Countries Starting with A

by hotelaah · Published June 17, 1999 · Updated July 24, 2024

How many countries starting with letter A? There are 11 countries in the world whose names start with the letter “A.”

Countries in Asia Starting with A: Afghanistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan
Countries in Europe Starting with A: Albania, Andorra, Austria
Countries in Africa Starting with A: Algeria, Angola
Countries in North America Starting with A: Antigua and Barbuda
Countries in South America Starting with A: Argentina
Countries in Oceania Starting with A: Australia

Here is a brief overview of 11 countries starting with the letter “A”:

1. Afghanistan (English: Afghanistan)

Afghanistan, often called the heart of Asia, features a terrain of rugged mountains interspersed with plains in the north and southwest. The country has been a significant historical crossroads but also one beset by constant conflict, from the Great Game rivalries to more recent invasions. Afghanistan’s culture is a tapestry of the various empires that have ruled the territory, including Persian, Mongol, and others. Its society follows a tribal structure deeply influenced by Islamic traditions. Despite its wealth of stunning landscapes and ancient ruins, Afghanistan’s development has been hampered by decades of war, affecting its economic and social structures profoundly.

Continent: Asia
Capital: Kabul
Largest City: Kabul
Population: Approximately 40 million
Area: 652,864 square kilometers
Official Language: Pashto and Dari
Currency: Afghani (AFN)
Political System: Islamic republic

2. Albania

Albania, located on the Balkan Peninsula, features a stunning coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with an interior marked by mountains and hills. Its history is rich with various rulers from Illyrians to Ottomans, all leaving a distinct mark on its cultural fabric. Albania transitioned from a communist regime to democracy in the early 1990s, and since then, it has sought closer ties with the West, joining NATO and seeking EU membership. The country’s economy is diverse, including agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing service sector, particularly tourism, due to its beautiful landscapes and historical sites. Albania is known for its unique traditions, cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its people.

Continent: Europe
Capital: Tirana
Largest City: Tirana
Population: Approximately 2.8 million
Area: 28,748 square kilometers
Official Language: Albanian
Currency: Albanian lek (ALL)
Political System: Parliamentary republic

3. Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, dominated by the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, which covers over four-fifths of its territory. The northern part, where most Algerians live, is characterized by fertile plains and the Atlas Mountains. Historically a part of the Roman Empire, its rich history is showcased in the Roman ruins scattered across the country. After gaining independence from France in 1962 following a brutal eight-year war, Algeria has maintained a significant degree of political and economic stability. The nation’s economy is heavily reliant on hydrocarbons; oil and natural gas constitute the majority of revenue. Algeria’s cultural heritage, a blend of Arab, Amazigh, and French influences, makes it a fascinating country full of contrasts and diversity.

Continent: Africa
Capital: Algiers
Largest City: Algiers
Population: Approximately 44 million
Area: 2,381,741 square kilometers
Official Language: Arabic and Berber
Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)
Political System: Presidential republic

4. Andorra

Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe, nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. This principality is known for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that attracts shoppers from all over Europe. Governed under a unique co-principality system, the leaders of France and the Bishop of Urgell act as co-princes, a diarchy that has persisted through centuries. Andorra’s economy is notably fueled by tourism, accounting for roughly 80% of the GDP. Despite its size, Andorra boasts a well-developed infrastructure and a high standard of living. Its culture is predominantly Catalan, with the official language reflecting this heritage.

Continent: Europe
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Largest City: Andorra la Vella
Population: Approximately 77,000
Area: 468 square kilometers
Official Language: Catalan
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Political System: Parliamentary democracy

5. Angola

Angola, located on the southern Atlantic coast of Africa, is endowed with resources such as diamonds, oil, gold, copper, and a rich variety of natural landscapes, from tropical Atlantic beaches to the vast savannas. However, the country’s history is marred by a prolonged civil war that lasted nearly 27 years, following independence from Portugal in 1975. Since the end of the war in 2002, Angola has witnessed significant economic growth and political stabilization. Its government continues to face major challenges, including improving public services, reducing corruption, and diversifying the economy away from oil dependency. Angola’s culture reflects a fusion of Portuguese and various indigenous influences, evident in its music, dance, and cuisine.

