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There are currently 194 countries in the world recognized by the UN with their own government and total independence, which have their own characteristics that make them different: the climate, their traditions, their landscapes and even the territorial extension.
Although in Europe we are used to small countries, the truth is that there are countries with a huge area. Surely some of the biggest come to mind, but do you know which are the 10 biggest in the world?
Algeria
Algeria is the tenth largest country in the world with 2,382 million km². The largest country in the Maghreb is one step away from Europe and has various places of interest to visit with hardly any crowds.
The north has beautiful coasts that are a paradise for sun and beach lovers. It also has a fertile rural interior and well-preserved Roman cities such as ancient Thamugadi, a great example of Roman urbanism. The Emperor Trajan founded it in 100 to serve the veterans of the Legion III Augusta, which had the mission of controlling the border with the Berbers.
Its other major claim is the Sahara region, with dreamy oases and deserts, whether venturing into the far south from Tamanrasset or into the sandy seas around Timimoun.
Finally Algiers, its capital, one of the Maghreb cities with the most personality and with a fascinating mix between a traditional medina and colonial architecture. A visit is the best way to get to know its vibrant local life.
Kazakhstan
Located between the Altai Mountains and the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country on the planet with 2,725 million km² and the richest of the Central Asian states thanks to its valuable minerals and abundant oil reserves. It has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991.
Astana is its capital and is characterized by its futuristic buildings, but the largest city is Almaty, the former capital of the country, which is reminiscent of European cities with its beautiful tree-lined avenues, its large shopping centers, a busy night life and interesting museums like ALZhiR.
Other interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan are the Karkaraly or Burabay national parks, virgin nature in its purest form in one of the most immense countries on the planet.
Argentina
The eighth largest country on Earth with 2,78 million km² has two of the most popular natural parks on the planet: Glaciers, Talampaya (with large canyons and unique sandstones) and Iguazú (with its famous waterfalls ). It has the highest peaks in the Andes and a diverse fauna that makes it a wonderful place for ecotourism.
As for its capital, Buenos Aires is a great city with a cosmopolitan character and a European soul in the heart of Latin America. A place that has managed to preserve its traditional traditions with current modernity, composing a place capable of surprising and making travelers fall in love.
India
India is a country that can hardly be described in words and does not leave you indifferent. It is a place that changes the people who have had the opportunity to visit it and also their mentality. A country of 3,287 million km² full of contrasts, beautiful landscapes and coasts, colorful festivals, spectacular temples and great spirituality, dreamlike monuments such as the Taj Mahal and delicious cuisine.
Its capital is chaos, noise and crowds. For many, the gateway to India and, consequently, their first contact with it. Delhi has impressive forts, busy markets and grand temples as well as three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun's Tomb, the Qutb Complex and the Red Fort Complex.
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Australia
What to see in Australia? The answer is not simple since the country is huge, nothing more and nothing less than 7,692 million km². This country is not only immense but also has a splendid nature: the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Great Barrier Reef or The Pinnacles Desert, among many others.
The lively and multicultural Melbourne or Sydney with restaurants, art galleries, museums and a vibrant nightlife await tourists in Australia but on its shores, beach and surf lovers will also find a place to have fun in the sixth largest country. biggest in the world.
Brazil
The largest nation in South America, with 8,516 million km², inspires thousands of tourists to visit it with its natural beauties, its history and an unparalleled party. An excursion through the Amazon will allow you to know the exotic flora and fauna of the Rio de Janeiro country, its impressive waterfalls and its beautiful coasts. And what about Brazilian hospitality… out of ten!
China
Although many consider it one of the three largest countries in the world, the truth is that it is the fourth with 9,597 million km². Packed with pagodas, temples and palaces throughout its territory give an idea of the extensive culture, history and traditions of this exotic country.
Its fascinating landscapes that seem from another planet such as the Li River in Yangshuo or the southern province of Yunnan, its ancient towns, the combination of tradition and modernity of cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong or Shanghai, the great historical monuments such as the Buddha of Leshan, the Great Wall or the Warriors of Xi'an and its rich gastronomy, make China one of the most desired destinations for all travelers.
United States
With an area of 9,834 million km², the United States is the third largest country in the world. Although the country has plenty of natural beauties such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls or the Kilauea volcano, a good part of international tourism focuses on its cities: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, Washington, Chicago ...
Given its large size, the great variety of landscapes, its spectacular cities and the great leisure offer that they have, they are sure to meet the expectations of all travelers.
Canada
With 9,985 million km² of surface, Canada is the second largest country in the world full of natural wonders in the form of mountains, rivers, forests, lakes and national parks. It is the perfect destination to contemplate wild animals and dream landscapes. And if you prefer urban life, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver will surprise you with their varied gastronomic and leisure offer.
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Russia
With an area of 17.075.200 km², Russia is the largest country in the world. Its territory extends from Europe bordering the Arctic Ocean to the North Pacific Ocean within Asia. A place of this size has a lot to offer visitors.
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a magnetic city where there are a lot of things to do such as seeing Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theater, the Kremlin or the subway, a work of art.
Beyond Moscow, in other Russian cities such as Saint Petersburg there are also wonderful places to visit such as the Hermitage Museum, the Fortress of Saint Peter and Saint Paul or the Peterhof Palace, among others.
Along with its rich historical-cultural heritage, Russia stands out for its wild nature, its endless forests and its snow-covered mountain steppes.