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Worldly | What are the 20 smallest countries in the world? (land area)

Below is a list of the twenty smallest sovereign states in the world. These small countries cover a combined land area of ​​5.340,46 square kilometers, meaning they could all fit into the sovereign state of Brunei, the US state of Delaware, the Asian island of Bali or the Chinese city of Shanghai!

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1. Vatican City | 0,44 km²

Vatican City covers an area of ​​only 0,44 square kilometers and has a population of 770 people.

The smallest country in the world in terms of land area is Vatican City
The smallest country in the world in terms of land area is Vatican City

This small country, which is an enclave of the Italiaanse city ​​of Rome, has His Holiness the Pope as head of state and is not only the smallest country in the world, but also the smallest monarchy in the world, the smallest city-state in the world and the smallest country in the world. As a city-state, the country also has no capital.

2. Monaco | 1,98 km²

Monaco is a principality that covers an area of ​​2,02 square kilometers and has a population of 32.000 people. Classified as a city-state, the country is an enclave on the southeast coast of France† It is also known as a tax haven.

The country is also known for being home to the world famous Monte Carlo Rally, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Casino and for having the world's largest police force per capita. Also, the world's largest resident population has billionaires. As a city-state, the country has no capital, although Monte Carlo is often incorrectly listed as such.

3.Nauru | 21 km²

Nauru is a small island in the South Pacific, which is not only the world's smallest island nation, but also the world's smallest republic. The country has an area of ​​only 21 square kilometers and has 13.000 inhabitants.

Monaco - The third smallest country in the world in terms of land area
Monaco – The third smallest country in the world in terms of land area

The island is known for having only one road, a nineteen-kilometer ring of palm trees, and for its airport and runway that run along a beach.

4. Tuvalu | 26 km²

This island nation in the South Pacific is a constitutional monarchy made up of sixteen reef islands with an area of ​​26 square miles and a population of 10.500 people.

Tuvalu | Known from TV, is one of the smallest countries in the world

In addition to selling stamps and renting out fishing areas, Tuvalu mainly lived on development aid. In 2000, however, the appealing internet top-level domain .tv was released for $50 million. The royalties Tuvalu received from the American company VeriSign for its use over the next twelve years made Tuvalu suddenly rich.

5.San Marino | 61 km²

Located in the Apennines of Italy, this small enclave is classified as the oldest republic of Europa and has existed since the year 301. San Marino covers an area of ​​61 square kilometers and has a population of 29.000 people.

San Marino | Smallest countries in the world
San Marino | Smallest countries in the world

Completely surrounded by the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, the enclave is usually visited on a day visit from Rimini. In less than half an hour a special shuttle bus takes you from Rimini to San Marino Città, the capital of San Marino. This old medieval fortress town was built within the high fortress walls of a beautiful and large castle with three high defensive towers that you can see from afar.

Several times a year there are festivals where the Middle Ages are central and the city is used as a matching backdrop to complete the picture. Also during the winter there are plenty of fun activities and even a large Christmas market.

6. Liechtenstein | 160 km²

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a microstate in the center of Europe. The country has an area of ​​160 square kilometers and has 34.000 inhabitants. It is bounded by Switzerland in the west and south and Austria in the East. The mountainous country is a winter sports resort and also a tax haven. Like Switzerland, Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union.

Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein

Power is shared between the Prince of Liechtenstein and a democratically elected parliament. The Prince of Liechtenstein is called Hans-Adam II, he has been in power since 1987. The current Prime Minister is Adrian Hasler of the centre-right Progressive Citizens Party.

Liechtenstein became independent in 1866, having previously been part of the German Confederation. Initially, the country was mainly focused on Austria, with which it formed a toll union. After 1918 ties with Switzerland became stronger. A customs union was concluded with that country in 1923. Liechtenstein and Switzerland signed the Schengen Agreement that abolishes mutual border controls. The economy mainly benefits from companies that have established themselves in Liechtenstein from a tax point of view.

7. Marshall Islands | 181 km²

Located in the North Pacific Ocean, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is a group of 1156 islands with an area of ​​181 square kilometers and a population of 58.000 people. The country protects the world's largest shark sanctuary, which covers an ocean surface of two million square kilometers.

Thirty atolls and over a thousand white sand beaches with coral reefs make up the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous atoll is Bikini, which was used for nuclear tests by the Americans just after World War II. The entire population was forced to emigrate to another atoll within the Marshall Islands. Meanwhile, the radiation level has dropped to that of an average American city. Bikini today attracts divers, who descend into the sea to see, among other things, a fleet of 27 sunken ships from the Second World War.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis | 261 km²

Are two volcanic islands that are part of the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean Sea. Covering an area of ​​261 square miles and with a population of 39.000 people, this tiny federal constitutional monarchy is the smallest sovereign state in America.

Nevis is a true love island. Unlike Kitts, there is a lot less to do on Nevis, but that doesn't make the island any less. The culture of the island of Saint Kitts is a mix of Caribbean and British influences, the inhabitants are appropriately called Kittitians. The snow-white palm beaches and the blue ocean that surround the island mainly attract newlyweds or couples who have just not married. The idyllic hotels offer them a dream accommodation. A swimming competition between Saint Kitts and Nevis is held every year. The islands are still fairly undiscovered, tourism has not yet taken over. Inland are volcanoes, mountains and canyons, on the edges are pearly white beaches with swaying coconut palms.

9. St Vincent and the Grenadines | 280 km²

Is an island nation made up of six hundred islands covering a land area of ​​280 square kilometers. The constitutional monarchy is part of the Windward Islands group in the Caribbean Sea and has a population of 117.000 people. The country is best known for its huge banana crop, which accounts for XNUMX% of the country's GDP.

St Vincent and the Grenadines
St Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of 32 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The islands are mountainous, have white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, ideal for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Many different tropical birds live on the islands and whales and dolphins live around the islands. The main island of Saint Vincent is also home to a volcano, several waterfalls and a saltwater lake.

The capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is Kingstown. Some of the major towns in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines include: Kingstown Park, Georgetown, Byera Village, and Biabou. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of the island of Saint Vincent and a number of smaller islands (Grenadines): Petit Mustique island, Savan Island, Petit Canouan, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Union Island, Bequia, Baliceaux island, Mustique and Petit St. Vincent Island.

10. Maldives | 300 km²

The Maldives is an island nation made up of two chains of twenty-six islands in the Indian Ocean. Covering an area of ​​300 square kilometers and with a population of 340.000 people, this tiny republic is the smallest sovereign state in the world. Asia.

The Maldives consists of 26 atolls. The largest of these is Male Atoll, which is divided into a northern and southern part. Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll have the most beautiful vegetation and are densely vegetated. Around these atolls you will find the most pristine diving areas.

Maldives

The literal translation of 'Maldives' is 'island chain' and you will discover those enchanting island chains during your trip to this small Islamic state in the Indian Ocean. Numerous breathtaking islands are waiting to be explored by you during your vacation in the Maldives. However, you can't just stay on any island. The country strictly enforces a separation between locals and tourists, so holidaymakers in the Maldives mainly stay among other tourists. During your holiday in the Maldives, however, there will be no shortage of contact with the islanders. Most locals live from tourism and work in the many beautiful hotels.

11. Malta | 316 km²

This Mediterranean republic consists of just three inhabited islands covering an area of ​​316 square kilometers and has a population of 400.000 people, making it the world's most populous sovereign state. Anyone who visits Malta will notice that there are mainly Italian, British and Moorish influences to be found in the streets and in the culture of Malta.

Malta, one of the smallest countries in the world

Malta is a country with a rich history. You will find prehistoric buildings on both Gozo and Malta, such as the megalithic temples of Tarxien and the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. What is special is that the temple of Hagar Qim functions as a kind of clock. This was unique for the era in which this temple was built. Malta has always been in a strategically important place. It is not for nothing that Malta has often been the scene of battles for these islands. Malta has known several rulers, the last of which were the British. The many powers and peoples that have ruled here have each left their mark on the island. For example, Malta has developed dishes, sports and architectural styles that form a mishmash of what the different rulers have brought to the islands.

Tip:: Read more about a city ​​trip Malta at Traveling alone!

12. Granada | 344 km²

Grenada, located in part of the archipelago known as the Lesser Grenadines, is located in the Caribbean Sea. It is a constitutional monarchy made up of six islands covering an area of ​​344 square kilometers with a population of 90.000 people. Grenada is right above Trinidad and Tobago. It is an archipelago that lends its name to the largest island, where most of the inhabitants also live.

There are about nine smaller islands around Grenada. The islands are volcanic, making the soil extremely fertile. This has resulted in a flourishing trade in, for example, cinnamon, ginger, citrus fruits, coffee and nutmeg. The latter can also be seen on the national flag of Grenada. Eighty percent of the local population consists of the offspring of slaves.

In addition to water sports such as diving, snorkeling, swimming or sailing, Grenada offers festive carnivals, a rich history and natural parks.

13. Barbados | 430 km²

The island of Barbados is the easternmost island of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is located above the coast of Venezuela and Guyana, about a 9-hour flight from the Netherlands. This constitutional monarchy covers an area of ​​430 square kilometers and has a population of 280.000. Despite being located in the Atlantic Ocean, the island is classified as the Caribbean's most visited tourist destination.

