Most of the world's smallest countries are island countries located in the Atlantic, Pacific or Caribbean Seas, or small landlocked countries in Europe. Some countries are the size of a street, while others are about the size of a village. Some of these small countries can also make a lot of money by relying on industries such as tourism.
The world's 15 smallest countries
- Vatican City - 0.44 km²
- Monaco - 2.02 km²
- Nauru - 21 km²
- Tuvalu - 26 km²
- San Marino - 61 km²
- Liechtenstein - 160 km²
- Marshall Islands - 181 km²
- Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²
- Maldives - 298 km²
- Malta - 316 km²
- Grenada - 344 km²
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 389 km²
- Barbados - 431 km²
- Antigua and Barbuda - 443 km²
- Seychelles - 455 km²
1. Vatican City - 0.44 km²
Look down from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
The smallest country in the world is just an enclave in the Italian city of Rome. Vatican City is also the world's smallest monarchy, headed by the Pope, and the smallest city-state in the world without its own capital. The history of Vatican City dates back to the 4th century AD, when Theodosius I made Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire.
On February 11, 1929, Italy and the Holy See signed the Lateran Treaty, establishing Vatican City as an independent state. Since then, it has been an independent city-state under papal control. This landlocked sovereign country has an area of 0.44 square kilometers and a population of just over 500 people.
2. Monaco - 2.02 km²
A tip of the coast of Monaco
The second smallest country in the world is Monaco with an area of 2.02 square kilometers. This country with a beautiful coastline is just an enclave on the southeast coast of France. It is famous for the city of Monte Carlo, which has many casinos and resorts such as the Monte Carlo Rally, Monaco Grand Prix, and Monte Carlo Casino. Founded in 1215, the Mardi family ruled Monaco from 1331, making it one of the oldest ruling dynasties in the world. The main feature of the country is the mountainous terrain, especially along its coastline.
Luxury yachts by the coast in Monaco
Monaco is known as the "billionaire's playground" due to its highest GDP per capita in the world. It is also the smallest Member State of the United Nations and the most densely populated sovereign State in the world. It is also a tax haven with a mild climate, attracting tourists, especially millionaires, for luxury holidays.
3. Nauru - 21 km²
Aerial view of Nauru
Nauru is the third smallest island nation in the world, with a 19-kilometre road that surrounds the island. With an area of 21 square kilometres, Nauru is a significant leap from the street-sized country above. With its world-famous airport and runway along the beach, Nauru is a thrill-seeking destination in itself. Nauru's terrain is predominantly limestone, covered with white sand sediments, surrounded by coral reefs.
This island nation in Micronesia is the smallest republic in the world. Nauru has few resources of its own, and in 2001 the country signed an agreement with Australia to accept more than 1,000 asylum seekers and provide millions of dollars in aid.
4. Tuvalu - 26 km²
Aerial view of Tuvalu
As shown in the picture above, Tuvalu has very few resources and is very dependent on tourist services such as the sale of stamps and the rental of fishing areas, while living on international aid.
Tuvalu consists of four reefs and five atolls. Polynesians have lived in Tuvalu for centuries. In 1974, the country gained independence from the United Kingdom and became an autonomous state within the Commonwealth. Tuvalu's terrain is largely flat, with several raised coral limestone formations in the northern part of the island. The highest point on the island is only a few meters above sea level. Still, low-lying coral reefs form its protective circle, making it vulnerable to threats such as sea level rise caused by climate change.
5. San Marino - 61 km²
Aerial view of San Marino
San Marino is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northeastern Italy. The capital city of San Marino is a sight to see, surrounded by high medieval fortress walls and a beautiful large castle with three tall defensive towers open to visitors.
San Marino, one of the five micro-states in Europe, is listed as the oldest European republic, dating back to 301 AD and the constitution to 1600. San Marino has a turbulent history and has been invaded and occupied by multiple foreign powers since its founding. San Marino has a mountainous terrain, with its highest peak, Mount Titano, at 738 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by rugged hills, dense forests and a large number of historic medieval castles.
6. Liechtenstein - 160 km²
Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein
The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz, German is the main language, and 34% of the inhabitants are foreigners. Known for its mountainous terrain, there are many winter sports resorts, and the country's economy relies on international companies, which in turn benefit from Liechtenstein's low taxes.
The earliest inhabitants of Liechtenstein were probably Celtic tribes that settled in the area around 500 BC. The Roman Empire annexed the region in 15 BC, but later became a principality of the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 AD. Liechtenstein's terrain is predominantly mountainous, and the Alps make up most of the country. There are also several valleys and rivers, including the Rhine, which is part of Liechtenstein's border with Switzerland.
