DestinationsYou Can Easily Explore the Whole 10 Smallest Countries in the World
You Can Easily Explore the Whole 10 Smallest Countries in the World

You Can Easily Explore the Whole 10 Smallest Countries in the World

Have you ever thought of traveling to the smallest countries in the world? I think it’s a pretty good idea. Since most of us know about the largest countries in the world such as Russia, Canada, the United States, etc., the smallest ones have their own attractions that interest us. Furthermore, you will hardly explore the whole land of a big country, but you can easily and thoroughly roam a small nation.

If you love this idea, below are the top 10 countries with the smallest area. However, don’t be fooled by its size, because these places are always interesting to visit.

10. Grenada

Area: 344km2

St. George capital city of grenada
St. George’s, the capital of Grenada.

Grenada is an island country in the Caribbean Sea, ranked 10th in the top 10 smallest countries in the world. As of the January 1, 2016 census, Grenada covers an area of ​​344km2. Its population is around 113,000 (2020).

Grenada is known as one of the world’s leading producers of nutmeg and mace – a spice that originates outside of nutmeg, which is used by the locals living around the island. The country’s most popular sport is cricket.

Besides, tourism is also the main economic sector of Grenada. Beautiful beaches and water sports are mainly concentrated in the southwestern area around St. George’s coastal regions. Especially, ecotourism is developing too.

Attractions in Grenada to Visit

  • Grand Anse Beach
  • Magazine Beach
  • Morne Rouge Beach
  • Concord Falls
  • Annandale Waterfall & Forest Park
  • Belmont Estate

9. Malta

Area: 316km2

Mellieha coastal village of Malta
The coastal village Mellieha of Malta.

The Republic of Malta is an island nation in Southern Europe, consisting of an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. When comparing Grenada’s population of 113,000, Malta is actually a very busy and vibrant kingdom with a population of 525,285 (as of 2020), which makes Malta one of the top smallest countries but the most densely populated in Europe. The Republic of Malta has 3 large inhabited islands: Malta (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), Comino (Kemmuna), and some small abandoned islands. According to a report by the United Nations, Malta ranks 23rd among the happiest countries in the world in 2021.

Malta has the well-known Calypso’s Cave that overlooks the Sandy coast, Ramla Bay. This feature is clearly stated in the epic Odyssey – the location where Calypso kept Odysseus locked up as a “prisoner of love” for 7 years. Calypso assured Odysseus of immortality by her side. However, Odysseus ran away with his wife, Penelope.

Attractions in Malta to Visit

  • Valletta: Malta’s Elegant Capital
  • The Island of Gozo
  • The Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina
  • Casa Bernard and Domvs Romana Museum in Rabat
  • Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

8. The Maldives

Area: 300km2

resort in the Maldives
A luxury resort with bungalows right on the colorful coral reefs in the Maldives.

The Maldives archipelago, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The country consists of 1,192 atolls in a group of 26 islands, of which about 200 are inhabited. In 1965, the Maldives became an independent country. According to the census 2020, the population of Maldives is about 540,500 people.

The Maldives holds the record as the flattest country in the world. In fact, its natural land level is only 2.3m above sea level along with a mild and warm climate all year round. Therefore, the archipelagoes form an ecosystem with rich marine fauna with endless coral reefs. Tourism and fishing are two key economic sectors of the Maldives. Indeed, Maldives’ tourism “specialties” are world-famous luxury resorts with bungalows located right on colorful coral reefs but also the most expensive tourist places in the world.

Maldives’ Attractions to Visit

  • Male
  • Hulhumale Island
  • Maafushi
  • Utheemu
  • Feydhoo
  • Banana Reef

7. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Area: 261km2

basseterre the capital of saint kitts and nevis island nation
Basseterre is the capital of the island nation Saint Kitts and Nevis, one of the smallest countries in the world.

The island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis locates in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It is the smallest island nation on both lists of the United States: List of countries by area and List of countries by population. According to the 2020 census, the population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is ten times less than the population of the Republic of Maldives, about 53,200. The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has developed tourism, agricultural, and industrial economies.

