List of Smallest Countries: Global Rankings

Introduction to Small Countries

Defining Small Countries

When we talk about ‘small countries’, we’re usually thinking about places with tiny bits of land or not too many folks around. Despite their size, these countries often stand out with distinct traits—think buzzing city-states throwing their weight globally or remote spots quietly minding their business in a corner of the map.

Criteria Used to Define Small Countries

Here’s how we generally decide what’s ‘small’ when it comes to countries:

  1. Area: We’re talking about places that don’t take up much space. Take the Vatican City for instance, which holds the title of smallest in size, spread over a minuscule 0.49 square kilometers (that’s just 0.19 square miles!) (Wikipedia).
  2. Population: It’s not just about size, but also about headcount. Vatican City makes this list too with just 764 residents as of 2023 (Indian Express). Talk about keeping it cozy!

Examples of Small Countries by Area

Let’s take a peek at some of the world’s tiniest countries by land size:

Country Area (sq. km)
Vatican City 0.49
Monaco 2.10
Nauru 21

Sources:

Examples of Small Countries by Population

There’s some overlap here with the small-area crew, but these are also notably low-pop places:

Country Population (2023)
Vatican City 764
Tokelau 1,411
Niue 1,616

Understanding what makes a country ‘small’ helps us get the bigger picture on the beautifully different ways nations can be put together and run. These little giants, whether we count their rooftops or their plots of land, have unique parts to play in the worldwide community.

For more lists on this topic, mosey over to our collections on the list of European countries, list of African countries, or the list of Asian countries.

Smallest Countries by Area

Tiny places can pack a punch, and that’s the case with these pint-sized nations. Here’s a peak at three of the smallest countries on the planet.

Vatican City

You got it, Vatican City holds the crown as the tiniest country ever, spreading over just 0.49 square kilometers. Tucked snugly within Rome, Italy, it’s like a nation inside a city (Statista). All wrapped up in history and tradition, the Vatican is the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s watched over by the Holy See and houses around 764 residents as of 2023-24. That’s like a cozy little village.

Monaco

Next up, we got Monaco. With just 2.1 square kilometers, it’s the second smallest but is big on glitz and glam. Set on the French Riviera, this place screams luxury—think casinos, yachts, and billionaires. Plus, with over 19,000 folks per square kilometer, it’s packed tighter than sardines. If you’re imagining shoulder-to-shoulder opulence, you’re spot on (list of population density).

Nauru

At number three, Nauru’s got 21 square kilometers to its name. Way out in the Micronesian South Pacific, it’s famous (or maybe infamous) for phosphate mining. This little island’s been mined like crazy, which isn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the environment.

Country Area (square kilometers) Population
Vatican City 0.49 764
Monaco 2.1 39,244
Nauru 21 10,834

Want more cool facts about quirky places? Dive into our other articles on European countries and island nations for a geography binge that’ll expand your world—without the need for a plane ticket.

Population in Small Countries

Taking a look at the numbers behind some of the world’s smallest nations offers a peek into their distinct quirks and hurdles. We’re gonna chat about five countries where populations are pint-sized but packed with character.

Vatican City

Vatican City takes the crown for being the teeny-tiniest country on the globe. In 2023-24, only 764 folks call these 49 hectares home. Blame it on the limited space and citizenship hoops you gotta jump through (Indian Express).

Country Population Area (Hectares)
Vatican City 764 49

Check out more countries in Europe with our list of european countries.

Tokelau

Tokelau sits quietly in the South Pacific, with a population barely hitting 1,915. Its isolation and air-travel issues keep it pretty empty.

Country Population Location
Tokelau 1,915 South Pacific

Niue

Niue’s a self-run island in the South Pacific under New Zealand’s wing, with just 1,935 residents hanging out. Its remoteness and limited job prospects keep the numbers low (Indian Express).

Country Population Location
Niue 1,935 South Pacific

Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands, flying the British flag, have a cozy little population of 3,500. Miles from anywhere and with weather that can be a real mood killer, its economy ties up nicely with fishing and tourism. Small by choice, it seems.

Country Population Location
Falkland Islands 3,500 South Atlantic Ocean

Peek into the economic antics of countries with our list of countrys economic status.

Nauru

Nauru, the tiniest republic globally, has around 12,884 Nauruans. Its small size, far-off location, and economic headaches keep it that way (Indian Express).