7. Marshall Islands - 181 km²
Aerial view of Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of 1,156 volcanic islands and coral atolls in the North Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 181 square kilometers. The islands are surrounded by white sand beaches and coral reefs. Of the thirty inhabited atolls, Bikini Island is famous for conducting nuclear tests by the United States.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²
Saint Kitts and Nevis Basseterres
This sovereign state of two volcanic islands is located in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a federal constitutional monarchy with approximately 47,700 inhabitants and the official language is English. Sugar and tourism are the two pillars of the national economy. In recent years, in order to diversify the economy, emphasis has been placed on the development of light industry and tourism.
9. Maldives - 298 km²
Aerial view of the Maldives
This archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean has 26 groups of natural atolls and 1,192 coral islands, of which about 200 are inhabited.
The Maldivian landscape includes white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Its history dates back to the 2nd century BC, when Buddhism was introduced by seafarers from India. In 1558, the country came under Portuguese rule, followed by British colonization in 1887. After gaining independence in 1965, the country developed into a democracy with a successful economy based on fishing and tourism.
10. Malta - 316 km²
Malta is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea consisting of three main islands. Its geomorphology is characterized by high mountains and terraces, as well as countless bays, harbors and beaches. Evidence of human settlement on these islands dates back to around 5200 BC. The country is a popular cultural destination with a wealth of history and prehistoric architecture such as the megalithic temples of Tarkhin and the temples of Munnara and Hazaim. The latter was built in a unique era and functionally similar to a clock.
Malta has always been a strategic location and a battlefield between conquerors. Before its eventual independence from Britain, it was ruled by several countries for many years, all leaving a cultural imprint.
11. Grenada - 344 km²
This constitutional monarchy consisting of six islands is located in the West Indies, of which Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is the largest and most populous island in the Little Grenardine Islands in the Caribbean.
Grenada's landforms consist of lush rainforests, tropical beaches, and inland volcanic chains, which give it a distinctly hilly terrain. The earliest settlers of Grenada were the Arawaks who arrived about 2,000 years ago. In 1498, Christopher Columbus declared the island to Spain. Later, Grenada became a British colony in 1783 and remained under British rule until 1974, when it gained independence from the United Kingdom and became a member of the British Commonwealth. Today, Grenada is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, as well as its cultural heritage and rich history.
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 389 km²
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of 32 islands, and this constitutional monarchy is known for its banana production, which is the backbone of the country's economy. Most of the mountainous islands are surrounded by white sand beaches and clear blue waters, making them ideal for sailing, diving and snorkeling. There are also wildlife and bird watching opportunities, including tropical species, whales and dolphins. The mountainous and volcanic terrain of these islands creates amazing views for visitors.
13. Barbados - 431 km²
A luxurious venue on the coastline of Barbados
This Eastern Caribbean country is the thirteenth smallest independent country in the world, covering an area of 430 square kilometers. Barbados is the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Venezuela and Guyana, and is also the most visited place in the Caribbean.
The terrain is mostly hilly, with beautiful beaches, caves and coral reefs. Barbados was first inhabited by indigenous Arawaks and Caribs before becoming a British colony in 1627. After independence from Britain in 1966, Barbados developed a thriving tourism and agriculture. Today, Barbados is known for its multiculturalism, colonial architecture, and world-famous beaches.
14. Antigua and Barbuda - 443 km²
Antigua Bay
Antigua and Barbuda is a double-island country located in the Caribbean Sea. The terrain of both islands is hilly, covered with lush vegetation and dotted with golden sandy beaches. The islands date back to pre-Columbian times, when they were inhabited by the Arawak or Thiboni people. Antigua first became a British colony in 1632, while Barbuda became a permanent resident due to the recruitment of free African slaves and formerly enslaved Africans from the surrounding Caribbean islands. Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, Antigua and Barbuda has become one of the most prosperous countries in the region, with a top-notch tourism infrastructure and political stability.
15. Seychelles - 455 km²
Seychelles is a small island country in the western Indian Ocean. With fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, there are tropical vegetation, endless beaches and vast marine life.
The country consists of two main island groups, the main rocky islands consisting of a narrow coastal strip and inland hills, in addition to which the terrain here is predominantly mountainous, with mountain tops covered by rainforest, forming a spectacular coastline. Historically, Seychelles was originally developed by French and British forces in the 18th century before becoming a strategic location during World War I and World War II. Seychelles gained independence in 1976 and today is a vibrant cultural home with African, French, Indian and British influences.