Top 20 Smallest Countries in the World
Some countries are so tiny that even some of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world are colossal when compared to them. There are countries in the world covering an area of less than 400 square Kilometres.
Most of these tiny countries are located in Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean islands. You only need a day or two to explore the whole country. Travelling to these countries is an amazing experience as you explore their culture and natural attractions. Many of the countries are also some of the richest in the world, perfect for an amazing holiday. Let’s go through these countries one by one to explore their beautiful landscape, people, heritage and more.
20. LUXEMBOURG, AREA — 2,586 KM2
Many say that it takes an hour to drive across Luxembourg. It is the last remaining Grand Duchy distinguished for its Vianden and Bourscheid castles. The tiny landlocked nation is blanketed by dense Ardennes forests in the north. The Moselle river valley dominates the south-east of the country while the Mullerthal region has its rocky gorges. The border of Luxembourg and Germany is divided by three rivers: the Sauer, Our and Moselle.
Read Also: 15 Most Amazing Secret Beaches in the World
19. FIJI, AREA — 18,274 KM2
Fiji located north of New Zealand in the South Pacific includes 333 tropical islands. It is one of the most remotely located countries in the world. Still, the island has managed to capture the imagination of the world and has become one of the favourite tourist destinations. Once you land on the island, get ready to enchant by the rugged landscape, palm-fringed beaches, and coral reefs with stunning lagoons. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the two major islands boasting the majority of the population. The capital port city Suva holds a British era colonial architecture a pivotal tourist attraction.
Read Also: Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
18. SINGAPORE, AREA — 719.1 KM2
Singapore is a tiny city-state located off southern Malaysia. The country is a global financial power featuring tropical climate and boasting multicultural society. Not just an economic powerhouse, but the destination is also cherished for its man-made tourist attractions. The country is a popular international tourist destination in the world. When in Singapore must-visit destinations are Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Apart from the iconic wonders, there are various wildlife parks and night safaris that a traveller could venture on.
17. DOMINICA, AREA — 751 KM2
Dominica is a tiny island nation in the Caribbean encapsulating natural hot springs, pristine lakes, waterfalls, incredible diving spots and tropical dense rainforests. But the majority of the island is volcanic in nature with incredible beaches. But, the volcanic terrain of the island has restricted tourism inflow to a large extent. Surpassing the hurdles Dominica has become a popular ecotourism destination. The volcanic nature of the island has made the destination a major attraction for scuba divers. Tourists are required to travel to other Caribbean islands to reach Dominica Island because of the unavailability of an international airport.
Read Also: 15 Most Amazing Places to Visit in Dubai and things to Do
16. TONGA, AREA — 747 KM2
Tonga is an archipelago of 170 islands located on the South Pacific Ocean. It is also a Polynesian kingdom. Most of the islands of the country are uninhabited ornate with white powdery beaches, dense tropical rainforests and coral reefs. Tongatapu is the main island blanketed by limestone cliffs and lagoons. The island is also home to the Nuku’alofa, capital of Tonga. The capital city is mostly rural, lined with coral beach resorts, plantations and a plethora of natural wonders like Maui a monumental coral gate dated from the 1200s.
Read Also: Top 15 Tallest Hotels in the World with Jaw-Dropping Views
15. ANDORRA, AREA — 467.63 KM2
Andorra sandwiched between France and Spain is nestled in the Pyrenees mountains. Being a landlocked country in past Andorra was cut off by the world. But in recent times, the country has managed to spread its relations with other countries opening its borders to tourists from across the globe. The country is a burgeoning economy famed for its ski resorts and duty-free shopping. Its capital city Andorra la Vella is cherished for its exquisite outdoor ambience, boutiques and jewellery shops on the Meritxell Avenue.
Read Also: Top 20 Most Popular Places to Visit in Manila
14. SEYCHELLES, AREA — 459 KM2
Seychelles is an archipelago nation comprising of 115 islands located on the Indian Ocean. The destination is home to incredible beaches, nature reserves and mesmerizing coral reefs. Due to its jaw-dropping landscape, the island offers world-class diving sites perfect to explore the underwater world. For adventurers, there are outstanding opportunities to test their adventure skills both in the land and sea. The capital city Victoria is a great place to saunter and know more about the people and local culture. Treat yourself with an exotic holiday as you escape to this picturesque destination.
Read Also: The Seven Natural Wonders of the World
13. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, AREA — 442 KM2
These two namesake islands of Antigua and Barbuda are an independent commonwealth country. Apart from the two main islands, there are several smaller islands making this tiny island nation. Nestled on the Atlantic and Caribbean, the island is cherished for its beautiful beach life, reef, rainforest and stunning beach resorts. St. John the capital city is a great destination to unwind and explore. When in the capital city visit the famous National Museum, which displays indigenous and colonial artefacts.
Read Also: Top 15 Stunning Fairy-tale Villages around the World
12. SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, AREA — 389 KM2
Located in the Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a stunning island known for its spectacular beaches and tropical climate. Saint Vincent the largest island in the Caribbean mostly known for its submerged volcanic mountains. The island also has an active volcano, La Soufriere, which is also the highest peak. Boasting an area of 389 km the whole island is peppered with bewitching natural extravaganza. Kingstown is the capital city perfect to explore the culture, colonial legacy and people. The city offers a range of entertainment activities with bars, discos and clubs.
