands, despite the fact that Spain was still divided into two kingdoms. In the same year, Christopher Columbus carried out the first Spanish exploration expedition to the west across Atlantic Ocean, opening the New World to Europeans and creating the first overseas colonies of Spain there. From that moment on, the Western Hemisphere became main goal Spanish exploration and colonization.

In the 16th century, the Spaniards created settlements on the islands of the Caribbean, and the conquistadors destroyed such state entities, like the Aztec and Inca empires on the mainland of North and South America, respectively, taking advantage of the contradictions between local peoples and applying higher military technologies. Subsequent expeditions extended the empire's borders from modern Canada to the southern tip of South America, including the Falkland or Malvinas Islands. The First began in 1519 trip around the world, begun by Ferdinand Magellan in 1519 and completed by Juan Sebastian Elcano in 1522, aimed to achieve what Columbus failed, namely a western route to Asia, and as a result brought it into the Spanish sphere of influence Far East. Colonies were established in Guam, the Philippines and nearby islands. At the time of its Siglo de Oro, the Spanish Empire included the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, large parts of Italy, lands in Germany and France, colonies in Africa, Asia and Oceania, as well as large territories in Northern and South America. In the 17th century, Spain controlled an empire of such a scale, and its parts were so far removed from each other, which no one had achieved before.

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, expeditions were undertaken in search of Terra Australis, during which a number of archipelagos and islands in the South Pacific were discovered, including the Pitcairn Islands, the Marquesas Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, which were declared the property of the Spanish Crown, but were not successfully colonized by it. Many of Spain's European possessions were lost after the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713, but Spain retained its overseas territories. In 1741, an important victory over Great Britain at Cartagena (modern Colombia) extended Spanish hegemony in the Americas into the 19th century. At the end XVIII century Spanish expeditions in the northwestern Pacific reached the coasts of Canada and Alaska, establishing a settlement on Vancouver Island and discovering several archipelagos and glaciers.

The French occupation of Spain by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808 led to the fact that Spain's colonies became cut off from the mother country, and the subsequent independence movement that began in 1810-1825 led to the creation of a number of new independent Spanish-American republics in South and Central America. The remnants of the Spanish four-hundred-year-old empire, including Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Spanish East Indies, continued to remain under Spanish control until late XIX centuries, when most of these territories were annexed by the United States after the Spanish-American War. Remaining pacific islands were sold to Germany in 1899.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Spain still continued to hold only territories in Africa, Spanish Guinea, Spanish Sahara and Spanish Morocco. Spain left Morocco in 1956 and granted independence to Equatorial Guinea in 1968. When Spain abandoned the Spanish Sahara in 1976, the colony was immediately annexed by Morocco and Mauritania, and then completely by Morocco in 1980, although technically the territory remains under a UN decision. control of the Spanish administration. Today, Spain only has Canary Islands and two enclaves on the North African coast, Ceuta and Melilla, which are administratively part of Spain.

6. Qing Dynasty (14.7 million km²)
Highest flowering - 1790

The Great Qing State (Daicing gurun.svg Daicing Gurun, Chinese tr. 大清國, pal.: Da Qing Guo) was a multinational empire created and ruled by the Manchus, which later included China. According to traditional Chinese historiography - last dynasty monarchical China. It was founded in 1616 by the Manchu clan of Aishin Gyoro in the territory of Manchuria, currently called northeastern China. In less than 30 years, all of China, part of Mongolia and part of Central Asia came under her rule.

The dynasty was originally called "Jin" (金 - gold), in traditional Chinese historiography "Hou Jin" (後金 - Later Jin), according to the Jin Empire - former state the Jurchens, from whom the Manchus derived themselves. In 1636 the name was changed to "Qing" (清 - "pure"). In the first half of the 18th century. The Qing government managed to establish effective governance of the country, one of the results of which was that in this century the fastest rates of population growth were observed in China. The Qing court pursued a policy of self-isolation, which ultimately led to the fact that in the 19th century. China, part of the Qing Empire, was forcibly opened by Western powers.

Subsequent cooperation with Western powers allowed the dynasty to avoid collapse during the Taiping Rebellion, carry out relatively successful modernization, etc. to exist until the beginning of the 20th century, but it also served as the reason for growing nationalist (anti-Manchu) sentiments.

As a result of the Xinhai Revolution, which began in 1911, the Qing Empire was destroyed and the Republic of China was proclaimed - nation state Han Chinese Empress Dowager Longyu abdicated the throne on behalf of the then minor last emperor, Pu Yi, February 12, 1912.

