📌 Topic 01 of 6 · Chapter 12 · World Political Geography
Important Countries & Capitals of the World
Largest, smallest, most populous countries, India’s neighbours — complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
🌍 Key Country Facts
| Category | Country | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Area | Russia | 17.1 million sq km; spans 11 time zones |
| 2nd Largest | Canada | 9.98 million sq km |
| 3rd Largest | USA | 9.83 million sq km |
| Smallest Country | Vatican City | 0.44 sq km; within Rome, Italy |
| Most Populous | India | 1.44 billion (2023); surpassed China |
| Largest Democracy | India | World’s largest democratic country |
| Most Countries Bordering | China / Russia | Both border 14 countries |
| Largest Landlocked | Kazakhstan | World’s largest landlocked country |
| Largest Archipelago | Indonesia | 17,000+ islands |
🌍 India’s Neighbours
| Country | Direction | Border Length | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Northwest | ~3,323 km | Radcliffe Line (1947); Wagah border crossing |
| China | North/Northeast | ~3,488 km | McMahon Line (disputed); longest land border |
| Nepal | North | ~1,751 km | Open border; shares UP, Bihar, WB, Sikkim, Uttarakhand |
| Bhutan | Northeast | ~699 km | Shortest land border with India |
| Bangladesh | East | ~4,156 km | Longest land border with India |
| Myanmar | East | ~1,643 km | Shares Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram |
| Sri Lanka | South | Sea (Palk Strait) | Separated by Palk Strait; Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu) |
⭐ Key Facts — Countries:
• Russia = largest country by area; Vatican City = smallest
• India = most populous country (2023); surpassed China
• Bangladesh = longest land border with India (~4,156 km)
• Bhutan = shortest land border with India (~699 km)
• Sri Lanka = only sea border with India (Palk Strait)
• Russia = largest country by area; Vatican City = smallest
• India = most populous country (2023); surpassed China
• Bangladesh = longest land border with India (~4,156 km)
• Bhutan = shortest land border with India (~699 km)
• Sri Lanka = only sea border with India (Palk Strait)