Spain is not a very large country, especially if we compare it with territories such as Russia, Canada, the United States or China, but it is not one of the smallest either. In fact, in the world we find nations that are extremely small both in terms of area and population.
Today at Vuela Viajes we want to talk to you about the 10 smallest countries in the world. It is important that you bear in mind that there are territories equal or smaller than those shown below, but as they are administered or dependent on other countries, we have not included them in the list.
Vatican City
The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, which is located within the city of Rome, Italy. It has an area of 0.44 square kilometers and a population of approximately 800 inhabitants. If the Vatican is known for something, it is for hosting the Holy See , which is the highest institution of the Catholic Church. In fact, the head of state is the Pope.
Monaco
The second smallest country on the planet is the Principality of Monaco, better known as Monaco, which has an area of about 2 square kilometers. It is a sovereign city-state located in Western Europe, between the Mediterranean Sea and the lower foothills of the Alps, on the French Riviera. Find out more about this place in our article “What to see in Monaco”.
Nauru
We also have to talk about Nauru, a state of Micronesia located in the Central Pacific Ocean, which only includes one island. It is actually an oval-shaped atoll that has an area of 21.3 square kilometers.
Tuvalu
The fourth smallest country in the world is Tuvalu, which is part of Polynesia. Located halfway between Hawaii and Australia, this island country in the Pacific Ocean is considered the member of the United Nations with the lowest number of inhabitants: 11,810. Due to climate change and the progressive rise in sea level, its terrain is decreasing.
San Marino
We return to Europe to talk about the Serene Republic of San Marino, also known as San Marino, the oldest sovereign state in the world. It is an enclave surrounded by Italian territory located just 10 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea . Its area is 61.19 square kilometers.
Liechtenstein
We continue on the old continent to tell you about the Principality of Liechtenstein, a landlocked Central European country that is known for being considered a tax haven . Although it is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the European area of free movement. It has an area of 160 square kilometers.
Marshall Islands
At 181 square kilometers, the seventh smallest country in the world is the Republic of the Marshall Islands, also known as the Marshall Islands. It is an island state in the Pacific Ocean that is part of the Micronesia region.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
We must also speak of Saint Kitts and Nevis, two islands in the Caribbean region that form a North Antillean country. The name of the largest of these islands was put in honor of Christopher Columbus, who colonized the place on his second trip to the continent. With 261 square kilometers, it is considered the smallest country in the American continent.
Maldives
Covering an area of about 298 square kilometers, the Maldives is a sovereign island country located in the Indian Ocean. Its territory is divided into 26 atolls and has a population of 103,693 inhabitants.
malt
Finally, we must talk about Malta, an island country member of the European Union that has 316 square kilometers. It is made up of an archipelago located in the center of the Mediterranean.