The World’s 10 Smallest Countries

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Vatican City
At just 0.2 square miles, Vatican City is the world’s smallest nation, with a population of just 770 people, none of who actually reside in the country permanently. Completely surrounded by Rome, the Vatican is the spiritual centre for over 1 billion Roman Catholics, and is protected by the smallest and oldest army in the world, the Swiss Guard. The official language is Latin and Italian (even the ATMs offer Latin), and for the world’s smallest country, it receives more mail per inhabitant than any other country in the world. It’s also the only country in the world with a non-commercial economy, supported by charity contributions, postage stamps and tourism.

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Monaco
For the world’s second smallest country (0.7 square miles), Monaco still manages to pack in over 30,000 residents, giving it first prize as the world’s most densely populated country. Only 1 in 5 are actually Monegasques however, the result of the fabulously rich relocating to take advantage of no income tax (the French government, which mostly administers Monaco, has since changed that policy). Since the 13th century, Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family, a monarchy with origins in Genoa, Italy. Located on the French Riviera not far from Nice, Monaco is synonymous with glamour, high-end gambling, and its annual Formula 1 race.

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Nauru
I confess I knew little about the world’s smallest island nation, just 8.5 square miles located in the Western Pacific Ocean. For example, who knew an entire economy could have been based on crap? Formerly known as Pleasant Island, the island’s 13,000 inhabitants benefitted from the sale of thousands of years of highly lucrative bat droppings. Once among the world’s wealthiest nations, this disappearing natural resource and political corruption left Nauru in hard times – a poverty stricken nation with extreme unemployment and for some odd reason, obesity (blamed on high fat diets and alcohol). The country flirted with off-shore banking, attracting billions from Russian money launderers, but that idea has since gone to the cleaners as well. (credit: Nauru tourism department )

WongThasin

Vatican City 畀人移民咩
Nauru + Monaco 好靚, 渡假勝記

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Tuvalu
Ever visited a website that ends with .tv? It’s not short for ‘television’ but rather the tiny Polynesian nation of Tuvalu, capitalizing on its fortunate country code. Consisting of 9 coral atolls and just 9 square miles in size, the highest point of Tuvalu is just 5 metres above sea level, with the population of around 10,500. An important allied base during World War II, the country now derives most of its income from selling those .tv domain names. But the combination of rising sea levels, population growth and erosion means Tuvalu is on the endangered list.

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San Marino
Formally known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, the 24 square miles that make up this European state is located on Mount Titano Italy, near the Adriatic coast. Founded in AD301, it holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest republic. With around 30,000 residents, San Marino’s constitution dates back to the 1600s, and considering the pull and push of European empires, the tiny nation has fared remarkably well (conquered briefly just twice in its history). Once among the poorest countries in Europe, a bustling tourism industry has revived its fortunes and San Marino’s citizens are now among the world’s wealthiest people.

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Liechtenstein
On the Rhine between the Swiss and Austrian Alps are the 62 square miles that make up the Principality of Liechtenstein. This little country has a population of 35,000, recording the highest gross domestic product per person in the world, along with the world’s second lowest unemployment rate (first prize to Monaco). Although it once resorted to selling off the art treasures of its royal rulers, Liechtenstein has prospered due to offering the lowest corporate tax rate in Europe, and its current prince is the world’s sixth wealthiest world leader. In fact, the country has more registered companies than citizens. With no military and one of the lowest crime rates in the world, you’re probably asking why more people don’t live there. Due to its size, Liechtenstein upholds a principle of limited admission and high requirements for admission. Speaking German is a must.

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Marshall Islands
1225 islands and atolls make up the Republic of the Marshall Islands, just north of the Equator in Micronesia. Technically, there are only five actual islands, the rest are coral atolls that make up one tenth of all the atolls in the world. It’s a nation of squeaky white beaches, palm trees and turquoise seas, no doubt enjoyed by the 67,000 people who live there. In its history, these 70 square miles have been claimed by Spain, Britain, Germany, Japan and the United States (who gave it formal independence in 1986). The US left some serious damage with their nuclear testing program. Three atolls in the Marshall’s Bikini chain were bombed into non-existence.

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Saint Kitts & Nevis
Two islands connected by an ampersand ocean make up this tiny country in the Caribbean, stretching 104 square miles between the two of them. It’s the smallest sovereign nation in the Americas. Saint Kitts housed the first English and French colonies in the Caribbean. With tourism driving the economy, those who want to stay and enjoy the island life can actually do so. Saint Kitts offers the oldest Citizenship-by-Investment program in the world, allowing foreigners to effectively buy their passport (good to know its highly regulated). Visitors to Saint Kitts visit an old British fort, hike an extinct volcano, eat, sleep and play. As for Nevis, famed for its geothermal springs, tourists enjoy sailing, snorkelling, and historical tours of Charlestown.

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Seychelles
When Prince William and his lovely bride Kate needed the ultimate honeymoon getaway, they chose one of the world’s tiniest nations, the Republic of Seychelles. Located in the Indian Ocean 1500km east of Africa, the Seychelles is blessed with beautiful weather, endless beaches, a stable government, and resorts to make you feel like royalty under the coconut trees. The couple spent 10 days in a $9000 a night villa on one of the 115 islands in the archipelago, complete with private butler. They could be assured of absolute privacy. Not only does the Seychelles have the smallest population of any country in Africa, it’s also far away from any nosey paparazzi.