The Smallest Countries in the World: Complete Guide to Every Microstate
The Smallest Countries in the World: Complete Guide to Every Microstate
Quick question: How small can a country actually be?
The answer might surprise you. Vatican City — the world's smallest country — is smaller than most golf courses. You could walk across it in about 20 minutes. Monaco, the second smallest, is smaller than New York's Central Park.
Yet these tiny nations punch far above their weight. Monaco has the world's highest GDP per capita. Vatican City governs 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. Liechtenstein is a global financial powerhouse. And Nauru was briefly one of the world's richest countries (per capita) thanks to bird droppings.
Let's explore every microstate on Earth — from European principalities to Pacific island nations — and discover why small doesn't mean insignificant.
🏛️ What Exactly is a Microstate?
There's no official definition, but microstates are generally countries with:
- •Very small land area (usually under 1,000 km²)
- •Small population (typically under 500,000)
- •Full sovereignty (they're actual countries, not territories)
The smallest generally include Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Malta in Europe, plus various island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Let's count down the 20 smallest countries in the world by land area.
🇻🇦 1. Vatican City — 0.44 km² (0.17 sq mi)
Population: ~800
Government: Ecclesiastical elective monarchy (Papal theocracy)
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian, Latin
Vatican City isn't just the world's smallest country — it's the smallest by a huge margin. At just 0.44 square kilometers (110 acres), it's about the size of a small farm or a large shopping mall.
Why It Exists
The Vatican became an independent state through the Lateran Treaty of 1929 between Italy and the Holy See. Before Italian unification in 1870, the Pope ruled the Papal States — a territory stretching across central Italy. When Italy seized Rome, popes refused to recognize the Italian government and considered themselves "prisoners of the Vatican."
The 1929 treaty resolved the standoff: Italy recognized Vatican sovereignty over a tiny enclave in exchange for the Pope recognizing the Italian state.
Remarkable Facts
- •Population breakdown: About 450 residents have citizenship, but only ~800 people actually live there (including Swiss Guards and clergy). Citizenship is granted by appointment and expires when you stop working for the Vatican.
- •No births, many deaths: The Vatican's birth rate is zero (no maternity hospitals), but several popes have died there. The last pope to die in Vatican City was Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.
- •ATMs in Latin: Vatican ATMs offer instructions in Latin. It may be the only place on Earth where you can get cash using the language of the Roman Empire.
- •Crime capital? Statistically, Vatican City has one of the world's highest crime rates — but that's because millions of tourists visit and crimes are measured per capita of the 800 residents.
- •Smallest economy: The Vatican's GDP is around $320 million, primarily from museum entrance fees, stamp/coin sales, and donations.
🇲🇨 2. Monaco — 2.02 km² (0.78 sq mi)
Population: ~40,000
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Currency: Euro
Language: French
Monaco is the world's second-smallest country and the most densely populated (over 19,000 people per km²). More importantly, it's the world's playground for the ultra-wealthy.
The Glamour Tax Haven
Monaco has no income tax for residents (except French citizens, due to a treaty). This attracts billionaires, racing drivers, tennis stars, and business magnates. About 30% of residents are millionaires.
The principality has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297 — one of the longest-ruling dynasties in history. The current ruler, Prince Albert II, is the great-great-great-grandson of the prince who transformed Monaco from a poor backwater into a casino resort.
The Famous Casino
When Prince Charles III faced bankruptcy in 1863, he opened the Monte Carlo Casino to raise funds. It worked spectacularly. The casino was so successful that Monaco abolished income taxes in 1869 — residents simply didn't need to pay.
Today, ironically, Monégasque citizens are banned from gambling in the Monte Carlo Casino.
Expanding into the Sea
With no room to grow, Monaco is literally building into the Mediterranean. The Portier Cove project will add 6 hectares of reclaimed land — expanding Monaco's size by about 3%. Previous land reclamation created the Fontvieille district in the 1980s.
Formula 1 and Tennis
Monaco hosts the Monaco Grand Prix (the most prestigious F1 race) through its actual streets and the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament. For a few weekends each year, this tiny country becomes the center of the sports world.