Places to Visit in Saint Kitts and Nevis

  • Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
  • Old Treasury Building & Museum
  • Romey Manor
  • Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden
  • Independence Square
  • Old Road Bay

6. Liechtenstein

Area: 160km2

Gutenberg castle in Liechtenstein
The famous Gutenberg Castle in Liechtenstein.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is an independent country in Western Europe, with its capital Vaduz and its largest city, Schaan. According to the 2020 census, the population is 38,200, 14 times less than the Maldives. Located between Switzerland and Austria, the country of Liechtenstein is a safe place with an extremely low crime rate. Indeed, the last murder occurred in 1997.

When adjusted for purchasing power parity, Liechtenstein has the world’s highest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and the world’s lowest external debt. In addition, Liechtenstein has the second-lowest unemployment rate in the world at 1.5% (the lowest is Monaco). The country’s economy is mainly industrial, but raw materials are mainly imported for processing. Besides, tourism is also a very profitable industry for this principality.

Attractions in Liechtenstein to Visit

  • Vaduz the Capital City
  • The Treasure Chamber
  • Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Gutenberg Castle
  • The Towns of Nendeln and Eschen
  • The Town of Schaan

5. San Marino

Area: 61km2

Rocca Guaita tower in San Marino
Guaita is the most famous and oldest of the three towers in San Marino.

San Marino was the first extant sovereign state with a population of about 34,000, according to the 2020 census. It is a relatively small country but its population is quite dense in comparison with Saint Kitts and Nevis. To elaborate, its population density is about 557 people per km2 compared to 204 people per km2 in Saint Kitts and Nevis! Interestingly, San Marino’s long-form name is the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. It is the 5th smallest independent country in the world. Especially, San Marino is located entirely in Italy.

According to legend, this country was founded in the 4th century by a stone carver named Marino – a man who came to hide from the hunt during the emperor Diocletian’s reign. Later, San Marino was considered one of the oldest independent republics in the world when it was recognized by Pope Urban VIII in 1631.

San Marino is a country with a developed industrial, service, and tourism economy. In particular, the economy is mainly based on traditional resources (grapes, building stones), the issuance of postage stamps, and especially tourism.

Places of Attractions in San Marino

  • Rocca Guaita
  • Monte Titano
  • Palazzo Pubblico and Piazza della Liberta
  • Basilica di San Marino
  • Museum of Agricultural Culture and Traditions
  • Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum

4. Tuvalu

Area: 26km2

funafuti beach in tuvalu, the 4th smallest country in the world
The beautiful Funafuti beach in Tuvalu. Image credit to Stefan Lins on Flickr.

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Australia. The total area of ​​Tuvalu, including reefs, coral islands, and dense forests, is about 26km2. Yes, it’s the fourth smallest in the world. Tuvalu consists of 9 scattered and densely populated atolls. According to the 2020 census, the population of Tuvalu is less than 11,800 people, about 454 people/km2.

The capital of this country is Funafuti, whose beautiful beach attracts a large number of visitors. Particularly, the highest area of ​​this country is only about 5m above sea level. Although the country’s economy is mainly fishing and growing food crops, the land in Tuvalu is less fertile and has no mineral resources. Thus, the main income of the government is from selling stamps and old coins, and foreign currency sent back by workers. In 2010, Tuvalu was still a remote location with only 2,000 visitors, which 65% of the businesses.

Attractions in Tuvalu to Visit

  • Funafuti
  • Marine Conservation Park
  • Nanumanga
  • WWII Plane Wreckage Sites
  • The Philatelic Bureau of Tuvalu

3. Nauru

Area: 21km2

scenery of Nauru the third smallest country in the world
The wonderful scenery of Nauru.

The Republic of Nauru is a country in Micronesia in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s the third-smallest in the world by area. Even, in terms of island nation criteria, this is the smallest place in the world. Nauru has an area of ​​21km2 with a population of 10,900 (2020). Especially, Nauru is a country without a capital city.

The island nation of Nauru was occupied by Japan during World War II and gained independence in 1968. Although the country of Nauru has wonderful scenery, there is a very serious problem, the state of unemployment. In fact, only 10% of local people have stable jobs. The country’s economy is mainly based on fishing and mining. Besides, it is said to be the island nation with the highest number of people suffering from obesity, with 97% of men and 93% of women affected.

