Smallest countries in the world. Travel. Can a country be smaller than a shopping mall? Yes – and some are! These tiny nations, called microstates, may be small in size, but they still have their own governments, money, and even armies. According to a list by the British site Express.co.uk, these are the ten smallest countries in the world — and half of them are in Europe!
1. Vatican City
The smallest country in the world is the Vatican, just 0.17 square miles in size with about 764 people (as of 2023). Located in the heart of Rome, it’s the home of the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church. Famous spots include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. In 2025, the Vatican will host the Jubilee Year, attracting millions of visitors.
2. San Marino
San Marino, one of the oldest countries (founded in 301!), is just 24 square miles. It sits in the hills of central Italy and is known for its medieval towers and scenic views. Despite its size, it has stayed independent for centuries and is a popular destination for travellers.
3. Monaco
Monaco is only 0.8 square miles but is famous worldwide for its wealth, luxury, and the Monaco Grand Prix. The city of Monte Carlo is packed with casinos, yachts, and celebrities. Though small, Monaco has more billionaires per person than anywhere else in the world.
4. Nauru
Nauru is a tiny island country in the Pacific Ocean, just 8 square miles in size. It has beautiful beaches and coral reefs but faces challenges due to past phosphate mining. Nauru doesn’t have an army—Australia helps with its defense.
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5. Maldives
The Maldives includes over 1,100 small islands in the Indian Ocean. Covering 114 square miles, it’s known for luxury resorts, white-sand beaches, and clear blue water. But the islands are low-lying and at risk from rising sea levels.
6. Tuvalu
Tuvalu, just 10 square miles, lies between Hawaii and Australia. It’s made up of nine islands and is often called a “paradise in danger” because climate change could cause it to sink in the future.
7. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small country in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. It’s about 62 square miles in size and has beautiful mountain scenery, castles, and charming villages. The capital, Vaduz, is known for its art museums and peaceful vibe. It’s a great place for skiing and hiking.
8. Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands in the Pacific cover 70 square miles and include over 1,200 islands and atolls. They’re known for diving, nature, and their remote, peaceful atmosphere. The country also has a history connected to U.S. nuclear testing after World War II.
9. Saint Kitts and Nevis
These two islands in the Caribbean cover 103 square miles. They offer tropical beauty, volcanoes, beaches, and rich history as some of the first British colonies in the region. Quiet and laid-back, the islands are perfect for a relaxing getaway.
10. Malta
Malta is a Mediterranean island nation between Italy and Africa. It’s 122 square miles in size and full of history, from ancient temples to baroque buildings. Its capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Malta is also a great spot for diving and enjoying warm weather year-round.
Big in culture, small in size
These tiny countries may be easy to miss on the map, but they offer unique stories, beautiful views, and rich histories. Whether you’re a curious traveller or just love learning new things, these small nations prove that size doesn’t always matter.