Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, rich in diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories. Its countries vary greatly in size, with some encompassing vast expanses of land that include deserts, savannas, mountains, and forests. Below are the 10 largest countries in Africa by total area, highlighting their geographical significance, natural resources, and unique features.
1. Algeria
Area: 2,381,741 square kilometers
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the 10th largest in the world. Located in North Africa, it spans from the Mediterranean coast in the north to the heart of the Sahara Desert in the south. Algeria’s landscape is dominated by the Sahara, which covers more than 80% of the country. Despite the vast desert, the country boasts significant natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas, which form the backbone of its economy. Algeria’s coastal cities, such as Algiers and Oran, are bustling hubs of culture and history, while the south is known for its ancient rock art and desert landscapes.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Area: 2,344,858 square kilometers
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second-largest country in Africa, and it is located in Central Africa. The DRC is characterized by its immense rainforests, rivers, and biodiversity, making it one of the most ecologically rich regions in the world. The Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa, winds through the country, providing vital water resources and transportation routes. The DRC is also known for its wealth of minerals, including diamonds, gold, copper, and cobalt. However, despite its rich natural resources, the country has faced significant political and social challenges, including conflict and economic instability.
3. Sudan
Area: 1,861,484 square kilometers
Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, was once the largest country in Africa before the secession of South Sudan in 2011. Today, it ranks as the third-largest on the continent. Sudan’s geography includes vast deserts, such as the Nubian Desert, and the fertile lands along the Nile River, which runs through the heart of the country. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly along the Nile, and oil. Sudan’s historical significance is also noteworthy, with ancient pyramids, temples, and ruins that date back to the Kingdom of Kush.
4. Libya
Area: 1,759,541 square kilometers
Libya, situated in North Africa, is the fourth-largest country in Africa by area. The country is largely covered by the Sahara Desert, with the exception of a narrow strip of fertile land along the Mediterranean coast. This coastal region, home to cities like Tripoli and Benghazi, is where the majority of the population resides. Libya has one of the largest oil reserves in Africa, which has been the cornerstone of its economy. However, the country has faced significant political turmoil since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to ongoing instability and conflict.
See also: 10 Beautiful Places to Explore in Libya in 2024
5. Chad
Area: 1,284,000 square kilometers
Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa and the fifth-largest on the continent. The country’s landscape is dominated by the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahelian belt in the center, and fertile savannas in the south. Lake Chad, once one of Africa’s largest lakes, has shrunk significantly due to climate change and overuse, but it remains an essential resource for the region. Chad’s economy is largely based on agriculture, livestock, and oil production. The country faces challenges related to poverty, political instability, and environmental degradation, particularly in its desert and semi-arid regions.
6. Niger
Area: 1,267,000 square kilometers
Niger, also a landlocked country in West Africa, ranks as the sixth-largest African nation. The country is primarily covered by the Sahara Desert, with only the southern part of the country experiencing more temperate conditions suitable for agriculture. The Niger River, which flows through the western part of the country, is a crucial water source. Niger is rich in uranium, and mining this resource plays a significant role in its economy. Despite its mineral wealth, Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a large portion of the population relying on subsistence farming and facing frequent droughts.
7. Angola
Area: 1,246,700 square kilometers
Angola is located in southern Africa and is the seventh-largest country on the continent. Angola’s diverse geography includes tropical Atlantic coastlines, dense rainforests, savannas, and highland plateaus. The country is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and diamonds, which have driven its economic growth in recent decades. However, Angola also endured a long civil war from 1975 to 2002, which caused widespread devastation. Today, the country is working towards rebuilding its infrastructure and improving the standard of living for its people. Angola’s wildlife and natural parks are becoming increasingly popular tourist attractions.
8. Mali
Area: 1,240,192 square kilometers
Mali, located in West Africa, is the eighth-largest country on the continent. Much of Mali’s northern region is covered by the Sahara Desert, while the south is more fertile, with the Niger River providing essential water for agriculture and life. Mali has a rich cultural history, being home to the ancient city of Timbuktu, which was a major center of Islamic learning and trade in the medieval period. Today, Mali’s economy relies on agriculture, gold mining, and livestock. However, the country faces ongoing challenges with political instability and conflicts, particularly in its northern regions.
See also: 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Africa
9. South Africa
Area: 1,221,037 square kilometers
South Africa is the ninth-largest country in Africa and is located at the southern tip of the continent. South Africa is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, forests, and coastlines along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country has a well-developed infrastructure and is one of Africa’s largest economies, driven by mining (particularly gold and diamonds), manufacturing, and tourism. South Africa’s political history is also significant, having transitioned from apartheid to democracy in the early 1990s. Today, South Africa is a vibrant and culturally diverse nation, known for its wildlife, national parks, and bustling cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.
10. Ethiopia
Area: 1,104,300 square kilometers
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is the tenth-largest country on the continent. Ethiopia’s landscape is marked by mountains, plateaus, and the Great Rift Valley, making it one of the most geologically diverse countries in Africa. Ethiopia is also one of the oldest nations in the world, with a history that dates back thousands of years. It is the only African country never to have been colonized, apart from a brief Italian occupation. Ethiopia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with coffee being its most famous export. The country has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, but it continues to face challenges such as political tensions and poverty.
Conclusion
Africa’s largest countries by area span a wide variety of landscapes, from deserts and rainforests to savannas and mountain ranges. These countries play vital roles in the continent’s economy, culture, and politics. While many of these nations are rich in natural resources such as oil, minerals, and agricultural land, they also face challenges such as political instability, environmental degradation, and poverty. Understanding the geographical size of these African countries helps provide a broader perspective on their global significance and the unique challenges they face.