List of Largest Countries in North America by Area

North America is a vast and incredibly diverse continent, stretching from the frigid Arctic Circle to the sun-drenched Caribbean Sea. Its landscape is a tapestry woven with towering mountain ranges, expansive plains, dense forests, and countless waterways, all contributing to a rich mosaic of geography and culture. Exploring the sheer scale of the nations that call this continent home offers fascinating insights into its unique characteristics.

To provide a clear understanding of this immense region, we’ve compiled a list detailing the Largest Countries in North America by Area. This comprehensive compilation features 23 nations, ranging from the smallest, Antigua and Barbuda, to the sprawling United States. For each entry, you’ll find key information organized with its Flag, Area (sq km), Area (sq mi), Population, and Capital, all presented clearly below.

Are island nations included in the largest countries list for North America?

Yes, absolutely. This list of North America’s largest countries by area includes all recognized sovereign states within the continent’s geographical boundaries, regardless of whether they are mainland or island nations. This ensures a comprehensive overview, covering countries like Antigua and Barbuda, which showcases the full range of sizes found across the region.

What criteria are used to define a ‘country’ for this list?

For the purpose of this list, a ‘country’ refers to a sovereign state recognized by the United Nations. This standard ensures consistency and includes 23 distinct nations across North America, from vast continental powers to smaller island states. Dependent territories or overseas departments are generally not included as separate entries, focusing solely on independent nations.

Largest Countries in North America by Area

Country	Flag	Area (sq km)	Area (sq mi)	Population	Capital
Canada	🇨🇦	9,984,670	3,855,100	40,097,760	Ottawa
United States	🇺🇸	9,833,520	3,796,742	339,996,560	Washington, D.C.
Mexico	🇲🇽	1,972,550	761,610	129,875,530	Mexico City
Nicaragua	🇳🇮	130,373	50,337	7,046,310	Managua
Honduras	🇭🇳	112,492	43,433	10,593,800	Tegucigalpa
Cuba	🇨🇺	109,884	42,426	11,194,450	Havana
Guatemala	🇬🇹	108,889	42,042	18,092,030	Guatemala City
Panama	🇵🇦	75,417	29,119	4,468,090	Panama City
Costa Rica	🇨🇷	51,100	19,700	5,212,170	San José
Dominican Republic	🇩🇴	48,671	18,792	11,332,970	Santo Domingo
Haiti	🇭🇹	27,750	10,710	11,724,760	Port-au-Prince
Belize	🇧🇿	22,966	8,867	419,137	Belmopan
El Salvador	🇸🇻	21,041	8,124	6,364,930	San Salvador
The Bahamas	🇧🇸	13,943	5,383	412,623	Nassau
Jamaica	🇯🇲	10,991	4,244	2,825,540	Kingston
Trinidad and Tobago	🇹🇹	5,131	1,981	1,534,940	Port of Spain
Dominica	🇩🇲	751	290	73,040	Roseau
Saint Lucia	🇱🇨	616	238	180,251	Castries
Antigua and Barbuda	🇦🇬	442	171	94,298	St. John’s
Barbados	🇧🇧	430	166	281,995	Bridgetown
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	🇻🇨	389	150	103,698	Kingstown
Grenada	🇬🇩	344	133	126,183	St. George’s
Saint Kitts and Nevis	🇰🇳	261	101	47,755	Basseterre

Images and Descriptions

Canada

Home to the world’s longest coastline, stretching over 243,000 kilometers along three different oceans.

United States

Contains the most diverse range of climates and ecosystems, from Arctic tundra in Alaska to tropical rainforests in Hawaii.

Mexico

Features the world’s largest pyramid by volume, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is hidden under a mountain.

Nicaragua

Known as the “land of lakes and volcanoes,” it holds the largest freshwater lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua.

Honduras

The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that protects one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in Central America.

Cuba

The largest island in the Caribbean, often nicknamed “El Caimán” (The Alligator) due to its distinctive shape.

Guatemala

The heartland of the ancient Maya civilization, with iconic ruins like Tikal surrounded by dense jungle.

Panama

A transcontinental country connecting North and South America; you can watch the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.

Costa Rica

A global pioneer in ecotourism, it has no standing army and dedicates over 25% of its land to protected national parks.

Dominican Republic

Shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is home to the Caribbean’s highest mountain peak, Pico Duarte.

Haiti

The world’s first Black-led republic, established after a successful slave revolt, with a rich and unique Vodou culture.

Belize

Boasts the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world and a diver’s paradise.

El Salvador

The smallest country in Central America and the only one without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea.

The Bahamas

An archipelago made up of over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, famous for its stunningly clear turquoise waters.

Jamaica

The birthplace of reggae music, with a cultural influence that has spread across the globe.

Trinidad and Tobago

A vibrant nation known for its massive Carnival celebration and as the birthplace of the steelpan drum.

Dominica

Called the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” it features 365 rivers, boiling lakes, and lush, mountainous rainforests.

Saint Lucia

Instantly recognizable for the Pitons, two dramatic volcanic plugs that are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Antigua and Barbuda

Famous for its coastline, which is rumored to have 365 distinct beaches—one for every day of the year.

Barbados

The easternmost island in the Caribbean, often called “Little England” for its colonial history and is considered the birthplace of rum.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

A beautiful chain of 32 islands and cays, with St. Vincent being the largest and the Grenadines trailing to the south.

Grenada

Known as the “Isle of Spice,” it’s a major world exporter of nutmeg and mace.