We Visit The 6 Smallest Countries In The World
They are very different, but they share a common characteristic: their territories are tiny. They are the smallest countries in the world, but that does not mean they stop being attractive or hosting outstanding tourist attractions. Do you want to know what they are and what to visit in them? We will tell you.
The smallest countries in the world
The good thing about going to these places is that you don’t need whole weeks or months to visit them, as it happens with Russia, the United States, Canada or India. However, some of the smallest countries in the world have a great heritage that deserves several days of visit. Take a look at the last of the list in terms of dimensions:
1. Vatican
At just 44 hectares, it is the smallest state in the world and, at the same time, it is spectacular. In its small territory it houses impressive artistic treasures. Its population does not reach a thousand inhabitants, but it receives no less than around 15 million visitors each year.
The Holy See is the center of the Catholic Church and residence of the Pope. Here are gems that no one should miss: the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica (in the square of the same name) and the Sistine Chapel. The official language is Latin, it is protected by the Swiss Guard and it is located in the middle of the city of Rome.
2. Monaco
The Principality of Monaco can be defined by two words : luxury and glamor. It is the second of the smallest countries in the world (it occupies less than 2 km²) and is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, on the French Riviera. Its population density is quite high, since no less than 36,000 people live there.
Monaco is the place of choice for celebrities, motorsport fans, die-hard gamers, and those who leave their yachts in the elegant marina.
3. Nauru
An almost unknown destination on the tourist map, it is a semi-lost island in the Central Pacific Ocean. It has an area of 21.3 km² and about 10,000 people live there.
Nauru became independent from Australia in 1968 and its hotel infrastructure is quite precarious. In addition, it is not well communicated with the closest countries and it does not have many economic resources. Anibare Bay, with its coral reefs, is the most beautiful place in the whole country.
4. Tuvalu
Formerly they were called Ellice Islands and in total they have an area of 26 km². They live about 12,000 people and it is a true paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, in western Australia. One of the main activities to do in our stay in Tuvalu is diving between lagoons and coral reefs that invite us to know the abundant marine fauna.
The best way to tour the islands is by boat. It will allow you to discover impressive corners, including the remains of United States ships that ran aground in World War II, when the island was a British colony.
5. San Marino
We return to Europe to visit the fifth of the smallest countries in the world: the Serene Republic of San Marino, which, with an area of 62 km², is the oldest state on the planet (it was founded in the 4th century).
San Marino is surrounded by Italian territory like the Vatican, yet it maintains its own character. Monte Titano is the typical postcard of this country of medieval fortifications, cobbled and narrow streets. Another must-see is the Castillo de la Cesta or Fratta.
6. Liechtenstein
This tiny 160 km² country is nestled between the Austrian and Swiss Alps and is a paradise for winter sports fans, with its heart-stopping ski and snowboard slopes. In addition, in summer it draws the attention of hiking enthusiasts.
Both for its services and its infrastructure, Liechtenstein is top-notch and somewhat expensive. Since it does not have its own airport, it uses the one in the neighboring city of Zurich (to get to Vaduz, the capital, you have to travel several kilometers by road).
