The Arab world, a region defined by its shared linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage, is made up of 22 countries spanning the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. These countries, while unified by a common language and cultural elements, vary significantly in terms of their geographical size. An exploration of the Arab countries by land area reveals a fascinating mosaic of sizes, from expansive desert landscapes to more compact territories. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these countries, ordered by their land area, to give a clearer picture of the geographical diversity within the Arab world.
1. Algeria
Algeria stands as the largest country in the Arab world and the tenth largest globally, with an extensive land area of approximately 2.38 million square kilometers. Situated in North Africa, Algeria is characterized by its vast Sahara Desert which constitutes more than four-fifths of its total land area. The country’s diverse topography also includes the Atlas Mountains and a Mediterranean coastline, contributing to its significant land area.
2. Saudi Arabia
Following Algeria in size is Saudi Arabia, occupying about 2.15 million square kilometers. This country, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its extensive desert landscapes, including the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, which is one of the largest continuous sand deserts in the world. Saudi Arabia’s geographical expanse includes a varied topography from coastal plains to mountain ranges, making it a significant player in both regional and global contexts.
3. Sudan
Sudan, with a land area of approximately 1.86 million square kilometers, ranks as the third-largest Arab country. Situated in northeastern Africa, Sudan’s geography is a mixture of deserts, mountains, and the Nile River which traverses its length. Despite its vast size, Sudan’s climate and terrain are largely arid or semi-arid, with the Nubian Desert and the Darfur Plateau being prominent features.
4. Libya
Libya covers around 1.76 million square kilometers, making it the fourth largest Arab country. Located in North Africa, Libya’s geography is dominated by the Libyan Desert and includes part of the Sahara. Its Mediterranean coastline stretches over 1,700 kilometers, providing a significant contrast to its otherwise arid interior.
5. Egypt
Egypt, while slightly smaller in land area than Libya, is still a substantial country with approximately 1.01 million square kilometers. Egypt’s unique geographical feature is its location along the Nile River, which is the lifeline for the country’s predominantly desert landscape. The Nile Delta and the Sinai Peninsula are key geographic features, contributing to Egypt’s prominence in the Arab world.
6. Mauritania
Mauritania, with a land area of around 1.03 million square kilometers, is situated in West Africa. The country is predominantly covered by desert, including part of the Sahara, with a small portion of its territory along the Atlantic coast. Mauritania’s landscape is characterized by its arid terrain and sparse vegetation, with the Adrar Plateau and the Sahel region being notable areas.
7. Morocco
Morocco occupies an area of approximately 710,850 square kilometers. Located in North Africa, Morocco is distinguished by its varied geography which includes coastal plains, mountain ranges like the Atlas Mountains and the Rif Mountains, and portions of the Sahara Desert. This diversity in landscape contributes to Morocco’s unique environmental and cultural characteristics.
8. Yemen
Yemen, situated on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, covers around 527,970 square kilometers. The country’s terrain is a mixture of coastal plains, highlands, and desert. The western side of Yemen features the rugged Yemeni Highlands, while the eastern part transitions into arid desert landscapes, contrasting with its lush highland regions.
9. Jordan
Jordan spans approximately 89,342 square kilometers. Located in the Levant region of the Middle East, Jordan’s landscape includes desert regions such as Wadi Rum and the eastern desert, as well as the fertile Jordan Valley and parts of the Dead Sea. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other Arab countries, Jordan’s varied terrain and historical significance make it a key player in the region.
10. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a land area of about 83,600 square kilometers. Situated on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE is known for its modern cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and its desert landscapes, including the Rub’ al Khali, which extends into its territory. The country’s coastline along the Persian Gulf adds to its geographic diversity.
11. Qatar
Qatar, a small peninsula located in the Persian Gulf, has a land area of approximately 11,586 square kilometers. The country is predominantly flat and desert-like, with its coastline providing a contrasting feature to its arid interior. Qatar’s strategic location and economic significance, especially in the oil and gas sector, belies its small geographic size.
12. Kuwait
Kuwait, situated at the northern edge of the Persian Gulf, covers an area of about 17,818 square kilometers. The country’s landscape is primarily desert, with its coastal location offering some contrast. Kuwait’s flat terrain is characterized by sand dunes and sparse vegetation, reflecting its desert environment.
13. Bahrain
Bahrain is an island nation with a land area of around 765 square kilometers. Located in the Persian Gulf, it is one of the smallest Arab countries in terms of land area. The country’s geography includes a series of islands and a flat, arid terrain with a coastline that is crucial to its economic activities.
14. Lebanon
Lebanon, with an area of approximately 10,452 square kilometers, is a relatively small country located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its geography is characterized by a narrow strip of land with mountainous terrain, including the Lebanon Mountains, which run parallel to the coastline, and a small but fertile coastal plain.
15. Palestine
Palestine, which consists of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, covers about 6,020 square kilometers. The West Bank features a hilly, rugged landscape, while the Gaza Strip is a flat, coastal area along the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s geography plays a significant role in its socio-political landscape.
16. Syria
Syria covers an area of around 185,180 square kilometers. Located in the Levant region, its geography is diverse, ranging from coastal plains along the Mediterranean to the mountainous regions of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and the arid desert areas in the east. Syria’s geographical diversity has historically made it a crossroads of various cultures and civilizations.
17. Iraq
Iraq has a land area of approximately 437,072 square kilometers. Its geography is characterized by the Tigris and Euphrates river system which supports its predominantly desert and arid landscape. The country features significant topographical variations, including mountains in the north and expansive plains in the south.
This comprehensive overview of the Arab countries by land area highlights the vast range of geographical scales within the region. From the vast deserts of Algeria and Saudi Arabia to the small island nation of Bahrain, each country’s size and terrain contribute uniquely to its cultural and economic identity. Understanding these geographical distinctions provides valuable insights into the diverse landscapes that shape the Arab world.