There are over 200 countries in the world and we are sure that you have heard of each of them at least once. But there are states and territories on our planet that we never knew existed. They occupy a very small area, and some of them are inhabited by only two families.
We make a list of the ten smallest countries with a population smaller than that of a medium-sized city or even a small village.
Smallest Countries in the World
10. Palau
- Area: 459 Sq. Km.
- Population: 21,347 People
The Republic of Palau is an island country consisting of more than 300 islands of different sizes. Palau is one of the most incredible places on Earth: its tropical forests are full of unique plants and birds, and its territorial waters are inhabited by 130 species of endangered sharks.
But the most notable sight in the country is the lake, with more than 2 million jellyfish. But don’t worry: over time, they have completely lost their ability to sting.
9. Niue
- Area: 261.46 Sq. Km.
- Population: 1,190 People
Niue is a small island state in Oceania. Despite the truly amazing views, tourism is not popular there. Therefore, the country is highly dependent on foreign aid, especially from New Zealand.
The capital is just a small town with a population of fewer than 600 people. But the island has its own airport and a real supermarket, the only one in the entire state.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Area: 261 Sq. Km.
- Population: 52,329 People
The state consists of two islands: Saint Kitts and Nevis. One of the main sources of income is the economic citizenship program, which allows anyone with at least $ 250,000 to invest in the local sugar industry and thus obtain the status of a citizen of St. Kitts. Another way to obtain citizenship is to buy a property worth $ 400,000 on any of the islands.
7. The Principality of the Hutt River
- Area: 75 Sq. Km.
- Population: 30 People
The Principality of the Hutt River is a micronation located in the province of the same name in Australia. It was founded by Leonard Casley, who declared his farm a new and independent state.
Although the country is not recognized by any state, it still has its own currency, stamps, and passports. In different parts of the principality, tourists can see the busts of His Royal Highness, Prince Leonard I of Hutt.
6. Tuvalu
- Area: 26 Sq. Km.
- Population: 10,959 People
Tuvalu is one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world. The economic situation of the small state could be even more disastrous if Tuvalu had not received the .tv Internet domain, which annually contributes millions of dollars to the country’s budget.
5. Nauru
- Area: 21 Sq. Km.
- Population: 9591 People
Nauru is the smallest independent republic and the smallest island state on our planet. Nauru has no official capital or public transportation system, and residents driving their private vehicles use 40 km of its roads.
Environmental problems make the republic very unpopular with tourists. Another “record” for Nauru is the number of obese people: the country’s obesity rate is over 70%.
4. The Principality of Seborga
- Area: 4.91 Sq. Km.
- Population: 312 People
This micronation in the territory of Italy is governed by His tremendous Marcello I. The Principality of Seborga is actually a town of the same name, near the French border.
The unrecognized state has an army made up of three people: the defense minister and two border guards.
3. The Republic of Molossia
- Area: 0.005 Sq. Km.
- Population: 7 People
The self-proclaimed Republic of Molossia is a micronation founded by Kevin Baugh, located in Nevada, USA. Its population consists of Mr. Baugh himself, his family, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 rabbit.
Molossia has its own national anthem, national emblem, and the national flag. They still face the death penalty for, particularly serious crimes. It issues its own passports and also has a space program. In May 2017, the Republic completed 40 years.
2. Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Area: 0.012 Sq. Km.
- Population: 113,500 People
In addition to Vatican City, there is another small state in the territory of Rome, called the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Its area is 0.012 km2 and it occupies three buildings, two of which are in Rome and the third on the island of Malta.
The country has its own currency, stamps, website, car numbers, and passports.
1. The Principality of Sealand
- Area: 0.004 Sq. Km.
- Population: 27 People
The unrecognized state of Sealand is a maritime platform located 10 km off the coast of Great Britain. Sealand is ruled by a self-proclaimed Prince Regent, and anyone can become an Earl, Baron, or even Duke – you can buy a noble title for a few hundred pounds on the state’s website.
Preview photo credit Ryan Lackey/flickr
