10 largest African countries by land mass

Africa has been dubbed blessed for many reasons, from its population size, to its mineral resources and its mind-blowing land mass.

10 largest African countries by land mass

Africa is the world's second-largest and second most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. Africa’s total land area exceeds 11,724,000 square miles (30,365,000 square km) covering about one-fifth of the total land surface of Earth.

The continent is cut almost equally in two by the Equator so that most of Africa lies within the tropical region.

As the second-largest continent on Earth, Africa is home to 54 recognized countries, each contributing to the beauty of the continent’s size.

However, a select few nations command attention due to the sheer magnitude of their landmass, influencing the course of regional and global affairs. From scorching deserts to dense rainforests, towering mountains to endless plains – Africa has them all, a true showcase of its geographical wealth.

Below are 10 largest African countries by land mass according to data from Statista:

Algeria

As the largest country in Africa more than 80% of which is desert, in North Africa, between Morocco and Tunisia. Algeria, which dominates the North African landscape is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, mountains, and a Mediterranean coastline.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Located in the heart of Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second-largest country on the continent. Its landmass spans dense rainforests, the Congo River basin, and the vast Central African savanna.

Sudan

Situated in northeastern Africa, Sudan is the third-largest country on the continent. Its expansive territory encompasses a varied landscape, including the Nile River, deserts, mountains, and savannas.

Libya is located in North Africa and is the fourth-largest country on the continent. It is characterized by vast stretches of desert, including a significant portion of the Sahara, as well as coastal regions along the Mediterranean Sea. At 1,770 kilometres (1,100 mi), Libya's coastline is the longest of any African country bordering the Mediterranean. The country's expansive landmass has influenced its economy, which historically relied on oil resources.

Chad

Chad, the fifth-largest country in Africa, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. Its diverse landscape includes the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahel region, and the fertile Lake Chad basin in the southwest. The country's substantial land area plays a crucial role in its economic activities, such as agriculture and oil production.

Nestled in West Africa, Niger is the largest country in the region. The landscape includes parts of the Sahara Desert in the north, savannas, and the Niger River basin in the southwest. Niger's landmass is integral to its predominantly agrarian economy.

Angola is located in southwestern Africa and is the seventh-largest country on the continent. Comparable in size to Mali, or twice the size of France or of Texas, it features a varied topography, encompassing a lengthy coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, plateaus, and the Congo River basin. Angola's landmass has contributed to its economic significance, particularly through oil and diamond exports.

Mali

Mali, located in West Africa, is the eighth-largest country in Africa. Comparable in size to South Africa or Angola, most of the country lies in the southern Sahara Desert. The country boasts of a diverse ecosystems, including the Niger River basin and the Sudanese savanna. Mali's vast land area has historical significance, as it was a center of the trans-Saharan trade routes and the Mali Empire.

South Africa

South Africa, located at the southern tip of the continent features a diverse landscape, including mountains, savannas, and coastal areas along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is bigger than every country in Europe apart from Russia and every state in the USA except Alaska. South Africa's landmass is a crucial factor in its economic strength, contributing to industries such as mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Ethiopia

Positioned as the 10th largest country in Africa, Ethiopia commands a significant presence in East Africa. The country is roughly as large as France and Spain combined and is five times the size of the UK. The topography includes the Ethiopian Highlands, the Great Rift Valley, and lowland areas