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Top 10 smallest country in the world by area: from Vatican City to Singapore, offer more than just compact land areas. With sizes ranging from under 1 km² to just over 700 km², these tiny nations hold outsized influence culturally, economically, or historically. Understanding why they’re so small and yet significant enhances our global perspective. This blog dives into the top 10 smallest countries, explores rankings up to the 20th and beyond, and explains how a country’s size affects its identity, governance, and global role.
Where are they located? And how are they so small? Several reasons contributed to their current size, including historical treaties, geographic factors, and strategic positioning. Yet, despite their size, these countries have managed to be heard globally through their culture, beauty, or economy.
Well, in this blog, let’s quickly take you around the top 10 smallest country in the world and what makes them unique. There is so much truth in the saying ‘big things come in small packages’ that it proves these countries’ greatness!
The following table provides an overview of the top 10 smallest country in the world by land area. It encompasses several details concerning their geographic location, key landmarks and historical roles with short descriptions, as well as their surface areas emphasising that even the smallest countries can have serious repercussions on such sectors as tourism, history, and international diplomacy.
| Country | Location | Area | Key Attractions | Overview |
| Vatican City | Inside Rome, Italy | 44 hectares (110 acres) | St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums | The world smallest country in the world, home to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, is renowned for its religious significance and cultural treasures. |
| Monaco | French Riviera | 2.02 sq km (0.78 sq miles) | Casino de Monte-Carlo, Formula 1 Grand Prix | A luxurious microstate known for its wealth, casinos, and high-profile events, offering a blend of glamour and stunning coastal views. |
| Nauru | Pacific Ocean | 21 sq km (8.1 sq miles) | Unique phosphate landscape, serene beaches | The world’s oldest republic is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and stunning mountain views. |
| Tuvalu | Pacific Ocean | 26 sq km (10 sq miles) | Coral atolls, pristine marine ecosystems | A remote Pacific nation vulnerable to climate change, offering beautiful but sparsely populated islands. |
| San Marino | Surrounded by Italy | 61 sq km (24 sq miles) | Mount Titano, medieval towers | The world’s oldest republic, known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and stunning mountain views. |
| Liechtenstein | Between Switzerland & Austria | 160 sq km (62 sq miles) | Sandy beaches, volcanic peaks, and historical sugar plantations | A picturesque Alpine microstate with a strong economy, known for its peaceful scenery and efficient banking sector. |
| Marshall Islands | Pacific Ocean | 181 sq km (70 sq miles) | Coral atolls, WWII history | A Pacific archipelago with natural beauty, facing challenges from rising sea levels and a complex history tied to US military operations. |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | Caribbean | 261 sq km (101 sq miles) | A tropical paradise in the Caribbean, popular for its tourism and rich colonial history, is spread across two volcanic islands. | A tropical paradise in the Caribbean, popular for its tourism and rich colonial history, spread across two volcanic islands. |
| Maldives | Indian Ocean | 298 sq km (115 sq miles) | Luxury resorts, coral reefs, white-sand beaches | Famous for its overwater villas and vibrant marine life, this island nation is a top tourist destination facing threats from climate change. |
| Malta | Mediterranean Sea | 316 sq km (122 sq miles) | Valletta, ancient forts, stunning beaches | A Mediterranean island nation rich in history and culture, offering historical landmarks and beautiful coastal views. |
Here’s an overview of the top 10 smallest country in the world, highlighting their population, currency, official languages, and unique features:
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, covering an area of just 0.44 square kilometres (0.17 square miles). Located entirely within Rome, Italy, it has a population of approximately 496 as of 2024. Renowned as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church, it is home to iconic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s frescoes. The capital is Vatican City itself, which operates under a unique ecclesiastical government led by the Pope, currently Pope Francis.
Monaco spans just 1.95 square kilometres (0.76 square miles) and is situated on the French Riviera in Western Europe. With a population of around 39,000 in 2024, it is known for its luxurious lifestyle, casinos, and as a tax haven. The capital city is also named Monaco. The country is famous for hosting the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix and Monte-Carlo Casino events. Its stunning Mediterranean coastline and mild climate make it a popular destination for wealthy travellers seeking opulence and entertainment.
