What is the largest country in the world by land area?

The largest country in the world by land area is Russia. Covering over 17 million square kilometers, Russia spans across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, making it the most extensive country globally. Its vast size contributes to a wide range of climates, environments, and natural resources, which sets it apart from other large countries like Canada, China, and Brazil. Canada's land area is substantial but is significantly smaller than Russia's. China, while populous and large, ranks third in land area, following Canada. Brazil, although sizeable in its own right, is much smaller than the three aforementioned countries. Understanding this geographical distinction gives insight into not just the sizes of countries, but also their geopolitical significance and diversity of landscapes.