Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It’s an independent city-state inside Rome with an area of about 0.49 km² (0.19 sq mi) and fewer than 1,000 residents. Below you’ll find a quick map plus the top 10 smallest countries and how “smallest by area” differs from “smallest by population.”
Why Is Vatican City a Country?
Vatican City became a sovereign state in 1929 (Lateran Treaty). It has:
Its own governing institutions and legal system
Diplomatic relations
Issued passports and Euro coins
Defined territory (enclave within the city of Rome)
What Is the Second Smallest Country?
Monaco is the second smallest, with an area of about 2.02 km² (0.78 sq mi) on the French Riviera. Despite its tiny size, it’s one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Meet Vatican City, The World’s Smallest Country
Size: only 0.2 square miles (0.49 km²)
Population: about 800 people
Location: right in the heart of Rome, Italy
Founded: 1929 as an independent city-state
Leader: the Pope, head of the Catholic Church
Top 10 Smallest Countries by Area
Rank | Country | Area (km²) | Region | Quick fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vatican City | 0.49 | Europe | Independent city-state inside Rome |
2 | Monaco | 2.02 | Europe | Most densely populated country |
3 | Nauru | 21 | Oceania | Micronesian island nation |
4 | Tuvalu | 26 | Oceania | Polynesian atoll nation |
5 | San Marino | 61 | Europe | Enclave within Italy |
6 | Liechtenstein | 160 | Europe | Alpine state between Switzerland & Austria |
7 | Marshall Islands | 181 | Oceania | Chain of coral atolls in the Pacific |
8 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 261 | Caribbean | Twin-island federation |
9 | Maldives | 300 | Indian Ocean | Low-lying atoll nation |
10 | Malta | 316 | Europe | Mediterranean island country |
Areas rounded; list is by land area, not population.
👉 Ask the DIY.org homework helper tool: “What makes Vatican City different from other countries?”
Smallest by Area vs. Smallest by Population
“Smallest” can mean different things:
By area: total land size (e.g., Vatican City is #1)
By population: total residents (Vatican City is also among the smallest here, but some lists vary with methodology)
Can You Visit the Smallest Country?
Yes. Popular spots include St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums. Hours and entry rules change, so travelers should check current information before visiting.
Why Borders and Sizes Matter
Understanding country sizes isn’t just trivia it connects to history, politics, and culture. 👉 Curious? Try asking the AI Homework Helper: “Which small countries are in Europe?”
Small countries like Vatican City often have strong cultural or symbolic importance.
Large countries like Russia or Canada manage many climates, languages, and resources.
Geography shapes how people live, trade, and interact with neighbors.
FAQs Smallest Country in the World
What is the smallest country in the world?
Vatican City. It’s an independent city-state inside Rome with an area of about 0.49 km².
Is Vatican City really a country?
Yes. Since 1929, it has recognized sovereignty, its own government institutions, and diplomatic relations.
What is the second smallest country?
Monaco, about 2.02 km².
What are the 10 smallest countries by area?
See the table above (Vatican City, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Maldives, Malta).
Which is the smallest country by population?
Vatican City is often listed as the smallest by population (under 1,000 residents), though population-based lists can shift slightly depending on sources and timing.
The Bottom Line
Vatican City is the world’s smallest country but it has a huge role in culture, history, and religion. Geography isn’t just about size, though. Learning about small countries helps kids see the variety of ways people live around the world.
With the DIY.org homework helper tool, kids can dive deeper into geography questions, explore maps safely, and build confidence in schoolwork.