Barbados is a special island in the Caribbean where you will find perhaps the most beautiful beaches in the world. Beautiful white sand and swaying palm trees. On the coast, Barbados is exactly what an island paradise should look like in your mind! Once a year, Barbados has a big party when the Crop Over Festival celebrates the sugar harvest, the Carnival of Barbados. And they can celebrate carnival like the best here! 

14. Antigua & Barbuda | 442 km²

Is a two-island constitutional monarchy that is part of the Leeward Islands group in the Caribbean Sea. The country has an area of ​​442 square kilometers and has a population of 69.000. The islands are known for their many beaches, three hundred and sixty five to be exact. Almost the entire economy is based on tourism.

Strangely enough, the island of Antigua is much more unknown in the Netherlands than nearby Caribbean Islands like curacao, Bonaire or Aruba. And that while it might be even more beautiful. For example, you will find even more sandy beaches and secluded bays here than on Curacao.

Antigua & Barbuda can be one such island where the tropical movie shots of “Pirates of the Caribbean” were shot. The island and bounty feeling dominates here.

15. The Seychelles | 452 km²

The Seychelles are an archipelago of 155 islands in the Indian Ocean. With a land area of ​​452 square kilometers and a population of just 81.000 people, this tiny republic is the smallest sovereign state in Africa. continent.

Seychelles
Seychelles

The Seychelles have the most beautiful beaches in the world. Year after year, the beaches of the Seychelles are voted the most beautiful in the world. The tropical location, palm trees, white sand and immense granite rocks along the beach give it something unnatural. This island group belongs to Africa, although this is by no means known to everyone.

16. Palau | 459 km²

Is an island nation made up of two hundred and fifty islands in the larger, Caroline Islands Group, in the North Pacific Ocean. This small republic, which is in free association with the USA, covers an area of ​​459 square kilometers and has a population of 20.000 people.

Geographically, Palau is located north of Papua New Guinea in the area of ​​Micronesia. The climate is tropical with pleasant temperatures all year round, both above and below water.

Besides spectacular reefs full of colorful coral and lots of fish, there are also many wrecks from the 2nd World War. Underwater you will find a great diversity of life, including many large fish species, such as sharks, rays, barracudas, moray eels and tuna, but also a lot of macro life such as nudibranchs, anglerfish and ghost pipe fish. Diving in Palau is a unique and unforgettable experience.

17. Andorra | 468 km²

Is a landless country located in the Pyrenees of Europe. This small principality covers an area of ​​468 square kilometers and has a population of 70.000. The country is known for its unique form of monarchy which has both the President of France and the Bishop of Ugrell in Spain as heads of state. The country is also known for having no airport or train stations within the country's borders.

The capital is Andorra la Vella. It belongs to the Catalan countries but is not a member of the European Union. Andorra has the highest life expectancy in the world and together with Japan least affected by infant mortality.

18. Saint Lucia | 616 km²

Is a volcanic island located in the Caribbean Sea. This constitutional monarchy on the island covers an area of ​​616 square kilometers and has a population of 162.000 people. Saint Lucia is known for its two volcanic plugs off the coast, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Saint Lucia
The beautiful landscape of Saint Lucia, the number 18 smallest countries in the world

Saint Lucia has been an independent country since 1979, but still has the head of the British Monarchy as the official head of state. Before the Europeans showed themselves in this area, the island had been inhabited by the Arawaks for many hundreds of years. These Indians lived on many islands in the Caribbean large parts of South America en Central America.

19. The Federated States of Micronesia | 702 km²

This island chain of more than six hundred islands is located in the north of the Pacific Ocean and covers an ocean surface of 2.6000.000 square kilometers. The island republic, which consists of the four states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap, covers a land area of ​​702 square kilometers and has a population of 103.000. Only 65 islands are inhabited, of which Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae form the four main islands of the federation.

Micronesia, as the country is officially called, consists of volcanoes, mountains, forests and atolls of coral. The country is ideal for adventurers and hikers as there is definitely a lot to discover and explore. Above all, people spend their holidays there for the beach, sea and sun. Micronesia is a tropical paradise with crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs, the perfect place if you like snorkeling, (wreck) diving and surfing. About 70 Japanese shipwrecks remain from World War II.

20.Singapore | 710 km²

This island city-state consists of sixty-three islands covering an area of ​​710 square kilometers with a massive population of 5,3 million people. The island is located along the Singapore Strait which is just north of Indonesia and south of Malaysia in mainland Asia.

Singapore | One of the small countries in the world
Singapore | One of the small countries in the world

Singapore is known for having the lowest drug use rate in the world and for being the world's fourth largest financial center. The country's main port is the world's largest transhipment port and the fourth busiest container port. Changi International Airport has won more awards (430) than any other airport in the world. As a city-state, the country, like Vatican City, has no capital.

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