The world’s least populated countries are small, independent nations or territories with relatively low population numbers. These countries have small land areas and limited resources, but they have their unique culture, history, and natural beauty. Despite their small populations, these countries have their own governments, economies, and cultures and play an important role in the global community. Some of these countries are isolated, like Nauru or Tuvalu, while others, like Monaco or San Marino, are in the heart of Europe and are famous for their history, culture, and tourist attractions. Here are the ten least populated countries of the world
1. Vatican City (population 800)
Vatican City is an independent city-state that is located entirely within the city of Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world by both area and population, with an area of 44 hectares (110 acres) and a population of around 800 people. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is home to the Pope and the Roman Curia. Vatican City is also a popular tourist destination, known for its historical and cultural landmarks such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It is also a sovereign city-state and has its own government, post office, and national anthem.
2. Monaco (population 39,242)
Monaco is a small independent city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. France borders it on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. It is the second smallest country in the world by area and population, with an area of 0.78 square miles and a population of around 39,242 people.
Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyle, high-end real estate, and tax haven. It is also a popular tourist destination known for its casinos, beaches, and the annual Monaco Grand Prix. The principality is governed as a constitutional monarchy, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as the head of state. The economy of Monaco is primarily based on tourism, real estate, and banking.
It is also known for its famous residents and visitors, such as the royal family of Monaco, celebrities, and rich businessmen. The city-state is also home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural events.
3. Nauru (population 10,670)
Nauru is an island country located in Micronesia, in the Central Pacific. It is the third smallest country in the world by population and the second smallest by area, with an area of only 8.1 square kilometers (3.1 square miles) and a population of around 10,670 people.
Nauru was originally a rich source of phosphates, which were mined for use as fertilizers. However, the island’s phosphate deposits were depleted in the late 20th century, leaving the country with few natural resources and a struggling economy. As a result, the country now relies heavily on foreign aid and revenue from the Nauru Regional Processing Centre, a detention center for asylum seekers operated by the Australian government.
Nauru has a unique culture with a strong traditional lifestyle. Nauruans are known for their traditional dances and music, and their ancient customs and beliefs are still passed down from generation to generation. The island has a tropical climate and is covered with coconut palm forests, mangroves, and grassland. It is also home to a variety of bird species, including the endangered Nauru Reed Warbler.
Nauru has a parliamentary democracy with a president as the head of state. The government is based on the British Westminster system of government.
4. Tuvalu (population 11,192)
Tuvalu is a small island country located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia. It is the fourth smallest country in the world by population and the third smallest by area, with an area of only 26 square kilometers (10 square miles) and a population of around 11,192 people.
Tuvalu is made up of nine coral atolls, which are low-lying islands formed by coral reefs. The country is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels, which threaten to flood the islands and displace the population. The country’s economy is largely based on fishing, agriculture, and the sale of postage stamps and coins.
Tuvalu has a rich culture with a strong traditional lifestyle. The islanders are known for their traditional dances, music, and crafts. The island has a tropical climate and is covered with coconut palm forests, mangroves, and grassland. It is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the Tuvalu white-tailed tropicbird.
Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the Governor-General, who represents the British monarch, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.
5. San Marino (population 34,453)
San Marino is a small, landlocked country located in northeastern Italy, surrounded by the Emilia-Romagna region. It is the fifth smallest country in the world by population and the fourth smallest by area, with an area of 61.2 square kilometers (23.6 square miles) and a population of around 34,453 people.
San Marino is the oldest sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, having been founded in 301 AD by a Christian stonemason named Marinus. It has a long political and military independence history and has never been conquered or occupied by a foreign power.
The economy of San Marino is based on tourism, banking, and the manufacturing of ceramics, clothing, and furniture. It is a popular destination for tourists, particularly for its historic sites, museums, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
San Marino is a parliamentary representative democratic republic with two Captains Regent as heads of state and the Congress of State as a legislative body. The country has a unique political system which is a combination of a presidential and parliamentary system. As a result, the country has a high standard of living and a low unemployment rate. San Marino is also known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine.
6. Liechtenstein (population 38,749)
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country located between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps. It is the sixth smallest country in the world by population and the fifth smallest by area, with an area of 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and a population of around 38,749 people.
Liechtenstein has a strong economy, with a low unemployment rate and a high standard of living. The country’s economy is based on services, industry, and agriculture, with a strong focus on financial services, precision engineering, and the production of ceramics, textiles, and electronics.
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, with the Prince of Liechtenstein as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The country has a unique government system, a combination of a presidential and parliamentary system. The government is based on the Swiss federal system.
Liechtenstein is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and excellent skiing and hiking opportunities. The country also has a strong tradition of art and culture, with several museums and art galleries showcasing the work of local and international artists. Liechtenstein is also known for its low tax rates and its status as a tax haven, attracting wealthy individuals and businesses.
7. Marshall Islands (population 75,000)
The Marshall Islands is an island country located in the Pacific Ocean, near the equator and east of the Philippines. It comprises 29 atolls and five islands, and it is the seventh smallest country in the world by population, with an estimated population of around 75,000 people.
The Marshall Islands were part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States from the end of World War II until the country’s independence in 1986. The economy of the Marshall Islands is based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and government employment, with a significant amount of financial assistance coming from the United States.
The Marshall Islands have a rich cultural heritage and traditional customs, with a strong emphasis on the family and the community. The islanders are known for their traditional dances, music, and crafts. The island has a tropical climate and is covered with coconut palm forests, mangroves, and grassland. It is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the black noddy.
The Marshall Islands is a presidential republic with a cabinet and a unicameral parliament. The President is both the head of state and the head of government. The government is based on the United States federal system, with a constitution modeled after the U.S. Constitution. The country has a relatively high standard of living, with universal education and access to basic healthcare.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis (population 53,000)
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small island country located in the Caribbean Sea, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is the eighth smallest country in the world by population, with an estimated population of around 53,000 people.
The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is based on tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing. The country is known for its natural beauty, with lush tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant coral reef. It is a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure tourism, as well as for its historical sites and cultural activities.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country has a strong tradition of democracy and civil rights, and it is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization of American States.
The culture of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a mix of African, European, and indigenous Caribbean influences, known for its lively carnival, calypso, and soca music and its local cuisine. The country is also known for its beautiful landscapes and natural beauty, with a variety of wildlife such as the green vervet monkey, the national bird, the brown pelican, and the national flower, the Poinciana or flamboyant tree.
9. Maldives (population 515,696)
The Maldives is a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India and Sri Lanka. It is the ninth smallest country in the world by population, with an estimated population of around 515,696 people.
The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and more than 1,000 coral islands, which are known for their clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination known for its luxury resorts, scuba diving, and water sports. The tourism industry is the primary source of income for the country, accounting for around 28% of the GDP.
The Maldives is a presidential republic with a unicameral parliament. The President serves as both head of state and head of government. The country has a relatively high standard of living, with universal education and access to basic healthcare.
The Maldives has a rich culture and a strong tradition of Islam, which influences many aspects of daily life. The islanders are known for their traditional dances, music, and crafts. Maldivian cuisine is a blend of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Indonesian influences, with a heavy emphasis on seafood. The Maldives is also known for its beautiful landscapes, natural beauty, and marine biodiversity.
10. Malta (population 491,527)
Malta is an island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and east of Tunisia. It is the tenth smallest country in the world by population, with an estimated population of around 491,527 people.
Malta has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, and it has been ruled by various powers, including Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, French, and British, which has left a unique blend of cultures and influences. The official languages are Maltese and English, and Maltese is the only Semitic language in the EU.
The economy of Malta is based on services, particularly in the areas of tourism, international trade, and financial services. Malta is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its warm climates, beautiful beaches, and historic sites, such as the Megalithic Temples of Malta and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Malta is a parliamentary republic with a constitutional monarchy; the British monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state and is represented by a Governor-General, and the head of government is the Prime Minister. Malta is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Maltese culture is a blend of different influences, including Mediterranean, African, and British. It is known for its lively festivals, traditional music, and its famous local delicacies such as pastizzi and ftira. The country is also known for its picturesque towns, beautiful beaches, and unique architecture, particularly the distinct Maltese architecture, which combines different styles.
Conclusion
These countries are small in size and population, but they have rich cultures, beautiful landscapes, and unique political systems. Some of them have strong economies based on tourism, while others rely on foreign aid and have struggled with economic challenges. Climate change and rising sea levels are also concerns for some island nations. Yet, despite their small size, these countries have played important roles in history and continue to be important players in the international community today.
