Smallest Countries in the World

Know the smallest countries in the world!

Countries of the world can be classified in various ways. Some can be categorized as historical, safe, insecure, developed, poor, etc. This classification can be extended infinitely. In one intriguing category, countries can be divided based on their area. In this article, we will take a look at five countries on the list of the smallest countries in the world. These lands, with their attractive cultural characteristics, are smaller than many cities in the world but still possess their own unique people, nature, government, and cultural, social, economic, and political systems and requirements.

List of some of the smallest countries in the world:

• The Vatican
• Monaco
• Nauru
• Tuvalu
• San Marino

The Vatican

This place is the smallest country in the world, with an area of about 0.44 square kilometers. This small country, less than a century old, is surrounded by Rome, the capital of Italy, and serves as the center of the Catholic Church. Its main fame is due to the Pope and St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Some of the most important works of art from the Renaissance era, such as the Pietà statue and the painting of the Creation of Adam, are located there.

As a result of the Lateran Treaty, Vatican City gained independence in 1929, and Roman Catholics secured a special place on Vatican Hill in the northwest of Rome. Since then, the city has been surrounded by a wall with six gates, creating its own unique geography. The banking system, post office, radio and television station, observatory, telephone system, and independent internet are among the facilities this country provides to its citizens.

As of the last census, the population of this religious country was listed as 842 people. Its economy is based on tourism, voluntary donations from around one billion members of the Catholic Church worldwide, and grants from some countries.

The Vatican’s system of government is based on the monarchy of the Pope and the Archbishop as the leader of the world’s Catholics. Income from visits to museums, the activities of the post office, and the sale of stamps and postcards provide the main revenue for this small land. The Vatican is also the only independent state that has not yet become a member of the United Nations.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco, with an area of about 2 square kilometers and a population of over 36,000 people, is not only small but also considered the most densely populated country in the world. Additionally, it is known for its aristocratic status, boasting the largest number of millionaires and billionaires. With a GDP of about 7 billion dollars, Monaco is one of the richest countries in the world.

This principality is located on the Mediterranean Sea, near the southern coast of France. It is bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on one side. Its residents mainly speak French, but various dialects such as Monégasque, Italian, and English are also common. The government is led by the Grimaldi royal family, and its most important sources of income are the tourism industry and the sale of luxury and expensive goods.

The Grand Prix races, one of the most prestigious car races in the world, are the most important annual event in this country. Additionally, places like Monacoville, Monte Carlo, the Monaco Botanical Garden, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Prince’s Palace are among the most important attractions of this country.

Nauru

Nauru is a country located east of Australia and is known as the third smallest country in the world. This island nation, with an area of 21 square kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean, holds the titles of the smallest island country and the smallest republic in the world.

One interesting fact about Nauru is the obesity of its inhabitants. About 97% of men and 93% of women in this country are overweight, earning Nauru the distinction of being the fattest nation in the world. With a population of 9,378 people, Nauru is also the second least populated country in the world.

Income from phosphate mining is among the major sources of revenue for this small country. Along with mining, coconut products and offshore banking contribute to Nauru’s economy. Additionally, a portion of the country’s annual income comes from aid provided by Australia in exchange for using the Nauru detention center.

The tourism sector’s share of the economy is limited. Tourist activities are mainly confined to leisure time on the country’s beaches and activities such as fishing, diving, and various water sports. The coral reefs and white sandy beaches are some of Nauru’s natural attractions.

Tuvalu

The fourth smallest country in the world is Tuvalu, an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Australia. This 26 square kilometer country has a population of about 10,000 people. Its government is a constitutional monarchy, formerly ruled by Queen Elizabeth II. Tuvalu was considered part of British territory until 1978.

Funafuti Lagoon is one of Tuvalu’s biggest attractions and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. However, due to the difficulty of accessing these islands, tourism is not very prosperous and accounts for only a small part of the income. Instead, the sale and supply of stamps for collectors around the world is booming, with many people engaged in it both professionally and recreationally.

Tuvalu is one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, which makes it vulnerable to sea-level rise. Estimates indicate that this country could be completely underwater in the next five decades.

San Marino

The last country on the list of the 5 smallest countries in the world is San Marino, with an area of 61 square kilometers. This small country, which holds the title of the oldest republic in Europe, is completely surrounded by Italy. The population of San Marino is about 30,000 people. Economically, it is one of the richest countries in the world based on GDP.

San Marino also has a budget surplus and no national debt, resulting in the lowest unemployment rate among countries globally. The economy of this country is primarily based on tourism, banking, and textiles.

The main tourist attractions of this country include the Basilica, Government Palace, St. Francis Church, Guaita Castle, Cesta Castle, State Museum, Huntington Library, Art Gallery, and Botanical Gardens. This country attracts a countless number of tourists every year.

In this article, we aimed to introduce you to the smallest countries in the world. We provided information about the climate, area, population, and economy of these countries. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comment box.