What are the Smallest Countries in the World By Population (Top 9)

Vatican City, in Rome, Italy is the smallest country (Photo: Culture trip)

What are Smallest Countries in the World?

Nations are defined by their borders. A nation's physical territory and, thus, its size, are determined by its political boundaries as well as potential natural borders.

It should go without saying that the smallest country in the world is Vatican City. After Vatican City, however, which are the world's smallest nations in terms of population?

Well, this list does contain a few distant locations with unusual names. This is a list of the eight smallest countries in the world in terms of population.

Top 9 Smallest Countries in the World By Population

1. Vatican City (1000 residents)

With only 1,000 citizens, Vatican City in Rome, Italy, is the smallest nation on earth. Furthermore, in terms of total square miles, it is the smallest nation. Its population is said to, however, to triple or quadruple on any given day due to the influx of visitors arriving to see the city's well-known paintings and sculptures.

The Pope, who is arguably the most famous person in the world, resides in Vatican City. In addition to ruling the Catholic Church worldwide, the Pope has legislative, executive, and judicial authority over Vatican City.

The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter's Basilica draw throngs of visitors to the city. The Vatican City's economy is supported by the sales of publications, postage stamps, mementos, and admission fees to museums.

Mount Vatican is the source of the city's name. The Lateran Treaty, which established it on February 11, 1929, was signed by Italy and the Holy See. The Swiss Guard, whose members are dressed in vibrant uniforms, is in charge of watching it.

Vatican City is open to visitors without a passport, and locations like St. Peter's Square are easily accessible by simply crossing the border separating it from Rome.

2. Nauru (10,670 residents)

Nauru is captured from satellite (Photo: The Culture Trip)

Situated approximately 35 miles south of the equator in the southwest Pacific Ocean, the oval-shaped island of the Republic of Nauru

Only 10,670 people live in this tiny nation, according to the most recent census data. Previously, Nauru was called Pleasant Island. Coral reefs encircle its central plateau. At 233 feet above sea level, Command Ridge is the highest point on the plateau. Located 190 miles east of Nauru is Banaba Island in Kiribati, which is its closest neighbor.

First settlers in Nauru were Micronesians and Polynesians. In 1888, Germany annexed the nation. Phosphate deposits in Nauru, which at the time covered a large portion of the island, were first mined in 1900 by a German-British consortium.

Phosphate exports account for the majority of Nauru's income. Fishing license sales generate the majority of the remaining funds. The economies of Australia and Taiwan, for example, significantly support Nauru.

With the highest unemployment rate in the world, 91%, Nauru is currently facing severe challenges. Approximately 40% of the population has diabetes, and over 95% of people are obese.

3. Tuvalu (11,192 residents)

Photo: Travelinglifestyle

In the Pacific Ocean lies the Polynesian nation of Tuvalu. At 11,192, it is located halfway between Hawaii and Australia, according to 2017 census data. Located west of the International Date Line, Tuvalu is an island nation made up of six true atolls and three reef islands.

On October 1, 1978, Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, gained full independence and became a sovereign state within the British Commonwealth. On September 5, 2000, Tuvalu joined the United Nations as its 189th member.

Parliamentary democracy governs Tuvalu. Queen Elizabeth II of England reigns over Tuvalu. The queen appoints a governor-general to represent Elizabeth II in Tuvalu based on the prime minister's recommendation.

The primary language of Tuvaluans, who are of Polynesian ancestry, is closely linked to Samoan. The language is widely spoken throughout the nation and is taught in schools.

Tuvalu isn’t the place to go if you’re searching for unique sightseeing experiences. The tiny island nation is criticized for lacking hills, mountains, rivers, and a history of architecture.

Some still think Tuvalu is a great place to travel in the Pacific. One travel writer said, "Your time can be well spent in the shade of palm trees on one of the nation's delightful beaches."

4. Palau (21,097 residents)

Photo: Travellinglifestyle

Known as another group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Palau is a country with an estimated population of 21,097 in 2018.Situated on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge in the southwestern region of Micronesia, it consists of approximately 340 volcanic and coral islands.

It is 550 miles west to the Philippines. New Guinea is 400 miles to the south and Guam is 830 miles to the northeast. A vast network of barrier reefs encircles the majority of the nation. Babelthuap, Koror, Malakal, Arakabesan and Peleliu are Palau’s major islands.

