Algeria: A Giant Among Giants
Is Algeria really the largest country in Africa and the Arab world since 2011? Yes, it is! Imagine a land so vast that it could fit several European countries within its borders. Algeria covers an area of about 2,381,741 square kilometers (919,595 sq mi), making it not just the largest in Africa but also one of the largest in the world.
The Second Largest: The Democratic Republic of Congo
While Algeria is a giant, its neighbor to the south, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), takes the second spot. With an area of about 2,345,410 square kilometers (905,356 sq mi), it’s almost as large as Algeria but slightly smaller. Can you imagine a country so big that it could house multiple nations within its borders? That’s what makes DRC the second largest in Africa.
Africa: The Second Largest Continent
Now, let’s zoom out and look at the continent itself. Africa is the second largest continent by area after Asia, covering about 30.37 million square kilometers (11.73 million sq mi). It’s a land of vast landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich history. But how does this size compare to other continents? Well, it’s like having a giant among giants in the world map.
The Smallest Countries: Seychelles and The Gambia
At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the smallest countries in Africa. Seychelles is the smallest country on the African continent, with an area of just 451 square kilometers (174 sq mi). It’s like a tiny island paradise, where every corner offers breathtaking views and lush greenery. On the other hand, The Gambia, while not the smallest in Africa but the smallest on continental Africa, covers only about 10,689 square kilometers (4,127 sq mi). Imagine a country so small that you could drive across it in less than an hour – that’s The Gambia.
Conclusion
Africa is a continent of extremes, from the vast expanses of Algeria to the tiny treasures like Seychelles. Each country has its unique story and charm, making Africa a fascinating place to explore. So, whether you’re looking at the largest or smallest countries in Africa, there’s always something new to discover.
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This page is based on the article List of African countries by area published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 11, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.