If you are planning for the next international trip but want to experience something different, we have extremely small countries, which are also, best tourist destinations around.
As there are many largest country destinations like Russia, Canada, Brazil, and Australia but there won’t be a thrill factor that a small tourist destination can have.
These types of countries are called microstates. Most of these nations have a region of less than 400 square kilometers, mostly present in Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
These small countries are also among the wealthiest, most distant, and most fascinating locations, with their laws and culture. Here are the top 10 smallest countries in the world:
10. Malta – 316 km²
- Location: Central Mediterranean sea
- Poulation: ~460,000
Malta is an island in Europe. It is located around the center of the Mediterranean sea.
The capital of Malta is Valletta. Around 460,000 people live in Malta, and it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Because of this, it has many cities and towns that grew close to each other.
Another famous tourist destination, for its sunny climate, attractive coasts, rich culture, and lively nightlife, people from all over the globe travel to Malta.
Made up of just 316 km2 for all three islands, Malta is the 10th smallest country in the world by area.
9. Maldives – 300 km²
- Location: Indian Ocean
- Poulation: ~436,000
The Maldives, a famous Indian Ocean tourism destination, is Asia’s smallest country by area and population.
The Maldives has over 1,192 coral reefs, distributed over 90,000 square kilometers, rendering it one of the most dispersed nations in the world.
Today, owing to its renowned white sand coasts and crystal blue waters, the Maldives has a flourishing tourism economy.
Many Maldives islands seem to be only 1.5 meters above average sea level. This low altitude on the ground makes the Maldives the world’s lowest elevation level nation.
Unfortunately, owing to global warming, the increase in sea level is about to erode many islands of the Maldives soon.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis – 261 km²
- Location: Caribbean sea
- Poulation: ~55,338
These two tiny Caribbean islands were some of the first islands that Europeans inhabited.
Combined, they occupy most of 261 square kilometers, making Saint Kitts and Nevis the eighth-smallest nation in the world.
Its economy depends on tourism, farming, and small-scale manufacturing.
Because of the plenty of aquatic life, the islands also provide great diving places.
Today the country has around 55,338 citizens. We know both islands for their intact coasts, rain forests, and pleasant climate.
7. Marshall Islands – 181 km²
- Location: Oceania
- Poulation: ~53,100
The Marshall Islands comprise hundreds of islands and thousands of islets linked through 29 coral reefs. There are only 24 populated islands with 68,000 residents.
People of Marshall Islands talk Marshallese and English. This tiny island country’s main economies include handicrafts, copra, seafood handling, and tourism.
This nation’s glass transparent green seas are host to 160 marine reefs and 800 fish species.
Also, the Marshall Islands is one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling destinations.
6. Liechtenstein – 160 km²
- Location: Europe
- Poulation: ~38,000
Liechtenstein is the only nation in the world to be entirely situated in the Alps, a German-speaking country.
Located between Switzerland and Austria, this small country has only 160 square kilometers of land area and 37,132 inhabitants.
Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world, according to GDP (nominal) per capita ($166,022).
Getting into the nation is difficult because within its territory there is no airport.
Visitors have to travel through Zurich Airport in Switzerland to reach this Alpine country that is still governed by a prince!
Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest state in the world with 160 square kilometers.
5. San Marino – 61 km²
- Location: Europe
- Poulation: ~33,000
San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe, with a total area of 61 square kilometers.
This tiny nation is encircled completely by Italy. San Marino is also Europe’s earliest republic, established in A.D. 301. San Marino has only 30,000 occupants.
There are nine municipalities in the country, and the capital is San Marino City.
It is also one of the world’s wealthiest per GDP nations. Also famous for having more cars than its population is San Marino.
San Marino’s economy is focused primarily on tourism, banking, and textiles.
4. Tuvalu – 26 km²
- Location: Ocenia
- Poulation: ~11,400
The tiny country of Tuvalu is made up of five atolls and four islands in the Western Pacific. This small island country has only 11,400 inhabitants.
Its highest point is about 4.5 meters from the average sea level.
This leaves Tuvalu’s tiny islands susceptible to rising sea levels. In this nation, there is only one airport in the atoll of Funafuti.
Tourism is not very strong for the place of the country far away from major countries. Less than 3,000 tourists arrived in Tuvalu in 2019.
3. Nauru – 21 km²
- Location: Pacific Ocean
- Poulation: ~13,650
Nauru is the world’s smallest island country with an area of 21 km².
Which also makes it the world’s second least populated country, with only 13,650 residents.
It’s a big island with plenty of phosphate mineral resources.
From 1960 to 1970, the extraction of this valuable resource became the country’s primary source of revenue.
Nauru GDP wise, as a country became rich overnight but, unfortunately, as soon as the phosphate started depleting, the country began its decline.
It could still become economically stable by promoting tourism.
As tropical colorful coral reefs surround it, this island nation is renowned for white sandy shores.
But Nauru’s tourism is limited as the main industries in Nauru are phosphate mining, coconut items, and overseas banking.
2. Monaco – 2 km²
- Location: Europe
- Poulation: ~39,000
Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the world’s per capita wise most millionaires and billionaires.
It is also the second-smallest nation in the world, with a complete region of only 2 square kilometers.
Monaco is a favorite playground for the wealthy and celebrities, known for its gambling and luxury goods and services sector.
Another significant appeal in Monaco is Monaco Grand Prix, as it’s one of the world’s most famous races.
The inhabitants of Monaco are mostly French-speaking, as bordered by France on three sides and one side by the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Vatican City – 0.44 km²
- Location: Europe
- Poulation: ~1,000
One of the most recognizable people on the planet is the most renowned citizen of the Vatican, The Pope.
The population of Vatican City does not even build up the half-thousand limit.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by area, with only 0.44 square kilometers.
Its revenue arises from the collective donations of over USD 1 billion Roman Catholic Church members around the world.
The rest of its economy works from the selling of museum postmarks, tourist memorabilia, and entry charges.
