When it comes to countries, size doesn’t always matter. Some nations are so small you could explore them on foot in one afternoon. Some are even entirely surrounded by larger countries, like an inland island.
These countries might be small as far as square mileage goes, but they more than makeup for it with rich histories and unique cultures. In some cases, these countries boast an absurd amount of wealth or even religious prestige. Some of these micro-countries have existed for centuries, while others have only recently emerged.
7. Marshall Islands (69 mi2)
The Marshall Islands might be made up of under 70 square miles of land, but they’re spread out across a staggering 750 thousand square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
Twenty-nine coral atolls, five main islands, and more than 1200 tiny islets make up this tropical country. And with a landscape like this, it’s no surprise the Marshall Islands are known for its clear ocean lagoons and rich marine biodiversity. For reference, this Micronesian area is home to 800 species of fish and 160 of coral!
One of the most significant chapters in its history was when the islands were used as a nuclear weapon test site during the 20th century.
6. Liechtenstein (62 mi2)
Liechtenstein is a tiny little country tucked away in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. I’ll be honest: I never even knew it was there the first couple of times I jetted past it on Swiss Rail. And it’s a pity because it is as picture-perfect as alpine towns get. It’s most famous for its medieval castles and charming villages.
Despite being only 62 square miles in size, the country has a thriving financial sector, boasting one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita. Liechtenstein’s royal family still lives in the Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the Rhine Valley. Like its neighbor Switzerland, the government has remained neutral since it abolished its army in 1868. Its neutral stance on politics made it one of the only European countries to come out of both WWI and WWII totally undamaged.
5. San Marino (24 mi2)
San Marino is one of those few little countries that is totally landlocked by one neighboring country. In this case, it floats in the middle of north-central Italy like an island. Thirty-five thousand people live here, and being founded in the 4th century, the country has bold claims that it is the oldest state in Europe.
It’s perched on the ledges of Mount Titano, which means you can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding Italian countryside from just about every point in the country. Historically, its strategic location and rugged landscape have allowed it to maintain its independence and protect itself from enemies.
4. Tuvalu (10 mi2)
Tuvalu, the world’s fourth smallest country, consists of nine tiny islands floating in the Pacific Ocean. Together, the islands make up only 10 square miles of land. Tuvalu used to be called the Ellice Islands until it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.
Its islands are coral atolls, which means they have no drinkable groundwater source. On top of this, it also means that the country’s low elevation level puts it at significant risk of sinking due to climate change. Complications aside, the people of Tuvalu live a laid-back life and foster a strong sense of community and hospitality.
3. Nauru (8 mi2)
Nauru is officially the world’s smallest island country. It’s also located in the Pacific Ocean, somewhere between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Once upon a time, the country was a prosperous phosphate mining center, earning it the second-highest GDP per capita in the world. However, shortly after the 1980s, Nauru’s mines were depleted, and the country fell into economic disarray. Today, it has the second-lowest GDP per capita.
If you visit today, the island’s interior looks like a lunar landscape – the result of over-mining and exploitation. That said, along the coastline, visitors can enjoy white sandy beaches and turquoise waters barely touched by tourism.
Long ago, the island was called Pleasent Island and was controlled by Australia before gaining its independence in 1968. Another interesting fact about Nauru is that it has no official capital city.
2. Monaco (0.77 mi2)
Monaco sits between the French and Italian Riviera, occupying less than one square mile of land within the borders of France. Its one official city, Monte Carlo, is both its capital and a glamorous destination for some of the world’s wealthiest people.
The country is defined by glamour and luxury. It is most famous for the Monte Carlo Casino, hosting the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix, and its enormous yacht club. Despite its small size, the country fits a lot of culture and history into less than one square mile. Most notably, it’s been home to the royal Grimaldi family since the 13th century.
1. Vatican City (0.19 mi2)
If you’re familiar with any small country on the list, it would be this one. At the heart of Rome, the Vatican City can feel more like a little suburb than a country at all. It’s the world’s smallest independent state and a spiritual center for millions of Catholics worldwide. It’s also the only country on the planet to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s possible to visit the city in one afternoon while in Rome. Most like to hear the Pope’s prayers every Sunday morning. In fact, so many people visit this small country that its entire GDP runs off tourism.
The country serves as the residence of the Pope and the administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to the famous Sistine Chapel, which houses the iconic ceiling painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, as well as the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. For such a tiny place of land, the Vatican City sure does have a lot to offer.
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