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.
Last updated on January, 2026
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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?+



