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Currently, there are more than 195 countries in the world. When thinking about a country, often you might think about vast swaths of land. For example, you large countries like Russia, USA, Canada might come to mind. However, there are numerous smaller countries in the world as well. Some are so small that they are known as micro-states. In fact, some the smallest country in the world is no larger than the size of a small city or large golf course and have small populations to match. Check out the list below to find out what are the top 10 smallest countries in the world.
#10: Malta
Malta is one of the smallest country in the world with a land mass of only 122 square miles (316 square kilometers.[1]Malta in Figures 2014 It has a population of 446,457 making it one of the higher density population countries. The country is in the Mediterranean Sea and consists of seven islands. However, only three largest (Malta, Gozo, and Comino islands) are inhabited.
Malta gained her independence from Britain in 1964. The main languages spoken in this country are English and Maltese. The country is of great importance both historically and culturally and has some of most amazing prehistoric sites in the world. These prehistoric sites along with its stunning beaches draw around 1 million tourists every year to this small island nation. In fact, tourism is one of the country’s major sources of income.
#9: Maldives
The Maldives is a beautiful country in the Indian Ocean consisting of a total of 1,090 islands. However, people only inhabit around 200 of these islands. It covers a land mass of 115 square miles (298 square kilometers) and has a population of 407660.[2]Maldives – Population & Housing Census 2014 This makes the Maldives one of the smallest country in the world. Historically, the islands were inhabited since the 5th century. However, many different European powers had control of them. In the 16th century it was the Portuguese, in the 17th century it was the Dutch, and in the 19th century it was the British. It was only in 1965 that the country became an independent state.
In addition to being one of the smallest country in the world, a majority of the Maldives are under 5 feet (1.5 meters) above sea level making it one of the lowest country in the world as well. Currently, it has a dynamic tourism economy due to its white sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs as well as rich marine life. All of these factors make it among the world’s most attractive and famous tourist destinations.
#8: Saint Kitts and Nevis
St.Kitts and Nevis are situation between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. They consist of the two beautiful islands: St. Kitts and Nevis. The former is 64.8 square miles (168 square kilometers) while the latter is 35.9 square miles (93 square kilometers), making this tiny country’s total area only 100.7 square miles (261 square kilometers).[3]COUNTRY PROFILE ST. KITTS AND NEVIS The country’s current population is 51,538. St.Kitts and Nevis’s are renowned for their pleasant climate, green valley rainforests, and immaculate beaches. Due to these factors, the country’s economy focuses mostly on sugar farming and tourism.
The Carib people initially inhabited St.Kitts and Nevis. However, it has had a tumultuous history. In 1498, Christopher Columbus was the first European to explore the islands. The two were occupied by the British in 1623 and 1628, respectively. The French settled on the two islands as well in 1627. They later fought with the British for a century in order to get full control of them. Finally, the two islands became one British colony in 1713. In 1967, they became an associated state. Finally in 1983, they gained independence.
#7: Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands is an island nation halfway between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii in the northern Pacific Ocean. It was formally known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Its two archipelago chains feature 29 distinct islets which contain 1,225 islets in total. People only inhabit 24 of its islands. The total landmass of this nation is only 69.8 square miles (181 square kilometers). It had a population of more than 53,158 people in 2011.[4]Economic Policy, Planning, and Statistics Office Office of the President – The RMI 2011 Census of Population and Housing Summary and Highlights Only The people speak Marshallese and English and use U.S dollar as its main currency.
The country boasts of crystal clear blue waters, where 160 types of coral and 870 types of fishes are found. It ranks as one of the best spots for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Due to these factors, the main industries are handicraft fish processing, copra, and tourism.
#6: Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a tiny German-speaking Alpine country nestled between Austria and Switzerland. Its land mass is only 61.7 square miles (160 square kilometers) making it one of the smallest country in the world. In 2004, it had a population of 34,000 people. Liechtenstein is famous for its medieval castles, alpine villas, as well as villages which are connected by a system of trails. It is the only country in the world that is totally in the Alps. Due to this fact, it is also among the world’s most popular winter sports destinations. Interestingly, it is not possible to fly into the country as it does not have any airports. In fact, visitors have to pass through Zurich Airport in Switzerland before taking other overland forms of transportation.
