~ Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World ~

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Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World


1. Vatican City - 0.44 sq. km



The Vatican City is located on the territory of Rome and is the smallest city-state in the world that is completely independent from Italy. The state gets its name from the hill "Mons Vaticanus", which means "place for predictions". The population of the Vatican is less than a thousand people, and the total area of the state is 0.44 sq. km. Vatican attracts many believers as well as tourists because of the large number of historical monuments and museums situated there. It is considered to be a sacred place not only for religious people but also for art admirers. One of the main attractions is the Basilica of St. Peter, built in the XV-XVII century, which is richly decorated. You should not miss to visit the most famous temple in the palace - the magnificent Sistine Chapel beautifully decorated by Michelangelo, as well as the fascinating museums that host large collections of paintings by Italian masters.

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2. Monaco - 1.98 sq. km



Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and during your stay there you can enjoy the exotic character and sun of both French and Italian Riviera. Its shores are "bathed" in the waters of the Mediterranean and its subtropical climate makes it an attractive place for recreation and amusement. Monaco offers historical and cultural sites, tropical vegetation and a myriad of events - all designed to give pleasure to the many tourists who have chosen this place for their vacation. There is located one of the most popular resorts in Europe - Monte Carlo - a synonym of glamor, luxury and gambling, as well as for organizing the rally championships of Formula 1. Even if you do not have huge amounts of money, the Monaco visit itself will make you feel like in heaven at least for a day. The atmosphere of the resort is incomparable - just let it conquer you.

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3. Gibraltar - 6.8 sq. km



Called "the key to the Mediterranean", the rock Gibraltar is a peninsula located on the south-eastern coast of Spain. Typical landscape there is a mixture of rocks, sand, limestone blocks and cactuses. Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, located on a large scale, which commands the strait between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the fight for the Spanish Succession, Britain gained the rocky island in 1704 and then joined Gibraltar to its lands. Today it is an important international port, naval base and air fort. The open port is a daily stop for about 200 ships. On the scale is located the only city of Gibraltar, which is a financial and tourist centre. Many tourists go there throughout the year to visit "The Rock" and enjoy a wonderful time with a Mediterranean climate or to buy North African works of art offered there.

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4. Tokelau - 10 sq. km



Tokelau is an independent possession of New Zealand, located in the central South Pacific Ocean. The island group consists of three separate parts Atafu, Fakaofo and Nukunonu whose altitude does not exceed 5 meters. In fact, the three atolls in the South Pacific were British colony, but they are so disconnected from the world and the costs of providing them are so high that Britain assigned them to New Zealand, which did wonder what to do with these islands, which are almost on the Equator, somewhere very far away - in the middle between New Zealand and Hawaii. Lack of resources hampers the economic development of the islands. The small population there survive thanks to agriculture and support in the form of grants from New Zealand. In recent years the role of tourism increases and gives a glimmer of hope for the development of Tokelau - a real small paradise full of happy people.

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5. Nauru - 21 sq. km



Nauru is a small and exotic island country situated in the southern Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands. The country lies on a picturesque island with an area of 21 sq. km in size. With a population of nearly 13,000 inhabitants, Nauru is among the group with the smallest nations on earth. What makes Nauru unique and different is that it is the only country that has no official capital city. In fact, the capital city of the country is Yaren as there are situated all state institutions. Today the people of Nauru rely mainly on economic support from Australia. There are well developed some economic sectors - ocean fishing, as well as the tourism because of the specific charm and natural beauty of that magical place.

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6. Tuvalu - 26 sq. km



Located halfway between Australia and Hawaii, the remote island nation Tuvalu mostly keeps its beauty for itself. Huge beautiful lagoons and coral reefs formed the majority of the nine pristine islands with a total area of 26 sq. km. The country became independent from Britain in 1978. Although it is small in size, different parts of Tuvalu stretch on water area with a length of 600 km. The relief of the islands is low, to about 5 meters above sea level, so they slowly sink due to global warming and rising sea levels. Furthermore, more frequent floods bring other problems resulting from the change in sea level. Salt water, which enters into the islands, destroys even plants with deep root systems, such as coconut palms and tarot. Tuvalu is a real pristine heaven for lovers of untouched endless beaches, crystal waters and colourful reefs but it is really endangered due to influence of nature and human negligence.

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7. Norfolk Island - 34.6 sq. km



Norfolk Island is a small island between Australia and New Zealand which offers some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen. One third of the island was declared a national park and a botanical garden in which grow some unique or endangered species. There you can see the largest tree ferns in the world. Also, the island hosts rare birds such as local green parrot and a special type of owl. An unusually beautiful Norfolk Island is a chain of coral reefs with bright colours and filled with all sorts of colourful fish. The island can be visited any time of year, and the nearest town is Oakland situated at about 1080 km. That place is a small pearl in the ocean and a visit there guarantee incomparable experience and lifetime colourful memories.

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8. Bermuda - 53.2 sq. km



Bermuda is not just the oldest British colony. It is an unusual destination that seeks to become popular without losing its charm. Bermuda became a popular place for excursions because of its pink beaches, swimming with dolphins, golf and numerous entertainment opportunities. Bermuda is the largest island of the whole archipelago and it is located on top of an extinct undersea volcano, with a maximum altitude of 79 m .This time the tourism literature is not exaggerating: the sand on the beaches of Bermuda - especially under the sun in late afternoon - is really light pink, the result of shattered coral granules from the magical reefs, driven ashore. Bermuda is often associated with the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, the territory where have disappeared many ships and planes. There are various hypotheses about what happened, but there is no precise answer. The mystery and the incomparable beauty of that area attract thousands of tourists annually, who enjoy the sun, sand, music and typical local cocktails.

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9. San Marino - 61.2 sq. km



San Marino is the oldest country in Europe and the third smallest European country after the Vatican and Monaco. It is believed that San Marino is the oldest republic in the world that exists today. Historians believe it was founded on 3 September 301 by the builder, called Saint Marino. San Marino is surrounded by Italy from all the sides, which is the main reason why the republic is dependent on the economic, commercial and cultural attitude of the Italians but thanks to this it is powerful and well developed country. Undoubted attractions of San Marino are the so called "Three Towers", which are medieval castles and towers located on three hills in San Marino and a significant landmark of the country. The entire historic centre of San Marino fascinates with medieval atmosphere. Significant number of works of art, including paintings of famous Italian artists, is kept in the country.

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10. Liechtenstein - 160 sq. km



Liechtenstein is a small alpine country bounded in area between Switzerland and Austria. It is world famous for its magical mountain scenery and its exclusive stamps, which are among the most valued by the collectors all over the world. Liechtenstein has the highest living standards in the world. About 75% of its territory is occupied by the magnificent Alps and the endless plain of the Upper Rhine. The most famous historical sites you should not miss to visit are Vaduz Castle which is the official residence of the prince of Liechtenstein, Gutenberg Castle, "Red House" and the ruins of Schellenberg. Music and theatre are an important part of its splendour culture that will fascinate you. When you start your journey around the country you will realize that it's like a really interesting book that enchants you even with the first page and you are not able to close it before you become aware of all of it.