Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, and home to 54 countries recognised by the United Nations and the African Union.
The continent stretches across a wide range of landscapes and climates, and many of our borders today were drawn over a century ago during the Berlin Conference, when European powers divided Africa with little regard for local communities or cultures.
While population and economy often dominate discussions about African nations, looking at the continent by land area offers a fresh perspective on its size and diversity. 
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The 3 Largest Countries in Africa
1. Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, covering 2,381,741 square kilometres (919,595 square miles). It represents 7.9% of Africa’s land. Most of its 47 million people live in the northern region, while the south stretches deep into the Sahara Desert.
Algiers, the capital and largest city, is over a thousand years old and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC is the second-largest country, covering 2,344,858 square kilometres (905,355 square miles), or 7.7% of Africa’s land. The country is located on the equator and has a hot, humid, tropical climate, with over half of its land covered by dense rainforest.
The country has a population of about 109 million people, making it the fourth most populous in Africa. Its size and climate make transportation and farming challenging in some areas.
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3. Sudan
Sudan ranks third, with a land area of 1,861,484 square kilometres (718,723 square miles), accounting for 6.2% of Africa’s land. It has a population of 50 million people.
Sudan became independent in 1956, but its history stretches back to the ancient Kingdom of Kush, which once conquered Egypt. Until 2011, Sudan was Africa’s largest country. Its size was reduced after South Sudan gained independence following a civil war.
Looking at Africa by land area gives a unique perspective on its diversity, geography, and the everyday realities of life in these vast countries.
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