Covering a whole country during a single vacation is practically an impossible feat. Between numerous regions, provinces and cities, there are a lot of sights and sounds to take in. However, a few exceptions do exist – take, for instance, the smallest country in the world, which can be thoroughly explored within just a couple of hours!
From Europe’s Vatican City to North America’s Sint Maarten, this guide introduces you to some of the tiniest countries in the world that can be explored in a few hours or at most, a day or two. If you’re eager to check off a few countries from your travel list quickly, these destinations are perfect for planning your next getaway.
14 of the world’s smallest countries
Smallest countries in Europe
Vatican City
With a landmass of just 0.44 sq km, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, even tinier than New York City’s Central Park. It has a population of 825 (2019 est.) and is home to the religious leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Vatican City, an enclave in Rome, Italy, gained independence in 1929 under the Lateran Treaty. It falls under the jurisdiction of The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church.
Despite its size and population, the smallest sovereign state draws in 6.88 million visitors annually, primarily due to its status as a place of pilgrimage. Within its walls lies St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Necropolis and the Vatican Gardens, among many other structures of cultural and religious significance. Although visitors are not allowed to stay in Vatican City, it certainly makes for a great day trip.
Monaco
Monaco holds the distinction of being the second smallest country in the world, with a land area of 2.02 sq km. Owing to a favourable tax environment, Monaco has long been a favourite among the rich and famous and has a population of 36,686.
This small nation has a booming tourism sector due to its stunning visages and extravagant casinos, making it quite a luxurious getaway. It also has plenty of events and festivals that draw in tourists, the most popular one being the Monaco Grand Prix.
Although the city-state lacks its own airport, you can access it by flying into Nice’s Côte d’Azur Airport, situated approximately 40 km away.
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San Marino
Located on the northeastern side of Italy’s Apennine Mountains, San Marino is a land-locked country and among the smallest nations in the world. The fifth smallest country has a population of 33,745 residing within an area of 61.2 sq km.
San Marino gained its independent status on account of the many treaties it signed, including a Convention of Friendship in 1862 with the Kingdom of Italy. Today, it is often listed as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with tourism heavily contributing to its economy.
San Marino is accessible by flying into Italy’s Federico Fellini International Airport in the Rimini province.
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Liechtenstein
Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a double landlocked country, making it only the second country in the world after Uzbekistan to be surrounded by landlocked countries. With an area of 158 sq km and a population of 39,039, it is a microstate with a democratic monarchy (hereditary but semi-constitutional).
Tourism is a thriving industry here, given Liechtenstein’s topography consists of Alpine peaks and lush evergreen forests. Although it doesn’t have an airport, you can fly here via St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland or Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany, depending on where you find yourself vacationing.
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The smallest countries in the Caribbean region
Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten, a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has a total area of 34 sq km and a population of 42,846. Located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, Sint Maarten has a beautiful geographical mix of green hills and lagoons, complete with sunny weather.
Apart from its many island activities, plane spotting is enjoyed by many who visit the island, owing to the location of the Princess Juliana International Airport. Positioned adjacent to Maho Beach, flights come in dangerously low while making their way to runway 10, which is quite thrilling to witness in person.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Situated in the West Indies, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is an island country that is famous for its national parks, coral reefs and shipwrecks, making it a great holiday destination.
Separated by a channel called The Narrows, the two-island country is 261 sq km in size and has a population of 47,606. The island country’s airport, the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport, is located in its capital, Basseterre, and is well connected through many international commercial airlines.
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Aruba
A part of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Aruba is the smallest country in South America at 180 sq km, with a population of over 100,000.
A dreamy island destination, Aruba’s economy is primarily supported by tourism. Nearly 2 million tourists visit the island yearly to bask in its coastal beauty and indulge in water sports and other activities. If you’re looking for less action-packed endeavours, you can consider exploring nature by hitting the island’s national parks and bird sanctuary instead.
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport is well connected, with frequent flights from the USA, Canada, South America and parts of Europe.
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Curaçao
Curaçao, encompassing an area of 444 sq km, is another Dutch Caribbean island in South America. It boasts a population of approximately 150,000.
