The smallest countries in the world are unique for their tiny size but often hold great cultural, historical or political importance. Despite their small land area, these nations, like Vatican City and Monaco, are globally recognized for their influence, tourism, and distinct identities, proving that size doesn’t define significance. In this article, we will know about the smallest countries in the world in terms of area as of 2024.
World’s Smallest Countries by Area
The smallest countries in the world are very tiny in size but have a lost of importance. Vatican City is the smallest, followed by Monaco, Nauru and Tuvalu. These countries are famous for their unique cultures, history and beautiful landmarks. Despite their size, they play important roles in global affairs and attract many visitors.
Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World by Area 2024
Vatican City, with the total land area of 0.49 square kilometers, stands as the smallest country in the world in terms of area, followed by Monaco, Nauru and Tuvalu.
Here is the list of Top-10 smallest countries in the world:
S. No. | Country | Area (in sq. km) | % of Earth land Area |
1. | Vatican City | 0.49 | <0.01% |
2. | Monaco | 1.95 | <0.01% |
3. | Nauru | 21 | <0.01% |
4. | Tuvalu | 26 | <0.01% |
5. | San Marino | 61 | <0.01% |
6. | Liechtenstein | 160 | <0.01% |
7. | Marshall Islands | 181 | <0.01% |
8. | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 261 | <0.01% |
9. | Maldives | 300 | <0.01% |
10. | Malta | 316 | <0.01% |
Smallest Countries In The World in Brief
Here is the complete details of smallest country in the world. In this article you can read the top 10 smallest country in the world with it Population, curreny, region, offical language, and leaders also.
Vatican City, Smallest Country in the World
- Population: 807 (estimated)
- Currency: Euro
- Region: Southern Europe
- Official and National language: Italian
- Government: Unitary theocratic Catholic elective absolute monarchy
- Secretary: Pietro Parolin
- President of the Governorate: Fernando Vergez Alzaga
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, covering just 49 hectares and having a population of about 764. It is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy and is governed by the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church.
Second Smallest Country in the World – Monaco
- Capital: Monaco
- Largest Quarter: Monte Carlo
- Region: Southern Europe
- Population: 39,050 (estimated)
- Currency: Euro
- Official Language: French
- Government: Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
- Monarch: Albert II
- Prime Minister: Pierre Dartout
Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, covers just 2.08 square kilometers. Located on the French Riviera, it has a population of about 38,682 people. Known for its wealth and luxury, Monaco is a constitutional monarch led by Prince Albert II, with its defense managed by France.
World’s Third Smallest Country – Nauru
- Capital: Yaren
- Largest City: Denigomodu
- Region: Oceania, Micronesia
- Currency: Australian Dollar
- Official language: Nauruan
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency under a non-partisan democracy
- President: Russ Kun
Nauru, the third-smallest country in the world, is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, covering just 21 square kilometers. With a population of about 10,800, it is the smallest republic and island nation. Nauru is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Tuvalu, Fourth Smallest Country by Area
- Capital: Funafuti
- Largest City: Funafuti
- Region: Oceania, Polynesia
- Currency: Tuvaluan Dollar, Australian Dollar
- Official language: Tuvaluan English
- Government: Unitary non-parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Monarch: Charles III
- Governor-General: Tofiga Vaevalu Falani
- Prime Minister: Kausea Natano
Tuvalu, the fourth-smallest country in the world, is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, covering just 26 square kilometers. With a population of about 10,645, it is the second-least populous country. Tuvalu is known for its beautiful islands and is the least populous country where English is an official language.
San Marino, Fifth Smallest Country of the World
- Capital: San Marino
- Largest city: Dogana
- Region: southern Europe
- Currency: Euro
- Official language: Italian
- Government: Unitary parliamentary diarchic directorial republic
San Marino also known as Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a European microstate and country enclaved by Italy. It is located on the north-eastern side of the Apennine Mountains.
Liechtenstein- 160 sq.km
- Capital: Vaduz
- Region: Western Europe
- Currency: Swiss Franc
- Official language: German
- Government: Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
- Monarch: Hans-Adam II
- Prime Minister: Daniel Risch
Liechtenstein is a Germany-speaking and doubly landlocked country, located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein.
Marshall Islands- 181 sq.km
- Capital: Dilap-Uliga-Djarrit
- Largest city: Dilap-Uliga-Djarrit
- Region: Oceania, Micronesia
- Currency: US Dollar
- Official language: Marshallese English
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
- President: David Kabua
The Marshall Islands is an island country near Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean, slightly west of the International Date Line. The country is part of the larger island group of Micronesia.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Capital: Basseterre
- Largest city: Basseterre
- Region: Caribbean
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
- Official language: English
- Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Monarch: Charles III
- Governor-General: Marcella Liburd
- Prime Minister: Terrance
Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, both located in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is the only sovereign federation in the Caribbean.
Maldives
- Capital: Male
- Largest city: Male
- Region: Western Asia
- Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa, US Dollar
- Official language: Dhivehi
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Maldives is an archipelagic, situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 7,500 km from the Asian continent’s mainland.
Malta
- Capital: Valletta
- Largest unit: St. Paul’s Bay
- Region: Southern Europe
- Currency: Euro
- Official language: Maltese English
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- President: George Vella
- Prime Minister: Robert Abela
Malta is an island country in Southern Europe, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya.