The World’s Ten Smallest Countries
10. The Maldives – 115 square miles
Only 200 of the 2000 Indian Ocean islands which make up this
country are occupied by 340,000 residents. The islands gained independence from the U.K. in 1965.
9. The Seychelles – 107 square miles
The 81,000 residents of this Indian Ocean island group
have been independent of the United Kingdom since 1976.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis – 104 square miles
This Caribbean country of 39,000 gained independence
in 1983. Nevis is the smaller island of the two and is guaranteed the right to secede.
7. Marshall Islands – 70 square miles
The atolls (including the world’s largest, Kwajalein), reefs,
and 34 islands (population 58,000) gained independence in 1986; they were formerly part of the Trust Territory of Pacific Islands (and administered by the United States).
6. Liechtenstein – 62 square miles
This microstate of 34,000 is located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps.
5. San Marino – 24 square miles
Located on Mt. Titano in north central Italy, San Marino has
29,000 residents. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe, having been founded in the fourth century.
4. Tuvalu – 9 square miles
Tuvalu is composed of 9 coral atolls along a 360 mile chain in Polynesia. They gained independence in 1978. The former Ellice Islands are home to 12,000.
3. Nauru – 8.5 square miles
The 13,000 residents of the Pacific island Nauru rely on diminishing phosphate deposits. The state became independent in 1968
and was formerly known as Pleasant Island.
2. Monaco – 0.7 square miles
The tiny state of Monaco lies along the French Riviera on the
French Mediterranean coast near Nice. An impressive 32,000 people live in this state known for its Monte Carlo casinos and Princess Grace. It has been independent off-and-on since the 13th century.
1. Vatican City – 0.2 square miles
The world’s smallest state, the Vatican has a population of 770,
none of whom are permanent residents. The tiny country which surrounds St. Peter’s Basilica is the spiritual centre for the world’s Roman Catholics. Also known as the Holy See, Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, Italy.
Posted on January 23, 2010 | Filed Under Travel
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