7. Russian kingdom(14.5 million km²)
Highest flowering - 1721

Russian kingdom or in the Byzantine version Russian kingdom - Russian state, which existed between 1547 and 1721. The name "Russian Kingdom" was the official name of Russia in this historical period. The official name was also рꙋсїѧ

In 1547, the Sovereign of All Rus' and Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan IV the Terrible was crowned Tsar and took the full title: “Great Sovereign, by the grace of God, Tsar and Grand Duke of All Rus', Vladimir, Moscow, Novgorod, Pskov, Ryazan, Tver, Yugorsk, Perm, Vyatsky, Bulgarian and others,” subsequently, with the expansion of the borders of the Russian state, the title was added “Tsar of Kazan, Tsar of Astrakhan, Tsar of Siberia,” “and ruler of all Northern countries.”

In terms of title, the Russian Kingdom was preceded by the Grand Duchy of Moscow, and its successor was the Russian Empire. In historiography there is also a tradition of periodization of Russian history, according to which it is customary to talk about the emergence of a unified and independent centralized Russian state during the reign of Ivan III the Great. The idea of ​​uniting Russian lands (including those found after Mongol invasion within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland) and restoration Old Russian state was traced throughout the existence of the Russian state and was inherited by the Russian Empire.

8. Yuan Dynasty (14.0 million km²)
Highest flowering - 1310

Empire (in the Chinese tradition - dynasty) Yuan (Ikh Yuan ul.PNG Mong. Ikh Yuan Uls, Great Yuan State, Dai Ön Yeke Mongghul Ulus.PNG Dai Ön Yeke Mongghul Ulus; Chinese ex. 元朝, pinyin: Yuáncháo; Vietnamese. Nhà Nguyên (Nguyên triều), House (Dynasty) of Nguyen) was a Mongol state whose main territory was China (1271-1368). Founded by Genghis Khan's grandson, the Mongol Khan Kublai Khan, who completed his conquest of China in 1279. The dynasty fell as a result of the Red Turban Rebellion of 1351-68. The official Chinese history of this dynasty was recorded during the subsequent Ming Dynasty and is called "Yuan Shi".

9. Umayyad Caliphate (13.0 million km²)
Highest flowering - 720-750.

The Umayyads (Arabic: الأمويون‎‎) or Banu Umayya (Arabic: بنو أمية‎‎) are a dynasty of caliphs founded by Muawiyah in 661. The Umayyads of the Sufyanid and Marwanid branches ruled in the Damascus Caliphate until the mid-8th century. In 750, as a result of the uprising of Abu Muslim, their dynasty was overthrown by the Abbasids, and all the Umayyads were destroyed, except for the grandson of the caliph Hisham Abd al-Rahman, who founded the dynasty in Spain (Cordoba Caliphate). The ancestor of the dynasty was Omayya ibn Abdshams, son of Abdshams ibn Abdmanaf and cousin of Abdulmuttalib. Abdshams and Hashim were twin brothers.

10. Second French colonial empire (13.0 million km²)
Highest peak - 1938

Evolution of the French Colonial Empire (year is indicated in the upper left corner):

The French colonial empire (French L’Empire colonial français) is the totality of the colonial possessions of France in the period between 1546-1962. Like the British Empire, France had colonial territories in all regions of the world, but its colonial policies differed significantly from Britain's. The remnants of the once vast colonial empire are the modern overseas departments of France (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, etc.) and a special territory sui generis (the island of New Caledonia). The modern legacy of the French colonial era is also the union of French-speaking countries (Francophonie).

In the last article we talked about, in this publication we will learn about the largest countries. The largest country by area is the Russian Federation, occupying 17,126,122 km?. The largest country by population is China, with 1,368,779,000 people. You can get more information on this issue below.

Largest country by:

Owners of wide open spaces

First, let's look at the TOP most large territories countries and their occupied area:

1. Russia - 17,126,122 km?;
2. Canada - 9,976,140 km?;
3. China - 9,598,077 km?;
4. USA - 9,518,900 km?;
5. Brazil - 8,511,965 km?;
6. Australia - 7,686,850 km?;
7. India - 3,287,590 km?;
8. Argentina - 2,766,890 km?;
9. Kazakhstan - 2,724,902 km?;
10. The rest - 80,646,216 km?.

In the diagram below you can clearly see these indicators in percentage terms.

As we see, Russia occupies 11% of the planet’s land area, Canada – 7%, China – 6%. Thus, these three countries occupy about 24% of the world's land area. Now let's study the leading countries in more detail.

Russian Federation

The largest country by area is Russia, its area is 17,126,122 km?.

Russia is the largest country in terms of territory, with a federal structure. Until 2014, the territory of Russia was 17,125,187 km?, after Crimea was annexed in March 2014, the area of ​​the state increased to the present figure.

