Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World

What if we say that there are countries in the world, which only needs a few hours or probably a half-day to criss-cross the whole landscape? Yes, we are talking about some of the smallest countries in the world. Visiting these countries might make you wonder that you have reached a town or a hamlet.

Some countries are so tiny that even some of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world are colossal when compared to them. There are countries in the world covering an area of less than 400 square Kilometres.

Most of these tiny countries are located in Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean islands. You only need a day or two to explore the whole country. Travelling to these countries is an amazing experience as you explore their culture and natural attractions. Many of the countries are also some of the richest in the world, perfect for an amazing holiday. Let us go through these countries one by one to explore their beautiful landscape, people, heritage and more.

#10 Malta 

Area: 316 km²

Population: 441,543

Capital: Valletta

Located in the Mediterranean Sea Malta is a beautiful island country. The country is actually made up of three islands: Camino, Gozo and Malta. The island of Malta is the largest of the three. A tiny country with a population of over 4,500,000 people, turning it into one of the most densely populated nations in the world. Though it may be small, still the country attracts millions of travellers every year. Tourists visit this country to explore its rich history and amazing weather. Malta is also known for spectacular beaches and electrifying nightlife.

#09 Maldives

Area: 300 km²

Population: 540,544

Capital: Male

The Maldives is a stunning tourist destination and the tiniest country in Asia, both in terms of area and population. An archipelago, the island has over 1,192 coral islands sprawling over 90,000 sq.km. In the past, the country was ruled by several entities such as the Portuguese, the British and the Dutch. Today, the country has made its mark in the international tourism circuit. Tourists from all over the world travel to the island to enjoy white sand beaches and azure seawater. The place is also famous for its underwater marine activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, boating and more.

#08 Saint Kitts and Nevis

Area: 261 km²

Population: 53,199

Capital: Basseterre

Saint Kitts and Nevis are two small islands in the Caribbean that were first to be colonised by the Europeans. A small country cherished for its amazing beaches, incredible landscape and diving sites. The shallow blue water allows people to dive and explore the magnificent marine life. People could also explore their cities while enjoying the salubrious weather. In the past, the country was a major sugar exporter, today these colossal sugarcane plantations have been converted into beautiful hotels and resorts.

#07 Marshall Islands

Area: 181 km²

Population: 59,190

Capital: Majuro

Located on the Pacific Ocean, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is nestled between the Hawaii Islands and Australia. The island is a part of Micronesia, and an incredible destination to visit. The island with its jaw-dropping biodiversity is home to over 800 fish species and 160 corals. With a total area of 181 square Kilometres, the Marshall Islands is one of the smallest countries in the world. A traveller can easily explore the whole country in a day. With its tropical jungles, spectacular landscape and friendly people, the island offers a perfect escape to enjoy a tranquil holiday.

#06 Liechtenstein

Area: 160 km²

Population: 38,749

Capital: Vaduz

Liechtenstein, a beautiful and the only country to be entirely nestled in the Alps. Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita. It also enjoys the lowest unemployment rate. The country does not have an airport of its own. Therefore, if you are looking forward to visiting the country, you have to take the flight to Switzerland’s Zurich Airport and then travel 130 km to reach this beautiful country in the Alps. Another interesting fact — the country is still ruled by a prince.

#05 San Marino

Area: 61 km²

Population: 33,931

Capital: San Marino

San Marino is also known as the most serene Republic of San Marino. It is a landlocked country encircled entirely by Italy. Having a total area of 61 Square Kilometres, it is the fifth smallest country in the world. With a total population of 30,000, it is also the third smallest country in Europe. The country’s tourism sector contributes immensely to the GDP of San Marino. With no airports, millions of tourists visit the country every year by taking a bus from the city of Rimini in Italy.

#04 Tuvalu

Area: 26 km²

Population: 11,792

Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu located in South Pacific Ocean is midway between Australia and Hawaii. It is a tiny island nation with 10,000 inhabitants boasting 8 km road with one hospital on the main island. Due to its remote distance, only a few tourists visit this incredible island best known for its picturesque palm-fringed beaches and WWII sites. Its capital Funafuti boasts Conservation Area, which is known for pristine outdoors and adventure activities such as snorkelling and diving. Furthermore, the place has an array of sea turtles and several tropical fishes to spend the day.

#03 Nauru

Area: 21 km²

Population: 10,821

Capital: Yaren District

Located in northeast Australia, Nauru is a small nation in Micronesia. The country is famed for its coral reef and white powder sandy beaches lined with palm trees. In the interiors, its tropical vegetation surrounds the Buada Lagoon. Previously known as the Pleasant Island, it was famous for its phosphate resources, which has now depleted. The island’s highest point known as the Command Ridge still has a Japanese outpost from WWII. Additionally, tourists can enjoy scuba diving, fish and snorkelling.

#02 Monaco

Area: 2 km²

Population: 39,242

Capital: Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, having the largest numbers of millionaires and billionaires per capita. Nestled on the beautiful French Riviera, Monaco boasts only two square kilometres area. Boasting luxury goods and service industry, the country has a terrific gambling scene as well. The tiny European nation is famous amongst the rich and powerful people. France borders the country on its three sides and the Mediterranean Sea. Boasting a population of 36,000, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Most people speak French. Monaco is famous for its Formula 1 race an annual event with tracks traversing the city streets.

#01 Vatican City

Area: 0.44 km²

Population: 801

Capital: Rome

Boasting an area of 0.44 square kilometres Vatican City is the smallest nation in the world by land area. The country is completely encircled by the Italian capital city of Rome. The country also has St. Peter’s Basilica the largest church in the whole world and a must-visit. The church has some stunning artworks from the Renaissance period such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. Vatican City for its income source depends heavily on the tourists. Other means by which the country boosts its income source is by selling stamps mementoes, coins and medals. Donations and admission fees to the museum also contribute to the economy of Vatican City.