While some nations cover vast stretches of land across multiple time zones, others occupy just a few square kilometers. These smallest countries in the world by area may be tiny in size, but many of them have significant cultural, historical, or political importance. From religious centers like the Vatican City to wealthy nations like Monaco, these countries demonstrate that size is not always the key factor in global influence.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the 20 smallest countries in the world by land area, their capitals, and what makes them unique.
Smallest Countries in the World
1. Vatican City – Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, covering just 0.44 square kilometers. Located within Rome, Italy, it is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope resides here, and the city is famous for St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The capital is also called Vatican City.
2. Monaco – Monaco
Monaco is the second-smallest country, with an area of just 2.02 square kilometers. Situated along the French Riviera, Monaco is known for its luxury casinos, yachts, and as a tax haven. The capital, Monaco, is the heart of this glamorous principality.
3. Nauru – Yaren District
Nauru is the third-smallest country with an area of 21 square kilometers. It is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the smallest island country. Nauru does not have an official capital, but the Yaren District functions as its administrative center.
4. Tuvalu – Funafuti
Tuvalu covers about 26 square kilometers, making it the fourth-smallest country. It is located in the Pacific Ocean and is made up of small islands and atolls. The capital is Funafuti, which is a coral atoll.
5. San Marino – San Marino
San Marino is a small landlocked country in southern Europe with an area of 61 square kilometers. It claims to be the world’s oldest republic, founded in the year 301 AD. Its capital is San Marino, a historic city surrounded by beautiful fortresses.
6. Liechtenstein – Vaduz
Liechtenstein is another small European country, covering 160 square kilometers. It is located between Switzerland and Austria, famous for its alpine landscapes and banking sector. The capital is Vaduz, a city known for its castle and cultural institutions.
7. Marshall Islands – Majuro
The Marshall Islands, in the Pacific Ocean, cover about 181 square kilometers. Made up of atolls and islands, this country is vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. The capital is Majuro, located on a coral atoll.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis – Basseterre
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Americas, with an area of 261 square kilometers. It is a Caribbean island nation famous for tourism. The capital city is Basseterre, located on Saint Kitts Island.
9. Maldives – Malé
The Maldives, covering 300 square kilometers, is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean. It consists of more than 1,000 small islands, known for tourism, beaches, and coral reefs. The capital city is Malé, which is densely populated.
10. Malta – Valletta
Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, covers an area of 316 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. The capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. Grenada – St. George’s
Grenada is a Caribbean country covering about 344 square kilometers. Known as the “Island of Spice,” it produces nutmeg and cinnamon. The capital, St. George’s, is a picturesque harbor city.
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Kingstown
This Caribbean island nation has an area of 389 square kilometers. It is made up of Saint Vincent Island and a chain of smaller islands. The capital, Kingstown, is located on the main island.
13. Barbados – Bridgetown
Barbados is another small Caribbean country, covering 430 square kilometers. It is known for its tourism and cultural heritage. The capital, Bridgetown, is the political and economic center.
14. Antigua and Barbuda – St. John’s
This Caribbean nation covers 442 square kilometers. It consists of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with smaller ones. The capital is St. John’s, located on Antigua.
15. Seychelles – Victoria
Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean, covers 455 square kilometers. It is made up of 115 islands and is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife. The capital is Victoria, located on the island of Mahé.
16. Palau – Ngerulmud
Palau is a Pacific island country with an area of 459 square kilometers. It is famous for its marine biodiversity and diving sites. The capital, Ngerulmud, is located on Babeldaob Island.
17. Andorra – Andorra la Vella
Andorra is a landlocked country in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It covers 468 square kilometers and is known for skiing and tourism. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe.
18. Saint Lucia – Castries
Saint Lucia, in the Caribbean, has an area of 616 square kilometers. It is known for the Pitons mountains, beaches, and rainforests. The capital is Castries.
19. Micronesia (Federated States of) – Palikir
Micronesia, made up of hundreds of small islands in the Pacific Ocean, covers 702 square kilometers. The capital is Palikir, located on the island of Pohnpei.
20. Singapore – Singapore
Singapore is both a country and a city, covering 728 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it is one of the world’s most developed nations, known for trade, finance, and modern infrastructure. The capital is Singapore itself.
Comparison Table: Smallest Countries in the World by Area
| Country | Capital | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Vatican City | Vatican City | 0.44 |
| Monaco | Monaco | 2.02 |
| Nauru | Yaren District | 21 |
| Tuvalu | Funafuti | 26 |
| San Marino | San Marino | 61 |
| Liechtenstein | Vaduz | 160 |
| Marshall Islands | Majuro | 181 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Basseterre | 261 |
| Maldives | Malé | 300 |
| Malta | Valletta | 316 |
| Grenada | St. George’s | 344 |
| Saint Vincent & Grenadines | Kingstown | 389 |
| Barbados | Bridgetown | 430 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | St. John’s | 442 |
| Seychelles | Victoria | 455 |
| Palau | Ngerulmud | 459 |
| Andorra | Andorra la Vella | 468 |
| Saint Lucia | Castries | 616 |
| Micronesia | Palikir | 702 |
| Singapore | Singapore | 728 |
Conclusion
The smallest countries in the world by area show us that size is not the sole measure of influence, wealth, or cultural heritage. From the religious importance of Vatican City to the financial strength of Singapore, these countries continue to play vital roles in international affairs, tourism, and global history. Despite their small landmass, their capitals serve as vibrant centers of administration and identity.
READ ALSO: Largest Countries in the World by Area and their Capitals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the smallest country in the world?
The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, covering only 0.44 sq km.
2. Which is the smallest island country in the world?
The smallest island country is Nauru, with an area of just 21 sq km.
3. What is the smallest country in Asia?
The smallest country in Asia is Maldives, with an area of about 300 sq km.
4. What is the smallest country in Africa?
The smallest African country is Seychelles, covering 455 sq km.
5. Which is the smallest country in Europe?
The smallest European country is Vatican City.
6. Which is the richest small country in the world?
Monaco and Singapore are among the wealthiest small nations globally, thanks to tourism, finance, and trade.
7. Which is the smallest country with the highest population density?
Monaco has the highest population density among the world’s smallest countries.
8. Which is the smallest country in the Caribbean?
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Caribbean.
9. Can you visit all the smallest countries easily?
Yes, most of the smallest countries are popular tourist destinations and can be visited with proper visas or entry permits.
10. Do small countries have the same sovereignty as large ones?
Yes, all recognized small countries are fully sovereign and have the same rights as larger nations under international law.