Due to such a huge territory, Russia borders on 18 countries, which is the highest number in the world.

Territory Russian state includes 85 federal subjects, of which:

• 46 regions;


• 22 republics;


• 9 edges;


• 4 autonomous okrugs;


• 3 federal cities;


• 1 autonomous region.

Russia occupies 1/8 of the land mass and is comparable not just to countries, but even to continents.

Canada

The second largest country in the world is Canada, its area is 9,984,670 km?.

Canada's territory is almost 2 times smaller than Russia's. Like Russia, Canada is a federal state.

Canada's territory includes:

• 10 provinces;


• 3 territories.

Canada is the largest state of the American islands, even surpassing its continental neighbor, the United States, in area.

China

The third largest territory on the planet belongs to China, which occupies 9,640,821 km?.

The area of ​​China is not too far from Canada when compared with Russia.

China includes:

• 22 provinces (some sources indicate 23 provinces, including Taiwan);


• 5 autonomous regions;


• 4 municipalities;


• 2 special administrative regions.

Despite its significant area, most of China's territory is occupied by mountains, about 67%.

"People's" countries

Let's look at the overall ranking of the most populated countries:

1. China – 1,368,779,000 people;
2. India – 1,261,779,000 people;
3. USA – 318,613,000 people;
4. Indonesia – 252,812,245 people;
5. Brazil – 203,260,131 people;
6. Pakistan – 187,878,027 people;
7. Nigeria – 178,516,904 people;
8. Bangladesh - 156,951,230 people;
9. Russia – 146,200,000 people;
10. The rest – 2,911,254,980 people.

As you can see from the table, the top three leading countries have a population equal to all those countries that are not included in the top nine. Now let's look at the top three in more detail.

China

The most populous country is China, which is home to about 1,368,779,000 people.

China's population increases by 12 million people every year. Starting in 1979, the state switched to a policy of limiting the birth rate, but having reached average levels, over time the birth rate gradually increases again from year to year.

India

The second most populous country is India, with 1,261,779,000 people living in the country.

Oddly enough, almost 70% of Indians live in rural areas. The state does not pursue any birth control policy. India's annual population growth is about 14 million people.

The top three countries in terms of population are the United States, with 320,194,478 people.

The US population growth per year is about 8 million people. A fairly significant portion of this number are migrants from other countries. It will be very difficult for the United States, just like other countries, to catch up with China and India in terms of population, and in the conditions modern life- unreal.

Over the course of the long history of mankind, the outlines of state borders have changed greatly. However, in the second half of the 20th century, humanity came to the borders between countries that we see today, nevertheless, minor changes are taking place to this day. The top will also indicate the population and GDP indicator (nominal, IMF list for 2015). And so this top will feature 10 largest countries for 2015.

Algeria 10th place

Area 2,381,340 sq km. Population 38,087,000. Density 14.8 people per sq. km. GDP nominal per capita is $4,345. Capital is Algeria. Currency is dinar. The official language is literary Arabic. Most of Algeria is occupied by the Sahara Desert; the population lives in the north of the country near the coastline. Summer temperatures in the Sahara Desert can break all anti-records. A large number of Algerians immigrate to Europe.

Kazakhstan 9th place.

Area 2,724,902 sq km. Population 17,541,000. GDP per capita nominal value 11,028 dollars. Capital Astana. Currency Tenge. Population density 6.4 people sq km. Official languages ​​are Kazakh and Russian. The soil of Kazakhstan contains almost all the elements of Mendeleev’s periodic table. Most of Kazakhstan is occupied by steppes, however, Kazakhstan has all types of landscapes: forests, lakes, mountains, deserts, canyons and river valleys. It is worth mentioning the sharply continental climate of Kazakhstan, where temperatures in summer can reach up to +46 and in winter can drop to -58.

Argentina 8th place.

Area 2,780,000 sq km. Population 42,610,000. Currency Peso. Capital Buenos Aires. GDP nominal per capita is 13,428. The official language is Spanish. Population density 15 people sq km. The territory of Argentina is occupied by the Andes Mountains and eastern plains where most of the population lives. The climate is quite mild and conducive to grazing. However, in the south of the country the temperature may drop to below zero. What sets Argentina apart from other countries in Latin America is its homogeneity in terms of population, with the majority of people having Spanish and Italian roots. Argentina has disputed territories with Great Britain. Argentina also reserves the right to part of Antarctica.

India 7th place.

