13 Smallest Countries in the World

Visit the smallest countries on earth. These tiny nations include the smallest island country to countries smaller than some cities!

6. Liechtenstein
The small nation of Liechtenstein is the only country in the world to be entirely located in the Alps, and is still ruled by a prince! Covering just 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), Liechtenstein is situated between Austria and Switzerland, and is a German-speaking country, which is home to just 38,000 people. It is the richest country in the world based on the GDP per capita, and with only 1.5% of its population being unemployed, it boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the world. Liechtenstein has no airport, and tourists must travel through Switzerland’s airport to get there. It is well worth the trip though, as Liechtenstein is famous for its medieval castles, picturesque alpine landscapes, and charming villages.

5. San Marino
Often referred to as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, this 24 square mile (62 square kilometer) mini country is surrounded entirely by Italy. San Marino is claimed to be the oldest remaining sovereign state in the world, as well as having one of the highest GDP’s per capita. This mountainous microstate is the third smallest country in Europe, and has a population of only 30,000 people. San Marino also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. The country's capital, also called San Marino, is built on the slopes of Monte Titano, and is famous for its medieval walled old town featuring narrow cobblestone roads. Perched upon Monte Titano’s adjacent peaks sit the Three Towers, which are castle-like fortresses.

4. Tuvalu
This squiggle of an island is located north east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean, and covers only 9 square miles (26 square kilometers). Formerly named the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu has roughly 10,000 inhabitants, 5 miles (8 kilometers) of roads, and just one hospital on the island. This island country was originally part of the British territory, but gained independence in 1978. Due to it being a tough place to reach, the tourism industry is minimal, with less than 2,000 people visiting in 2010, of which 65% were traveling to the island for business.

3. Nauru
Well-known for being the smallest island country in the world, Nauru is located east of Australia, and covers a minute 8.5 square miles (21 square kilometers). Although Nauru was recognized in the 1980’s due to its thriving phosphate mining, but as the resources depleted, the island has dropped off of the tourism radar. Formerly known as Pleasant Island, the country now suffers from a 90% unemployment rate, with the remaining 10% being employed within the government. Nauru is also renowned for having the greatest number of obese and overweight people in the world – 97% of the men and 93% of the women fit into this category. Not only that, but Nauru holds the records for the highest level of type 2 diabetes, with over 40% of the 10,000 people living there having been diagnosed with this illness.

2. Monaco
Situated on the French Riviera, Monaco is a miniscule 0.7 square miles (2.02 square kilometers), and boasts the biggest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world! But that is not all – Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world, with over 36,000 residents! Monaco is known for gambling, luxury yachting, and of course, the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. Although Monte Carlo casino, one of the most famous casinos in the world, is located in Monaco, residents are not allowed gamble or enter the casino. This tiny country shared its borders on three sides with France, and the fourth welcomes the Mediterranean Sea. The population is primarily French speaking, and is considered the playground of the rich and famous. Monaco is a constitutional principality ruled by Albert II, Prince of Monaco, who is a descendant of Grimaldi family, who are the oldest ruling house in Europe.

1. Vatican City
Can you believe that the smallest city covers only 0.2 square miles (0.44 square kilometers) with less than 1000 residents! It seems completely unbelievable, but the Vatican, which is also called the Holy See, is a tiny country that is located within Italy’s capital city, Rome. The Vatican houses St. Peter’s Basilica, which is the biggest church in the world. The church has some of the world’s most important artworks from the Renaissance era, including The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. The Vatican gains its money through voluntary donations from members of the Roman Catholic Church all around the world – there are more than 1 billion people who contribute! Additional income is also earned through sales of tourist items and admission fees from those who visit the Vatican.