Ever been stuck in a geography quiz trying to name countries that start with A? You’re not alone! Whether you’re preparing for trivia night, helping kids with homework, or just curious about world geography, this comprehensive list has you covered.
From the vast landscapes of Afghanistan to the small island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, countries that start with A span every continent except Antarctica. This list includes 11 sovereign nations plus territories and dependencies, making it perfect for word games, educational purposes, and geography enthusiasts.
Ready to become a geography expert? Let’s explore these amazing nations alphabetically!
Complete Table: All Countries & Territories That Start With A
Countries That Start With A – Capital, Population & Continent (2025)
| # | Country/Territory | Capital | Population | Continent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | Kabul | 38,900,000 | Asia | Sovereign |
| 2 | Albania | Tirana | 2,800,000 | Europe | Sovereign |
| 3 | Algeria | Algiers | 44,700,000 | Africa | Sovereign |
| 4 | American Samoa | Pago Pago | 55,000 | Oceania | US Territory |
| 5 | Andorra | Andorra la Vella | 79,000 | Europe | Sovereign |
| 6 | Angola | Luanda | 32,900,000 | Africa | Sovereign |
| 7 | Anguilla | The Valley | 15,000 | North America | UK Territory |
| 8 | Antigua and Barbuda | St. John’s | 98,000 | North America | Sovereign |
| 9 | Argentina | Buenos Aires | 45,800,000 | South America | Sovereign |
| 10 | Armenia | Yerevan | 3,000,000 | Asia | Sovereign |
| 11 | Aruba | Oranjestad | 107,000 | North America | Netherlands Territory |
| 12 | Australia | Canberra | 25,700,000 | Oceania | Sovereign |
| 13 | Austria | Vienna | 9,000,000 | Europe | Sovereign |
| 14 | Azerbaijan | Baku | 10,100,000 | Asia | Sovereign |
Complete List of Countries That Start With A
Sovereign Nations
1. Afghanistan 🏔️ Located in Central Asia, Afghanistan is known for its mountainous terrain and rich history along the Silk Road. The capital is Kabul, and it’s home to over 38 million people.
2. Albania 🏛️ This Balkan nation sits along the Adriatic Sea with stunning coastlines and ancient history. Tirana serves as its capital, and Albania is famous for its Ottoman-era architecture.
3. Algeria 🏜️ The largest country in Africa, Algeria covers much of the northern Sahara Desert. Algiers is the capital, and the country is known for its oil reserves and Mediterranean coastline.
4. Andorra 🏔️ One of Europe’s smallest countries, nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra la Vella is the capital of this duty-free shopping paradise.
5. Angola 🌍 Located on Africa’s west coast, Angola is rich in oil and diamonds. Luanda serves as the capital, and the country is known for its Portuguese colonial heritage.
6. Antigua and Barbuda 🏝️ This Caribbean twin-island nation is famous for its 365 beaches – one for each day of the year! St. John’s is the capital.
7. Argentina 🥩 The second-largest country in South America, Argentina is famous for tango, beef, and wine. Buenos Aires, the capital, is often called the “Paris of South America.”
8. Armenia 🍇 The world’s first Christian nation, Armenia is known for its ancient monasteries and brandy production. Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities, is the capital.
9. Australia 🦘 The only country that’s also a continent, Australia is famous for its unique wildlife and the Outback. Canberra is the capital, though Sydney and Melbourne are more famous.
10. Austria 🎼 This Central European nation is renowned for classical music, stunning Alps, and historic cities. Vienna, the capital, was once the center of a vast empire.
11. Azerbaijan 🔥 Known as the “Land of Fire” due to its natural gas flames, Azerbaijan sits between Europe and Asia. Baku, the capital, is famous for its oil industry.
Territories and Dependencies
12. American Samoa 🏝️ A US territory in the South Pacific, American Samoa consists of five volcanic islands. Pago Pago serves as the capital.
13. Anguilla 🏖️ A British overseas territory in the Caribbean, Anguilla is known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. The Valley is the capital.
14. Aruba 🏝️ A constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is famous for its white sand beaches and year-round warm weather. Oranjestad is the capital.
Fun Facts About Countries That Start With A
🧠 Did You Know?