However, despite all these facts, it is one of the richest countries in the world with a GDP per capita of the $25000 USD and very low rate of unemployment (less than 1.5%).[5]Private Sector Interaction in the Decision Making Processes of Public Research Policies Country Profile: Liechtenstein This is primarily due to Liechtenstein’s main industries of metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramic, and electronics.
#5: San Marino
San Marino, also called the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is one of the smallest country in the world. It sits on top of Mt. Titano which is located in north-central Italy.[6]Cosmos – SAN MARINO This tiny state only covers only 23.5 square miles (61 square kilometers). However, it ranks as Europe’s oldest state. In addition, it ranks among the world’s wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita and is famous for having vehicles outnumbering its population. Its unemployment rates are also some of the lowest in the world. San Marino’s economy is largely based on tourism, banking, as well as textiles.
#4: Tuvalu
Tuvalu, previously known as Ellice Islands, is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. It is made up of 5 atolls and 4 islands. It only covers 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) with a population of roughly 11,000 people. This makes this Polynesian island nation the world’s third least populated sovereign state. Its highest point is around 14 feet (4.5 meters) above sea level placing it among the lowest nations in the world. Due to this fact, it susceptible to rises in the sea level.
This micro-state has only one airport which is located in Funafuti, its capital city, a big atoll with a population of 6,194 people. Funafuti is famous for its lagoon which is 11 miles (18 kilometers) long and 8.7 miles (14 kilometers wide). Tuvalu has an enjoyable climate and stunning beaches making it one of the top tourist destination in the world.[7]International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative – Pacific Climate Change Science Program
#3: Nauru
Nauru, previously known as the Pleasant Island, is a small and quiet Pacific island country located in Micronesia, northeast of Australia. This micro-state has a land mass of 8.1 square miles (21 square kilometers) making it one of the smallest country in the world. In addition, it is the second least populated nation in the world, with a population of only 13,000 people.
Nauru’s main industries are phosphate mining, offshore banking, and coconut products. The country is rich in phosphate rock discovered in 1900.[8]The Government of the Republic of Nauru – Economy It was its major source of income for a decade between 1960 and 1970. However, its phosphate resources have been dwindling due to excessive extraction. Although the country is nestled in coral reefs and is famous for its white sandy beaches, the number of tourists to the country has dropped. Unfortunately, the employment rate in the country is only around 10%. To make things worse, this micro-state also has one of the most obese populations in the entire world.
#2: Monaco
The principality of Monaco is a small European country that sits on the French Riviera. The Mediterranean Sea and France surround the country on all sides. It has a land mass 0.7 square miles (2.02 square kilometers) with a population of 36,950 people.[9]MONACO’S TOURISM CLUSTER This makes it both one of the smallest country in the world as well as one of the most densely populated.
This micro-nation, the second smallest country in the world, has only a single municipality. Therefore, it is both an independent country and a city at the same time. Despite its small size, it ranks among the richest countries globally, boasting of high GDP ($6.7 billion). In fact, Monaco has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires in the world. In addition, it is famous for its yacht-lined harbor, luxury high-class casinos, and the popular and prestigious Monaco Grand Prix motor race. The world-famous Monte-Carlo district, which boasts of numerous luxury hotels, restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs is also located here.
#1: Vatican City
The Vatican, also known as the Holy See, is the smallest country in the world. It covers a land mass of only .17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers) with a population of about 843 residents.[10]ResearchGate – Vatican City In fact, it is so small that it fits completely within the city of Rome. The Bishop of Rome governs the city state. The Roman Catholic Church is headquartered here and St. Peter’s Basilica – the biggest church in the world – is also located here. It boasts numerous famous cultural sites such as the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums and holds some of the most important sculptures and paintings in the entire world, including the Creation of Adam and The Pieta.
The Roman Catholic Church has over 1 billion members worldwide and Vatican City’s income comes from their voluntary contributions. In addition, the rest of its economy is dependent on museums admission fees, tourist souvenirs and the sale of postage of stamps from its more than 4 million annual visitors.
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