Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but there are several smaller ones
Countries around the world vary greatly in size.
In fact, if you add up the area in square miles of the five smallest countries in the world, that number is less than 50.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, followed by Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu and San Marino, in that order.
Monaco, left, is second only to Vatican City, right, as the smallest country in the world. (Photos by Sam Bagnall/LAT I Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images)
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Read more about the world’s smallest countries by location below.
- Vatican City
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Tuvalu
- San Marino
1. Vatican City
Vatican City is 0.17 square miles and is the smallest fully independent country in the world.
The landlocked country is surrounded by Rome, and is the center of the Roman Catholic Church.
Vatican City is governed by the Holy See, the government that oversees the Catholic Church, and is led by the pope.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Vatican City may be small, but it welcomes millions of visitors every year.
One of the most popular places to visit in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica, in the middle of a small country.
2. Monaco
Monaco is the second largest country in the world, with an area of about 0.8 square kilometers.
Most of Monaco’s income comes from tourism.
The European country is a luxury tourist destination, with beautiful beaches and stunning architecture filling the small country.
Monaco is a luxury travel destination for travelers. (Photos by Dinendra Haria/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Monaco is also known for the history of the Monaco Grand Prix, where cars are raced in Monte Carlo. This Formula 1 race takes place every year, usually in late May.
Another popular place that is often visited by tourists is the Monte Carlo Casino.
3. Nauru
The third largest country in the world is Nauru.
Nauru is located in the Pacific Ocean, and has a land area of approximately 8.1 square miles.
In Nauru’s history, it was used as a supply store for European fishermen, according to CIA.gov. Additionally, it was annexed by Germany in 1888, per source, and captured by Australian forces following World War I, according to CIA.gov.
Nauru has a land area of approximately 8.1 square miles. (Mike Leyral/AFP via Getty Images)
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Japan occupied Nauru during World War II, and it ended up as a UN Trust after the war under Australian administration, according to the source. Nauru gained independence in 1968.
Phosphate was mined extensively on Nauru for many years, until mining officially ended in 2006, CIA.gov said on its website.
Nauru joined the United Nations in 1999.
4. Tuvalu
Tuvalu has an area of about 10 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest country in the world.
Tuvalu is in the South Pacific, and is made up of several atolls and rocky islands.
The islands that make up Tuvalu are Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Funafuti, Nukulaelae, Nanumanga, Niutao, Vaitupu and Niulakita.
Tuvalu is made up of several small islands. (Anthony Asael/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
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Tuvalu gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.
5. San Marino
San Marino is the largest country on this list, and has an area of about 23.6 square kilometers.
San Marino is surrounded by Italy, and Mount Titano makes up most of the small country.
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Tourism is high in San Marino. Additionally, income is generated from postage stamps and coins, which many collectors are interested in, according to the BBC.
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