- Argentina is home to the world’s widest avenue – Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires
- Australia has more species of venomous snakes than any other country
- Austria gave us the waltz dance and is Mozart’s birthplace
- Azerbaijan has over 400 mud volcanoes, more than any other country
- Afghanistan is completely landlocked and has never been successfully conquered by foreign powers
📚 Geography Trivia
Countries That Start With A cover all continents except Antarctica:
- Asia: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria
- Africa: Algeria, Angola
- North America: Antigua and Barbuda, American Samoa, Anguilla, Aruba
- South America: Argentina
- Oceania: Australia
🎲 Word Game Bonus
These country names start with A are perfect for:
- Scrabble (high-scoring letters in many names)
- Geography bees and trivia contests
- Name That Country games
- Educational flashcards
- Travel planning and bucket lists
Regional Breakdown of Countries That Start With A
European Countries That Start With A
Albania, Andorra, Austria represent diverse European cultures:
- Albania: Balkan Peninsula, Albanian language
- Andorra: Pyrenees mountains, Catalan culture
- Austria: Central Europe, German-speaking
Asian Countries That Start With A
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan showcase Asian diversity:
- Afghanistan: Central Asian crossroads
- Armenia: Ancient Christian heritage
- Azerbaijan: Caucasus region, oil-rich economy
African Countries That Start With A
Algeria, Angola represent North and Central Africa:
- Algeria: Maghreb region, Arabic and Berber cultures
- Angola: Portuguese colonial history, oil economy
American Countries That Start With A
Argentina, Antigua and Barbuda plus territories:
- Argentina: South American powerhouse
- Antigua and Barbuda: Caribbean paradise
- Various US and European territories
Languages Spoken in Countries That Start With A
Countries that start with A showcase linguistic diversity:
- Spanish: Argentina (official), plus indigenous languages
- English: Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, American territories
- Arabic: Algeria, with Berber languages
- Portuguese: Angola, from colonial heritage
- German: Austria, with regional dialects
- Albanian: Albania, unique Indo-European language
- Catalan: Andorra, shared with Spain
- Armenian: Armenia, ancient language family
- Azerbaijani: Azerbaijan, Turkic language family
- Dari/Pashto: Afghanistan, Persian and Indo-Iranian languages
Economic Overview of Countries That Start With A
Oil-Rich Nations
Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan are major oil producers, with petroleum forming the backbone of their economies.
Agricultural Powerhouses
Argentina leads in beef and wheat production, while Australia excels in mining and agriculture.
Tourism Destinations
Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba rely heavily on tourism, offering mountains, beaches, and cultural attractions.
Developing Economies
Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia face economic challenges but show resilience and growth potential.
Cultural Highlights of Countries That Start With A
Music and Arts
- Argentina: Tango, folk music, literature
- Austria: Classical music, opera, baroque architecture
- Armenia: Traditional music, medieval manuscripts
- Australia: Aboriginal art, contemporary culture
Cuisine Specialties
- Argentina: Asado (barbecue), empanadas, Malbec wine
- Austria: Schnitzel, strudel, coffee culture
- Algeria: Couscous, tagines, North African spices
- Australia: Bush tucker, fusion cuisine, wine regions
Sports and Recreation
- Australia: Cricket, rugby, swimming, surfing
- Argentina: Football (soccer), polo, rugby
- Austria: Alpine skiing, mountain climbing
- Algeria: Football, athletics, martial arts
Climate and Geography of Countries That Start With A
Mountainous Regions
Afghanistan, Andorra, Austria, Armenia feature significant mountain ranges:
- Hindu Kush, Pyrenees, Alps, Caucasus mountains
- Perfect for skiing, hiking, and adventure tourism
Desert Landscapes
Algeria, Australia contain vast desert areas:
- Sahara Desert in Algeria
- Outback and Great Victoria Desert in Australia
Coastal Nations
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia offer extensive coastlines:
- Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean shores
- Rich marine ecosystems and beach tourism
Island Nations
Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, American Samoa, Anguilla are island territories:
- Tropical climates, coral reefs, hurricane seasons
- Tourism-dependent economies
Historical Significance of Countries That Start With A
Ancient Civilizations
- Armenia: First Christian nation (301 AD)
- Afghanistan: Silk Road crossroads, Buddhist heritage
- Algeria: Roman ruins, Islamic conquest history
Colonial Heritage
- Angola: Portuguese colony until 1975
- Australia: British settlement, Aboriginal displacement
- Argentina: Spanish colonization, independence wars
Modern Independence
Most countries that start with A gained independence in the 20th century:
- Albania: 1912 from Ottoman Empire
- Algeria: 1962 from France
- Angola: 1975 from Portugal
Environmental Features of Countries That Start With A
