Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World – Ranking of Smallest Countries by Size
Contents
Introduction
Which country has the smallest land area in the world?This article compiles a list of the world’s ten smallest countries by land area. The smallest among them is Vatican City, with a total area of only 0.44 km², followed by Monaco with 2.08 km² in second place, and Nauru ranking third with 21.3 km². Other countries on the list include Tuvalu (26 km²), San Marino (61.2 km²), Liechtenstein (160 km²), Marshall Islands (181.3 km²), Niue (260 km²), Saint Kitts and Nevis (261 km²), and Maldives (298 km²).
The Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World
- Vatican City Area: 0.44 km²
- Monaco Area: 2.08 km²
- Nauru Area: 21.3 km²
- Tuvalu Area: 26 km²
- San Marino Area: 61.2 km²
- Liechtenstein Area: 160 km²
- Marshall Islands Area: 181.3 km²
- Niue Area: 260 km²
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Area: 261 km²
- Maldives Area: 298 km²
The Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World – An Overview
Vatican City – 0.44 km²
Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent sovereign state, serving as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Located entirely within Rome, Italy, it covers just 0.44 square kilometers. Despite its tiny size, it maintains full governmental functions with its own diplomatic corps, banking system, and postal service. The city-state is home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its cultural and religious influence far exceeds its physical dimensions, making it a unique entity in global politics and religion.
Monaco – 2.08 km²
Monaco is a sovereign microstate on the French Riviera with an area of 2.08 square kilometers, making it the second smallest country worldwide. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, it features the famous Monte Carlo Casino and hosts the annual Formula One Grand Prix. The principality boasts a vibrant economy based on tourism, banking, and finance, and is notable for having no income tax. Ruled by the House of Grimaldi, Monaco combines historic monarchy with modern opulence, offering stunning Mediterranean coastline views and high-end amenities.
Nauru – 21.3 km²
Nauru is a small oval-shaped island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, covering 21.3 square kilometers. It is the world’s smallest island republic. Historically dependent on phosphate mining from guano deposits, the country now faces challenges including resource depletion and economic instability. Nauru’s government has relied on foreign aid and revenue from hosting an Australian offshore immigration detention center. The island’s unique history and environmental concerns make it a case study in sustainable development challenges for small island nations.
Tuvalu – 26 km²
Tuvalu is a Polynesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a total land area of 26 square kilometers. Comprising three reef islands and six atolls, it faces existential threats from sea-level rise due to its low elevation. The economy relies on subsistence farming, fishing, and revenue from its .tv internet domain lease. Tuvalu’s culture is deeply connected to the ocean, and the nation has become a vocal advocate for global climate action, highlighting the vulnerability of small island states to environmental changes.
San Marino – 61.2 km²
San Marino is a landlocked microstate entirely surrounded by Italy, covering 61.2 square kilometers. Claiming to be the world’s oldest republic, it was founded in A.D. 301 and features well-preserved medieval architecture, including three iconic towers that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The economy depends on tourism, banking, and the sale of collectible stamps and coins. With a stable political system and high standard of living, San Marino maintains its unique identity and sovereignty while being enveloped by Italian territory.
Liechtenstein – 160 km²
Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked Alpine microstate between Switzerland and Austria, spanning 160 square kilometers. This constitutional monarchy enjoys a high standard of living driven by a strong financial services sector and precision instrument manufacturing. Known for its stunning mountain scenery, it is popular for winter sports. The principality maintains a customs and monetary union with Switzerland and boasts a rich cultural scene, including art collections owned by the ruling prince, making it a unique European enclave.
Marshall Islands – 181.3 km²
The Marshall Islands is a Micronesian nation consisting of 29 atolls and five isolated islands, with a total land area of 181.3 square kilometers. It gained independence from a US-administered UN trusteeship in 1986 but remains in free association with the United States. The country faces severe threats from climate change and sea-level rise. Its history includes US nuclear testing in the mid-20th century. The economy depends on aid, fishing, and agriculture, while the nation actively advocates for global climate action.
Niue – 260 km²
Niue is a self-governing island nation in free association with New Zealand, covering 260 square kilometers. Known as “The Rock of Polynesia,” it features rugged limestone cliffs and coral reefs. The economy relies on aid from New Zealand, tourism, and the sale of postage stamps and internet domain names (.nu). Niuean culture is Polynesian, but the island faces challenges related to its remote location and population decline due to migration. It represents a unique model of political autonomy in the Pacific region.
Saint Kitts and Nevis – 261 km²
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation in the Caribbean with a total area of 261 square kilometers. It is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas by both area and population. The economy, once dominated by sugar plantations, now relies on tourism, agriculture, and a citizenship-by-investment program. The islands are known for their lush volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich colonial history, including the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Maldives – 298 km²
The Maldives is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean comprising 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands, with a total land area of 298 square kilometers. It is the smallest country in Asia and known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows. Tourism is the economic backbone, but the nation faces existential threats from sea-level rise due to its extremely low elevation. The Maldives blends South Asian, Arab, and African cultural influences while advocating strongly for global climate action.