Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Population in the World

Falkland Islands are located 400 miles off the southeastern coast of South America and consist of approximately 740 islands. The two largest islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, with the capital Stanley located on the former. The total land area of the Falkland Islands is 4,700 square miles, roughly the size of Connecticut, the Bahamas, or half the area of Wales. The population of the Falkland Islands is just about 3,531 people, making it the fourth least populated country in the world.

Until the mid-1980s, the Falkland Islands economy was quite small and largely dependent on wool exports. In recent years, the oil and gas industry as well as tourism have become more prominent, thanks to hydrocarbon exploration in the islands and the global revival of cruise tourism. Agriculture, both culturally and economically, also plays a significant role and is considered one of the largest private sector employers in the Falklands.

Montserrat spans an area of 102 km², characterized by a mountainous terrain, and is part of the volcanic Eastern Caribbean island chain extending from Saint Kitts in the north to Grenada in the south. The population of Montserrat is just around 4,974 people, with most residing in Plymouth and surrounding areas. It is the smallest state in the OECS and one of three British Overseas Territories covered by the United Nations Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The island boasts unique assets like black sand beaches, hiking trails, cliffs, and impressive caves, making it a distinctive destination.

As a developing state on a small island, Montserrat is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, further compounded by the social and economic effects of the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption in the late 1990s. The island’s landscape has been physically shaped by these volcanic eruptions, and it has developed from them. With support from organizations like UNDP, a sustainable framework has been established to assess post-disaster needs while building a more resilient society.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is located in the Western and Northern Hemispheres, near North America. The island of Newfoundland in Canada is also close to Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The capital, Saint-Pierre, covers an area of 25 square kilometers. Most of the population lives in the capital, with around 98% of the people residing in urban areas. The population of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is small, numbering approximately 5,764 people. The locals enjoy fish and seafood, with French cuisine having a strong influence on the local food culture.

The people of Saint Pierre and Miquelon primarily speak French in their daily lives, though many are proficient in English. Most signage and meal names are in French, so you’ll hear the language throughout the day. The residents are known for their warmth and friendliness, so don't hesitate to engage in conversation. Tourism is not a major economic sector in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, with only a few thousand visitors each year.

Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha are volcanic islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Due to their isolation, these islands have unique ecosystems and are vital conservation sites. Saint Helena is a tropical volcanic island, situated 1,950 kilometers west of the southwestern coast of Africa and 4,000 kilometers east of Rio de Janeiro, South America. The combined population of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is only around 6,102 people.

Saint Helena was discovered by Portuguese sailor João da Nova in 1502, on St. Helena's Day. Ascension Island was also discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century but remained uninhabited until the British established a garrison there in 1815. Tristan da Cunha is known as the most remote inhabited island in the world. It was discovered in 1508 by another Portuguese explorer, but remained uninhabited until Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Saint Helena, and the British established a settlement on Tristan da Cunha in 1816. Today, the people of Tristan da Cunha primarily live self-sufficiently, making a living from fishing for crabs and octopuses.

The Republic of Nauru is an oval-shaped island located in the southwest Pacific, about 35 miles south of the equator. According to the latest census, this tiny nation is home to only 10,884 residents. Nauru was once known as Pleasant Island. The island’s central plateau is surrounded by coral reefs, with Command Ridge being the highest point, standing 233 feet above sea level. The closest landmass to Nauru is Banaba Island in Kiribati, located 190 miles to the east.

The first settlers of Nauru were the Micronesians and Polynesians. The island’s phosphate mines, which covered a large part of the island, began operations under the German-British administration in 1900. Nauru’s revenue primarily comes from exporting phosphates, with additional funds raised through the sale of fishing licenses. Countries like Australia and Taiwan provide significant aid to Nauru’s economy. However, the country faces serious challenges, with an unemployment rate of 90%, the highest in the world. More than 95% of the population is obese, and around 40% suffers from diabetes.