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Countries that start with A protect numerous world heritage locations:
- Australia: Great Barrier Reef, Uluru
- Austria: Salzburg, Hallstatt
- Argentina: Iguazu Falls, Valdés Peninsula
- Armenia: Geghard Monastery
Biodiversity Hotspots
- Australia: Unique marsupials, endemic species
- Argentina: Patagonia wildlife, marine ecosystems
- Angola: Tropical rainforests, savanna wildlife
Climate Change Challenges
Many countries that start with A face environmental pressures:
- Desertification in Algeria and Australia
- Rising sea levels affecting island nations
- Glacier retreat in Alpine regions
Travel and Tourism in Countries That Start With A
Must-Visit Destinations
Countries that start with A offer incredible travel experiences:
Adventure Tourism:
- Afghanistan: Historical sites (when safe)
- Australia: Outback adventures, reef diving
- Argentina: Patagonia trekking, wine tours
Cultural Tourism:
- Austria: Music festivals, imperial palaces
- Armenia: Ancient churches, genocide memorials
- Algeria: Roman ruins, Sahara expeditions
Beach Tourism:
- Antigua and Barbuda: 365 beaches
- Aruba: Year-round perfect weather
- Australia: Great Barrier Reef, surf culture
Travel Tips for Countries That Start With A
Visa Requirements: Most countries that start with A require visas for tourists, though some offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options.
Best Travel Times:
- Australia: September-November, March-May
- Argentina: March-May, September-November
- Austria: May-September for hiking, December-March for skiing
Budget Considerations:
- Expensive: Australia, Austria, Aruba
- Moderate: Argentina, Antigua and Barbuda
- Budget-friendly: Albania, Armenia (with safety considerations)
Modern Challenges and Opportunities
Economic Development
Countries that start with A face various economic challenges:
- Diversification away from oil dependency
- Tourism recovery post-pandemic
- Infrastructure development needs
Political Stability
Some countries that start with A work toward greater stability:
- Democratic transitions and reforms
- Regional cooperation initiatives
- International partnership building
Technology and Innovation
Several countries that start with A embrace technological advancement:
- Australia: Mining technology, renewable energy
- Austria: Green technology, sustainable tourism
- Argentina: Agricultural innovation, fintech
Conclusion
This comprehensive list of countries that start with A showcases the incredible diversity of our world. From the tango halls of Argentina to the ancient monasteries of Armenia, these nations offer rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and fascinating histories.
Whether you’re preparing for geography trivia, planning your next adventure, or simply expanding your knowledge, these countries that start with A provide endless opportunities for learning and exploration. Each country name start with A tells a unique story of human civilization and natural beauty.
Countries that start with the letter A remind us that our world is beautifully diverse. From oil-rich nations to island paradises, from ancient civilizations to modern democracies, these countries contribute immeasurably to global culture and economy.
Which of these countries that start with A surprised you the most? Bookmark this list for your next geography quiz or travel planning session. Want to explore countries starting with other letters? Check out our complete alphabetical country guides!
FAQs About Countries That Start With A
Q: What are the most populated countries that start with A?
The most populated countries that start with A are:
- Argentina (45 million)
- Algeria (44 million)
- Afghanistan (38 million)
- Australia (25 million)
Q: Which country that starts with A is the largest by area?
Australia is the largest country that starts with A by land area, covering 7.7 million square kilometers. Algeria is second at 2.4 million square kilometers.
Q: Are there any island countries that start with A?
Yes! Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island nation. Several territories are also islands: American Samoa, Anguilla, and Aruba.
Q: What’s the smallest country that starts with A?
Andorra is the smallest sovereign country that starts with A, covering only 468 square kilometers with about 79,000 people.
Q: Which countries that start with A are landlocked?
Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, and Austria are landlocked countries that start with A.
Q: What continents have countries that start with A?
Countries that start with A exist on every continent except Antarctica:
- Asia: 3 countries
- Europe: 3 countries
- Africa: 2 countries
- North America: 1 country plus territories
- South America: 1 country
- Oceania: 1 country
Last updated: July 2025
About the Author: Written by geography enthusiasts at TheWordStarter – your trusted source for educational listicles and world knowledge. We’ve helped millions of learners explore the world through comprehensive, accurate, and engaging content.
Disclaimer: This list includes sovereign nations and territories as of 2025. Political situations may change over time. Always verify current information for travel planning.
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