🌏 Population Wise Smallest Countries in the World – Updated List
When it comes to countries, we often imagine vast lands with millions of people. However, there are some nations where the population is so tiny that the entire country could fit inside a small town! These population-wise smallest countries are known for their unique cultures, peaceful environments, and stunning landscapes.
In this article, we’ll explore the world’s smallest countries by population and learn what makes them special.
1. Vatican City 🇻🇦
- Population: Around 800–1,000 people
- Location: Europe (within Rome, Italy)
- Capital: Vatican City
- Why so small? Vatican City is the spiritual headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. Its small population mostly includes clergy, Swiss Guards, and church officials.
2. Tuvalu 🇹🇻
- Population: Around 11,000 people
- Location: Oceania, Pacific Ocean
- Capital: Funafuti
- Fun fact: Tuvalu is one of the least-visited countries in the world and is known for its beautiful coral atolls and low-lying islands.
3. Nauru 🇳🇷
- Population: Around 12,000 people
- Location: Micronesia, Pacific Ocean
- Capital: No official capital (government offices in Yaren District)
- Interesting point: Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by area and has limited tourism due to its remoteness.
4. Palau 🇵🇼
- Population: Around 18,000 people
- Location: Oceania, western Pacific Ocean
- Capital: Ngerulmud
- Highlight: Palau is famous for scuba diving, jellyfish lakes, and stunning marine biodiversity.
5. San Marino 🇸🇲
- Population: Around 34,000 people
- Location: Europe (surrounded by Italy)
- Capital: San Marino
- Unique fact: One of the world’s oldest republics, founded in A.D. 301, with a rich medieval heritage.
6. Liechtenstein 🇱🇮
- Population: Around 39,000 people
- Location: Europe (between Switzerland and Austria)
- Capital: Vaduz
- Why famous? Known for its alpine landscapes, strong economy, and as a tax haven.
7. Monaco 🇲🇨
- Population: Around 39,000 people
- Location: Europe (French Riviera)
- Capital: Monaco
- Highlight: The most densely populated country in the world and a playground for the rich with casinos, yachts, and Formula 1 races.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
- Population: Around 48,000 people
- Location: Caribbean
- Capital: Basseterre
- Special fact: Known for sugar production, beaches, and volcanoes.
9. Marshall Islands 🇲🇭
- Population: Around 60,000 people
- Location: Oceania, central Pacific Ocean
- Capital: Majuro
- Fun fact: The islands have stunning lagoons and are important for marine biodiversity.
10. Dominica 🇩🇲
- Population: Around 72,000 people
- Location: Caribbean
- Capital: Roseau
- Highlight: Known as the “Nature Island” for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
📊 Table: Smallest Countries by Population
| Rank | Country | Population | Continent | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vatican City | ~800 | Europe | Vatican City |
| 2 | Tuvalu | ~11,000 | Oceania | Funafuti |
| 3 | Nauru | ~12,000 | Oceania | Yaren District |
| 4 | Palau | ~18,000 | Oceania | Ngerulmud |
| 5 | San Marino | ~34,000 | Europe | San Marino |
| 6 | Liechtenstein | ~39,000 | Europe | Vaduz |
| 7 | Monaco | ~39,000 | Europe | Monaco |
| 8 | Saint Kitts & Nevis | ~48,000 | Caribbean | Basseterre |
| 9 | Marshall Islands | ~60,000 | Oceania | Majuro |
| 10 | Dominica | ~72,000 | Caribbean | Roseau |
Why These Countries Have Small Populations
- Geographical size – Many are island nations or microstates.
- Economic opportunities – Limited resources mean fewer job opportunities.
- Historical factors – Some are independent but remain small due to colonial history.