The 10 smallest countries in the world

What are the countries with the smallest area? These are surprisingly nations, islands and places on the planet among the most beautiful!

With about 200 countries around the world, one can immediately think that the word "country" is equivalent to a huge area with a large population. Yet some countries are so small that cities in other great nations are giant compared to them. Found mainly in Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific, there are many countries around the world with an area of less than 400 square kilometres.

With their own governments and cultures, these small countries represent some of the richest, most isolated and most fascinating places in the world. Let us take a look at the 10 smallest countries in the world:

10. Grenada - 344 km2

An island nation in the Caribbean, Granada is also known as the "Island of Spices" for its cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and especially to be the world's largest producer of nutmeg and macis . This nation located in the northwest of Trinidad and Tobago was colonized by the French from 1649 to 1763, which explains the very strong influence of French tradition and culture in the country. Popular tourist destination, you will discover the influence of French architecture and art all around the island, with cricket as the most popular sport.

9. Malta - 316 km2

Malta is another island country, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Three large islands make up the Republic of Malta: Gozo, Comino, and the largest, Malta. This small country has a population of over 450,000, making it one of the world’s most densely populated countries. Also a popular tourist destination, foreign nationals from all over the world come to Malta for its sunshine and pleasant temperatures until late in the year, its attractive beaches, its fascinating history of over 7,000 years, and a lively nightlife.

8. Maldives - 300 km2

A destination for the farniente, located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of land and population. With some 1192 coral islands in the Maldives, which are spread over 90,000 km2, it is one of the most dispersed countries in the world. The country was once the colony of many empires, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, but it became independent in 1965. Today, the Maldives has a dynamic tourism economy due to its famous white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

7. Saint-Christophe-et-Niévès – 261 km2

Saint-Christophe-et-Niévès (or Saint Kitts and Nevis) was among the first islands of the Caribbean colonized by the Europeans. Its economy depends on tourism, agriculture and small manufacturing industries. The islands also offer fantastic diving sites due to abundant marine life. Exporter of major sugar for centuries, large plantations are now beautiful properties that have been converted to hotels and resorts.

6. Liechtenstein - 160 km2

German-speaking country is the only country in the world to be entirely located in the Alps. Located between Switzerland and Austria Liechtenstein is the world's richest country in terms of GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a bit difficult because it doesn’t have an airport. Visitors must pass through Zurich Airport, Switzerland, to reach this alpine country that is still ruled by a prince.

5. San Marino - 61 km2

Entirely surrounded by the Italy San Marino is also known as the Sérénissime Republic of San Marino. boasting that he is the oldest sovereign state in the world, he is also one of the richest in terms of GDP per capita. Third smallest country in Europe, it has a population of only 30,000 souls, benefiting from one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.

4. Tuvalu - 26 km2

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, west of Australia . It has about 10,000 inhabitants, with 8 km of roads, and only a hospital on the main island. The country was once a British territory, but became independent in 1978. A difficult place of access, tourism is not significant. In 2010, fewer than 2000 visitors came to Tuvalu, 65% of them coming for business.

3. Nauru - 21 km2

Another island nation located east of Australia, Nauru is the smallest island country in the world. He was famous in the 1980s for his phosphate mines and their booming exploitation, but is now a quiet island outside the tourist radar. Formerly known as Pleasant Island ("Agréable Island"), its phosphate resources are now exhausted, leading to a 90% national unemployment rate, with the remaining 10% being employed by the government. Nauru is sadly famous to be the country with the most obese people in the world, with 97% of men and 93% of women being obese or overweight. Because of this, Nauru is also home to the world's highest level of type 2 diabetes, with 40% of its population suffering from disease.

2. Monaco - 2 km2

Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. Known for its gaming and luxury industries, Monaco is a favorite playground for rich and famous people. Surrounded by France and the Mediterranean Sea, its residents are mostly Francophone. With a population of more than 36,000 inhabitants, Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world. The most popular annual event is the race Formula 1 , with the circuit passing through the streets of the city.

1. Vatican – 0.44 km2

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City also known as the Holy See. This country is located in the Italian capital Rome , and constitutes the center of the Catholic Church. The tiny nation houses the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, and has some of the most important works of art of the Renaissance such as La Pietà and The Creation of Adam . His recipes come from voluntary contributions from more than a billion members of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world. The rest of its economy comes from the sale of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs, and admission fees to museums.