Do you know which are the ten smallest countries in the world and where they are located? If not, you’re about to find out. For those who enjoy geography and paid attention in high school, this list might not be very revealing, and you might have some idea of at least a few of the countries contained within. Nevertheless, given the constant changes in the global arena, which has seen nations break up, new countries form, and colonies gain their independence, we hope to have one or two surprises for you.
If small islands in the Pacific Ocean and tiny European countries come to mind, then you are definitely on the right track. However, our list of the smallest countries in the world includes so much more than that. In fact, in order to make things more interesting, we have abstained from including dependencies and colonies in our list, thus only taking independent countries into consideration. After all, sovereignty continues to define a country as such, making it a generally accepted criteria for determination of statehood.
The smallest countries in the world might not be as relevant to world politics as some of the nations we presented in a previous list on The 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World: Military, however, they cannot be disregarded. It would surprise you just how much a tiny nation can achieve from within its small borders, whether it be through religious influence or cultural. The fact that some of the smallest countries in the world have maintained their territory intact over large periods of time is a testament to their ability to adapt and survive in the global arena.
If we have managed to pique your curiosity, be sure to browse our list all the way to the end and find out which is the smallest of all the smallest countries in the world.
10. Maldives
Despite consisting of around 2,000 islands spread throughout the Indian Ocean, the Maldives barely covers 115 miles of land in total. Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom back in 1965, this island (or many-islands) nation has managed to fare quite well, despite being the smallest country in Asia in terms of size and population.
9. Seychelles
Next on our list is another Indian Ocean archipelago, which has attracted tourists from all over the world thanks to its beautiful beaches. As the smallest African nation, the Seychelles boasts a population of 81,000 and a territory which consists of 155 islands.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Located in the Caribbean, this small island and its 39,000 residents have been an independent country for around 30 years. Despite the fact that the smaller island of Nevis has been granted the right to secede, it has become quite clear that remaining united is the far better option.
7. Marshall Islands
Although some people still think of the United States when the Marshall Islands are brought up, this country has been independent since 1986. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Marshall Islands are actually part of the larger group of islands known as Micronesia.
6. Liechtenstein
The tiny state trapped between Switzerland and Austria is actually quite famous, partly due to the fact that it boasts the world’s largest GDP per capita. This European monarchy is headed by a prince, which might come as quite a surprise in this day and age.
5. San Marino
The next European micro-state to make the list is San Marino, located in northern Italy. It might be one of the smallest countries in the world, yet it is also one of the oldest, with roots reaching as far back as the fourth century.
4.Tuvalu
With a population barely surpassing 10,000, Tuvalu is not only small, but also scarcely populated. Located near Fiji and Samoa, in the Pacific Ocean, it was first discovered by Europeans in the 16th century.
3. Nauru
Taking care of its 13,000 residents since gaining independence in 1968, Nauru must rely heavily on its phosphate deposits. The island country located in the South Pacific is quite on its own, with its nearest neighbor over 300 miles away.
2. Monaco
The second-smallest country in the world is Monaco, a tiny state located on the French Riviera. Despite its small size, it boasts a population of 32,000, giving it the highest population density of any country in the world, and also boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world as well.
1. Vatican City
As the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and home of the Pope, Vatican City might be the smallest country in the world, but certainly is not the weakest. Its population of 770 is shockingly low, yet the religious influence this country projects is massive.