Country Population Location
Nauru 12,884 Pacific Ocean

These places, with their small numbers, provide a glimpse of the quirky variety on our planet. For a deeper dive into Asian countries, swing by our list of asian countries. Or, if you’re curious about islands or economies in growth spurts, check out our list of island countries and list of developing countries.

Small Countries in Asia

Asia isn’t just all about big countries like China and India. Some of its tiny nations pack a much bigger punch than their size suggests. Let’s take a stroll through some of the mini-miracles of this continent.

Maldives

If you think smallest means insignificant, think again. The Maldives might only measure up to a wee 116 square miles, but it’s a paradise, with its stunning beaches and deluxe resorts. The country is made up of 26 atolls, each a cluster of coral islands where vibrant marine life flourishes. A place where the sea and sky meet, the Maldives is like nowhere else.

Singapore

Singapore figures that a little space doesn’t mean you can’t make it big. With around 276 square miles, this economic powerhouse includes the pulsating mainland and islands like Sentosa and Pulau Ubin. A financial hub of the world, Singapore blends a bustling economy with a rich mix of cultures, creating a vibe like no other city-state out there.

Bahrain

Chilling in the Persian Gulf at 295 square miles, Bahrain is an archipelago bustling with a population that’s seen explosive growth thanks to land reclamation. Spread over more than 80 islands, Bahrain is a place with rich history nearly as numerous as its islands. Economically vibrant, Bahrain has always been a major draw on its own terms.

Brunei

Brunei, perched in Southeast Asia, sits comfortably as the 4th smallest nation on the Asian block with a lush spread of 2,226 square miles. With about 423,196 folks calling it home, this oil-rich place is tied by the unique Malay Islamic Monarchy. High on lifestyle, this tiny nation packs an economic punch with its oil wealth.

Timor-Leste

Ranked the 9th smallest in Asia, Timor-Leste covers 5,743 square miles. It’s got its slice of the rugged eastern half of Timor island, as well as the islands of Jaco and Atauro, and the curious enclave of Oecusse. Famous for its challenging landscapes and cultural tapestries, Timor-Leste is as unique as it gets.

Country Area (sq miles) Population Standout Features
Maldives 116 394,451 Stunning beaches and unique marine adventures.
Singapore 276 5,704,000 World financial giant with colorful cultural blend.
Bahrain 295 1,425,171 Historical richness and economic vitality on an island chain.
Brunei 2,226 423,196 Oil wealth and plush living standards.
Timor-Leste 5,743 1,324,094 Rugged beauty with deep-rooted traditions.

For those who want a deeper dive, check our list of asian countries and list of countries by area.

Least Populated Countries

Ahoy travelers of the tiny! The world isn’t just filled with massive countries teeming with millions. Let’s take a sneak peek at some of the planet’s tiniest nations, where the people count barely scratches the surface.

Vatican City

Talk about an exclusive club! Vatican City tops our list with the headcount barely brushing 764 souls in 2023-24 (Indian Express). This pint-sized powerhouse is just 49 hectares in size but wields major influence as the spiritual HQ of the Roman Catholic Church. Strict passport rules keep it a snug little locale.

Country Population Area (sq km)
Vatican City 764 0.49

Tokelau

Way out yonder in the South Pacific, Tokelau is a trio of picturesque atolls where around 1,915 folks call home (Indian Express). With just 26 square kilometers to its name (air access? Nope!), its charm lies in its isolation, making it the backwater of the backwaters.

Country Population Area (sq km)
Tokelau 1,915 26

Niue

Niue, Niue here. This self-governing island chillin’ in the South Pacific is tight with New Zealand and has around 1,935 residents. With just 260 square kilometers, a hop, skip, and an ocean jump from busy landscapes, it’s a quiet place where the biggest commute may be to a neighbor’s dinner table.

Country Population Area (sq km)
Niue 1,935 260

Falkland Islands

These islands are rugged, British, and only home to about 3,500 inhabitants. Think remote, think blustery, think penguins, sheep, and hardy folks making a living off the sea and curious travelers.

Country Population Area (sq km)
Falkland Islands 3,500 12,173

Nauru

Say howdy to Nauru, the world’s littlest republic with 12,884 residents. With just 21 square kilometers carved out of Micronesia and struggles like limited resources, its pint-size plays a significant role in its teeny populace.

Country Population Area (sq km)
Nauru 12,884 21

These corners of the globe may have fewer folks, but they pack a punch of personality. Want to know more about where you can roam in Asia, Europe, or Africa? Our site’s got you!

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