By Travel Facts
Most of the smallest counties in the World are either island states amidst the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea, or tiny countries landlocked in Europe. From street-sized to giant town-sized, these 13 smallest countries in the world are all under 400 sq. km. and combined area of 3226.51 sq. km. Each holds independence close to heart, and with many dependents on tourism, offer a whirl of emotions and unique sights to easily explore and never forget.
Lest discover which are the smallest counties in the world:
1
Vatican City – 0.44 km
The tiniest country is just an enclave of the Italiaanse city of Rome. Vatican City is also the smallest monarchy in the world, with head of state, His Holiness the Pope, as well as the smallest city-state with no capital of its own. The history of Vatican City dates back to the 4th century, when Theodosius I made Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire.
On February 11, 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed by Italy and the Holy See, establishing Vatican City as an independent state in 1929. Since then, it has been an independent city-state under Papal control. The landlocked sovereign country covers an area of 0.49 square kilometers with a population of just over 500 and density of around 1,000 per sq. km. The State of Vatican City is the territory of the Holy See (Sancta Sedes), the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the seat of the episcopal jurisdiction and the Catholic Church’s central government.
2
Monaco – 2.02 km
The second-smallest country is Monaco, covering 2,02 square kilometers with a population of 36,365 and density of 18,161 people per square kilometer. Call it principality or state, the smallest country with its beautiful coastline is just an enclave along the southeast coast of France, the French Riviera. It is known for the city of Monte Carlo which is full of casinos and resorts for the rich like the Monte Carlo Rally, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Monte Carlo Casino. Founded in 1215, the Grimaldi family has been ruling over Monaco since 1331, making it one of the world’s oldest ruling dynasties. The country is mostly characterized by its hilly terrain, especially along its coastline.
3
Nauru – 21 km
Formerly known as “Pleasant Island,” Nauru is the world’s third smallest island-state with one of its roads being nineteen-kilometers long, circling around the island. Nauru makes a notable leap from the street-sized countries above, with an area of 21 square kilometers. It is home to some 12,700 residents and has a population density of 592.94 people per sq. km. Nauru is the host to a world-renowned airport and runways along a beach, a tourist-destination in its own right for thrills. Nauru has a relatively recent history as an independent state, gaining recognition from Australia and New Zealand in 1968. The terrain of Nauru is mostly limestone covered with white sand deposits and surrounded by coral reefs.
4
Tuvalu – 26 km
Like the island above, Tuvalu has very little resources, traditionally relying on tourism services like selling stamps and renting out fishing areas, while living on development aid. The tiny nation was blessed with luck in 2000, when “.tv” was released for $50 million. The royalties from the American company VeriSign for appealing internet top-level domain for the next twelve years suddenly made the small island, rich.
Tuvalu consists of four reef islands and five atolls. Indigenous Polynesian peoples have inhabited Tuvalu for centuries. In 1974, they received independence from Britain and became a self-governing state within the Commonwealth Realm. The terrain of Tuvalu is mostly flat with several raised coral limestone formations in the northern part of the island. The highest point on the island is only a few meters above sea level. Despite this, low-lying coral reefs form much of its protective perimeter, making it vulnerable to threats such as rising sea levels caused by climate change.
5
San Marino – 61 km
San Marino sits engulfed within the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, in northeastern Italy, part of the country’s Apennines region, comprising a great day-trip from Rimini. The capital San Marino Città is a sight to see with high medieval fortress walls around and a beautiful, large castle with three high defensive towers open for visitors. The nation state celebrates vibrant Middle Ages themed festivals that often have a backdrop capable of transporting one right back in time.
San Marino is one of five European microstates and is classified as the oldest European republic, dating back to 301 AD, and constitution dating back to 1600. San Marino has had a turbulent history, being invaded and occupied by multiple foreign powers since its foundation. The terrain of San Marino is mountainous, with Monte Titano being its highest peak at 2,425 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by rugged hills, lush forests and an abundance of historic medieval castles.
6
Liechtenstein – 160 km
The microstate in Europe takes a leap in size, comprising 160 square kilometers principality with 39,475 residents and population density of 243 people per sq. km. Lichtenstein neighbors Switzerland to the west and south and Austria in the east. Its capital city is Vaduz and German is the main language, while 34% of the inhabitants are foreigners. The state is most-known for mountainous terrain with many winter sport resorts and tax haven attracting the active wealth. The country’s economy depends on international companies that in-turn benefit from Liechtenstein’s low taxes.
7
Marshall Islands – 181 km
The Republic of the Marshall Islands comprises 1156 volcanic islands and coral atolls within the North Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 181 km sq. The country’s falling population comprises around 41,800 with density of 231.78 people per sq. km. It is a protection hub for a large population of sharks within a sanctuary spreading the ocean for about two million square kilometers around.
8
Saint Kitts & Nevis – 261 km
The two volcanic islands comprising America’s smallest sovereign state are part of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea, with an area of 261 square miles. It is a federal constitutional monarchy with a population of about 47,700 residents and English as official language. Saint Kitts and Nevis are a popular tourist destination, also known as Saint Christopher and Nevis. Before turning to tourism, large sugarcane cultivation was central to the economy. Nevis is known as a love island, a destination for married couples.
The Islands were originally inhabited by Kalinago Indians until European settlers arrived in 1623 and founded the first British colony in the region. Since then, it has gone through years of slavery, plantation farming and colonial rule. In 1983, Saint Kitts & Nevis was granted full independence from Britain. Today it is an independent nation with a stable political system as well as vibrant culture and economy.
9
Maldives – 298 km
The independent state consists of two chains of twenty-six atolls in the Indian Ocean with an area of 300 square kilometers. The Maldives are home to around 522,500 people, with the largest Male Atoll and namesake capital largest city, divided into northern and southern parts. The Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll have beautiful, dense vegetation and pristine diving areas around.
The Maldives’ landscape consists of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant coral reefs which make it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Its history dates back to the 2nd century BCE, when Buddhism was introduced by seafarers from India. In 1558, the country fell under Portuguese rule, followed by British colonization in 1887. After gaining independence in 1965, the country has developed into a democracy with a successful economy based on fishing and tourism.
10
Malta – 316 km
Malta is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea and composed of three main islands. Its landscape is characterized by high hills and terraced fields, as well as numerous bays, harbours, and beaches. Evidence of human settlement on the islands dates back to around 5200 BCE. The small country of 216 sq. km. in area is a popular cultural destination with rich history and prehistoric buildings, like the megalithic temples of Tarxien and the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim temples. The latter was built during a unique era to function like a clock. Malta has always been a strategically important place, as well as scene of battles among its conquerors. It was ruled by several nations over years, with all leaving a cultural mark, before final independence from Britain.