Located between Europe and the Americas, Curaçao embodies all the elements of a dreamy island country. The local economy here includes trade and shipping, oil refining, and tourism. The latter, combined with Curaçao’s warm tropical climate, makes it the ideal place to enjoy the sun and sand. The island also has a number of natural parks, a thriving art and culture scene and a rich history that can be explored through its many museums.
The Curaçao International Airport is well connected, with frequent flights from Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
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Smallest countries in Africa
Seychelles
Comprising a collection of 115 islands, the Republic of Seychelles spans a total land area of 455 sq km and has a population of 99,258.
Despite the smaller size of many of its islands, Seychelles has long been a favourite among travellers, especially couples, looking for romantic getaways. Regardless of who you’re travelling with, there is plenty to do and see here, including Moyenne Island, which happens to be the world’s smallest national park.
You can travel to Seychelles using the Seychelles International Airport, which is well-linked.
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São Tomé and Príncipe
An island country in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe has an area of 1,001 sq km and a population of over 200,000. Apart from the main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, several islets also form the republic.
The islands are adorned with tropical rainforest-like vegetation and experience microclimates. The coastal state has two airports, the São Tomé International Airport and the Príncipe Airport; however, only the former services commercial flights.
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Smallest countries in Asia
Maldives
Maldives in the Indian Ocean is a collection of several coral islands and atolls and spans 297.8 sq km. Among the smallest countries in the world, the island nation with a population of 0.5 million depends on tourism, with people flocking to see its crystal blue waters, white sand beaches and vibrant marine ecosystem.
The islands here are well connected with the rest of the world through its international and domestic airport network, ferry services and cruise ships.
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Singapore
Singapore, officially known as the Republic of Singapore, is an island country encompassing a land mass of 728.6 sq km, which is home to half a million residents.
The city-state is known globally for its developed economic status and has the third-highest GDP per capita in the world. It is also one of the most expensive countries to live in.
As a tourist destination, Singapore offers an eclectic mix of modern amenities and natural landscapes. Singapore has two public airports, Singapore Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. The Singapore Changi Airport is arguably one of the most famous airports globally, owing to its infrastructure and innovation.
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Smallest Pacific Island countries
Nauru
The third smallest country in the world, Nauru’s total land area is only 21 sq km. About 12,500 people inhabit this oval-shaped island, which is even smaller than Manhattan. Located northeast of Australia, Nauru was once known as ‘Pleasant Island’.
While the island has a long and troubled history as a former British colony, nowadays, it is known for its phosphate mining. Nauru is often listed as one of the ‘least visited countries’; however, for those looking for island getaways, it might prove to be an exciting choice.
Given its tiny size, you can cover the whole country on foot within a few hours. The island has four hotels and one airport, Nauru International Airport, which serves Nauru Airlines.
Tuvalu
Polynesian island country Tuvalu comes fourth in the list of smallest countries in the world. The country is a chain of nine coral islands covering 26 sq km and home to over 11,000 people.
Although it depends heavily on foreign aid to help keep its economy afloat, Tuvalu has all the making of a perfect island destination, complete with stunning beaches, plenty of water-based activities and traditional culture to explore.
The island doesn’t have commercial hotels, but its many lodges and service apartments more than make up for it. You can fly into Funafuti International Airport via Fiji Airlines, which is the only commercial airline that operates on the island.
(Hero and Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock)
Note: Unless specified otherwise, all population figures mentioned in the story are based on data from 2021.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
– Which continent has the smallest number of countries in the world?
Europe has the highest number of smallest countries in the world.
– Do these small countries have their own governments?
Yes, several small countries have their own governments.
– Is visiting small countries worth it?
Yes, despite the size, small countries like Monaco and Singapore have plenty to explore. It’s best to do your research beforehand and plan your visit accordingly.
– What is the area and population of Vatican City?
Vatican City covers an area of 0.44 sq km, with 1.05 km in length and 0.85 km in width. Vatican City has a population of 825.
– How many days do we take to explore small countries?
Depending on the size of the country, it can take anywhere between a day or a few weeks or more to explore the entirety of it. Kindly do your research beforehand to make the most of your trip.
Written By
Aurelia Fernandes
Aurelia is a travel writer who has worked with publications like Femina and Lonely Planet Magazine India. When she isn't planning detailed itineraries for her next big adventure, she is usually sniffing out new restaurants in her city. On a lazy day, you'll find her drawing or binge watching every true crime documentary she can find.
