When you think of countries with the most time zones, you might guess large nations like the United States or China. But the truth is more surprising! Some countries span so many time zones due to their overseas territories that they outrank even the biggest landmasses.
Here’s a look at the top countries with the most time zones—some of which may shock you!
1. France – 12 Time Zones (The Ultimate Winner!)
Surprised? France holds the record for the most time zones thanks to its overseas territories scattered across the globe.
- Metropolitan France (UTC+1)
- French Polynesia (UTC-10 to UTC-9)
- Réunion (UTC+4)
- Guadeloupe & Martinique (UTC-4)
- New Caledonia (UTC+11)
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon (UTC-3)
France’s presence in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South Pacific, and even Antarctica gives it an astonishing 12 time zones—more than any other country!
2. Russia – 11 Time Zones
As the largest country in the world, Russia naturally spans 11 time zones (down from 12 after simplification in 2010).
- Kaliningrad (UTC+2)
- Moscow (UTC+3)
- Vladivostok (UTC+10)
- Kamchatka (UTC+12)
Traveling across Russia can feel like time-hopping!
3. United States – 11 Time Zones (Including Territories)
The mainland U.S. has 4 time zones (Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern), but including overseas territories pushes it to 11:
- Alaska (UTC-9)
- Hawaii (UTC-10)
- American Samoa (UTC-11)
- Guam & Northern Mariana Islands (UTC+10)
- Baker & Howland Islands (UTC-12)
Fun fact: The U.S. even has a time zone (UTC-12) that’s a full day behind some of its other territories!
4. United Kingdom – 9 Time Zones
Thanks to the British Overseas Territories, the UK covers 9 time zones, including:
- Gibraltar (UTC+1)
- Falkland Islands (UTC-3)
- Pitcairn Islands (UTC-8)
- British Indian Ocean Territory (UTC+6)
Despite its small size, the sun never sets on all British territories at once!
5. Australia – 8 Time Zones (Including External Territories)
Australia’s mainland has 3 time zones, but its external territories add more:
- Western Australia (UTC+8)
- Lord Howe Island (UTC+10:30)
- Norfolk Island (UTC+11)
- Australian Antarctic Territory (UTC+6 to UTC+8)
Other Notable Mentions:
- Canada – 6 time zones
- Denmark – 5 time zones (thanks to Greenland and the Faroe Islands)
- New Zealand – 5 time zones (including Chatham Islands and Pacific territories)
While big countries like Russia and the U.S. dominate in landmass, France takes the crown for the most time zones due to its overseas territories. The UK and Australia also punch above their weight!
Did any of these surprise you? Let us know in the comments!