What is the smallest country in the world? Vatican City is the answer, but not the only one. In fact – as you scroll down this content, you will find a listicle of such other countries with an area size that could very well fit into the city of Shanghai with room to spare!
By the way, why are you suddenly browsing this on your PC or handset? Are you planning a trip? If that’s the case, this listicle will provide you with the ideal itinerary plan. Why wait? Navigate with your mouse and figure out which destination works best for you –
What is the smallest country in the world?
- Before you read this content – know that the listicle that has been made below is based on the ‘area’ of a particular country. The information about the population of that area was last updated in 2021 from UN sources. The attached data has been compiled from credible country-based sources.
The conclusive list is here –
#1 – Vatican City State
Premiering the list as the ultimate ‘smallest country’ in terms of area and population – this little Roman Catholic bassinet serves as the home to Pope. Surprisingly, this is one of those little city-states that is cradled amongst the walled city of Rome (the capital of Italy). The Lateran Treaty with Italy led to the creation of this country, officially referred to as The Holy See.
- It is the only country where 100% of the population is Catholic – discounting the regular traffic of tourists
- Vatican City is the only country that, as a whole, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The colossal baroque masterpiece St. Peter’s Basilica is the benchmark of the country and is the biggest church to be built. Also, The Pieta in the basilica is the only work of Michaelangelo that he signed.
- For the record – it has its own flag, postage, stamp, banking system, and even currency – the Vatican Euro, which is acceptable within the Eurozone.
- There’s no point in economically underestimating it – since its GDP is $22,000 making this quite wealthy when compared to its neighbors and contemporaries.
- It is the only nation not to have any prison as per the Lateran Treaty. Though it has some pre-detention centers, if someone has to serve time, they do so in the Italian domain. The Vatican bears the costs.
Land Area – 109 acres
Population – 825
Founded in – 1929
Do visit – St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel are the two spots you cannot afford to miss out on! Apart from that – Museo Pio Clementino, St. Peter’s Square, Etruscan Museum, Vatican Necropolis and Gardens, and others.
Airport – Rome Ciampino Airport
#2 – Principality of Monaco
The second on the list in the category of What is the smallest country in the world is the little principality of Monaco, guarded by the Mediterranean Sea and the French domain.
Though it is a mini-state in the French Riviera, it packs up one of the densest populations in the world (highest population density at a per square mile format).
As a matter of fact – Monaco is categorically known as a domain where something or the other keeps happening. With its immaculate sunshine and tempting views – this is one of the most glamorous of the countries!
- Monaco is the domain of millionaires!! The statistics show – 1 out of 3 people living in Monaco are millionaires. Once that is done – it plays host to some of the premium properties bought by global stars of repute.
- It is a record that Monaco holds – having the maximum number of Police Per Capita (1 for every 73 citizens) compared to anywhere in the world.
- Though Monte Carlo houses one of the world’s most famous casinos – personally and professionally, gambling is banned for the residents. If you want to gamble – you have to be a foreigner.
- Surprisingly, in GDP terms, it ranks 3rd in the world. But in terms of natural resources – fishes are the only option the little country is blessed with.
Land Area – 499 acres
Population – 39,244
Founded in – 1297
Do visit – Start with Monte Carlo and carry your journey forth with – Palais Princier de Monaco, Musee Oceanographique de Monaco, Les Jardin Saint Martin, Cathedrale de Monaco, Monaco Harbor, Opera de Monte Carlo, and others.
Airport – Nice Cote d’Azur Airport
#3 – Republic of Nauru
The world’s smallest island nation – this is a country that springs surprise for you at every step! For starters – it was the only country without a single Covid case, and it has kept it that way. Some perseverance!!
Also, it is the fattest country on the globe (almost 10,000 people fall into the obese category), has the lowest GDP amidst the smallest of the nations, and once upon a time (all in glory) was the world’s richest country! But given that now it is a Commonwealth nation, we all can guess what might have happened to that wealth (wink!)
- Back in glorious times, the country had one of the world’s highest percentages of phosphate mines (depleted due to over-mining).
- This phosphate mining has drastically altered the basics of Nauru, with little or no topsoil left now.
- This is a state that is supported completely by the Australian government – since there is no personal taxation system in the country.
Land Area – 5189 acres
Population – 10,834
Founded in – 1968
Do visit – Anibare Bay, Central Plateau, Nauru Government House, Parliament House, Buada Lagoon, Moqua Well, and some of the surrounding beaches.
Airport – Nauru International Airport
#4 – Tuvalu
Originally referred to as the Ellice Islands, after the British MP who visited this domain, the current name Tuvalu refers to – ‘eight standing together’. Though the Spanish had found this place, it remained a British colony till as late as 1978.
- Quite primitive in the domain of modernity – this is a country that functions completely on the basis of cash circulation. No credit cards are accepted throughout the country (even for foreigners).
- Though the original settlers of Tuvalu were the Tongans and Samoans – official credit was passed on to the Spanish for discovering this atoll island.