🇸🇲 3. San Marino — 61 km² (24 sq mi)
Population: ~34,000
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic — founded in AD 301. That's older than Christianity becoming the Roman state religion.
The Mountain Fortress That Survived
According to legend, Saint Marinus (a Christian stonemason fleeing Roman persecution) founded a community on Mount Titano in 301 AD. Whether the legend is true or not, San Marino has remarkably maintained independence for over 1,700 years.
The secret? Being small, mountainous, and not worth conquering.
Napoleon famously spared San Marino during his Italian campaigns, reportedly impressed by its dedication to liberty. During both World Wars, San Marino remained neutral (though it was accidentally bombed by the British in 1944 — the UK later paid compensation).
Unique Government
San Marino has two heads of state called Captains Regent. They serve just six months each and cannot be re-elected for at least three years. This prevents any individual from gaining too much power.
The country has had over 2,000 heads of state since the 14th century — more than any other nation.
Economy
Tourism is the backbone of San Marino's economy (about 3 million visitors annually). The republic also earns significant revenue from postage stamps and Italian tourists buying goods without Italian VAT.
🇱🇮 4. Liechtenstein — 160 km² (62 sq mi)
Population: ~39,000
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Currency: Swiss franc
Language: German
Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked country (only two such countries exist) wedged between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps. Despite its size, it has more registered companies than citizens.
The Tax Haven
Liechtenstein's low taxes and strict banking secrecy laws made it a favorite for wealth management. At one point, the country had more than 90,000 registered companies — over twice its population.
International pressure has reduced some banking secrecy, but Liechtenstein remains one of the world's wealthiest countries per capita.
The Royal Family Business
The House of Liechtenstein is one of Europe's wealthiest royal families, with assets estimated at over $7 billion. They own the LGT Group (a major private bank), art collections, and vast landholdings in Austria.
Unlike most European royals, Liechtenstein's prince retains significant political power, including the right to veto laws and dismiss the government.
Fun Facts
- •No military: Liechtenstein abolished its army in 1868 after deciding it was too expensive (all 80 soldiers of it). They haven't had one since.
- •Accidental invasion: In 2007, Swiss soldiers accidentally invaded Liechtenstein during a training exercise. They marched a mile into the country before realizing their mistake. Liechtenstein wasn't offended.
- •False teeth capital: In the 1940s, Liechtenstein manufactured most of the world's false teeth. They've since diversified into precision instruments and machinery.
🇲🇹 5. Malta — 316 km² (122 sq mi)
Population: ~520,000
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Euro
Language: Maltese, English
Malta is the smallest EU member state, but it's positively huge compared to our previous entries. This Mediterranean archipelago has a history vastly disproportionate to its size.
The Most Conquered Island
Malta's strategic location — between Sicily and North Africa — made it irresistible to conquering powers. The Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, French, and British all controlled Malta at various points.
The Arabs left the most lasting impact: the Maltese language is descended from Arabic (though written in Latin script and heavily influenced by Italian).
The Knights of Malta
From 1530 to 1798, Malta was ruled by the Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Knights of Malta), a medieval military order. They built the fortified capital Valletta after surviving the epic Great Siege of 1565, when 40,000 Ottoman troops failed to conquer 6,000 defenders.
The order still exists today as a humanitarian organization with observer status at the UN — technically making it the world's smallest "quasi-state."
WWII and the George Cross
Malta was the most-bombed place on Earth during World War II. Between 1940-1942, the Axis powers dropped more bombs on Malta than on London during the entire Blitz. King George VI awarded the entire nation the George Cross for bravery — the cross appears on Malta's flag today.
🇲🇻 6. Maldives — 298 km² (115 sq mi)
Population: ~520,000
Government: Presidential republic
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa
Language: Dhivehi
The Maldives is the flattest country on Earth — its highest natural point is just 2.4 meters (8 feet) above sea level. It's also the lowest-lying country, making it extremely vulnerable to climate change.
1,200 Islands, 200 Inhabited
The Maldives consists of about 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. Only around 200 are inhabited, and about 130 serve as tourist resorts (often entire private islands).