11. GRENADA, AREA — 344 KM2
Grenada is a tiny island in the Caribbean. It consists of the main island and several encircling islands. Famously known as the “Spice Isle”, the pivotal island is home to several nutmeg plantations. The island boasts several natural wonders peppered with mesmerising landscapes. The capital city St. George allures travellers with its colourful homes, Georgian edifices and 18th century Fort George overlooking the narrow Carenage Harbour. Tourism is a huge contributor to the country’s economy. Ecotourism is also catching up fast alongside beach and water sports adventure.
10. MALTA — AREA 316 KM2
Located in the Mediterranean Sea Malta is a beautiful island country. The country is actually made up of three islands: Camino, Gozo and Malta. The island of Malta is the largest of the three. A tiny country with a population of over 4,500,000 people, turning it into one of the most densely populated nations in the world. Though it may be small, still the country attracts millions of travellers every year. Tourists visit this country to explore its rich history and amazing weather. Malta is also known for spectacular beaches and electrifying nightlife.
9. MALDIVES — AREA 300 KM2
The Maldives is a stunning tourist destination and also the tiniest country in Asia, both in terms of area and population. An archipelago, the island has over 1,192 coral islands sprawling over 90,000 sq.km. In the past, the country was ruled by several entities such as the Portuguese, the British and the Dutch. Today, the country has made its mark in the international tourism circuit. Tourists from all over the world travel to the island to enjoy white sand beaches and azure seawater. The place is also famous for its underwater marine activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, boating and more.
8. SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS — 261 KM2
Saint Kitts and Nevis are two small islands in the Caribbean that were first to be colonised by the Europeans. A small country cherished for its amazing beaches, incredible landscape and diving sites. The shallow blue water allows people to dive and explore the magnificent marine life. People could also explore their cities while enjoying the salubrious weather. In the past, the country was a major sugar exporter, today these colossal sugarcane plantations have been converted into beautiful hotels and resorts.
7. MARSHALL ISLANDS — AREA 181 KM2
Located on the Pacific Ocean, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is nestled between the Hawaii Islands and Australia. The island is a part of Micronesia, and an incredible destination to visit. The island with its jaw-dropping biodiversity is home to over 800 fish species and 160 corals. With a total area of 181 square Kilometres, the Marshall Islands is one of the smallest countries in the world. A traveller can easily explore the whole country in a day. With its tropical jungles, spectacular landscape and friendly people, the island offers a perfect escape to enjoy a tranquil holiday.
6. LIECHTENSTEIN, AREA — 160 KM2
Liechtenstein, a beautiful and the only country to be entirely nestled in the Alps. Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita. It also enjoys the lowest unemployment rate. The country does not have an airport of its own. So, if you are looking forward to visiting the country, you have to take the flight to Switzerland’s Zurich Airport and then travel 130 km to reach this beautiful country in the Alps. Another interesting fact — the country is still ruled by a prince.
5. SAN MARINO, AREA — 61 KM2
San Marino is also known as the most serene Republic of San Marino. It is a landlocked country encircled entirely by Italy. Having a total area of 61 Square Kilometres, it is the fifth smallest country in the world. With a total population of 30,000, it is also the 3rd smallest country in Europe. The country’s tourism sector contributes immensely to the GDP of San Marino. With no airports, millions of tourists visit the country every year by taking a bus from the city of Rimini in Italy.
4. TUVALU, AREA — 26 KM2
Tuvalu located in South Pacific Ocean is midway between Australia and Hawaii. It is a tiny island nation with 10,000 inhabitants boasting 8 km road with one hospital on the main island. Due to its remote distance, only a few tourists visit this incredible island best known for its picturesque palm-fringed beaches and WWII sites. Its capital Funafuti boasts Conservation Area, which is known for pristine outdoors and adventure activities such as snorkelling and diving. Furthermore, the place has an array of sea turtles and several tropical fishes to spend the day.
3. NAURU, AREA — 21 KM2
Located in north-east Australia, Nauru is a small nation in Micronesia. The country is famed for its coral reef and white powder sandy beaches lined with palm trees. In the interiors, its tropical vegetation surrounds the Buada Lagoon. Previously known as the Pleasant Island, it was famous for its phosphate resources, which has now depleted. The island’s highest point known as the Command Ridge still has a Japanese outpost from WWII. Additionally, tourists can enjoy scuba diving, fish and snorkelling.
2. MONACO, AREA — 2 KM2
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, having the largest numbers of millionaires and billionaires per capita. Nestled on the beautiful French Riviera, Monaco boasts only 2 square kilometres area. Boasting luxury goods and service industry, the country has a terrific gambling scene as well. The tiny European nation is famous amongst the rich and powerful people. The country is bordered by France on its three sides and the Mediterranean Sea. Boasting a population of 36,000, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Most people speak French. Monaco is famous for its Formula 1 race an annual event with tracks traversing the city streets.
1. VATICAN CITY, AREA — 0.44 KM2
Boasting an area of 0.44 square kilometres Vatican City is the smallest nation in the world by land area. The country is completely encircled by the Italian capital city of Rome. The country also has St. Peter’s Basilica the largest church in the whole world and a must-visit. The church has some stunning artworks from the Renaissance period such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. Vatican City for its income source depends heavily on the tourists. Other means by which the country boosts its income source is by selling stamps mementoes, coins and medals. Donations and admission fees to the museum also contribute to the economy of Vatican City.
Comments
Post a Comment
Pleae ,let me know if you have any doubt