Before 1961, Wallis and Futuna was a French protectorate, later transitioning into a colony governed by New Caledonia. In 1961, it became an overseas territory of France and in 2003, it officially became an overseas collectivity. The territory consists of three main islands (Wallis, Futuna, and Alofi) and several smaller islets. Wallis and Futuna has a population of around 11,036 people, with two-thirds residing on Wallis and the remaining third on Futuna. Additionally, there is a Wallis and Futuna community in New Caledonia, numbering about 30,000.

Wallis and Futuna is located 280 km northeast of Fiji and 370 km west of Samoa in the South Pacific. The islands are divided into two main groups (Wallis and Futuna) that are roughly 260 km apart. As French citizens, the people of Wallis and Futuna have the right to live anywhere in France and are eligible to vote in both local and national elections. The region’s culture is centered around community values, with a strong emphasis on collective memory, reflected in both traditions and customary institutions.

Tuvalu is a Polynesian country located in the Pacific Ocean, positioned between Hawaii and Australia. With a population of 11,993 people, according to the 2022 census, Tuvalu is a group of islands comprising three atolls and six true coral islands, all situated west of the International Date Line. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu became an independent sovereign nation within the Commonwealth of Nations on October 1, 1978. It became the 189th member of the United Nations on September 5, 2000.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom once served as the monarch of Tuvalu. Elizabeth II was represented in Tuvalu by a Governor-General, appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Tuvaluan Prime Minister. The people of Tuvalu are of Polynesian descent, and the official language, Tuvaluan, is closely related to Samoan. English is taught in schools and is widely used in the country. Many believe Tuvalu remains a hidden gem in the Pacific, with one travel writer noting, "Your time can be spent in the shade of palm trees on one of the nation's lovely beaches."

Vatican is the smallest country in the world by population as of 2022, with only around 810 residents. It is also the smallest in terms of total land area. However, its population can swell by three to four times on any given day due to the influx of tourists visiting to see the city's famous art and sculptures. The Vatican is perhaps best known as the home of the world’s most recognizable figure: the Pope. The Pope not only governs the global Catholic Church but also holds legislative, executive, and judicial powers over Vatican City.

Tourists flock to the city to visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. The sale of postage stamps, souvenirs, museum entry fees, and the sale of publications all help support the economy of the Vatican. The country takes its name from the Vatican Hill and was officially established on February 11, 1929, by the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy. It is guarded by the Swiss Guard, known for their colorful uniforms. Visitors can enter Vatican City without a passport, and some landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Square, can be easily reached by crossing a road that separates it from Rome.

Tokelau consists of three small coral atolls—Atafu, Fakaofo, and Nukunonu—covering a total land area of just 12 square kilometers. Located approximately 500 km north of Samoa, Tokelau is home to around 1,373 people. It is part of the Kingdom of New Zealand, and its citizens are New Zealanders. Nukunonu, the largest of the atolls, is considered the capital and has a population of fewer than 500 residents.

Tokelau has one of the smallest economies in the world, with its primary sources of revenue including the sale of copra, postage stamps, commemorative coins, handicrafts, and remittances from relatives in New Zealand. Around 90% of its electricity comes from solar power stations funded by New Zealand. Nukunonu's beaches are bustling with various water activities like ocean swimming, scuba diving, boating, and snorkeling in its pristine marine parks, offering a close-up view of the rich marine life surrounding the alluring coral islands of Tokelau.

Niue Island is located in Polynesia, to the east of Tonga and northeast of New Zealand. Niue is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, a relationship established in October 1974. The island has a predominantly Polynesian population, numbering about 1,615 people. Niue sits within a triangle formed by Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, and it is 604 km northeast of Tonga. It is one of the largest coral islands in the world.

Covering an area of 260 km² and rising 30 meters above sea level, Niue is the largest raised coral island on Earth. It was formed through volcanic activity around 2-3 million years ago, leaving behind a massive limestone island. This geological uniqueness makes Niue stand out among other South Pacific archipelagos and is why it is nicknamed “The Rock of the Pacific.” Niueans hold New Zealand citizenship, which simplifies both living and traveling abroad. This also means that the Niuean language, Vaga Hau Niue, is spoken by the local population. However, it is estimated that only around 7,000 people speak Niuean, and UNESCO has classified it as “definitely endangered.”