At the opposite end of the spectrum from global giants like India and China are the least populous countries in the world — sovereign nations with populations smaller than many university campuses.
The Smallest Countries by Population
- Vatican City — fewer than 1,000 residents, the smallest sovereign state on Earth by both population and area
- Tuvalu — around 11,000 people spread across a handful of Pacific atolls
- Nauru — around 12,000 people on a single small Pacific island
- Palau — around 18,000 people
- San Marino — around 34,000 people, one of the oldest republics in the world
- Liechtenstein — around 40,000 people, a wealthy microstate between Switzerland and Austria
- Monaco — around 39,000 people packed into just two square kilometers
- Marshall Islands — around 42,000 people
- Saint Kitts and Nevis — around 48,000 people, the smallest country in the Americas
Check any of these against the rest of the world instantly with our population Rankings page.
Small Population, Outsized Influence
Population size doesn’t determine relevance. Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church and a major diplomatic actor. Monaco and Liechtenstein are among the wealthiest countries per capita anywhere. Several of these microstates are also, unsurprisingly, among the smallest countries in the world by area — small territory and small population tend to go together, though not always.
Living in a Low-Population Country
Residents of the least populous countries often describe close-knit communities, low crime, and a strong sense of national identity — but also limited domestic markets, heavy reliance on tourism or a single industry, and vulnerability to external shocks like climate change, which is an existential concern for low-lying Pacific nations such as Tuvalu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least populous country in the world?
Vatican City, with fewer than 1,000 residents, is the least populous sovereign country in the world.
Is Vatican City really a country?
Yes. Vatican City is an independent sovereign state recognized under international law, distinct from the city of Rome that surrounds it.
What is the least populous country outside of Europe and the Pacific?
Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the Caribbean, is the least populous country in the Americas.
Curious how these nations compare on GDP or land area too? Use our Compare Countries tool to see up to five side by side.
Leave a Reply