- Tuvalu was one of the Pacific islands suffering from ‘blackbirding’ (kidnapping of laborers for plantations in Australia and Fiji)
- One of those countries with no stream, natural river, or water source to be harnessed. The only way out is – rainwater harvesting.
Land Area – 6425 acres
Population – 11,792
Founded in – 1978
Do visit – Check out the Funafuti Marine Conservation Area, the islet of Fongafale, Vaiaku Stadium, Funafala Beach, Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau, and the islands of Nui, Nanumea, and Funafala.
Airport – Funafuti International Airport
#5 – Republic of San Marino
Located on Mount Titano and named in the list of What is the smallest country in the world, this is quite old as time itself. This landlocked country has very close relations with Italy, with completely porous borders. You can always make that trip to this place right from your Italian vacation.
- The Palazzo Pubblico Building (the National Parliament) is a place that tourists can visit easily – without any special permission or documents
- Given that it has historical origins – you must know that this domain has never lost an invasion. In fact – when Napoleon came knocking at the door of San Marino, seeing its republican backdrop – Napoleon not only respected its autonomy but also offered economic concessions.
- This country holds the former American nationalist and President Abraham Lincoln as its honorary citizen.
- 1607 was the date when postal services were opened to the citizens of this arena, making it the first country to start this service.
- Though it is not a member – either of the Eurozone or even the European Union – it uses Euro as its currency.
Land Area – 15,120 acres
Population – 33,938
Founded in – Technically A.D. 301
Do visit – This is a domain that is mainly made of stone walls and fortified settlements. Start with Rocca Guaita and Monte Titano, which can be extended to – Basilica di San Marino, the National Museum, the Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum, and the Museum of Curiosities are just some names out of the list.
Airport – Rimini Airport
#6 – Principality of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein’s only billionaire’s worth is – that of half the nation’s GDP!! Do you really want to know more about this country that popped up in the list of What is the smallest country in the world? Why not? Here you go –
- The country prides itself on the solo domain of having 100% of its area in the Alpine region
- With a GDP of $165,028 – its debt-to-GDP ratio is 0.5% with no amounting national debt.
- 1868 was the last time the country had an army.
Land Area – 39,540 acres
Population – 38,137
Founded in – 1719
Do visit – If you are on this trip, you must land in the capital city – one of the smallest in the European domain – Vaduz. Once done there – you can very well proceed to the Treasure Chamber, the State of Art: Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Gutenberg Castle, the National Museum, and the small towns of – Eschen and Nendeln. As a tourist – don’t miss out on the hiking trail of Eschnerberg.
Airport – St. Gallen Alltenrhein Airport
#7 – Republic of Marshall Islands
Officially named by the British explorer John Marshall, this set of islands now has its name in the list of What is the smallest country in the world – was initially referred to as: ‘Jolet Jen Anij’ (Gift from the Gods).
Currently, its claim to fame is the fact that the islands are home to the World’s Largest Shark Sanctuary, which has many sharks, especially those on the verge of extinction. In fact – the country’s law prohibits the commercial process of shark fishing in its waters!
- As of the last count – the Islands are categorically made up of – 160 species of corals and close to 870 reef systems
- Currently, it is the USA that provides the army and other defense forces that are required by the island country.
- The environment is at a wreck in the Marshall Islands. It is no secret that the USA has been incessantly using these islands as its testing sites. This has resulted in – 96% of the island facing frequent flash flooding and close to 40% of the buildings under threat from climate change (it is time that you sweep down this place quickly).
- The unique ‘Flame of the Flower’ bloom is equally placed on all the atolls, a feature that Marshall Islands residents are proud of.
- The Marshall Islands stands rock solid to the largest nuclear weapon test ever conducted by any country. This was back in 1954. It was a hydrogen bomb test (the first of its type to have been dropped from a plane) by the name of Castle Bravo.
- Did you know that the only indigenous land mammal that the Marshall Islands boast of is the Polynesian rat?
Land Area – 44,730 acres
Population – 59,194
Founded in – 1979
Do visit – Kickstart your travel diaries from the Arno Atoll. From there, go ahead to check out the Alele Museum, Majuro Bridge, Cathedral of Assumptions, Kalalin Pass, Ebeye Islands, Bokolap Islands, and the Bravo Crater. End up your journey with a visit to the Likiep Atoll.
Airport – Majuro Airport
#8 – Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis
Smushed between the Atlantic’s chill and the Caribbean’s warmth – this little federation has its origin in the volcanoes! Initially known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, this is now an island that surprisingly comes with white beaches on the one side and black beaches of volcanic origin on the other.
This also has the repute of being the first British colony in the Caribbean. This also houses the Caribbean’s first integrated church – The Cottle Church (established in 1824).
- Are you a good swimmer? Then when you go visiting the islands, get hold of a swimsuit or a wetsuit and fish your way from St.Kitts to Nevis islands (participate in the Channel Swim event via the Narrows).
