Smallest Countries in the World, Top 10 List Population Wise

Explore the top 10 smallest countries by area and population, from Vatican City to Monaco. Discover their unique traits, rankings, and fascinating histories.

Smallest Countries in the World

Smallest Countries in the World: While size is often seen as a measure of importance, Vatican City is an exception. Located at the heart of Rome, this independent city-state holds the title of the Smallest Country in the World. Despite its modest dimensions, Vatican City’s influence, rich history, and cultural significance extend far beyond its borders.

The smallest Countries in the World, often referred to as ministates, are defined by their limited land area and population. Till today the List of Smallest Countries in the World include Vatican City, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, and San Marino. At the top of this list, Vatican City remains the smallest of them all.

Smallest Country in the World Vatican City

The Vatican City is known as the Smallest Country in the World with a total area of 0.49Km² (0.19 mi²), also the Smallest Country in context of the population which is only 825 citizens. It’s located in the Italian city, Rome and is the centre of the Catholic Church. Popes of the city wanted to show their supremacy in the region, that is the reason they all demanded for a separate region. The Smallest Island Country in the world is Nauru.

List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World

Below in the table we have shared the List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World according to the area they span around,Vatican CIty being the smallest having the area of 0.49 km followed by Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Maldives and Malta.

List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World

Country

Area (km²)

Area (mi²)

Continent

Bordering countries

Vatican City

0.49

0.19

Europe

Italy

Monaco

2.02

0.78

Europe

France

Nauru

21

8.1

Australia and Oceania

Tuvalu

26

10

Australia and Oceania

San Marino

61

24

Europe

Italy

Liechtenstein

160

62

Europe

Austria, Switzerland

Marshall Islands

181

70

Australia and Oceania

Saint Kitts and Nevis

269

104

North America

Maldives

300

116

Asia

Malta

316

122

Europe

List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World By Population

When considering the List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World, another criteria apart from land area is population size. By this measure, Vatican City also ranks as the smallest country, with an estimated population of just 825 residents. Following closely are Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Marshall Islands, and Dominica. Below is a table including the 10 List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World by population.

List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World By Population
Rank Country Name Population (2025) Continent Capital
1 Vatican City 825 Europe Vatican City
2 Tuvalu 11,508 Oceania Funafuti
3 Nauru 12,704 Oceania Yaren District
4 Palau 17,907 Oceania Ngerulmud
5 San Marino 33,785 Europe San Marino
6 Liechtenstein 38,557 Europe Vaduz
7 Monaco 38,682 Europe Monaco
8 Saint Kitts and Nevis 52,441 North America (Caribbean) Basseterre
9 Marshall Islands 58,413 Oceania Majuro
10 Dominica 71,625 North America (Caribbean) Roseau

Also Read: Top 10 Economies in the World

List of Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World By Area

The world is home to several tiny nations that may be small in size but are rich in history, culture, and global influence. These microstates are often located on islands or within larger nations and are famous for tourism, wealth, or unique governance systems. Below is the list of the Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World by Area along with their approximate land sizes.

Rank Country Name Area (in sq. km) Continent Capital
1 Vatican City 0.44 Europe Vatican City
2 Monaco 2.02 Europe Monaco
3 Nauru 21 Oceania Yaren District
4 Tuvalu 26 Oceania Funafuti
5 San Marino 61 Europe San Marino
6 Liechtenstein 160 Europe Vaduz
7 Marshall Islands 181 Oceania Majuro
8 Saint Kitts and Nevis 261 North America (Caribbean) Basseterre
9 Maldives 300 Asia (Indian Ocean) Malé
10 Malta 316 Europe Valletta

Also Read: Top 10 Most Populated Countries in the World

Second Smallest Country in the World

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, covering just 2.02 square kilometers. Located on the French Riviera in Western Europe, it is renowned for its luxury lifestyle, casinos, and the annual Formula One Grand Prix. Despite its small size, Monaco boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world and is famous as a global hub for wealth, tourism, and glamour.

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Smallest Countries in the World FAQs

Q1. Which is the smallest country in the world?+

Q2. Which is the smallest country in the world by population?+

Q3. Which is the second smallest country in the world?+

Q4. Which is the smallest island country in the world?+

Q5. What is the population of Vatican City?+

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