Places to Go in Nauru

  • Moqua Well
  • Anibare Bay
  • Buada Lagoon
  • Command Ridge
  • Nauru Museum

2. Monaco

Area: ~2km2

monte carlo casino in monaco
The world-famous Monte Carlo casino in Monaco.

Monaco is an independent sovereign state in Europe. It’s also the second smallest country in the world with an area of ​2.027km2, according to World Bank’s data. This country has 3 sides adjacent to France. The other side is bordered by the Mediterranean, creating a beautiful tropical country. The official language of this country is French. Despite being a country, Monaco has only 7 wards. As researchers’ statistics, the population of this country in 2020 was more than 39,250 people. Nominally, Monaco is the country with the highest population density and GDP per capita in the world.

In addition, Monte Carlo is a famous city that attracts a large number of tourists every year. Although it’s just a small principality located next to the Mediterranean, Monaco is one of the richest and most luxurious countries in the world. It even surpasses Dubai in terms of tradition and sophistication in spending.

Things to Do in Monaco

  • Prince’s Palace of Monaco
  • Monte Carlo Casino
  • Musée Oceanographique
  • St Martin Gardens
  • Formula One Monaco Grand Prix
  • Casino Square

1. Vatican City

Area: 0.5km2

Saint Peter's Square aerial view
Saint Peter’s Square with the view from above.

Located in Rome, Italy, Vatican City is the home of the Pope and many other religious people. This is the smallest independent country in the world, with an area of ​​only about 0.5km2, and located entirely within the Italian city of Rome. With a population of 800 including cardinals, diplomats, gendarmes, Swiss guards, and laypeople. Yet, in reality, there are only 450 official people there, and many other citizens living elsewhere.

The sovereignty of Vatican City was recognized by the Italian government by the Lateran Treaty on February 11, 1929. The Vatican has a unique economy in the world. Their income is mainly from Catholics’ donations around the world and the sale of stamps, publications, souvenirs, etc.

Top Sights at the Vatican

  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Vatican Museums
  • Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Saint Peter’s Square
  • Gardens of Vatican City
  • Vatican Apostolic Library

Okay, Finally

Are you interested in traveling to the smallest countries in the world now? You can easily explore a whole country from the list in just a single trip. Moreover, you can travel to nearby countries if you have more time for the trip. That sounds pretty cool, isn’t it? Enjoy, and tell me if you do!


Hey, I Have Travel Planning Resources Here to Help You Easily Plan Your Trip

Essential Items

Don't forget to bring the Travel Medicines, as well as your necessary Travel Kit.

If Your Next Destination Requires a Visa

IVISA will help you with their speed, simple, and secured services with just a minimal chance of being rejected.

Find Your Flight and Transportation to The Destinations

You can read my travel tips to Find Cheap Flights. You can also use 12Go to book buses, trains, ferries, or any transportation to places.

Book An Accommodation

I mostly use Booking.com to find a place for my trip. Sometimes I try to Get Free Credits on Airbnb to book homestays.

Driving Yourself Will be More Enjoyable

You can easily compare prices and find great deals on Discover Cars.

Protect Yourself and Your Trip

Travel Insurance is Important, especially after COVID-19, there are more possible health issues and pandemics. Please don't forget to have a shield for yourself and your trips!


PIN THIS LIST OF THE SMALLEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD NOW FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!

pinterest board of smallest countries in the world - the broad life
world's smallest countries - pinterest board the broad life

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

61 Comments

  • Eileen M Loya

    Great list. I really dream of visiting the Maldives. It looks like paradise. This is the first time I heard about Tuvalu. I am adding that to my travel bucket list! Any place with lovely beaches is a dream vacation destination for me.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Yeah, I plan to spend my honeymoon in the Maldives too. But it’s pending now due to covid.
      Hope that I can do it soon.

  • Ramil Hinolan

    If given the chance, I would prioritize visiting Rome. I am awed by its magnificient architecture, especaially the one with a Michaelangello painitings on the ceiling. Sorry I forgot what church is it.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      That one is great. I think you are talking about the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, aren’t you?

  • Beth

    This was such an interesting read. First of all, all of these countries look incredibly beautiful. Secondly, outside of the Vatican, I actually didn’t know there were so many countries that were about the size of a large city!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Now you know. And you even have the list already to plan your trips to those countries.
      Enjoy!

