In this article, we’ll talk about the top countries with diverse landscapes and their unique topography. If you want more details on how geographic diversity impacts countries, read 20 Most Geographically Diverse Countries In The World.
5. Canada
IM Score: 11
Canada, spanning six time zones, is a geographically extensive country, presenting a rich assortment of landscapes. The Rockies, Prairies, and coastlines, such as those in Nova Scotia, serve as habitats for numerous species and are popular destinations for travelers. Locations like Banff National Park, showcasing pristine alpine landscapes, and Niagara Falls, a spectacle of natural beauty, contribute to Canada’s vibrant tourism sector. Moreover, the Arctic tundra that spans Canada’s northern regions is home to sparse vegetation and permafrost, crucial for global biodiversity.
4. China
IM Score: 12
China, one of the largest countries in the world, boasts geographical features that significantly influence the lives of its billion-plus inhabitants. The country shares the Himalayas with India to the southwest, acting as a natural barrier and affecting China’s climate. These colossal mountains are sharply contrasted by the vast Gobi Desert in the north, a crucial segment of the Silk Road. The fertile plains of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers have been the cradle of Chinese civilization, and are still home to millions. Urbanization and industrialization have transformed parts of these plains in recent decades, with major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin expanding rapidly.
3. Russia
IM Score: 12
Russia, the largest country in the world, spans over 17 million square kilometers and stretches across Europe and Asia, exhibiting staggering geographical diversity. From the frosty tundras of Siberia, where permafrost and coniferous forests dominate, to the temperate rainforests of the Russian Far East, the country’s ecosystems are incredible. The country harbors various landscapes, including Siberia’s tundra and the sun-drenched Black Sea coast. Crucially, the massive Ural Mountains, delineating the European part of the country, host numerous ecosystems and climatic zones.
2. Brazil
IM Score: 13
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is famed for its geographical diversity, significantly influencing its climatic and ecological conditions. The Amazon Basin, home to the biodiversity-rich Amazon Rainforest, also encompasses the vast Amazon River, the world’s largest watercourse by volume. Contrastingly, the Brazilian Highlands in the southeast and the Pantanal, one of the world’s most extensive tropical wetland areas, further highlights the country’s geographical diversity.
1. The United States Of America
IM Score: 14
The United States of America exhibits dramatically varied geographical features, influencing its climate, ecosystems, and human activities. The Rocky Mountains in the west and the Appalachian Mountains in the east shape the continental landscapes, while the expansive Great Plains stretch across its midsection. The Mississippi-Missouri River System, among the world’s longest, profoundly affects agriculture and transportation. From the arid deserts of the southwest, like the Mojave and Sonoran, to Florida’s tropical environments, the U.S. encompasses many ecosystems.
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