At first, you might think that big countries like Russia or the USA would have the most time zones. But it’s not just about land size—colonial history and faraway islands also play a big part. That’s why a country like France, which isn’t very large, ends up at the top of the list!
We’ve used data from Timeanddate, counting only official standard time zones (no daylight saving or temporary changes). These include faraway islands and territories too.
🌍 10 Countries with the Most Time Zones:
1. France – 12 Time Zones
Even though France is small in Europe, it has islands and territories in every ocean! From French Polynesia (UTC−10) to Wallis and Futuna (UTC+12), France covers 12 time zones around the world.
2. United States – 11 Time Zones
The US has a wide reach—from the Pacific to the Caribbean. It includes islands like Guam, Wake Island, and Alaska, totaling 11 time zones.
3. Russia – 11 Time Zones
The largest country on Earth stretches from Europe to the Pacific. Russia has 11 time zones across its vast land, from UTC+2 to UTC+12.
4. Australia – 9 Time Zones
Apart from mainland Australia, islands like Christmas Island and Lord Howe Island add to the count. That brings it to 9 time zones, with some even using half-hour and 45-minute differences.
5. United Kingdom – 9 Time Zones
The UK has many overseas territories like the Pitcairn Islands (UTC−8) and the Chagos Archipelago (UTC+6), giving it 9 time zones in total.
6. Canada – 6 Time Zones
Canada stretches across North America with 6 time zones, from Newfoundland (UTC−3:30) to the Pacific (UTC−8). No overseas areas needed!
7. Denmark – 5 Time Zones
Denmark might seem small, but it includes the Faroe Islands and large parts of Greenland, totaling 5 time zones.
8. New Zealand – 5 Time Zones
New Zealand has unique zones like Chatham Islands (UTC+12:45) and includes Niue and the Cook Islands—making 5 time zones in total.
9. Brazil – 4 Time Zones
Brazil’s wide land in South America gives it 4 time zones, from the Amazon to Atlantic islands.
10. Mexico – 4 Time Zones
Mexico’s east–west stretch gives it 4 time zones, from Baja California (UTC−8) to Quintana Roo (UTC−5).
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