Continent: Africa
Capital: Luanda
Largest City: Luanda
Population: Approximately 33 million
Area: 1,246,700 square kilometers
Official Language: Portuguese
Currency: Angolan kwanza (AOA)
Political System: Presidential republic

6. Antigua and Barbuda

Located in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is known for its many beaches, from bustling tourist hotspots to secluded coves. The nation gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and has since developed a stable political system. The economy is driven by tourism, but the government is working to diversify into banking, medical services, and education. The culture is predominantly a mixture of West African and British influences, evident in its music, festivals, and languages spoken.

Continent: North America
Capital: Saint John’s
Largest City: Saint John’s
Population: Approximately 97,000
Area: 442 square kilometers
Official Language: English
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Political System: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy

7. Argentina

Argentina is known for its vast landscapes that include the Andes mountain range, glacial lakes, and Pampas grasslands, the traditional grazing ground of its famed beef cattle. The country is rich in culture, with tango music and dance, vibrant arts scenes, and a passion for soccer. Despite its natural wealth, Argentina has faced several economic crises, largely due to political instability, but it remains one of South America’s leading economies. Buenos Aires, the capital, is known for its European-style architecture and rich cultural life.

Continent: South America
Capital: Buenos Aires
Largest City: Buenos Aires
Population: Approximately 45 million
Area: 2,780,400 square kilometers
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
Political System: Presidential republic

8. Armenia

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is one of the earliest Christian civilizations, with its first churches dating back to the 4th century. Its landscape is marked by rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes, with Mount Ararat dominating the skyline near the capital, Yerevan. Despite facing challenges such as a small economy, blockades by some neighboring states, and the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia has maintained a democratic form of governance and is working towards greater economic reforms.

Continent: Europe (Transcontinental in Asia)
Capital: Yerevan
Largest City: Yerevan
Population: Approximately 3 million
Area: 29,743 square kilometers
Official Language: Armenian
Currency: Armenian dram (AMD)
Political System: Parliamentary republic

9. Australia

Australia, the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, is known for its diverse landscapes that range from the deserts of the Outback to the tropical rainforests of Queensland and the snow-capped mountains of Tasmania. Its isolation from other continents has fostered a unique wildlife population, with many species existing nowhere else in the world. Australia’s system of government reflects its history as a British colony, with a democratic system that includes both a monarch and an elected parliament.

Continent: Australia (Oceania)
Capital: Canberra
Largest City: Sydney
Population: Approximately 25 million
Area: 7,692,024 square kilometers
Official Language: English
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Political System: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

10. Austria

Austria, located in Central Europe, is known for its cultural contributions, particularly in music and the arts, being the birthplace of many famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. The country’s alpine scenery is another high point, with its well-preserved forests, lakes, and mountains attracting tourists year-round. Austria’s economy benefits from well-developed industry, international tourism, and a high standard of living. Vienna, the capital, is renowned for its architectural beauty and high quality of life.

Continent: Europe
Capital: Vienna
Largest City: Vienna
Population: Approximately 9 million
Area: 83,879 square kilometers
Official Language: German
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Political System: Federal parliamentary republic

11. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, known as the “Land of Fire,” is notable for its wealth of crude oil and natural gas. The country is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia by the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan’s history includes ancient inhabitants who worshipped fire due to the naturally occurring blazes fueled by its vast oil deposits. Today, it blends its historical Islamic traditions with modern Western influences. Despite its small size, Azerbaijan has a strategic geopolitical position and an economy that is among the fastest growing in the region due to its energy resources.

Continent: Europe (Transcontinental in Asia)
Capital: Baku
Largest City: Baku
Population: Approximately 10 million
Area: 86,600 square kilometers
Official Language: Azerbaijani
Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
Political System: Presidential republic