Covering an entire country during a single vacation might seem daunting, but exceptions exist. Consider, for example, the smallest country in the world, which can be thoroughly explored within just a couple of hours!
From Europe’s Vatican City to Asia’s Maldives, 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.
Vacation at the top ten smallest countries in the world by area
Vatican City, Europe
With a landmass of just 0.44 sq km, Vatican City is not only the smallest city but also the smallest country in the world. Smaller than New York’s Central Park, Vatican City is an enclave in Rome, Italy. Home to the religious leader of the Roman Catholic Church, it gained independence in 1929 under the Lateran Treaty and 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.
Population: 1,000 (2022 est)
Top destinations: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Gardens of Vatican City, Vatican Necropolis and Saint Peter’s Square.
Visa policies: Vatican City has a visa-free policy for everyone; however, the only way to Vatican City is through Italy, and one needs a Schengen visa for the same.
Monaco, Europe
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world with a land area of 2.02 sq km. With a favourable tax environment, Monaco has long been a favourite among the rich and famous.
This small nation has a booming tourism sector due to its stunning visages and extravagant casinos, making it 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 an airport, you can access it by flying into Nice’s Côte d’Azur Airport in France, approximately 40 km away.
Population: 31,597 (2023 est)
Top destinations: Casino de Monte-Carlo, Musée océanographique de Monaco, Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Larvotto Beach and Monte Carlo.
Visa policies: Monaco is visa-free for 90 days; however, the nation is surrounded by France, and one must pass through the French nation with a Schengen visa to access Monaco.
Book your stay at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo via Booking.com
Book your stay at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo via Agoda
Nauru, Oceania
The third-smallest country in the world, Nauru’s total land area is only 21 sq km. This oval-shaped island is smaller than Manhattan. Located northeast of Australia, Nauru was once known as ‘Pleasant Island’.
Despite the island’s long and troubled history as a former British colony, it is popular for its phosphate mining nowadays. While often listed as one of the ‘least visited countries’, Nauru might be an exciting choice for those seeking island getaways.
Given its tiny size, you can cover the country on foot within a few hours. The island has four hotels and one airport, Nauru International Airport, which serves Nauru Airlines.
Population: 9,852 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Yaren, Anabar, Meneng and Boe districts.
Visa policies: A visa is required for Nauru
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Tuvalu, Oceania
The Polynesian island country, a chain of nine coral islands covering 26 sq km, Tuvalu comes fourth in the list of smallest countries in the world. Although it depends heavily on foreign aid to keep its economy afloat, Tuvalu has all the makings of a perfect island destination, replete 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 makeup for it. You can fly into Funafuti International Airport via Fiji Airlines, the only commercial airline operating on the island.
Population: 11,639 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Funafuti Marine Conservation, Maneapa
Visa policies: Visa is required for Tuvalu
San Marino, Europe
Located on the northeastern side of Italy’s Apennine Mountains, San Marino is a landlocked country and the fifth-smallest with an area of 61 sq km.
San Marino gained its independent status through many treaties, 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 playing a significant role in its economy. San Marino is accessible by flying into Italy’s Federico Fellini International Airport in the Rimini province.
Population: 34,892 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: The Three Towers, San Marino Adventures Park, Liberty Square, Cable Car San Marino, State Museum of San Marino, Cava dei Balestrieri, Public Palace of the Republic of San Marino, Basilica of Saint Marinus, Monte Titano and Passo delle Streghe.
Visa policies: San Marino is visa-free for 30 days; however, the only way to the country is through Italy with a Schengen visa.
Book your stay at Hotel Titano via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Titano via Agoda
Liechtenstein, Europe
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, it is a microstate with a democratic monarchy (hereditary but semi-constitutional). Given Liechtenstein’s topography of Alpine peaks and lush evergreen forests, Tourism is a thriving industry here. 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 are vacationing.
Population: 39,993 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Vaduz, Malbun, Balzers, Triesen, Ruggell, Steg and Malbun.
Visa policies: Liechtenstein is part of the Schengen Area and requires a Schengen visa to visit.
Book your stay at Hotel Vaduzerhof via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Vaduzerhof via Agoda
Marshall Islands, Oceania
Comprising over 1,200 islands and islets, the Marshall Islands are renowned for their picturesque coral reefs. Sprawled across 181 sq km in the Pacific Ocean, the archipelago was once part of the US Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, dissolved in 1986, and is now a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
One of the islands, the Majuro Atoll, hosts the Amata Kabua International Airport, the gateway to the Marshall Islands.
Population: 80,966 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Bikini Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, Jaluit Atoll, Kwajalein Atoll, Ralik Chain, Ebeye, Runit Island, Roi-Namur and Majuro.
Visa policies: A visa is required, but visa-free entry is available with a US visa.
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean
Situated in the West Indies, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is an island country famous for its national parks, coral reefs and shipwrecks, making it an excellent holiday destination. The two-island country, separated by a channel called The Narrows, covers an area of 261 sq km.
The Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport, located in its capital, Basseterre, connects the island country to various international commercial airlines.
Population: 54,817 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Saint Kitts, Nevis, Basseterre, Charlestown, Sandy Point Town, Dieppe Bay Town, New Castle and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Visa policies: Saint Kitts and Nevis grants e-visa to travellers.
Book your stay at St. Kitts Marriott Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at St. Kitts Marriott Resort via Agoda
Maldives, Asia
The Maldives in the Indian Ocean is a collection of several coral islands and atolls spanning 298 sq km. As the smallest country in Asia, it attracts visitors with its crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystem.
The islands are well connected to the rest of the world through Velana International Airport, ferry services, and cruise ships.
Population: 521,021 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Male, Addu Atoll, Fulhadhoo, Laamu Atoll, Addu City, Dhangethi and Faafu Atoll.
Visa policies: The Maldives grants visa-on-arrival to all nationalities.
Book your stay at Soneva Fushi via Booking.com
Book your stay at Soneva Fushi via Agoda
Malta, Europe
This European archipelago in the Mediterranean is a cultural treasure trove influenced by its neighbours. The nation comprises five islands with a total area of 316 sq km, making it the tenth smallest country in the world. Of the five, Malta, Gozo, and Comino are inhabited and home to monuments that shaped the nation’s history. Cominotto and Filfla are uninhabited and pristine natural landscapes of breathtaking beauty.
Malta only has one airport, Malta International Airport, along with several ports.
Population: 467,138 (2023 est.)
Top destinations: Valletta, Gozo, Mdina, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Marsaxlokk, Popeye Village, Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay.
Visa policies: Malta requires a Schengen visa.
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(Feature image credit: Micaela Parente/Unsplash)
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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.
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