The world is full of countries with many different geographical structures and sizes. Some countries are quite large, while others are quite small. Here are the 10 smallest countries in the world:
- Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world. Located in the center of Rome, Italy, this small city-state has an area of only 44 hectares. As the seat of the Papal States, Vatican City is an important religious and cultural center for the Christian world.
- Monaco
Monaco is a micro-state located on the Mediterranean coast and within the borders of France. Covering only 2.02 square kilometers, Monaco is famous for its luxurious lifestyle, casinos and F1 Grand Prix racing. It is also the most densely populated country in the world.
- Nauru
Nauru, an island of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean, is the third smallest sovereign state in the world. With an area of only 21 square kilometers, Nauru is known for its phosphate mines and its economy is based on these resources.
- Tuvalu
Tuvalu is an island country in the Pacific Ocean and part of Polynesia. Covering a total area of 26 square kilometers, Tuvalu is known as the lowest country in the world and is under serious threat from sea level rise.
- San Marino
Located in the north of Italy, San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world. With an area of 61 square kilometers, San Marino is famous for its medieval historical buildings and mountainous landscape.
- Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small microstate in Europe. With an area of 160 square kilometers, Liechtenstein is located at the foot of the Alps and is known as a tax haven.
- Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean is an island nation with an area of 181 square kilometers. The Marshall Islands is a free associated state of the USA and includes many tropical islands.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island state in the Caribbean. With an area of 261 square kilometers, this country is known for its economy based on tourism and finance sectors.
- Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is an island country with an area of 298 square kilometers. Maldives is a popular destination for tourists with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and snorkeling opportunities.
- Malta
Malta is an island country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Covering 316 square kilometers, Malta is known for its historic buildings, sunny climate and turquoise sea.
Despite being geographically limited, these small countries have worldwide influence through their history, culture and economy.
