The 10 Biggest Subdivisions In The World By Area

Map created by reddit user Music672621Here are the rankings of the 10 subdivisions based on land area, along with their respective sizes in both square kilometers and square miles:

1. Sakha Republic (Russia): Area: 3,083,523 km² (1,190,555 sq mi) (Would be the world’s 7th largest country)
2. Western Australia (Australia): 2,529,875 km² (976,790 sq mi)
3. Krasnoyarsk Krai (Russia): Area: 2,366,797 km² (913,706 sq mi)
4. Greenland (Denmark): Area: 2,166,086 km² (836,331 sq mi)
5. Nunavut (Canada): Area: 1,997,923.78 km² (771,402.68 sq mi)
6. Queensland (Australia): Area: 1,730,648 km² (668,207 sq mi)
7. Alaska (United States): Area: 1,723,337 km² (665,384 sq mi)
8. Xinjiang (China) Area: 1,664,897 km²  (642,820 sq mi)
9. Amazonas (Brazil) Area: 1,570,745.7 km² (606,468.3 sq mi)
10. Quebec (Canada): Area: 1,542,056 km² (595,391 sq mi)

Here’s some information about each of these massive subdivisions:

1. Sakha Republic (Russia)

• Overview: Also known as Yakutia, the Sakha Republic is located in the Russian Far East. It is the largest subnational governing body by area in the world. Despite its enormous size, its population is quite small, with around one million residents. Much of the land is covered in permafrost, making it one of the coldest inhabited regions in the world. The capital city is Yakutsk.

2. Western Australia (Australia)

• Overview: Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia, covering almost one-third of the country’s landmass. Despite its size, WA is sparsely populated, with most people living in and around Perth, the state capital. The state is rich in natural resources, including significant mining and petroleum industries.

3. Krasnoyarsk Krai (Russia)

• Overview: Located in Siberia, Krasnoyarsk Krai is the second-largest federal subject in Russia. It stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the southern borders near Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The Yenisei River runs through the region, and its capital is the city of Krasnoyarsk. It is rich in natural resources like nickel, copper, and gold.

4. Greenland (Denmark)

• Overview: Greenland is the world’s largest island that is not a continent. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The island is mostly covered in ice, and its population is concentrated along the coast. Nuuk is the capital city. Despite its ice-covered terrain, it plays a significant role in geopolitics due to its strategic location and potential natural resources.

5. Nunavut (Canada)

• Overview: Nunavut is the largest and newest territory of Canada, established in 1999 from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories. It’s mostly inhabited by the Inuit, who make up around 85% of the population. The capital is Iqaluit, located on Baffin Island. The territory is known for its Arctic landscape, indigenous culture, and extremely harsh climate.

6. Queensland (Australia)

• Overview: Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state and is known as the “Sunshine State” due to its warm climate. The state’s population is mostly concentrated in the southeast, including cities like Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It has diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests and Great Barrier Reef to outback regions.

7. Alaska (United States)

• Overview: Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. and is known for its rugged wilderness, vast national parks, and significant indigenous cultures. Located in the far northwest of North America, it shares a maritime border with Russia. The state’s economy is largely driven by oil, natural gas, and fishing industries. Anchorage is its largest city, while Juneau is the capital.

8. Xinjiang (China)

• Overview: Officially called the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang is located in northwest China. It is a key region for China’s Belt and Road Initiative due to its strategic location bordering multiple Central Asian countries. It is home to many ethnic groups, including the Uyghurs, and has been a focal point for significant political issues related to human rights.

9. Amazonas (Brazil)

• Overview: Amazonas is the largest state in Brazil by area, covering a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest. It is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, home to a vast array of flora and fauna. The state capital is Manaus, located deep in the rainforest. Amazonas is crucial for global environmental conservation efforts due to its extensive forest coverage.

10. Quebec (Canada)

• Overview: Quebec is Canada’s largest province by area and is primarily French-speaking. It is culturally distinct, with Montreal and Quebec City serving as major centers of French-Canadian culture. The province is known for its vast forests, waterways, and winter sports. It plays a significant role in Canadian politics and culture.