Here Are The Smallest Countries In The World [Top 10]

Are you curious about the smallest countries in the world? Today there are 193 countries in the world, according to the United Nations. There are very small nations, smaller than many of the popular bigger countries. 

Almost every decade we have records of the disintegration of countries where some region or part of a larger country decides not to be counted among the country they belong to and this can happen due to tribalism likewise they may be marginalized.

In most cases, a referendum is conducted while in some cases war leads to the total disintegration of the country in question. Although you hardly hear of disintegration through wars as we are now in a civilized world which means things can be done without bloodshed.

Without bothering you with too much of an introduction below is the list of the smallest countries in the world today.

The Smallest Countries In The World

Discover the top 10 of the smallest countries in the world below:

1. Vatican – smallest country in the world

The smallest country in the world is the Vatican, which is located in the city of Rome, Italy. It has only 0.44 km² and about 1000 inhabitants. Headquarters of the Catholic Church, the country’s head of state today is Pope Francis. 

What many do not know is that the Papal States, which were governed by the Church, occupied much of the current territory of Italy and even parts of southern France for over a thousand years, until in 1870 they were taken over by Victor Emanuel II troops. 

Read Also: The 35 Largest Countries in Europe [Area Based]

The pope was left with only the part of Rome where the headquarters of the Church are located, which only in 1929 became a city-state. The place’s main tourist attractions are St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel.

2. Monaco

In the south of France, close to the city of Nice and the border with Italy, is the second smallest country on the planet. The Principality of Monaco has an area of ​​2.02 km² and 38,000 inhabitants. The country has the highest population density in the world and its territory is smaller than that of any municipality in Brazil. The place was founded in 1297 by the Grimaldi family, which still reigns today. 

Monaco is recognized the world over as an enclave of billionaires. Its casinos and historic center, in addition to the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix, are its main tourist attractions.

3. Nauru

This small country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is 21.3 km² and has about 10,000 inhabitants. Its area is equivalent to the city of Taboão da Serra (SP). Discovered in 1798 by the British, the site was colonized by Europeans until it was administered by Australia. It became independent only in 1968.

4. Tuvalu

Tuvalu, in the Pacific Ocean, is made up of a group of nine islands and atolls and was formerly called the Ellice Islands. This Nation, the fourth smallest country in the world, has about 11 thousand inhabitants and 30 km² – equivalent to the city of Diadema (SP). 

In 1978 Tuvalu achieved independence from the United Kingdom, but Queen Elizabeth II is still the country’s head of state. Despite the beautiful beaches, the place attracts few tourists.

5. San Marino

Another smallest nation in the world is in Italy. The Republic of San Marino has around 30 thousand inhabitants and 61 km² – little more than the city of Águas de Lindoia (SP). San Marino is considered the oldest national state in the world, as the country is believed to have been founded on September 3, 301 by Marinus de Rab. 

Due to its peculiarities, San Marino attracts tourists passing through Italy who visit the Public Palace, the Torre Guaita and Monte Titano.

6. Liechtenstein

This small nation of 160 km² – the same area as the municipality of Nova Europa (SP) – is nestled in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. The approximately 40,000 inhabitants speak German as their official language. 

This constitutional monarchy has Prince Hans Adam II as its head of state. It has in the Alps, Museums, Palaces and Cathedrals the main tourist attractions.

7. Marshall Islands

The country, in the North Pacific Ocean, is made up of 29 atolls and five islands. It has 181.4 km² and 72 thousand inhabitants. Although independent since 1986, the country enjoys a “free association” with the US, which is responsible for the security and defense of the Marshall Islands. 

The country’s official currency is the dollar and the official languages ​​are English and Marshallese. The beautiful beaches and good diving areas attract tourists, although its area is equal to that of the municipality of Vila Maria (RS).

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis

It ranks eighth among the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the Americas. Located in the Caribbean, this nation consists of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It has about 56 thousand inhabitants and an area of ​​269 km², more or less the same as the city of Guararema (SP). 

In 1983 it achieved its independence from the United Kingdom, but Queen Elizabeth II remains the head of state of this constitutional monarchy. Among the main beaches of São Cristóvão are: South Friars Bay, famous for its clear waters, South Frigate, perfect for water sports, and Dieppe Bay, with bars and Caribbean flair.

9. Maldives Islands

There are more than a thousand islands spread over 298 km² in the Indian Ocean. The smallest country in Asia and the least populous Muslim country has tourism as its main economic activity. It was once a Portuguese, Dutch and British colony, until independence in 1965.

Today, the Maldives Islands attract tourists from all over the world who dream of visiting paradisiacal beaches. I bet you’ve heard a lot about the Maldives and maybe you’ve even visited or dreamed of traveling there, but I doubt you knew that its territory is practically the same as the municipality of Teotônio Vilela (AL)!

Read Also: The 10 Most Dangerous Countries In The World

10. Malta

Between Africa and Europe, Malta is 90 km south of Italy and 280 km north of Tunisia. The country ranks tenth among the smallest countries in the world. The nation is made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino and has 316 km², little more than the city of Fortaleza (CE). Malta gained its independence from the UK in 1964and became a republic in 1974, but retained membership in the Commonwealth. 

The historic center of the capital Valletta, the beaches, Comino and the Blue Lagoon are the most popular spots for tourists visiting the island.

And then, how many of these small countries have you visited? Tell us in the comments!