Palau is among the best places in the world to scuba dive if that's your sport. A wide variety of terrestrial flora can be found in its marine life. According to biologists, there are more marine species in Palau than in any other comparable-sized area worldwide.

One marine scientist was cited as saying, "Corals, fish, snails, clams, sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones, jellyfish, squid, and feather-duster worms exist in profusion and variety."

5. San Marino (33,562 residents)

Photo: Culturetrip

In Southern Europe, the Republic of San Marino is situated close to Italy. With 33,562 residents, Italian is the most common language. The City of San Marino serves as its capital. Located close to Rimini, one of Italy's most popular resort destinations, San Marino is a coastal town situated on the northeastern flank of the Apennine Mountains.

The republic bears Saint Marinus's name, a stonemason who is credited with significantly contributing to the reconstruction of Rimini's city walls following their destruction by pirates from Liburnia. According to legend, in AD 301, Marinus also founded a monastic community on Monte Titano. San Marino claims to be both the world's oldest sovereign state and constitutional republic.

San Marino is currently governed by a constitution that was drafted and approved in the late 16th century. San Marino's political structure and other national matters are governed by the constitution.

6. Liechtenstein (37,877)

Photo: Travelinglifestyle

Liechtenstein is an Alpine country located in Western Europe. The German-speaking nation is bordered by Switzerland and Austria and its population is listed as 37,877. The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz.

In 1935, the nation established its National Olympic Committee. A founding member of the NOC, Xaver Frick is the only athlete from Liechtenstein to have competed in both the summer and winter Olympic games.

There is also a football team in Liechtenstein. When the team played in Vaduz in 2007 and defeated Iceland 3-0, it was one of the best moments in the nation's history.

7. Monaco (38,682 residents)

Photo: Travelinglifestyle

Monaco is a principality in Western Europe. It is surrounded by France and the Mediterranean Sea and is located on the French Riviera.

Italy is likewise nine miles away from Monaco. Monaco's population as of 2018 is 38,682 persons. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy with the prince of the country functioning as the head of state. The prince controls a great deal of political power over his people by using his position. Monaco has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297, with a few short breaks in between.

Although English and Italian are also widely spoken in Monaco, French is the official language. The Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861 formally recognized Monaco's sovereignty. In 1993, the principality was admitted to the UN as a voting member.

Monaco has its own independent foreign policy, but the French military is in charge of protecting the principality. There are two small military units in Monaco.

The nation is well-known for its grand prix racing circuit and Monte Carlo Casino. It takes part in football games that are competitive as well.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis (53,000 residents)

Photo: Culturetrip

Essentially, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a nation composed of two Caribbean islands. With only 53,000 citizens, it is the Caribbean's smallest nation in terms of population. Its population hasn't changed in a long time.

On Saint Kitts, the majority of people reside. On Saint Kitts, Basseterre serves as the capital. In addition to being a member of the British Commonwealth, the nation belongs to the United Nations. Ruler of the realm is Queen Elizabeth II.

Saint Kitts and Nevis draw tourists worldwide. They travel to play on the Royal Saint Kitts Golf Club's greens, attend the music festival held in June each year, and enjoy the Saint Kitts carnival during the winter. Oualie Beach and Frigate Bay are a delight to beach lovers.

This is it if you are a history buff. Alexander Hamilton was born on Nevis, and Saint Kitts is home to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, formerly referred to as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies." A picturesque train tour is also available in Saint Kitts.

9. The Marshall Islands (58,889 residents)

The Marshall Islands (Photo: Culturetrip)

The Marshall Islands are a nation of islands in the Pacific Ocean with an estimated 58,889 people living there.There are 1,156 islands or islets and 29 atolls in this northern region of Micronesia.

The Marhsallese language, which is closely related to the Micronesian language, is spoken by the Marshallese people, who belong to the Micronesian ethnic group. Speaking widely, English is also an official language.

This nation is renowned for having served as a nuclear weapons test site in the past. The Bikini Atoll Site, located on the Ralik chain of islands, is the most well-known location. On Kwajalein Atoll, there is still a US military base.

Although the nation doesn't have many breathtaking natural or man-made sights, it does have a certain allure. Its numerous beaches, which provide excellent options for deep-sea divers, windsurfers, and those who prefer less crowded sands, are its main draw for tourists.

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