The Littlest Wonders: Journey To The World's Smallest Countries By Population (2024)

Dreaming of an offbeat summer escape? Look beyond the usual tourist destinations and delve into the charm of the world’s smallest countries (by population) this summer. Here, friendly locals and compact territories invite you for a full cultural immersion.

These smallest countries in the world (by population) make for offbeat destinations offering grand adventures. Whether it’s Vatican City, a historical and religious marvel, or one of the many remote island nations, each offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Explore the smallest countries in the world by population

Vatican City

Vatican City holds multiple titles for its size — the smallest country in the world by area, the smallest country in the world by population and the smallest city in the world. The territory comes under The Holy Sea and is home to the Pope, leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The city-state is surrounded by Rome and Italy, and visitors are not permitted to stay in Vatican City. Renowned as a pilgrimage site, millions of visitors come to witness the magnificent architecture of the enclave. Due to its micro-size, Vatican City has no airport, and the way to reach it is via the airports in Rome.

Population: 1,000 (2022 est.)
Area: 0.44 sq km
Top destinations: St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican museums, Gardens of Vatican City and Vatican Necropolis.
Visa policies: Vatican City is visa-free for everyone; however, the only way to visit is through Italy, and one needs a Schengen visa for that.

Also read – Visa-Free Travel Is A Boon For Tourists And Destinations Alike

Tokelau

Hidden away in the South Pacific Ocean is Tokelau, a dependent territory of New Zealand. Three tiny coral atolls — Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo — comprise Tokelau. Since there are no airports, a day-long boat trip from Samoa is the only way to the atolls. While Tokelau offers a unique glimpse into a remote island culture, there are no established tourist attractions in the traditional sense. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, fishing, and experiencing the daily life of the Tokelauan people.

Population: 1,647 (2019 est.)
Area: 12 sq km
Top destinations: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo.
Visa policies: Travellers need a special permit to visit Tokelau from the Tokelau Apia Liaison. Since Samao is the gateway to the territory, one needs another permit from Samoan Immigration Authorities to enter and exit Samao if they are staying for more than 60 days. Additionally, a New Zealand transit visa is needed, as there are no direct flights to Samoa.

Niue

Called the “Rock of Polynesia”, Niue is a self-governing island state in free association with New Zealand, tucked away in the South Pacific Ocean. The small nation is blessed with breathtaking nature, making it a hotspot for whale-watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking and spelunking. The Hanan Niue International Airport is the gateway to Niue.

Population: 2,000 (July 2022 est.)
Area: 260 sq km
Top destinations: Togo Chasm, Alofi, Talava Arches, Utuko Beach, Limu Pools, Matapa Chasm, Opaahi, Taue i Fupiu Fort, Avaiki Cave and Laufoli Umu Pit.
Visa policies: Nieu is visa-free for 30 days. However, a New Zealand transit visa is required as there are no direct flights to Niue.

Book your stay at Scenic Matavai Resort via Booking.com

Book your stay at Scenic Matavai Resort via Agoda

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Three islands — Miquelon-­Langlade, Île-aux-Marins and Saint Pierre — combine to create the French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Located just south of Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador province, the landscape is quite distinct and offers a lot to explore, standing tall as “France in North America”. Saint-Pierre Pointe-Blanche Airport is the gateway by air, and most ports are on Saint Pierre island.

Population: 5,195 (2023 est.)
Area: 242 sq km
Top destinations: Île-Aux-Marins, Cormorandière, Anse à Henry, Chemin des bœufs, Belliveau, Isthmus, The Arch Museum & Archives.
Visa policies: Visa-free for up to 90 days.

Montserrat

Montserrat, a volcanic Caribbean island, is also the name of a popular font. This mountainous island is a British Overseas Territory, known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean”, and is home to one of the few active complex volcanoes in the world. The locals’ musical prowess has gained world recognition through calypso and soca music, thanks in part to the Montserratian musician Arrow, known for his hit song “Hot Hot Hot”. You can reach Montserrat by flying to the John A. Osborne Airport or by ferry from Antigua.

