Which empire covered the largest geographical area?

The British Empire covered the largest geographical area in history, reaching its peak in the early 20th century. At its height, it spanned approximately 13.71 million square miles, which was about a quarter of the world's land area. The empire included territories across every continent, significantly influencing global trade, culture, and politics. Its motto, "the sun never sets on the British Empire," reflected its vastness and global presence.