You might think that all countries are roughly the same size, but that’s not the case! Many countries in the world are surprisingly small. In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the smallest countries in the world, ranked by total land area.
1. Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with a total area of just 0.17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers). It is located within the city of Rome and is home to the Vatican, the seat of the Catholic Church. Vatican City has a population of just over 800, and its residents are known as “Vatican citizens”. The Vatican also has its flag and anthem.
The Vatican is a sovereign state but does not have full diplomatic relations with all other countries. It is, however, a member of international organizations such as the United Nations.
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2. Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with an area of just 0.75 square miles (1.95 sq km). The Principality of Monaco is located on the French Riviera, and France surrounds it on three sides. The population of Monaco is just over 38,000, and the capital city is Monaco. The official language of Monaco is French, but Italian and English are also widely spoken.
Monaco is known for its luxury hotels, casinos, and yachts and is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The economy of Monaco is based on tourism, gaming, and finance.
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3. Nauru
Nauru is an island country located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the third smallest country in the world by land area and population. Nauru has a total land area of 8.2 square miles (21.2 square kilometers). It is located about 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) from Australia.
The population of Nauru is just over 11,000 people. The capital city is Yaren District. The official languages of Nauru are English and Nauruan. Nauru is a beautiful country with pristine beaches and lush greenery. Unfortunately, it has been impacted heavily by environmental degradation due to years of phosphate mining. Despite its small size, Nauru has a rich culture and history. The traditional cuisine of Nauru includes seafood, coconut, and root vegetables.
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4. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the fourth smallest country in the world, with a total land area of just 10 square miles (26 square kilometers).
Despite its small size, Tuvalu has a lot to offer. It is home to beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and lush vegetation. The people of Tuvalu are warm and friendly. The economy of Tuvalu is based mainly on fishing and tourism. The country’s main exports are fish and copra (dried coconut meat). Tuvalu is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.
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5. San Marino
San Marino is the fifth of the smallest countries in the world, with 24 square miles (61 sq km). It is located in southern Europe and has just over 30,000 people. The country comprises 10 municipalities, and its capital city is San Marino. The currency is the euro, and the official language is Italian.
San Marino is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and historical landmarks. Some famous tourist attractions include the Three Towers of San Marino, the Guaita, and the Cesta. Despite its small size, San Marino has a lot to offer visitors. It is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture.
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6. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world, with a total area of just 62 square miles (160 square kilometers). It is located in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east.
Despite its small size, Liechtenstein is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of $139,820 in 2017. The population of Liechtenstein is just 37,132, making it the second smallest country in Europe after Monaco relating inhabitants. The capital city of Vaduz has a population of just 5,631.
German is the official language of Liechtenstein, although Alemannic dialects are also spoken. The currency of Liechtenstein is the Swiss franc.
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7. The Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands is an island country located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The country is made up of 29 coral atolls and 5 individual islands. The total land area of the Marshall Islands is 70 square miles (181 square kilometers). This makes it the 7th smallest country in the world by land area.
Despite its small size, the Marshall Islands has 53,158 people. This makes it the 184th most populous country in the world. The Marshall Islands is a beautiful country with many beaches and coral reefs. The capital city, Majuro, is located on one of the largest atolls in the world. If you are looking for a small country to visit that is off the beaten path, the Marshall Islands is a great choice!
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8. St. Nevis & Kitts
With a population of just over 50,000 people and 101 square miles (261 sq km), St. Kitts & Nevis is the 8th of the smallest countries in the world. Located in the Caribbean, this two-island nation is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes.
The economy of St. Kitts & Nevis is mainly based on tourism and agriculture. The main crops grown on the island are sugarcane, tobacco, and bananas. St. Kitts & Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. It is also a part of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
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9. The Maldives
The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 atolls located in the Indian Ocean. It is the 9th of the smallest countries in the world, with a total land area of only 116 square miles (300 square kilometers). Despite its small size, the Maldives is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and sunny weather.
The Maldives is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world. More than 1,200 islands and over 200,000 people live in the Maldives. It has a tropical climate, and average temperatures range from 26-32 degrees Celsius (79-90 degrees Fahrenheit). The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April, when the weather is cooler and drier.
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10. Malta
Malta is a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of just over 400,000 people and an area of only 124 square miles (320 square kilometers), making it the 10th smallest country in the world.
Despite its small size, Malta has a lot to offer visitors. It is home to beautiful beaches, historic towns, and friendly locals. Malta is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming. If you’re looking for a small country to visit that packs a punch, Malta is worth considering. You’ll be surprised at how much this tiny island has to offer!
See maps and learn more about the 10th smallest country in the world, Malta.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 10 smallest countries worldwide. These countries are fascinating places with a lot to offer visitors, despite their size. So if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that’s still relatively easy to get around, one of these tiny countries might be perfect. If you are interested, look at the top 10 largest countries in the world!