- Surprisingly – this can only happen with one of those countries that respond to the query – What is the smallest country in the world? Once upon a time, this was the hub of the sugarcane industry. From its domestic industries to foreign trade – sugarcane was the key to the success of this island’s economy. However – now it is far from any connection with this crop, with most of the fields turned into hotels and harbor areas.
- St. Kitts and Nevis have too much of an American connection! Its current name originates from the nickname of Columbus – called ‘Kit’.
- Also, did you think that getting citizenship in a particular country was difficult? Well, not in St.Kitts and Nevis! This is one of those few countries that allow you to become their citizens all by means of a donation (part of their eco-tourism plans). If you buy a property of a certain value or make any kind of relief donations – the country grants you citizenship. Before that, your bank and criminal records must be clear!
- When you do manage to visit the islands, do not forget to drink up the ‘goat water’ – a perfect stew made of goat meat – a delicacy that this nation offers.
Land Area – 64,490 acres
Population – 53,192
Founded in – 1983
Do visit – Another one of those beach destinations – this includes the Brimstone Hill Fortress Park, Pinney’s beach, Frigate bay, Mount Liamuiga, Cockleshell Bay Beach, Timothy Hills, and Botanical Gardens, to name some of the destinations. If you can spare some time, make it a point to tour the parts of the federation by boarding the St. Kitts Scenic Railways.
Airport – Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw Airport
#9 – Republic of Maldives
Call it the second home of most Indian celebrities (almost every month, you have someone or the other posting Instagram reels) or the ultimate destination for newly-wed couples – this little island country amidst the Indian Ocean is the first choice for one and all!
With its equatorial sunlight and alternate wet-dry season – this land of the white beaches houses the majority of the world’s turtle population and whale shark population. Would you like to walk down some of the unique features of this Republican domain? –
- It is a through-and-through island country – therefore, don’t be surprised to find the Boduberu (musical drums of coconut shell) as a regular part of Maldivian music culture.
- Unlike the other mentioned countries, the Maldives has an official religion in Islam and therefore celebrates its weekends on – Friday and Saturday.
- One of the first – the country had an underwater meeting with Prime Minister Nasheed and the Cabinet Ministers in attendance to raise awareness about the looming environmental threat that the country was facing.
- It is no secret that the country is slowly sinking, but it will be a huge loss since it is not just a wonderful one but also the world’s flattest country.
- Did we forget to mention that this country was originally founded by an exiled Indian prince – Sorudasaruna Adeettiya? He established the Adeetta Dynasty in the Maldives.
Land Area – 73,600 acres
Population – 540,542
Founded in – 1965
Do visit – Beach 1, Beach 2, Beach 3….and the list continues! Apart from these beaches (any site will give you the list), you can also check out the Male Atoll, Banana Reef, Tsunami Monument, National Art Gallery, and the islands of – Guraidhoo, Gan, Huraa, Ukulhas, Vadhoo, and Kudadoo to name a few!
Airport – Ibrahim Nasir International Airport
#10 – Republic of Malta
Ask for tranquility with dollops of history and culture – the Republic of Malta is the one you will find. One of Europe’s hottest holiday destinations, this country’s capital city – Valletta (a must-visit destination) is the first planned city in Europe.
This is another of those countries which have their official religion – Christianity (old legacy) and their triple official language – English, Maltese, and the sign language of Maltese to name. Try taking a trip there – in any case, this little European place has 3 times more tourists than residents.
- Malta is known as the Blockbuster Capital, with a huge number of movies such as – World War Z, Captain Philips, and Gladiator being shot there.
- This country boasts of having the oldest University in the Commonwealth – Malta University. You did not think that this little place with its name in the list of What is the smallest country in the world could boast of this?
- By the way, you might find the taste of the Malta water a little weird. That is because – the country does not have any surface source of water. Therefore, they use the Reverse Osmosis process to filter their water right from the Ocean!
Land Area – 78,090 acres
Population – 525,825
Founded in – 1974
Do visit – When visiting a country, there can be nothing better than kickstarting your journey from the capital city, Valletta, in this case. From there – you can always check out spots such as – Qawra, St. Julians, Gozo Island, the medieval town of Mdina, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, the Tarxien temples, and Dwejra, to name a handful.
Airport – Malta International Airport
Hey readers – did you know?
- The smallest countries are called ‘microstates’.
- Among this list of smallest cities – Vatican City State is the only country not to join the UN as a member. It is a UN observer.
What are the criteria for choosing the smallest country?
When you are talking about the smallest country in the world, there are two criteria that one must consider. The area of that country and the population. Also, certain other factors come into concern, such as – whether that area is suitable to be called a country or it is more of a city-state that is being passed off as a country.
For the record – the ‘country’ that is more like a city-state – Vatican City is the answer to the query here – What is the smallest country in the world? The Pope’s domain is the smallest in terms of size and population.
Would you like to pay a visit?
So, now that you have answers to the query What is the smallest country in the world – would you like to make a trip? You will have to figure out the best time to visit, the basic rules and regulations of that country which you will have to follow, and the clothes you might like to wear on the trip. All set? Browse the details and make sure to have a safe trip.
