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List of the Smallest Countries by Area in the World

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Top 20 and 100 Smallest Countries: Facts, Capitals & Map

Have you ever wondered which nations are the tiniest by size? This List of the Smallest Countries by Area explores these unique microstates, detailing their size, features, and global significance. Whether you're curious about their geography or looking to boost your general knowledge, this guide offers student-friendly insights to help you learn about the world’s most compact countries.


Table: List of the Smallest Countries by Area


Rank Country Continent Area (sq km) Area (sq mi) Capital
1 Vatican City Europe 0.49 0.19 Vatican City
2 Monaco Europe 2.02 0.78 Monaco
3 Nauru Oceania 21 8.1 Yaren (de facto)
4 Tuvalu Oceania 26 10 Funafuti
5 San Marino Europe 61 24 San Marino
6 Liechtenstein Europe 160 62 Vaduz
7 Marshall Islands Oceania 181 70 Majuro
8 Saint Kitts and Nevis North America 261 101 Basseterre
9 Maldives Asia 300 116 Malé
10 Malta Europe 316 122 Valletta

These ten countries top the list of the world's smallest 10 countries by area. Their remarkable compactness makes them fascinating from both a geographic and cultural perspective, providing unique examples of sovereign nations with tiny footprints.


Exploring the List of the Smallest Countries by Area

The List of the Smallest Countries by Area mainly includes microstates in Europe, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Their area is often less than some major global cities! Despite their size, these countries boast rich history and culture, and some are renowned for tourism, finance, or religious significance.


  • **Vatican City** is the smallest country in the world, covering just 0.49 sq km.

  • **Monaco** is famous for luxury, casinos, and being the world's second smallest country.

  • **Nauru**, the smallest island nation, is known for its unique phosphate history.

  • **Tuvalu** spans only 26 sq km, making it one of the lowest lying countries globally.

  • **San Marino** and **Liechtenstein** are located in Europe and are among the oldest small republics.


Explore related General Knowledge topics

Smallest Countries by Land Area: Quick Facts

Many students ask for a list of smallest countries by land area for quizzes and projects. Most of these countries are insular or entirely surrounded by another country (enclaves). Interestingly, population size doesn’t always match land area. For example, the smallest country in the world by population is also the Vatican.


  • **Microstates** often rely on tourism and services rather than agriculture.

  • **Vatican City** has both the smallest area and smallest population among all countries.

  • **Islands** like Tuvalu and Nauru face environmental challenges due to their size.

  • **San Marino** and **Liechtenstein** are landlocked and surrounded by larger European countries.


Explore related General Knowledge topics

Comparing the 50 and 100 Smallest Countries in the World

If you look up the 50 smallest countries in the world or even the 100 smallest countries in the world, you will see a variety of nations spread across continents. These lists stretch from the minuscule Vatican City to countries like Slovenia. Their small land area has shaped their culture, economics, and sometimes their political influence in global affairs.


  • Most of the top 10 smallest countries are in Europe or the Pacific.

  • Countries like Singapore and Bahrain, though small, are economic powerhouses.

  • Caribbean island states such as Saint Kitts and Nevis appear high in the rankings.

  • Search trends often show student interest in the list of the top 10 smallest countries in the world as well as the list of biggest to smallest countries by area for comparison purposes.


List of the Smallest Countries by Area Map and Visuals

A list of the smallest countries by area map gives a clear comparison of their sizes relative to continents and cities. These visual guides show just how tiny these nations are compared to the Top 10 biggest country in the world such as Russia or Canada. This perspective helps students understand both geography and global diversity.


  • Maps highlight how microstates fit within or near larger nations.

  • Some small countries, like Monaco, can be seen entirely on street maps!

  • Learning from maps helps grasp the list of countries biggest to smallest more easily.


Understanding the List of the Smallest Countries by Area provides fun insights into world geography. From Vatican City to Malta and beyond, these nations prove that even the tiniest spaces can hold fascinating stories, unique cultures, and global impact. Keep exploring with Vedantu to discover more amazing facts about the world's diversity!