Area 3,287,263 sq km. Population 1,281,941,000. Population density 364 people sq. km. Currency Rupee. Official language: Hindi, English and 21 other languages. Capital New Delhi. GDP nominal per capita is $1,688. In ancient times, India was the richest country; thanks to the climate and fertility of the land, crops could be harvested four times a year. However, India suffers from overpopulation. Most of the population lives near rivers, polluting them. As a result of the division of the East Indies by Britain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Burma. India is a potential superpower.

Australia 6th place.

Area 7,692,000 sq km. Population 23,130,000 people. Population density 3.01 people. Currency Australian dollar. GDP nominal value is $51,642. Capital is Canberra. The official language is de facto Australian English. Almost the entire population of Australia lives in the southeast of the country. Most of the country is occupied by lifeless deserts. Australia is a former British colony. The basis of the nation is made up of immigrants from Western and Asian Asia. southern Europe. The standard of living in Australia is one of the highest in the world.

Brazil 5th place.

Area 8,514,877 sq km. Population 201,000,000. Population density 22 people sq km. Currency Real. The capital is Brasilia. GDP nominal per capita is $8,802. The official language is Portuguese. Brazil is a federal state divided into states. The concept of Brazilians is as arbitrary as Americans. The basis of the nation is made up of people of mixed origin (mulattoes) 43%, Whites 48% Portuguese, Germans, Arabs, Italians, Blacks 7%, Indians about half a million, Japanese 1,500,000 million. The climate in Brazil is very humid; most of Brazil is occupied by the impenetrable Amazon jungle. Brazil is the strongest country in Latin America However, a large part of the population lives in poverty, which results in cheap labor. Brazil is a potential superpower.

USA 4th place.

Area 9,519,431. Population 325,607,000 people. Density 32 people per sq km. Capital Washington. Currency US dollar. The official language is de facto American English. GDP nominal per capita is $55,904. The East Coast of the United States is densely populated, unlike middle zone USA, this is due to the availability of water resources and maritime trade routes, as well as a favorable climate. Most of the US territory was purchased from France and also conquered from Mexico. Among other things, the United States acquired Alaska from the Russian Empire. Today, America has 50 states (states), but the US territories, Puerto Rico as the 51st and Guam as the 52nd state, also want to receive state status. However, obtaining the status of a state as a (federal state) is very long, it can drag on for decades. The core of the American nation is made up of immigrants: 78% white, mostly of Irish, Scottish, German, Anglo-Saxon, and Latin American descent. Black 13%. Asians 5%. Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos up to 2%. The USA is the world hegemon, imposing its conditions on other countries, and carrying out the policy of a global police baton. USA on this moment is the only superpower.

China 3rd place.

Area 9,596,960 sq km. Population 1,368,660,000 people. The population density is 139 people per sq. km. The currency is yuan. The official language is Chinese. Capital Beijing. The nominal GDP per capita is 8,280. Almost half of China's territory is made up of national autonomies; there are only 5 of them. However, the Chinese are not the majority in such remote autonomies as Tibet and the Uyghur Autonomy, living in the east of China in historical provinces, with a favorable climate, an abundance of rivers and fertility of the land. Not long ago, China became the second economy in the world, overtaking Japan. At the moment, China is one of the most important economies in the world and the fastest growing power in the world. China is the main holder of US government debt and government securities, overtaking Japan in this indicator, which has moved into second place in this indicator. China is an economic superpower and a potential world superpower.

Canada 2nd place.

Area 9,984,670 sq km. Population 35,675,000 people. Density 3.41 people per sq km. Currency Canadian dollar. Capital is Ottawa. The official language is English and French. GDP nominal per capita is $43,935. The Canadian economy is closely linked to the US economy for this reason, as well as climate, 80% of Canadians live no further than 160 km from the US border. Canada, along with Australia, is headed by the British Queen. Canada has great natural resources. Most of Canada is covered by forests, lakes and mountains. Currently, people from all over the world are immigrating to Canada, as it is famous as a peaceful, high-tech country, free from political and ethnic unrest, where you can raise children in a calm environment. Canada is one of the most prosperous countries planets.

Russia 1st place.

Area 17,125,407 sq km. Population 146,270,000 people. Density 8.39 people per sq km. Moscow the capital. Currency ruble. Official Russian language. GDP nominal value is 8,447 dollars. Russia is the largest state in the world, with a rich historical past, but more than 70% of the territories of Russia, due to the harsh climate and remoteness, are not suitable for life, the construction of large cities and agglomerations. Most of the population of Russia lives in the western part with temperate climate as well as in the southern zone of Russia. Russia is the main opponent of US hegemony in world politics. In addition, Russia is an energy superpower, possessing a large reserve of minerals. Russia has enormous military and economic potential, including the availability of energy resources, in order to compete for the title of superpower.