Nauru covers an area of 21 square kilometres (8.1 square miles) in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean and has an estimated population of about 10,900 in 2024. Known for its phosphate mining industry and beautiful coral reefs, Nauru’s capital is Yaren District, which serves as the de facto capital. The country is famous for its remote location, making it one of the least visited countries globally, yet it offers pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity that attract adventurous travellers.
Tuvalu is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, covering just 26 square kilometres (10 square miles) with a population of approximately 11,200 in 2024. It consists of nine islands known for their stunning lagoons and coral reefs. Funafuti serves as the capital of Tuvalu, which is famous for its efforts to combat climate change due to rising sea levels threatening its existence. Tuvalu also boasts a rich cultural heritage with traditional music and dance that attract visitors interested in Pacific Island culture.
San Marino is an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy, covering 61 square kilometres (24 square miles) with a population of around 34,000 in 2024. Renowned for its mediaeval architecture and historical significance as one of the world’s oldest republics, the capital city is San Marino City. Famous for its three towers atop Mount Titano that offer panoramic views, San Marino attracts tourists with its rich history, museums, and annual events celebrating its unique culture.
Situated between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a German-speaking, doubly landlocked country in the Alps, covering 160 square kilometres. It is governed as a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by Prince Hans-Adam II. Liechtenstein spans 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) between Switzerland and Austria, with a population of about 39,000 in 2024. Known for its picturesque landscapes and strong financial sector, Liechtenstein attracts visitors to its charming villages and ski resorts. The capital city is Vaduz, which houses the royal family’s castle and several museums showcasing art and culture. Liechtenstein’s reputation as a tax haven further enhances its appeal to international businesses seeking favourable conditions.
Located in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean, the Marshall Islands span 181 square kilometers. With Marshallese and English as official languages, it operates as a parliamentary republic and is known for its beautiful atolls and marine biodiversity. The Marshall Islands are located in the central Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 181 square kilometres (70 square miles) with a population estimated at around 58,000 in 2024. Famous for their atolls and biodiversity, they are also known for their historical significance during World War II. The capital city is Majuro, featuring beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life that attract eco-tourists. The Marshall Islands are celebrated for their unique culture and traditional navigation techniques used by indigenous peoples.
Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two islands in the Caribbean Sea with an area of 261 square kilometres (101 square miles) and a population of approximately 53,000 in 2024. Known for its lush landscapes and historical sites related to sugar production, Basseterre serves as the capital city where visitors can explore colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Saint Kitts hosts various cultural festivals that celebrate its rich heritage while attracting tourists seeking tropical experiences.
The Maldives spans around 298 square kilometres (115 square miles) across numerous islands in the Indian Ocean, with a population estimated at about 540,000 in 2024. Renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it attracts luxury tourism and water sports enthusiasts like snorkelling and diving. Malé serves as the capital city, known for its vibrant markets and Islamic architecture. The Maldives’ unique geography makes it one of the most sought-after vacation spots globally.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a Southern European island nation that covers 316 square kilometres. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, it has Maltese and English as its official languages. Malta covers approximately 316 square kilometres (122 square miles), with a population of approximately 515,000 in 2024. Located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Italy, Malta boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Valletta’s historic centre. Valletta itself serves as the capital famous for well-preserved architecture from various eras including Baroque structures and vibrant cultural festivals that attract visitors year-round seeking to explore its heritage.
Each of these countries holds unique cultural and geographical significance, showcasing the diversity and charm of small nations around the world.
| Rank | Country | Population (Approx.) | Region | Capital | Currency | Official Language(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vatican City | 764 | Southern Europe | Vatican City | Euro | Italian |
| 2 | Tokelau | 1,915 | Oceania | Nukunonu | New Zealand Dollar | Tokelauan, English |
| 3 | Niue | 1,935 | Oceania | Alofi | New Zealand Dollar | Niuean, English |
| 4 | Falkland Islands | 3,803 | South America | Stanley | Falkland Islands Pound | English |
| 5 | Montserrat | 4,372 | Caribbean | Plymouth (official), Brades (de facto) | East Caribbean Dollar | English |
| 6 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 5,815 | North America | Saint-Pierre | Euro | French |
| 7 | Saint Barthélemy | 11,019 | Caribbean | Gustavia | Euro | French |
| 8 | Wallis and Futuna | 11,439 | Oceania | Mata-Utu | CFP Franc | French |
| 9 | Tuvalu | 11,478 | Oceania | Funafuti | Tuvaluan Dollar, Australian Dollar | Tuvaluan, English |
| 10 | Nauru | 12,884 | Oceania | Yaren (de facto) | Australian Dollar | Nauruan, English |
Top 10 smallest country in the world
Please note that population figures can vary based on different sources and the time of data collection. The above figures are based on the most recent data available from reputable sources.
