Ever wondered how small can a country can be? Imagine a country in which you can walk from one end to another end within a day to just a hour. Is it possible? Even though these countries are as small as a dot on the world map but they are amazingly beautiful and few are must visit places. So buckle up your seat belts and lets explore the top 10 smallest countries in the world.
10. Andorra – 468 sq km (181 sq miles)
The Principality of Andorra is a 468 sq km tiny country tucked around the eastern Pyrenees mountains and shares its border with two popular countries France and Spain. The country is popular for its beautiful landscapes and tourism. Sports and Adventure activities such as skiing, hill climbing, and hiking are the most popular ones that you can enjoy in Andorra.
Andorra is also termed as a ‘Tax heaven‘ country. This is because it has no income tax, no GST or VAT taxes like other countries have and even the companies have significantly low corporate taxes. How does that matter to you? You can do enough shopping at very cheap rates and that is what most of the people do who visit Andorra.
9. Maldives – 298 sq km (115 sq miles)
Maldives is an island paradise consisting of more than 1000 islands out of which 200 are used for inhabitation. The country covers a total area size of approx 298 sq km which tends to be 115 sq miles. The neighbouring countries include India and Srilanka with approx 600 and 645 km towards north east respectively.
What is the Maldives famous for?
Maldives is famous for its clean white sandy beaches that you can take your breath, turquoise coloured water which is a treat to the eyes, and vibrant coral reefs that are the home of fishes and various sea creatures.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis – 261 sq km (101 sq miles)
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a tiny dual-island nation that’s located in the sea of the Caribbean. It comes with an area size of approx. 261 sq km which is 101 sq miles. The main islands are named Saint Kitts and Nevis while there are a few smaller islands as well.
Even though the country is small, it has the highest per capita income of around 20,020 USD among all other Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) countries. In terms of GDP, the country is mostly dependent on Tourism as it has several beautiful natural beauty landscapes that can melt your heart, volcanoes sights, dense rain forests etc.
7. Marshall Islands – 181 sq km (70 sq miles)
The 7th smallest country in the world is the Marshall Islands. Officially known as the Republic of Marshall Islands is a set of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands. Atolls are nothing but ring-shaped island structures that are surrounded by water from the outside and also have a water body inside called a lagoon.
The total area of the Marshall Islands comes to around 181 sq km (70 sq miles). Marshall Islands is home to clear and blue lagoons, beautiful coral reefs and beaches. People of the Marshall Islands are mainly dependent on coconut and copra production, breadfruit farming, tuna fish processing handicrafts and tourism to some extent.
6. Liechtenstein – 160 sq km (62 sq miles)
6th smallest country in the world is none other than Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is a tiny central European country situated between Austria and Switzerland. The country’s approximate size is 160 sq km (62 sq miles). The country’s economy mainly depends on the Financial Services and Banking sector that serves clients across the world. It has also kept low tax rates to attract investors and businesses to invest in the world.
In terms of Tourism, Liechtenstein has several museums and art galleries. The famous Vaduz Castle which is the home of Liechtenstein ‘s prince, several historic landmarks and much more.
5. San Marino – 61 sq km (38 sq miles)
The 5th smallest country is San Marino. San Marino is a small country in Europe surrounded by Italian Province. The total area of San Marino is just about 61 sq km which comes to 38 sq miles.
Despite such a small size, it has its government, rules and regulations and even a language. But being so surrounded by Italy, you can find plenty of Italian speakers.
What’s unique about San Marino?
It is one of the oldest countries in the world going back to 1700 years. Being situated over the hills, it witnesses beautiful landscapes, castles and the famous Guaita Tower.
4. Tuvalu – 26 sq km (16 sq miles)
Tuvalu is a very small country that resides in the Pacific Ocean. A group of small islands combined is Tuvalu. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that it is like a linear patch of land with water on both sides.
The total size of Tuvalu is just about 26 sq km which is approx 16 sq miles. Yes its very small and that’s the reason its 4th smallest country in the world. The people of Tuvalu mostly depend on Fishing, Coconut and copra production, and Foreign Aid and a small section of Tourism.
Being an island country Tuvalu has several pristine beaches, beautiful coral reef and colorful fish which accounts for snorkeling and swimming etc.
3. Nauru – 21 sq km (13 sq miles)
Nauru is the 3rd smallest country in the world and an another country that belongs to the Ocean Pacific in this list. If we talk about the area size, Nauru has an area size of approx 21 sq km which comes to 13 sq miles.
Its a single island country with just around 10 thousand people as its population. Back in time, Phosphate mining was contributing most of its revenue. But as more and more mining takes place, the ratio share in GDP has decreased significantly. Currently the country is most dependent on Financial Aid, Fishing, Investments and Banking services.
If we talk about Tourism, Just like Tavalu, it has beautiful coral reefs, stunning white beaches, and tourist can enjoy several water sports like Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, etc.
2. Monaco – 2.02 sq km (0.78 sq miles)
Monaco is a tiny country located on the French Riveria in western Europe. It is the second smallest country in the world with area size of just 2.02 sq km that comes to 0.78 sq miles. Even though the country is small, it is densely populated with 38000 population living in this city-state.
Known for its Mediterranean coastline, eye catching architecture, prestigious motorsport event like the Monaco Grand Prix, historic landmarks like Monaco Cathedral, Prince’s Palace, Luxuary Goods and much more. Highest revenue generating industry includes Finance, Tourism, luxuary brands and its goods.
1. Vatican City – 0.44 sq km (0.17 sq miles)
Vatican City, officially known as Vatican City State is the world’s smallest independent country. It is entirely located within the city of Rome in Italy. It is basically the epicenter of Roman Catholic Church and the residence of Pope, the leader of Catholic Church.
In terms of area size, Vatican city is as big as 0.44 sq km which comes to around 0.17 sq miles. But its importance in cultural and religious terms for Catholic is huge. Country is full of rich history, art and culture which you can witness all around the city.
FAQs
What is the smallest country in the world?
Vatican city is the smallest country in the world with an area size of only 0.44 sq km (0.17 sq miles). The entire city is inside the Italy’s Rome city.
What is the smallest country in Europe?
Vatican city is the smallest country in the world as well as Europe as it resides within the Italy which is a part of Europe. Vatican city is the holy centre for Roman Catholic all around the world.
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