10 Smallest Countries in the World By Area

10 Smallest Countries in the World By Area

Here is a list of the 10 smallest countries in the world by area.

1/10 Vatican City

Vatican City

Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state located within Rome, Italy. It is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world, covering an area of just 0.49 square kilometers. This makes it the world’s smallest country by both area and population. Vatican City is home to the Pope and the central government of the Roman Catholic Church. This small area of the city is located on the west bank of the Tiber River and is surrounded by a 2-mile wall. Vatican City is home to many historic and significant sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace and the Vatican Library. The Vatican Museums contain some of the world's most significant artworks and artifacts. The famous St. Peter's Square is located in the heart of the city and is home to many Papal ceremonies and public events. The city-state is self-governed and is ruled by the Pope as its head of state. The Vatican City State is recognized as a sovereign nation by the United Nations. 

2/10 Monaco

Monaco

Monaco is a tiny city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is the second smallest country in the world with an area of just 2.08 square kilometers and a population of around 39,000 people. Monaco is located in the south of France, just east of the French Riviera. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and shares a land border with the French department of Alpes-Maritimes to the north and east. Monaco is part of the Côte D'Azur, a region that is renowned for its glamour and luxury resorts. The city of Monaco is divided into four distinct areas, the Princedom of Monaco, the Monte Carlo district, La Condamine and Fontvieille. The center of the city is the Princedom of Monaco, where the Princely Palace is located. This area is home to many of the city's most famous attractions, including the Casino de Monte Carlo, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Prince's Palace. The Monte Carlo district is home to many of the city's most exclusive casinos and hotels, as well as luxury boutiques and designer shops. La Condamine is the main shopping area of Monaco, where visitors can find a range of designer labels, jewelry stores, and art galleries. Fontvieille is the smallest and most residential area of Monaco, with many apartment blocks and marinas. 

3/10 Nauru

Nauru

Nauru is a tiny island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,400 miles northeast of Australia. It is the third smallest country in the world and the world's smallest independent republic, with a total land area of only 21 square miles. The island is a coral atoll, with a mostly flat landscape and an average elevation of only 20 feet. It is surrounded by a deep, blue lagoon and is fringed by white beaches and palm trees. The island is home to 10,000 people, who live in the capital city of Yaren and several small villages and settlements. Nauru experiences two distinct seasons - a wet season from December to March and a dry season from April to November. Nauru is heavily dependent on imported goods and services, as the country lacks the resources needed to produce goods and services domestically. As a result, the country has a high unemployment rate and relies heavily on foreign aid and remittances. Nauru is an important part of the Pacific region, being a member of the South Pacific Forum and the Pacific Islands Forum. The country is home to several distinct ethnic groups, including the Nauruans, the Palauans, and the Micronesians. It is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning coral reefs. 

4/10 Tuvalu

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It is composed of a total of nine small islands, spanning just over 26 square kilometres. Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world, and the second smallest country in the South Pacific, with a population of just over 11,000 people. The islands of Tuvalu are low-lying and vulnerable to sea level rise. Due to the country’s small size and flat terrain, average elevation is only about 3.8 meters above sea level. This makes Tuvalu particularly vulnerable to climate change, as rising sea levels can cause flooding and displacement of the population. The climate of Tuvalu is tropical and humid, with a warm season from November to April and a cooler season from May to October. The country receives most of its rainfall during the warm season, and it is not uncommon for the islands to experience some flooding during this time. The country is also susceptible to tropical cyclones, which can cause further flooding, destruction of crops, and displacement of the population. Tuvalu is an isolated nation, located about 1,500 miles from the nearest continent. The nearest countries are Kiribati and Fiji, both of which are located over 1,000 miles away. Tuvalu is heavily dependent on foreign aid and remittances from workers abroad, as the country’s economy is largely dependent on fishing and tourism.

5/10 San Marino

San Marino

San Marino is a sovereign state located within the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe. It is the fifth smallest country in the world with a total land area of 61.2 square kilometers and a population of around 34,000 people. San Marino is a microstate, enclosed within the borders of Italy, and is the only remaining Italian speaking enclave in the world. San Marino has a mountainous terrain, with three peaks, Monte Titano (751m), Monte Cesta (754m) and Monte Cerreto (694m). The capital city of San Marino, also known as the City of San Marino, is situated on the slopes of Monte Titano. The climate of San Marino is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The country experiences low levels of precipitation throughout the year, which makes it a great destination for visitors looking to escape the heat in the summer months. San Marino is one of the oldest surviving states in the world, with a history that dates back to the 4th century AD. 