Underwater Cabinet Meeting
In 2009, President Mohamed Nasheed held a cabinet meeting underwater — ministers in scuba gear signed a declaration calling for global action on climate change. A one-meter sea rise would submerge 80% of the Maldives.
The government has considered purchasing land in India, Sri Lanka, or Australia as potential relocation sites.
Tourism Troubles
Tourism accounts for about 30% of GDP, but it creates a "two Maldives" problem: luxury resorts on pristine islands, poverty in Male (one of the world's most densely populated cities). Alcohol is banned on inhabited islands but flows freely at resorts.
🇸🇬 7. Singapore — 733 km² (283 sq mi)
Population: ~5.9 million
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Singapore dollar
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Singapore proves that small countries can become economic superpowers. This city-state has transformed from a fishing village to one of the world's most prosperous nations in just 60 years.
From Expelled Colony to Tiger Economy
Singapore was expelled from Malaysia in 1965 — kicked out rather than granted independence. Without natural resources or even fresh water (still imported from Malaysia), the future looked bleak.
Under Lee Kuan Yew's leadership, Singapore pursued aggressive industrialization, education, and anti-corruption policies. Today it's a global financial hub with the world's busiest port (by tonnage) and Changi, consistently ranked the world's best airport.
The Fine City
Singapore is famous (or infamous) for strict laws:
- •Chewing gum is restricted (sale is banned, personal use allowed)
- •Jaywalking, littering, and failure to flush public toilets are fineable
- •Drug trafficking carries the death penalty
These laws have made Singapore remarkably clean and safe — but critics argue it comes at the cost of personal freedom.
🇻🇨 8. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — 389 km² (150 sq mi)
Population: ~110,000
Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
Language: English
This Caribbean nation comprises one main island (Saint Vincent) and a chain of smaller islands called the Grenadines. The Grenadines include the celebrity-favorite Mustique (where Princess Margaret had a villa) and Bequia.
Pirates of the Caribbean (Literally)
Several Grenadine islands were used as filming locations for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The islands' dramatic landscapes and colonial-era architecture made perfect pirate territory.
Volcano Drama
La Soufrière volcano erupted in April 2021, displacing about 20,000 people (roughly 20% of the population). It was the volcano's first explosive eruption since 1979.
🇧🇧 9. Barbados — 430 km² (166 sq mi)
Population: ~290,000
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Barbadian dollar
Language: English
Barbados became the world's newest republic in November 2021 when it removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state — making it the most recent country to change its system of government.
Little England
Barbados was British for 350 years (1627-1966), longer than any other Caribbean colony. This deep British influence remains visible in cricket (Barbadians are cricket-obsessed), afternoon tea traditions, and Anglican churches.
Birthplace of Rum
Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum — the Mount Gay distillery has operated since 1703 and claims to be the world's oldest rum producer.
🇦🇬 10. Antigua and Barbuda — 442 km² (171 sq mi)
Population: ~100,000
Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
Language: English
This twin-island nation claims to have "365 beaches — one for every day of the year." Whether literally true or not, it captures the country's beach-centric tourism focus.
Nelson's Dockyard
English Harbour on Antigua hosts Nelson's Dockyard, a restored Georgian-era naval base. It's the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🇸🇨 11. Seychelles — 459 km² (177 sq mi)
Population: ~100,000
Government: Presidential republic
Currency: Seychellois rupee
Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French
The Seychelles is the smallest African country by population and one of the most sparsely populated nations on Earth. It's also home to the Aldabra giant tortoise (some live over 200 years) and the coco de mer palm, which produces the world's largest seed.
🇰🇲 12. Comoros — 1,861 km² (719 sq mi)
Population: ~870,000
Government: Federal presidential republic
Currency: Comorian franc
Language: Comorian, Arabic, French
Located between Madagascar and Mozambique, Comoros is one of the world's largest producers of ylang-ylang (used in perfumes) and vanilla.
The Coup Capital
Comoros has experienced about 20 coups or attempted coups since independence in 1975 — the highest per capita in the world. Mercenary Bob Denard was involved in four of them.
