Area (km2)

Area (km2)

Land area is a country's total area, excluding the area under inland water bodies, national claims to the continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases, the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files, and website.

Data imported from World Bank’s World Development Indicators database, indicator AG.SRF.TOTL.K2 - Surface area (sq. km).

Land area, expressed in square kilometers (km2), represents the total surface area of a country's land surface.

Definition of Land Area

Land area encompasses all the territory within a country's boundaries that is not covered by water. This area km2 measurement includes not only the mainland but also any islands that belong to the country. When we discuss the countries by surface area, Europe often stands out due to the significant number of countries it houses and the cultural and historical diversity it represents. The land area of Europe or Europe km2 is especially interesting given its geographical diversity.

On the other hand, land area does not account for any bodies of water within a country, such as lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. It also doesn't include areas covered by glaciers or ice caps.

What is included in the country land area and what is not

The surface area of countries includes all habitable landmasses within its borders. This comprises forests, deserts, mountains, plains, and any other geographical features that are not submerged underwater. For instance, in Eastern Europe and Central Europe, the area reflects not only the vast landscapes but also the numerous cities, including the largest city in many of these nations.

However, when calculating the area of countries in Europe or the surface area of Europe, certain territories, like overseas territories or exclusive economic zones, may be excluded. These exclusions aim to provide a more accurate representation of a country's mainland mass, especially when considering European countries' area.

Largest and Smallest Countries by Land Area

When discussing the largest nation or biggest country by land area, it's hard to overlook the fact that Russia, a significant part of Eastern Europe, holds the title of the largest country in the world. With a staggering land area of over 17 million square kilometers, Russia is not only the biggest in Europe but also occupies a significant portion of the Earth's total landmass.

On the other end of the spectrum, we find the smallest MS in the Region - Monaco. Monaco, a tiny sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe, boasts a land area of just about 2.02 square kilometers (0.78 square miles).