6/10 Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a small landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east and north. It is one of the world's sixth smallest country with an area of just 160 square kilometre. While the country is small, it is divided into 11 municipalities. The geography of Liechtenstein is quite varied, with a rugged terrain and a range of altitudes. The highest point of the country is the Grauspitz at 2,599 metres. The lowest point is at the intersection of the Rhine River and the Alpine Rhine at 430 metres. The country is mainly composed of mountains and hilly landscapes, with the majority of the land below 800 metres. The weather in Liechtenstein is typically alpine, with cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from -4°C in January to 17°C in July. Liechtenstein is a major tourist destination and is known for its medieval castles and dramatic mountain scenery. It is also home to a number of ski resorts, making it a popular destination for winter sports. The official language of Liechtenstein is German, though the majority of the population also speaks English and Italian. The official currency is the Swiss franc, though the euro is also accepted. Liechtenstein has a highly developed economy, with low unemployment and an above-average per capita income. 

7/10 Marshall Islands

Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands are an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Covering an area of 181 square miles, the nation is composed of 29 atolls and five islands. The Marshall Islands are located in the north-western portion of the Micronesian Region, which is a large group of islands located within the western Pacific Ocean. The island country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Marshall Islands are situated between the Federated States of Micronesia to the north, and Nauru to the south. Politically, the Marshall Islands are divided into two distinct entities, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of two distinct geographical entities: the Ratak Chain and the Ralik Chain. The Ratak Chain is composed of the atolls of Majuro, Bikini, Kwajalein, Wotje, and Rongelap, while the Ralik Chain consists of the atolls of Maloelap, Mili, Jaluit, and Ujelang. The islands are home to a variety of flora and fauna, and many of the islands are protected as national parks. 

8/10 Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, just south of the island of Puerto Rico. The two islands are separated by a 2-mile channel known as "The Narrows". The two islands are part of the Leeward Islands in the West Indies. The total land area of Saint Kitts and Nevis is just 261 square kilometers, making it the eighth smallest country in the world. The main island of Saint Kitts is larger than Nevis, with an area of 168 square kilometers. The land is mostly low-lying and rolling hills, interspersed with volcanic mountains. The islands enjoy a warm and sunny climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius (72 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season runs from May to November, and hurricanes can sometimes affect the islands during this time. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is just over 50,000 people, most of whom are of African descent. English is the official language of the country, and the population is predominantly Christian. 

9/10 Maldives

Maldives

The Maldives is a small country in the Indian Ocean, located south-west of India and Sri Lanka. It is made up of about 1,200 small islands, spread across an area of about 298 square kilometres. The vast majority of the islands are uninhabited, giving the Maldives one of the lowest population densities of any country in the world. The Maldives is situated in the tropics, just below the equator. The islands are surrounded by a warm, crystal-clear ocean, and the country enjoys a tropical climate year round. The temperatures range from a pleasant 24°C to 30°C throughout the year. The climate is marked by two monsoon seasons, the southwest monsoon (May to October) and the northeast monsoon (November to April). The Maldives is divided into 26 atolls, with the capital city of Male situated in the Kaafu Atoll. The atolls are themselves divided into small islands, of which there are more than a thousand, including sandbanks and reefs. The majority of the population lives on a handful of the larger islands, while the remaining islands are mostly uninhabited. T

10/10 Malta

Malta

Malta is a small archipelago of seven islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is situated between Italy and Tunisia, roughly 93 km from the Italian island of Sicily. The main island of Malta, which covers an area of 316 square km, is the largest of the group. The other islands in the group are Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, Filfla, St. Paul’s Island, and Fungus Rock. Malta has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The islands are surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, with beaches, bays, and coves. The country is well-known for its beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views. Malta is a popular tourist destination, with a rich history and culture. Its capital, Valletta, was founded in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country has a number of ancient sites, including the Megalithic Temples of Malta, which are some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world. 

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