Largest Country by Land Area

Definition

The largest country by land area is Russia, covering approximately 17.1 million square kilometers, making it the most extensive country in the world. Its vast expanse stretches across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, highlighting diverse geographical features and a wide range of climates. This immense land area also influences Russia's geopolitical significance and its role in global affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Russia spans eleven time zones, making it the country with the most time zones in the world due to its vast size.
2. Around 77% of Russia's territory is located in Asia, while the remaining 23% lies in Europe, emphasizing its transcontinental nature.
3. The country's size results in a wide variety of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and timber, making it one of the world's largest producers of these resources.
4. Russia's geographic diversity includes mountains, plains, forests, and tundra, which create a variety of ecosystems and habitats for wildlife.
5. The sheer size of Russia poses challenges for governance, infrastructure development, and population distribution, with many areas being sparsely populated.

Review Questions

• How does Russia's status as the largest country by land area impact its geopolitical influence?
  • Russia's vast land area enhances its geopolitical influence by providing extensive natural resources and strategic positioning across Europe and Asia. This size allows Russia to exert power over neighboring countries and access vital trade routes. Additionally, the geographical diversity contributes to complex regional dynamics that affect international relations and security considerations.
• Discuss the significance of Siberia within Russia's overall geographic framework and its economic implications.
  • Siberia holds significant importance within Russia due to its immense natural resources and unique geographic features. This region is rich in minerals, forests, and fossil fuels, contributing heavily to Russia's economy. However, Siberia's harsh climate and remote location present challenges for resource extraction and development, leading to disparities in economic growth compared to more populated areas in Western Russia.
• Evaluate the environmental challenges faced by Russia as a result of its vast land area and resource exploitation.
  • The environmental challenges faced by Russia stem from its enormous land area combined with extensive resource exploitation. Deforestation in Siberia due to logging activities threatens biodiversity and contributes to climate change. Additionally, oil spills and pollution from industrial activities have significant impacts on local ecosystems. The large geographical scale complicates efforts to implement effective environmental policies and manage natural resources sustainably.

Related terms

Geopolitics:

The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations, influencing how countries interact based on their spatial characteristics.

Siberia: A vast region in Russia known for its harsh climate, large forests, and significant natural resources, covering much of the northern part of the country.

Trans-Siberian Railway: The longest railway line in the world, connecting Moscow to Vladivostok, which facilitates transportation and trade across Russia's extensive land area.