Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World

Located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and the United States, Tuvalu is a small island nation with an area of just 25.9 square kilometers. This country spans three islands and various coral atolls. The Polynesians were the first to settle here in the 14th century, and it became a British protectorate in the 1800s before gaining independence in 1976. As of 2018, Tuvalu's population is estimated to be around 11,290, with a population density of 395 people per square kilometer.

Despite its size, Tuvalu is known for its stunning ocean views, crystal-clear waters, and pristine islands. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, diving, and kayaking, which are popular among locals and tourists alike. Other attractions include relaxing on the white sandy beaches, fishing, and exploring the untouched beauty of this small island nation.

San Marino is a landlocked country located in the northeastern part of Italy. With an area of just 61.2 square kilometers, it is smaller than many Italian cities. The country doesn't have any trains, so visitors typically travel by bus or car. As of 2016, San Marino's population is approximately 33,285, with a population density of 566 people per square kilometer.

Despite being the 5th smallest country in the world, San Marino is known for its wealth. The country's GDP consistently ranks among the highest globally. Its economy is primarily driven by finance and tourism, both of which contribute significantly to its prosperity. San Marino is also renowned for its capital, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Situated between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a tiny country covering just 160 square kilometers. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, it boasts picturesque valleys in every direction and towering peaks of the Alps. The country offers numerous scenic trails perfect for hiking and cycling. Visitors will also find the Rhine River running along the western border. With a population of only about 37,340 people as of the latest estimates, Liechtenstein has a population density of approximately 239 people per square kilometer.

Liechtenstein is divided into 11 autonomous cities, with the capital, Vaduz, home to the famous Vaduz Castle perched atop a hill. This city is also a cultural hub, housing the National Art Gallery and the National Museum, two of the country’s top cultural attractions.

The Marshall Islands covers an area of 181.3 square kilometers, yet spans across more than 1,150 islands spread across 29 coral atolls. Its unique geographical location makes it the country with the most extensive coastline relative to its land area. By 2019, the population of the Marshall Islands was estimated at 59,003, with a population density of 293 people per square kilometer.

The majority of the population in the Marshall Islands are native Marshallese, living mainly in small villages along the long coastal beaches. Due to its limited land area, all transportation is typically done by boat. The Marshall Islands' economy is heavily reliant on maritime activities such as shipping, fishing, and agriculture, all of which are key to the nation's livelihood.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small nation located in the Western Hemisphere, ranking as the 8th smallest country in the world. Although it lies between North and South America, it is a member of the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II serving as its ceremonial monarch. As the name suggests, Saint Kitts and Nevis is composed of two islands: Saint Kitts and Nevis, making it a popular tourist destination. The total area of this island nation is 269.4 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 54,961 people and a population density of 205 people per square kilometer as of November 2020.

The country's rugged terrain, dotted with rocky hills and beautiful beaches, makes it an ideal location for tourism. This natural beauty, combined with world-class resorts, has made Saint Kitts and Nevis increasingly popular with travelers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, hiking, and relaxing in luxury resorts.

The Maldives is an island nation consisting of 26 coral atolls and over 1,200 individual islands scattered across the Arabian Sea. Covering an area of 297.8 square kilometers, the Maldives is often referred to as 'a step away from paradise' due to its world-renowned diving spots, pristine sandy beaches, and a wide selection of luxury resorts.

Each year, millions of tourists flock to this tropical paradise. As of 2018, the population of the Maldives is estimated to be around 540,544, with a population density of 1,798 people per square kilometer. The Maldives is particularly famous for its upscale resorts, many of which cater to honeymooners. Tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy, making it a vital source of income.

Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering only about 316 square kilometers. This island nation spans a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of around 450,000 people, Malta has a high population density of about 1,664 people per square kilometer, ranking it fifth in the world for population density.

Located between Europe and North Africa, Malta has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries. Humans have inhabited the islands since 5900 BC, and throughout history, the country has witnessed the arrival of Greeks, Arabs, Romans, and the British. This rich blend of cultures has created a unique architectural and cultural landscape. For example, visitors can admire European-style churches standing next to ancient stone buildings with Arabian architectural features.

The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, covering an area of about 0.5 square kilometers. Nestled entirely within the city of Rome (Italy), it is encircled by imposing city walls. So small that you might not even notice when crossing its borders, the Vatican, despite its size, is home to the greatest collection of art, history, and religion in the world.

The famous St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Vatican. Inside the Vatican Museum, visitors can marvel at countless world-renowned works of art. With its immense cultural, historical, and artistic treasures, tourism is a major source of income for the Vatican. The population, as of 2019, is estimated at just 825 people – a truly astonishing number!

Monaco is a tiny nation with an area of only 2.02 square kilometers. Known for its glamorous lifestyle, Monaco boasts numerous luxury clubs, high-end cars, and extravagant casinos. It is often considered the playground of the wealthy, with just 20% of its 38,682 residents being locals. The most famous neighborhood, Monaco Carlo, has appeared in films like 'To Catch a Thief', 'GoldenEye', and 'Heartbreaker'.

Monaco is also famous for its sparkling beaches and the superyachts of the ultra-rich. Despite being the second smallest country in the world, it has the highest population density of any sovereign nation, with an estimated 18,713 people per square kilometer.

Nauru is the third smallest country in the world, but without a doubt, it is the smallest island nation globally. Covering just 20.98 square kilometers, Nauru is located far from other countries in the Micronesian region, hidden in the southern Pacific Ocean. In 2018, it had a population of only around 12,704 people, with a population density of 447 people per square kilometer.

Settled by the Polynesians and Micronesians thousands of years ago, Nauru became independent in 1968 after being administered by various nations. Due to its remote location, Nauru is one of the least visited countries in the world, with fewer than 200 visitors annually. Surrounded by stunning coral reefs, the island's unspoiled beauty remains largely preserved, thanks to its low tourism traffic.