Also read – 25 Most Beautiful Places In The Caribbean — From Emerald-Coloured Sinkholes To Private Islands

Population: 5,440 (2023 est.)
Area: 102 sq km
Top destinations: Soufrière Hills Volcano, Plymouth, Jac Boy Hill, Rendezvous Bay, Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Little Bay Beach, Centre Hills, Woodlands Bay and Runaway Ghaut.
Visa policies: Montserrat requires an e-visa.

Saint Barthelemy

The go-to tropical destination for the rich and the famous, Saint Barthelemy, or St Barts, is not only one of the smallest countries by population, but also one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world. Luxury villas, glamourous five-star resorts, and grand yachts are sprawled across the French overseas island, promising luxuries beyond imagination. Gustaf III Airport (Saint Barthélemy Airport) is the best way to reach it by air, and it has several port facilities for yacht, sail, and cruise travel.

Population: 7,093 (2023 est.)
Area: 25 sq km
Top destinations: Gustavia, Île Fourchue, Saint-Barthélemy Island, Anse de Grande Saline, Colombier Beach, Anse de Grande Saline and Anse des Cayes
Visa policies: Since it is a French Overseas Territory, a Schengen visa is required.

Explore our list of the non-Schengen countries that Indians can visit with a Schengen visa.

Book your stay at Tropical Hotel St Barth via Booking.com

Book your stay at Tropical Hotel St Barth via Agoda

Nauru

Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world by area and the seventh-smallest country by population. Smaller than Manhattan, this tiny island in the western Pacific Ocean can easily be covered by foot in a few hours. The island boasts a beautiful coral reef, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation, but tourism infrastructure is limited. Nauru International Airport is the gateway to the island.

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Population: 9,852 (2023 est.)
Area: 21 sq km
Top destinations: Yaren, Anabar, Meneng and Boe districts.
Visa policies: A visa is required for Nauru.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu, comprised of nine tiny islands and atolls, is the fourth-smallest country in the world. A great destination for diving and snorkelling alongside sea turtles and tropical fish, Tuvalu boasts mesmerising beauty. Due to its low elevation, Tuvalu is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Sustainable tourism efforts are underway to help preserve this beautiful island nation. Funafuti International Airport facilitates air travel to Tuvalu.

Explore our selection of the world’s most incredible snorkelling spots.

Population: 11,639 (2023 est.)
Area: 26 sq km
Top destinations: Funafuti Marine Conservation, Maneapa
Visa policies: Visa is required for Tuvalu

Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago spread across the South Atlantic Ocean. The country comprises two main islands — East Falkland and West Falkland — along with hundreds of small islands. The wind-swept and almost treeless landscape attracts migrating species of penguins, making it a top destination for spotting these flightless birds. Travellers can fly to Mount Pleasant Airport or come by cruise ship to Falkland Islands.

Population: 3,662 (2021 est.)
Area: 12,173 sq km
Top destinations: Stanley, Carcass Island, Sea Lion Island, Saunders Island, West Point Island, Bleaker Island, Pebble Island, West Falkland, New Island, Weddell Island, Bluff Cove Lagoon and Gypsy Cove.
Visa policies: Falkland Islands grant visa-on-arrival for a month.

Wallis and Futuna

This French Overseas territory, hidden in the South Pacific, is a cultural and tropical wonder. Wallis and Futuna, a self-governing collectivity of France, consists of three volcanic islands: Futuna, Alofi, and Uvea. Embrace the Polynesian community as you participate in traditions and enjoy the breathtaking tropical nature. Hihifo Airport is the gateway to Wallis and Futuna.

Population: 15,929 (2023 est.)
Area: 142 sq km
Top destinations: Utuleve and Atuvalu, Lake Lalolalo, Tongan Fortress, Ilôt de la Passe, Futuna, Mount Puke, Loka Cave and Anakele,
Visa policies: Since it is a French territory, a Schengen visa is required.

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(Feature image credit: Nancy Pauwels/Shutterstock)

Related:Vatican City, Monaco, More: Journey Through The Smallest Countries Of The World

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the area and population of Vatican City?
The area of Vatican City is 0.44 sq km, and the population is 1,000.

– How many days do we take to explore small countries?
Small countries can be explored in just two to three days.

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