FAQs on List of the Smallest Countries by Area in the World

1. What is the smallest country in the world by area?

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by area, covering only about 0.49 square kilometers.

Key facts:

  • Located in Europe, Vatican City is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy.
  • It is the spiritual center for the Catholic Church.
  • This microstate frequently appears in UPSC, CBSE GK, and competitive exam questions.

2. Which are the top 10 smallest countries by area?

The top 10 smallest countries by area are ranked based on their total land surface in square kilometers.

List:

  1. Vatican City (0.49 sq km)
  2. Monaco (2.02 sq km)
  3. Nauru (21 sq km)
  4. Tuvalu (26 sq km)
  5. San Marino (61 sq km)
  6. Liechtenstein (160 sq km)
  7. Saint Kitts and Nevis (261 sq km)
  8. Maldives (300 sq km)
  9. Malta (316 sq km)
  10. Grenada (344 sq km)
This list is frequently used for examination-based static General Knowledge questions.

3. What is a microstate?

Microstates are sovereign nations with very small land areas and often small populations.

Main points:

  • Examples: Vatican City, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, San Marino
  • Although tiny in size, these countries are officially recognized and have full independence.
  • The term 'microstate' is common in competitive GK and geography questions.

4. Is Israel the smallest country?

No, Israel is not the smallest country by area.

Facts:

  • Israel covers about 20,770 sq km, much larger than the smallest countries such as Vatican City and Monaco.
  • Israel is ranked around 149th in the world by area.
This distinction is important for students preparing for UPSC and CBSE GK sections.

5. What is the difference between smallest countries by area and by population?

The smallest countries by area are not always the smallest by population.

Main differences:

  • Smallest by area: Based on the total land surface (e.g., Vatican City, Monaco).
  • Smallest by population: Based on the number of residents (e.g., Vatican City, Nauru).
Understanding both lists is useful for map-based questions and static GK in exams.

6. Why are some countries so small?

Some countries are small due to unique historical, geographic, or political reasons.

Reasons include:

  • Survival of ancient city-states (e.g., San Marino).
  • Island nations formed due to colonial history (e.g., Nauru, Tuvalu).
  • Religious or cultural enclaves (e.g., Vatican City).
These facts are repeatedly tested in competitive and school geography exams.

7. Which is the smallest country in Asia by area?

The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by area, measuring around 300 square kilometers.

Key notes:

  • Located in the Indian Ocean, made up of numerous small islands.
  • Commonly asked in static GK and geography-based questions.

8. Which is the smallest landlocked country in the world?

Vatican City is both the world’s smallest landlocked country and smallest overall by area.

9. Do these small countries have any global importance?

Yes, small countries often play significant roles globally despite their size.

Main impacts:

  • Vatican City: Spiritual leadership for Catholics worldwide.
  • Monaco and Liechtenstein: Financial centers and tourism hubs.
  • UN membership: Each microstate has an equal vote, affecting global policies.
This is relevant in exam questions about world affairs and international relations.

10. How can I remember the smallest countries for exams?

Using mnemonics and grouping techniques helps memorize the smallest countries by area.

Tips:

  • Mnemonic: VMNTS – Vatican, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, San Marino
  • Note that most top smallest are in Europe or Pacific Islands.
  • Practice revising with maps and static GK tables.

11. Is Monaco bigger than Malta?

No, Malta is bigger than Monaco by area.

Comparison:

  • Monaco: 2.02 sq km
  • Malta: 316 sq km
Both are among the world’s smallest countries and are common in static GK and map-based exams.

12. How are the smallest countries ranked for competitive exams?

Smallest countries by area are ranked by their total land size in square kilometers according to official sources.

Ranking sources:

  • CIA World Factbook
  • UN Statistics
  • Standard exam blueprints for UPSC, SSC, CBSE
Students should reference these official lists for reliable data in exams.