🇲🇺 13. Mauritius — 2,040 km² (788 sq mi)
Population: ~1.3 million
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Mauritian rupee
Language: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi
Mauritius was home to the dodo — the famous extinct flightless bird. Today it's one of Africa's most stable democracies and a popular honeymoon destination.
🇼🇸 14. Samoa — 2,842 km² (1,097 sq mi)
Population: ~200,000
Government: Parliamentary republic
Currency: Samoan tālā
Language: Samoan, English
Samoa literally lost a day in 2011 — the country skipped December 30 entirely to move from the eastern to western side of the International Date Line, aligning with its major trading partners (Australia and New Zealand).
🇹🇴 15. Tonga — 747 km² (288 sq mi)
Population: ~100,000
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Currency: Tongan paʻanga
Language: Tongan, English
Tonga is the only Pacific Island nation never colonized by a European power. The Tongan monarchy dates back about 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest hereditary monarchies in the world.
The Pacific Island Microstates
Several Pacific nations are among the world's smallest — and most vulnerable to rising seas.
🇹🇻 Tuvalu — 26 km² (10 sq mi)
Tuvalu is the world's fourth-smallest country (by area) and consists of nine coral atolls between Hawaii and Australia. Its highest point is just 4.6 meters above sea level.
Tuvalu's most valuable asset? Its internet country code: .tv. Selling domain names brings in about $5 million annually — about 10% of government revenue.
🇳🇷 Nauru — 21 km² (8.1 sq mi)
The third-smallest country (by area) has a tragic economic history. Nauru's phosphate deposits (fossilized bird droppings) made it briefly one of the world's richest countries per capita in the 1970s. When the phosphate ran out, the economy collapsed. Today, Nauru relies on Australian aid in exchange for hosting an immigration detention center.
🇵🇼 Palau — 459 km² (177 sq mi)
Palau has some of the world's most pristine marine environments. In 2015, it created one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries, banning commercial fishing in 80% of its waters.
🇲🇭 Marshall Islands — 181 km² (70 sq mi)
The Marshall Islands was the site of 67 U.S. nuclear tests between 1946-1958, including the massive "Castle Bravo" hydrogen bomb test. Radiation effects persist today on some atolls.
🇰🇮 Kiribati — 811 km² (313 sq mi)
Kiribati (pronounced "Kiribass") is the only country in all four hemispheres — it straddles the equator and the International Date Line. Climate change may make it uninhabitable by 2100.
🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia — 702 km² (271 sq mi)
Not to be confused with the broader Micronesia region, the FSM consists of four states spread across 1,600 miles of Pacific Ocean.
Why Microstates Survive
How do these tiny countries maintain independence? Several factors help:
1. Strategic Geography
Malta and Singapore sit on vital shipping routes. Monaco and Liechtenstein buffer larger powers. Vatican City has spiritual authority over a billion people.
2. Niche Economies
Many microstates exploit niches that don't require scale: tax havens (Monaco, Liechtenstein), tourism (Maldives, Seychelles), stamps/coins (San Marino), gambling (Monaco), banking (Liechtenstein).
3. Historical Accident
San Marino survived because no one bothered to conquer a mountain. Tonga was never colonized because it united before Europeans arrived. Vatican City exists because of an 80-year standoff between popes and Italy.
4. International Law
The UN protects small states' sovereignty. Once recognized, it's very hard to "unrecognize" a country.
Test Your Knowledge!
Think you can find all these tiny nations on a map? Challenge yourself with our [Name the Country Quiz](/play). Many of these microstates are the hardest countries to remember — can you identify all 197 nations?
Conclusion
From the 0.44 km² Vatican City to the scattered atolls of Tuvalu, the world's smallest countries prove that size isn't everything. These microstates have survived through strategic positioning, niche economies, and sheer historical luck.
They face unique challenges — climate change threatens Pacific island nations with literal extinction, while European microstates navigate complex tax treaties with their larger neighbors. But they also offer unique benefits: experimental governance, high quality of life, and proof that sovereignty doesn't require scale.
Next time you're studying a world map, zoom in. The smallest dots often have the biggest stories.