Currently, there are more than 195 countries in the world. Some are so small that they are known as micro-states. In fact, some the smallest country in the world is no larger than the size of a small city or large golf course and have small populations to match. Check out the list below to find out what are the top 7 smallest countries in the world.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a tiny German-speaking Alpine country nestled between Austria and Switzerland. Its land mass is only 61.7 square miles (160 square kilometers) making it one of the smallest country in the world. In 2004, it had a population of 34,000 people. Liechtenstein is famous for its medieval castles, alpine villas, as well as villages which are connected by a system of trails. It is the only country in the world that is totally in the Alps. Due to this fact, it is also among the world’s most popular winter sports destinations. Interestingly, it is not possible to fly into the country as it does not have any airports. In fact, visitors have to pass through Zurich Airport in Switzerland before taking other overland forms of transportation.
Vatican City
The Vatican, also known as the Holy See, is the smallest country in the world. It covers a land mass of only .17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers) with a population of about 843 residents.In fact, it is so small that it fits completely within the city of Rome. The Bishop of Rome governs the city state. The Roman Catholic Church is headquartered here and St. Peter’s Basilica – the biggest church in the world – is also located here. It boasts numerous famous cultural sites such as the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums and holds some of the most important sculptures and paintings in the entire world, including the Creation of Adam and The Pieta.
San Marino
San Marino, also called the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is one of the smallest country in the world. It sits on top of Mt. Titano which is located in north-central Italy. This tiny state only covers only 23.5 square miles (61 square kilometers). However, it ranks as Europe’s oldest state. In addition, it ranks among the world’s wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita and is famous for having vehicles outnumbering its population. Its unemployment rates are also some of the lowest in the world. San Marino’s economy is largely based on tourism, banking, as well as textiles.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, previously known as Ellice Islands, is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. It is made up of 5 atolls and 4 islands. It only covers 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) with a population of roughly 11,000 people. This makes this Polynesian island nation the world’s third least populated sovereign state. Its highest point is around 14 feet (4.5 meters) above sea level placing it among the lowest nations in the world. Due to this fact, it susceptible to rises in the sea level.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
St.Kitts and Nevis are situation between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. They consist of the two beautiful islands: St. Kitts and Nevis. The former is 64.8 square miles (168 square kilometers) while the latter is 35.9 square miles (93 square kilometers), making this tiny country’s total area only 100.7 square miles (261 square kilometers). The country’s current population is 51,538. St.Kitts and Nevis’s are renowned for their pleasant climate, green valley rainforests, and immaculate beaches. Due to these factors, the country’s economy focuses mostly on sugar farming and tourism.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands is an island nation halfway between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii in the northern Pacific Ocean. It was formally known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Its two archipelago chains feature 29 distinct islets which contain 1,225 islets in total. People only inhabit 24 of its islands. The total landmass of this nation is only 69.8 square miles (181 square kilometers). It had a population of more than 53,158 people in 2011.The people speak Marshallese and English and use U.S dollar as its main currency.
Nauru
Nauru, previously known as the Pleasant Island, is a small and quiet Pacific island country located in Micronesia, northeast of Australia. This micro-state has a land mass of 8.1 square miles (21 square kilometers) making it one of the smallest country in the world. In addition, it is the second least populated nation in the world, with a population of only 13,000 people.