  • Sienna

    OMG I want to go everywhere so badly! This is giving me such wanderlust!!!!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You can save this list and enjoy exploring all of the destinations.

  • A Nation of Moms

    I haven’t been to any of these countries. It would be fun to check them out and be able to do a lot of exploring.

  • Millie

    I’m so glad I found this list! So far, I have only visited Vatican City, only 9 more to go! Grenada here I come!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Enjoy, and please come back to share with me your experience at Grenada!

  • briannemanzb

    I have been to some of these small countries. Maldives has the best beaches in the world and The Vatican is just amazing.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Yeah, Maldives is always my fav destination.
      I want to go there every year.

  • Elizabeth O

    Indeed, most of us always want to visit the big countries but visiting these small countries actually shares the same experience. Maldives is on top of my list.

  • TweenselMom (@TweenselMom)

    Ooh I didn’t know about the smallest countries. These will be unique travels, thanks for this!

  • Heather

    Small cities are my favorite to visit! I love that you can explore everything in a short trip.

  • Ntensibe Edgar

    Nnniiicceeeee…I would love to visit Nauru and know more about it. I first heard of it during the COVID-19 first lockdowns. Maldives is always a beauty, isn’t it?

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Yeah, Nauru can be an ideal destination if you want to explore a totally new place.
      The Maldives is beautiful as always, surely.

  • Jennifer Prince

    I’ve been to several of these, and small countries are always intriguing. I forget that The Vatican is one!

  • Nyxie

    I’d kill for a trip to several of these locations! Anywhere with the sun and some sites is fine! I especially want to visit Nauru!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Many people have the same choice as you. Nauru is actually a great destination to visit in Oceania.
      Have you read my blog about Nauru? You will have more info for your next trip.

  • Fransic verso

    I will try to go to these places,they look so cool and I haven’t been to any of these places.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Yeah, this is a great and easy bucket list for anyone to finish.

  • Elise Ho

    I have considered visiting some of these places. Most especially St. Kurt’s which is actually an area in which I know people

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Wow, that sounds great. I hope you have great trips visiting all of those places.

  • Nigel

    Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Finding the time and actual
    effort to generate a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a
    lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  • machines online

    Thanks for any other informative website.
    Place else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect way?
    I have a project that I’m simply now working on, and I’ve been on the lookout for such information.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      I’m hope the content gives you enough info for your trips.

  • https://horse-racing.guru

    Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
    Please let me know. Thank you

  • poker online

    I am now not certain where you are getting your info, but good topic.
    I must spend a while studying much more or understanding more.
    Thank you for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

  • Cerys

    Hey there! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I had to ask. Does managing a well-established website like yours require a large amount of work?
    I’m brand new to running a blog but I do write in my journal every day.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Reading more blogs, especially the trending ones may help you improving your blogging skills.

  • OB

    Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Thanks!

  • BTCUSA.pro

    I think the admin of this site is truly working hard in favor of his site because here every piece of information is quality-based data.

  • CS

    Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have come upon till now.

  • CP

    Ahaa, it is a pleasant conversation concerning this piece of writing at this place at this website, I have read all that, so at this
    time me also commenting here.

  • crypto sports

    Useful information. Fortunately, I found your website by accident, and I’m surprised that this accident didn’t take place in advance! I bookmarked it.

  • RS

    Keep on working, great job!

  • gmb

    I just couldn’t go away from your website before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person supplies for your guests. Is gonna be again steadily in order to inspect new posts

  • derby

    Hi there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest it to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Thanks for your comment! I’m happy that you like my blog.

  • Merle

    Hello! I’ve been following your site for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout-out from New Caney Texas!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Thanks for your comment, Merle! It supports me to keep up blogging.

  • CO

    Do you have any video of that? I’d like to find out some additional information.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      I’m making the video and gonna publish it on the blog’s Youtube channel soon.

  • Heriberto

    Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the good work.

  • G

    Wow, this piece of writing is good, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things, thus I am going to tell her.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

a man running to the sun on a rope bridge

Sign up for Newsletter

    Discover more from Travel Blog - Blog About Traveling | The Broad Life

    Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

    Continue reading