Have you ever thought about the size of your house? Or size of your city? Or the size of your country? Country means to many of us as a big place you small house is located in but you would be surprised with the list that follows. It accounts the twelve smallest countries in the world. Some of the countries on the list might be smaller than the cities you live in but they have their own Government, economy, and even military.
Their small sizes don’t make them small in any other parameter though. Some of the countries on the list boast world’s highest GDPs, some are home to ancient and historical marvels, while some are home to millionaires and so on. So, get ready to be surprised.
12 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Known for its exotic harbors, serene white sand beaches, and exquisite volcanic landscapes, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is an island country with its territory spanning over a mere 389 square kilometers. More simply known as St Vincent, it is a sovereign state which gained its independence in 1979.
The largest city, main port and the capital of the country is Kingstown. This little country is quite famous amongst tourists, especially adventurers with their hands in yachting and fishing.
11 Grenada
You might know this one by the name of Spice Isle, dubbed so because of the nutmeg and mace crops production. They are one of the world’s largest exporters of the said crops actually. This Caribbean country comprises of the main island, also called Grenada and six other smaller islands. The country has an area of about 348.5 square kilometers only.
The country has a history of invasion and foreign rule. It had been a part of the French colony, then became a British colony, coups and so on. In recent past, the country faced a couple of hurricanes leading to heavy damage – Hurricane Ivan in 2004 followed by Hurricane Emily in 2005. The country has some of the finest beaches in the world and is known for several historical buildings too.
10 Malta
A European country, Republic of Malta, covers about only 316 square kilometers. Valletta is the capital city of the country. In 1974, the country became a Republic and has always been an attraction for tourists. With numerous historical sites, rich cultural heritage, and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to show off, this small country has been a perfect holiday destination.
9 Maldives
It is a South Asian country spanned over 298 square kilometers making the Republic of Maldives smallest Asian country. Its capital city is called Malé, locally famous as King’s Island.
The country has been subjected to political instability, reformation, and climate challenges after gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. The dominant fishing industry and the growing tourist industry has established a strong economy and has been growing ever since.
8 Saint kitss and Nevis
7 Marshal Island
With an area of mere 160 square kilometers, Principality of Liechtenstein is known for the several medieval castles, beautiful landscapes majorly filled with mountains and several art galleries. It is a constitutional monarchy with Vaduz as its capital city. The sixth smallest country in the world and the fourth smallest in Europe, the country boasts about its low crime rates and high GDP.
6 San Marino
One of the world’s oldest republics, Republic of San Marino, is a microstate with an area of mere 61 square kilometers. The capital of the country is called the City of San Marino. The country is one of the most stable economies in the world with high GDP.
It is the only country to have vehicles more than its population. The medieval-age buildings in the country, 11th-century citadels, and towers make the country a perfect mix of history and mountains. It is probably why tourism is one of the most flourishing sectors of the country.
5 Tuvalu
This country in Oceania is spread over a mere 26 square kilometers. This island nation has reefs, beaches, water sports, and several exotic animals to offer to its tourists. It has a population of just 10,640 and was formerly known as Ellice Islands.
The islands have their share of invasions, foreign rule, and World War sightings. The nation gained complete independence in 1978 and became a United Nations member state in 2000. Tourism is not a significant sector of the country with its limited transport services. It is actually one of the few countries which do not have a railway system – no railroads at all.
Have you ever thought about the size of your house? Or size of your city? Or the size of your country? Country means to many of us as a big place you small house is located in but you would be surprised with the list that follows. It accounts the twelve smallest countries in the world. Some of the countries on the list might be smaller than the cities you live in but they have their own Government, economy, and even military.
Their small sizes don’t make them small in any other parameter though. Some of the countries on the list boast world’s highest GDPs, some are home to ancient and historical marvels, while some are home to millionaires and so on. So, get ready to be surprised.
12 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Known for its exotic harbors, serene white sand beaches, and exquisite volcanic landscapes, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is an island country with its territory spanning over a mere 389 square kilometers. More simply known as St Vincent, it is a sovereign state which gained its independence in 1979.
The largest city, main port and the capital of the country is Kingstown. This little country is quite famous amongst tourists, especially adventurers with their hands in yachting and fishing.
11 Grenada
You might know this one by the name of Spice Isle, dubbed so because of the nutmeg and mace crops production. They are one of the world’s largest exporters of the said crops actually. This Caribbean country comprises of the main island, also called Grenada and six other smaller islands. The country has an area of about 348.5 square kilometers only.
The country has a history of invasion and foreign rule. It had been a part of the French colony, then became a British colony, coups and so on. In recent past, the country faced a couple of hurricanes leading to heavy damage – Hurricane Ivan in 2004 followed by Hurricane Emily in 2005. The country has some of the finest beaches in the world and is known for several historical buildings too.
10 Malta
A European country, Republic of Malta, covers about only 316 square kilometers. Valletta is the capital city of the country. In 1974, the country became a Republic and has always been an attraction for tourists. With numerous historical sites, rich cultural heritage, and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites to show off, this small country has been a perfect holiday destination.
9 Maldives
It is a South Asian country spanned over 298 square kilometers making the Republic of Maldives smallest Asian country. Its capital city is called Malé, locally famous as King’s Island.
The country has been subjected to political instability, reformation, and climate challenges after gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. The dominant fishing industry and the growing tourist industry has established a strong economy and has been growing ever since.
8 Saint kitss and Nevis
This dual-island country is famous for its mountains and beaches. It is also known as Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis and is spread over 261 square kilometers of area. The capital city of the county is Basseterre. It was home to some of the first French and British colonies and thus was titled The Mother Colony of West Indies.
7 Marshal Island
The string of islands is spread over an area of 181.43 square kilometers and has fallen victim to various wars and invasions. The country, during 1944-1958, was subjected to various weapons and nuclear tests by the US after the residents were evacuated. The country has its economy based on agriculture and fishing and receives aid from the United States as well.
With an area of mere 160 square kilometers, Principality of Liechtenstein is known for the several medieval castles, beautiful landscapes majorly filled with mountains and several art galleries. It is a constitutional monarchy with Vaduz as its capital city. The sixth smallest country in the world and the fourth smallest in Europe, the country boasts about its low crime rates and high GDP.
6 San Marino
One of the world’s oldest republics, Republic of San Marino, is a microstate with an area of mere 61 square kilometers. The capital of the country is called the City of San Marino. The country is one of the most stable economies in the world with high GDP.
It is the only country to have vehicles more than its population. The medieval-age buildings in the country, 11th-century citadels, and towers make the country a perfect mix of history and mountains. It is probably why tourism is one of the most flourishing sectors of the country.
5 Tuvalu
This country in Oceania is spread over a mere 26 square kilometers. This island nation has reefs, beaches, water sports, and several exotic animals to offer to its tourists. It has a population of just 10,640 and was formerly known as Ellice Islands.
The islands have their share of invasions, foreign rule, and World War sightings. The nation gained complete independence in 1978 and became a United Nations member state in 2000. Tourism is not a significant sector of the country with its limited transport services. It is actually one of the few countries which do not have a railway system – no railroads at all.
Spread over an area of 21 square kilometers, the Republic of Nauru was previously known as Pleasant Island. The third smallest country gained its independence in 1968. Since the early 20th century, Phosphate was mined, becoming the country’s main resource. With independence, the control over the Phosphate industry came to the Nauru Government.
The business made the country one of the wealthiest countries back in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the extensive mining led to exhaustion of the resource. The 21st century saw the country struggling with alternatives and since then, it has become heavily dependent on Australia for major resources.
Monaco
You would know this tiny country as the home to the Grand Pix Motor race or the famous Casino – Monte Carlo or surely as home to some Millionaires. With an area of just 2.02 square kilometers and a population of 38,400, it is the world’s most densely populated sovereign state. It is a haven for rich and famous.
It is a well-known tourist destination spot as well as a significant banking center – with its low taxes and no income tax. The destination, recreational spots, gambling activities, sports, and business opportunities, all have made the country a major attraction even with its tiny size.
Vatican City
It is the smallest country and is known as the home of the Pope. It is surrounded by Rome and Italy and is spread over an area of just 0.44 square kilometers. With a population of about only 1,000, it is smallest in terms of area as well as population. The headquarters for Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City is ruled by the Pope – the Bishop of the Rome.
The country is not really a sovereign but boasts some of the world’s most famous sculptures and paintings. The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican museums, the St. Peter’s Basilica, and other cultural & religious sites are all in the Vatican Cit
Nauru
Spread over an area of 21 square kilometers, the Republic of Nauru was previously known as Pleasant Island. The third smallest country gained its independence in 1968. Since the early 20th century, Phosphate was mined, becoming the country’s main resource. With independence, the control over the Phosphate industry came to the Nauru Government.
The business made the country one of the wealthiest countries back in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the extensive mining led to exhaustion of the resource. The 21st century saw the country struggling with alternatives and since then, it has become heavily dependent on Australia for major resources.
Monaco
You would know this tiny country as the home to the Grand Pix Motor race or the famous Casino – Monte Carlo or surely as home to some Millionaires. With an area of just 2.02 square kilometers and a population of 38,400, it is the world’s most densely populated sovereign state. It is a haven for rich and famous.
It is a well-known tourist destination spot as well as a significant banking center – with its low taxes and no income tax. The destination, recreational spots, gambling activities, sports, and business opportunities, all have made the country a major attraction even with its tiny size.
Vatican City
It is the smallest country and is known as the home of the Pope. It is surrounded by Rome and Italy and is spread over an area of just 0.44 square kilometers. With a population of about only 1,000, it is smallest in terms of area as well as population. The headquarters for Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City is ruled by the Pope – the Bishop of the Rome.
The country is not really a sovereign but boasts some of the world’s most famous sculptures and paintings. The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican museums, the St. Peter’s Basilica, and other cultural & religious sites are all in the Vatican Cit
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