The 10 Smallest Countries in the World

With a population of only 800, and just 450 actual citizens, the smallest country in the world is quite diminutive.

The world is home to billions of people spread all around the globe.

Countries come in all shapes and sizes, some with interesting facts and quirks.

It’s fascinating to learn about the largest, longest, lowest, or most luxurious country in the world, and what wonders it holds.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 smallest countries in the world, each with its unique set of facts and information.

Despite their small size, these countries have a lot to offer, from their people to their landscapes.

Grenada – 133 Square Miles

Grenada, also known as the Spice of the Caribbean, is the tenth smallest country in the world.

As of 2016, Grenada had a population of over 107,000.

Compared to other countries on this list, it is relatively less populated, covering an area of 133 sq. miles (344 sq. km).

Grenada is a significant producer of nutmeg and mace, which is why it is known as the Spice of the Caribbean.

Cricket is the most popular sport in the country.

Malta – 122 Square Miles

Malta is a bustling empire when compared to Grenada, with a population of over 419,500 as of 2016, making it one of Europe’s most populated countries.

The Republic of Malta is made up of three separate parts: Gozo, Comino, and Malta.

In a 2013 report by the UN, Malta was ranked as the 48th happiest country in the world.

Malta is home to Calypso cave, which overlooks Sandy Beach and Ramla Bay.

This cave is featured in Homer’s “The Odyssey” as the place where Calypso kept Odysseus as a “prisoner of love” for seven years.

She promised him immortality if he stayed with her, but he left to return to his wife, Penelope.

Maldives – 116 Square Miles

The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls, of which 200 are inhabited, making it the most dispersed country in Asia.

The Maldives became an independent country in 1965, and as of 2016, the population was just under 367,000.

Climate change is a significant issue in this area, and in 2009, the then-president and 13 other officials sat at desks at the bottom of the sea in full scuba gear to raise awareness about the potential dangers the islands face.

Saint Kitts and Nevis – 101 Square Miles

This two-island country is located in the Eastern Caribbean, and as of 2016, the population is over six times less than the Maldives at 55,000 and is just 15 sq. miles smaller.

This shows the sheer seclusion of this beautiful place.

Some highly respected figures, such as Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the US, were born here.

Liechtenstein – 62 Square Miles

Liechtenstein is a fascinating country with many odd occurrences throughout its history.

In January 2016, the population of Liechtenstein was only 37,000, which is ten times smaller than the Maldives. This small country, located between Switzerland and Austria, has an impressively low crime rate, with the last murder taking place in 1997. However, Liechtenstein has a strange military history, as it was accidentally invaded by the Swiss army in 2007 when 170 soldiers crossed an unmarked border.

San Marino – 23.5 Square Mile

San Marino claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state. With a population of around 32,000 people as of January 2016, this small country is quite densely populated. Despite having only 23.5 square miles of land, San Marino has a longer life expectancy than the United States. They also have a unique relationship with the US, as then-president Abraham Lincoln was granted honorary San Marino citizenship after accepting an alliance offer in 1861.

Tuvalu – 10 Square Mile

Tuvalu, previously known as the Ellice Islands, is a small island just off the northeast coast of Australia. With a population of just under 10,000 people as of January 2016, Tuvalu only has one hospital on the island. The highest point on the island is just 16ft above sea level, and it is a reasonably secluded location with only 2,000 visitors in 2010. However, Tuvalu has a unique underwater caving system that shows how much sea levels have varied over thousands of years.

Nauru – 8 Square Mile

Nauru is an island located east of Australia and is the smallest island country. As of January 2016, it has a population of around 10,200 people, and the country’s residents have a real issue with unemployment. Additionally, Nauru has a serious obesity problem, with 97% of men and 93% of women being obese. As a result, type 2 diabetes is prevalent on the island, with 40% of the population suffering from it.

Monaco – 0.75 Square Mile

Monaco, a very wealthy country, is bordered by France and is home to the Grand Prix and many other events. Its flag is similar to that of Indonesia, with the only difference being that the Indonesian flag is wider.

AS Monaco, the major football club of the country, is known as Les Rouge et Blanc or the red and whites, and their colors are red and white.

The Stade Louis II stadium of AS Monaco can accommodate more than half of the country’s population, which was over 37,500 as of January 2016!

State of the Vatican City – 0.17 Square Miles

The Vatican City, located in Rome, Italy, serves as the residence of the Pope and numerous other religious figures.

It has a population of only 800, out of which only 450 possess actual citizenship, with many citizens living elsewhere.

The Italian government recognized its sovereignty under the Lateran Treaty on February 11, 1929.

The Vatican has its own stamps, passports, and number plates, and even mints its own euros, as well as having its own flag and anthem.

However, it lacks the authority to impose taxes.

The Swiss Guard provides security for the Vatican City, with its primary role being to protect the Pope since 1506, when Pope Julius II hired the Swiss as his own protectors.

Regardless of whether you are religious and appreciate the State of the Vatican City for its significance in the church or are fascinated by the quirkiness of the isolated tiny country, I firmly believe that everyone should visit at least once!

Even though Vatican City is excluded, the other countries on this list are all worthwhile destinations.

Whether it is for the stunning scenery, rich culture, or unique aroma (in Grenada’s case).

FAQ

1. What are the 10 smallest countries in the world?

The 10 smallest countries in the world are: 1) Vatican City, 2) Monaco, 3) Nauru, 4) Tuvalu, 5) San Marino, 6) Liechtenstein, 7) Marshall Islands, 8) Saint Kitts and Nevis, 9) Maldives, and 10) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

2. What is the smallest country in the world?

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, which is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy. It has an area of just 0.44 square kilometers and a population of around 800 people.

3. What is the population of the smallest country in the world?

The population of the smallest country in the world, Vatican City, is around 800 people. Most of them are members of the Catholic Church, as Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

4. What is the land area of the smallest country in the world?

The land area of the smallest country in the world, Vatican City, is just 0.44 square kilometers. Despite its small size, Vatican City is home to many important religious and cultural landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

5. Which of the smallest countries in the world is an island nation?

Tuvalu is the only one of the smallest countries in the world that is an island nation. It is located in the Pacific Ocean and consists of nine small islands with a total land area of just 26 square kilometers. The population of Tuvalu is around 11,000 people.

6. What is the largest of the smallest countries?

The largest of the smallest countries is Monaco, which has a land area of 2.02 square kilometers. Monaco is located on the French Riviera and is known for its luxurious casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and prestigious Grand Prix motor race.

7. Which of the smallest countries in the world is a member of the United Nations?

Only two of the smallest countries in the world are members of the United Nations: Nauru and Tuvalu. Nauru is located in the Pacific Ocean and has a land area of just 21 square kilometers, while Tuvalu is also located in the Pacific Ocean and has a land area of 26 square kilometers.