After Sudan, which Arab country is the largest in Africa?

After Sudan, Algeria is the largest Arab country in Africa by area. Algeria covers approximately 2.38 million square kilometres, while Sudan is larger at roughly 1.89 million square kilometres. Algeria therefore ranks second among African countries by total area and is the largest country in both Africa’s Arab world and the Arab League after Sudan is considered first by African area.

Algeria’s enormous size is largely explained by the Sahara Desert, which covers much of the country’s southern territory. Its northern edge borders the Mediterranean Sea, where most of the population and major cities are concentrated. Algiers, the capital, sits on the northern coast.

A historical source of confusion is Sudan’s changing rank. Before South Sudan became independent in 2011, Sudan was Africa’s largest country. After the split, Algeria became the continent’s largest country overall, while Sudan remained the next-largest. The wording “after Sudan” identifies Algeria as the intended answer.