The world is home to nearly 200 countries, but some are so small you could walk across them in just a few hours. Despite their size, many of these nations play key roles in global culture, politics, and tourism. Here are the 10 smallest countries in the world based on land area.
- Vatican City – 0.44 sq km
Located entirely within Rome, Italy, Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and the center of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to the Pope and famous landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, attracting millions of visitors every year. - Monaco – 2 sq km
Found on the French Riviera, Monaco is known for its luxury lifestyle, casinos, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. With no income tax and one of the highest population densities in the world, it’s a haven for the wealthy. - Nauru – 21 sq km
This tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean was once rich from phosphate mining but now faces economic challenges. Nauru relies heavily on imports and foreign aid to sustain its economy. - Tuvalu – 26 sq km
Also in the Pacific, Tuvalu consists of nine small islands. It’s among the world’s lowest-lying countries and faces severe risks from rising sea levels caused by climate change. - San Marino – 61 sq km
Surrounded by Italy, San Marino claims to be the world’s oldest republic, founded in 301 AD. Its economy thrives on tourism, banking, and manufacturing, and it proudly maintains its independence and democratic traditions. - Liechtenstein – 160 sq km
Situated between Switzerland and Austria, this German-speaking principality boasts a strong economy, low unemployment, and picturesque Alpine scenery. Interestingly, Liechtenstein has more registered companies than citizens. - Marshall Islands – 181 sq km
Scattered across the central Pacific, the Marshall Islands comprise 29 coral atolls and over 1,000 islands. Known for their lagoons and marine life, they also hold a complex history linked to U.S. nuclear tests during the 20th century. - Saint Kitts and Nevis – 261 sq km
The smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, this Caribbean nation is famed for its lush mountains and old sugar plantations. Today, tourism drives much of its economy. - Maldives – 298 sq km
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of about 1,200 coral islands. Known for luxury resorts and turquoise waters, it faces serious threats from climate change and rising seas. - Malta – 316 sq km
Set in the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa, Malta blends ancient history with modern living. Its historic temples, walled cities, and sunny beaches make it a major tourist and trade hub.
Though small in size, these nations showcase rich histories, strong identities, and remarkable resilience, proving that even the tiniest countries can make a big impact.
About the author
Fuel price hike: Presidency faults Obi on strategic reserve proposal
The Presidency has rejected claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that Nigeria’s rising fuel prices are mainly due to a lack of strategic petroleum reserves.It said Obi’s comments oversimplify a complex problem and ignore the deeper structural challenges that have long affected the country’s energy sector. In a statement shared on social media, presidential aide Dada Olusegun argued that recent increases in petrol prices are largely driven by global market forces, not the absence of strategic reserves.He noted that many advanced economies with large reserves still experience price swings because reserves are not used simply to stop normal market movements. Olusegun stressed that Nigeria’s main problem lies in decades of low refining capacity, heavy dependence on imported petrol, and pressure on the foreign exchange market.He said these long term issues make the country highly vulnerable whenever international […]
National Museum names Dufuna canoe, Lugard Bridge top heritage sites
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments has listed the ancient Dufuna canoe and Lugard’s Footbridge as two of Nigeria’s most important heritage sites.The commission said both sites reflect key phases in Nigeria’s history, from prehistoric innovation to the colonial era. The Dufuna canoe, discovered in 1987 near the village of Dufuna in Yobe State, is regarded as the oldest known boat in Africa and the second oldest in the world.Radiocarbon dating places the canoe at about 8,000 years old, showing that advanced boat-making and fishing activities existed in the region thousands of years ago. According to the commission, the canoe offers rare insight into early human settlement, transport, and trade along the Komadugu Gana River and surrounding communities.It described the artefact as a national and global treasure that strengthens Nigeria’s place in discussions on world archaeology and early technology. […]
Gavi ready to play for Barcelona after injury
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Spanish midfielder Gavi is ready to return to action after spending several months out with a knee injury.The 21 year old has received medical clearance and could feature for the first time since August in Barcelona’s next league match at Camp Nou. Gavi suffered a serious injury to the medial meniscus in his right knee last year and later underwent surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for around five months.He has since completed a rehabilitation programme and recently rejoined full group training with the rest of the squad. Flick explained that the club’s medical staff now consider Gavi fit enough to be reintegrated into competitive games, even if he only plays limited minutes at first.The coach added that the final decision on how many minutes he will get depends on how the match goes […]
