Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area
Africa — often called the Cradle of Civilization — is the world’s second-largest continent by land area and population. This 2025 update ranks the Top 20 largest African countries by land size and connects you to deeper stories about how geography shapes culture, biodiversity, politics, and spiritual traditions across the continent.
Learn more through these hubs:
- African Geography Hub
- African History Hub
- Animism — Africa’s spiritual worldview
- French & English in Africa
- Creole languages on African islands
Africa’s landmass spans deserts, rainforests, mountains, and savannas.
Africa’s Largest Countries Ranked by Land Area (2025)
These nations contain deserts, rainforests, mountains, and fertile river basins. For context on Africa’s natural systems, explore Water in Africa, Nile Valley civilizations, and mountains that feed major rivers.
| African country (largest → smaller) | Area (sq mi) | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 919,595 | 2,381,740 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) | 905,568 | 2,345,410 |
| Sudan | 718,723 | 1,861,484 |
| Libya | 679,362 | 1,759,540 |
| Chad | 495,755 | 1,284,000 |
| Niger | 489,191 | 1,267,000 |
| Angola | 481,354 | 1,246,700 |
| Mali | 478,767 | 1,240,000 |
| South Africa | 471,011 | 1,219,912 |
| Ethiopia | 435,186 | 1,127,127 |
| Mauritania | 397,955 | 1,030,700 |
| Egypt | 386,662 | 1,001,450 |
| Tanzania | 364,900 | 945,087 |
| Nigeria | 356,669 | 923,768 |
| Namibia | 318,696 | 825,418 |
| Kenya | 224,962 | 582,650 |
| Ghana | 92,456 | 239,460 |
| Madagascar | 226,657 | 587,040 |
| Senegal | 75,749 | 196,190 |
| Cameroon | 183,568 | 475,440 |
| Morocco | 172,414 | 446,550 |
Continue Exploring: Geography & Nature
- Snow in Africa
- Water in Africa
- Nile Valley — epic clash of river & desert
- Mountains that feed major rivers
- Most famous African waterfalls
- Dragon’s Breath Cave
- Green sea turtles & birding
- Lava and glaciers of Mount Kenya
- Where to witness butterfly migrations
- Upside-down jellyfish
Country & Culture
- Authentic Kenya — top 10 must-do experiences
- Nigeria — beer, nightlife & culture
- Ghana’s Krobo people — brief history
- Philosophy behind Ghana’s elaborate funerals
- Akan calendar & sacred days
- Ceremonies among three African peoples
History & Politics
- How Africa helped defeat Nazi Germany
- From Shaka Zulu general to Ndebele founding
- Africa & the Cuban Missile Crisis
- Africa averages four coups per year
- Cuban presence in Angola
- Ghana–Togo border closing (1986)
- War symbols & meanings across Africa
🌍 Part of our African Geography Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest country in Africa by land area?
Algeria — about 2.38 million square kilometers.
What is the smallest country in Africa?
Seychelles — roughly 455 square kilometers.
Which African countries are landlocked?
Chad, Niger, Mali, Zambia, and several others.
Which region has the most large countries?
Northern and Central Africa — including Algeria, Sudan, Libya, and the DRC.
