Which country is larger by total area: Sudan, Libya, or Iran?

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Sudan is larger by total area than Libya or Iran.

Sudan covers about 1,886,068 square kilometres, compared with roughly 1,759,540 square kilometres for Libya and 1,648,195 square kilometres for Iran. That makes Sudan the largest of these three countries, although all are among the world’s more extensive nations.

Sudan lies in northeastern Africa, stretching from the Sahara and Sahel toward the Red Sea. Its territory includes the Nile Valley, vast desert regions, and the fertile lands around the Blue Nile and White Nile. Khartoum stands near the point where the two rivers meet.

A common mix-up comes from Sudan’s history: before South Sudan became independent in 2011, Sudan was Africa’s largest country. The secession reduced its territory, but modern Sudan still remains larger than Libya and Iran by total area. Sudan is also larger than Egypt, despite Egypt’s much higher international profile.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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