What the world considers the tiniest nations have contributed significantly to global politics, culture, and even religion. Their contribution to shaping world history cannot be overstated, and the preservation of their cultures is astounding.
These countries also remain relevant globally with their unique cultures, beautiful sites and political systems. They tell us that little countries can achieve great things as a country on the international stage.
The top 10 smallest country in the world are proof that even the tiniest nations can leave a lasting impact. These microstates are rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, making them integral to global tourism, environmental advocacy, and cultural preservation.
Despite their relatively small sizes, countries such as Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru have strikingly strong political, religious, and cultural significance that transcends borders. For instance, Vatican City is well-known as the global centre of the Catholic faith, and Monaco is a centre of luxury, tourism, and international finance.
Whether travelling or planning a virtual tour, exploring such nations is worth the time as they are inspired by diversity and are able to shine in the international arena. These nations, no matter how small in size, also inspire that good things do come in small packages.
Vatican City, the smallest country on Earth, is packed with fascinating facts that make it truly unique despite its tiny size:
Read more:-
Vatican City is the world’s smallest country in the world, with an area of just 0.44 square kilometres. Located entirely within Rome, Italy, it serves as the spiritual centre for Roman Catholics worldwide, housing the Pope and several important religious and cultural landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Numerous small-sized states, or microstates, arose owing to the limitations placed on them because of history, culture or geographical location. These microstates can be grouped as nations because of uncommon treaties, religious factors, or certain geo-political circumstances. So, with time, such nations retained their boundaries because of geographical separation, particular historical settlements, or specific cultural appeals that provided them the demographic and territorial ‘smallness’.
The smallest countries in the world by land area are Vatican City, Monaco, and Nauru. Vatican City has the least land area at 0.44 square kilometres. Next comes Monaco, which occupies 2.02 square kilometres, followed by the island of Nauru, which occupies 21 square kilometres. Despite their small size, every country occupies a significant position in world culture and economics.
Nauru is the smallest island country in the world, covering just 21 square kilometres. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, a remote coral island known for its phosphate mining industry. While Nauru faces economic challenges, it remains a unique and vital nation in terms of its geographical and cultural features.
The 20 smallest sovereign countries by land area (in km²) include: Vatican City (~0.44), Monaco (~2.0), Nauru (~21), Tuvalu (~26), San Marino (~61), Liechtenstein (~160), Marshall Islands (~181), Saint Kitts and Nevis (~261), Maldives (~298), Malta (~316), Grenada (~344), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (~389), Barbados (~432), Antigua and Barbuda (~442), Seychelles (~445), Palau (~488), Andorra (~468), Saint Lucia (~616), Micronesia (~701), and Singapore (~728)
Expanding to the top 50 smallest by area, ranked from smallest (Vatican City) to number 50, this list includes nations like North Macedonia (~9,928 mi²), Belize (~8,867 mi²), Djibouti (~9,000 mi²), and El Salvador (~8,124 mi²), through to Singapore (~280 mi²) at rank 20. Continue through Belgium, Luxembourg, Rwanda, and others until the 50th smallest at ~9,900 mi²
The country ranked around 99th smallest by area is Nicaragua, with an area of approximately 50,337 mi² (about 130,000 km²) near the middle of the smallest 100 list
When considering the standard count of 195 UN‑recognised sovereign states, the 195th (i.e. the smallest) is Vatican City, covering just around 0.49 km² (0.19 mi²), making it the tiniest member globally
Authored by, Muskan Gupta
Content Curator
Muskan believes learning should feel like an adventure, not a chore. With years of experience in content creation and strategy, she specializes in educational topics, online earning opportunities, and general knowledge. She enjoys sharing her insights through blogs and articles that inform and inspire her readers. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her hopping between bookstores and bakeries, always in search of her next favorite read or treat.
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