Ejuke back in Sevilla training ahead of Barcelona clash
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has returned to full training with Sevilla ahead of their La Liga clash with Barcelona.The Nigerian missed Wednesday’s session due to a minor ailment but was back with the squad on Thursday, easing fears over his fitness. Reports from Spain say Ejuke took part in team drills and tactical work, indicating he is available for selection for the trip to Camp Nou.His return is a big boost for manager Matías Almeyda, who has been dealing with several injuries in the squad. Defenders Kike Salas and Marcao, as well as forward Peque, are still sidelined, but other players carrying minor knocks have also resumed training.This has slightly improved Sevilla’s options as they prepare for a difficult visit to the La Liga leaders. Ejuke has contributed one goal and one assist for Sevilla this season, adding pace […]
Akor Adams ready and motivated to face Barcelona
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams says he is highly motivated and looking forward to facing Barcelona in Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga clash.The Nigerian forward believes the game is another chance to make history and prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Adams recently ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.He described the goal as a major confidence boost and said it has put him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Barcelona. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda confirmed that Adams is in good spirits and fully focused on the task ahead.According to the coach, the striker is working hard in training and understands how important the match is for Sevilla’s season. Adams has been an important player for Sevilla this campaign, […]
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan dies at 73
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Toun Soetan has died at the age of 73, leaving the Christian music community in deep mourning.Her death was confirmed in a family statement and by close associates on Friday, March 13, 2026. Toun Soetan, also known as Evangelist Shouet, was widely celebrated as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and beyond for decades.Through this and many other songs, she built a strong legacy of worship music that touched generations of believers. Reports indicate that news of her passing was first shared on social media by family members and fellow ministers of the gospel.Tributes quickly began to pour in from fans, church leaders, gospel artistes, and colleagues who described her as a devoted minister and a consistent voice in gospel […]
Related
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
I lost my father and wife, Iran’s new Supreme Leader vows revenge
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed revenge for the deaths of his relatives and other Iranians killed in recent strikes, saying Tehran will not back down from retaliatory actions. In his first public message since assuming office, Mojtaba said he lost his father, his wife, a sister and her child, as well as his other sister’s husband, in the air strikes that hit Iran late last month. He described the attacks as brutal crimes carried out by the United States and Israel and said they had deepened his resolve to pursue justice. The new leader also referred to a deadly strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran, which Iranian sources say killed around 160 to 170 schoolgirls on the first day of the war. He said Iran is “especially sensitive to the blood of our children” […]
Iranians face pressure as war tensions escalate
As tensions rise following escalating conflict involving Iran, mixed messages are being directed at the Iranian public about whether they should challenge their government. During the conflict, former US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to rise up and take control of their country, claiming the moment could represent a rare opportunity for political change. The call came after US military strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, further intensifying the crisis. However, inside Iran, authorities have issued stern warnings against any protests or public demonstrations. Ahmadreza Radan, Iran’s police chief, said security forces would treat anyone taking to the streets at what he described as the “enemy’s request” as an adversary of the state. He warned that police and security units were fully prepared to act against unrest, emphasizing that the country’s forces were ready to defend the Islamic […]
René Redzepi resigns from Noma amid abuse allegations
The world-renowned Danish restaurant Noma is facing a major shake-up as head chef René Redzepi has resigned amid allegations of abuse and toxic workplace behavior. Redzepi announced his departure on social media, stating that after more than 20 years of leading the restaurant, he is stepping aside to allow the leadership team to guide Noma into its next chapter. He also resigned from the board of MAD, a non-profit he founded in 2011 that supports newcomers to the restaurant industry. The resignation follows accusations from former employees, reported by several media outlets including the New York Times, who described a culture of verbal and physical abuse, intimidation, and a toxic work environment in the restaurant’s kitchen. Former staff, like Jason Ignacio White, publicly shared that they had witnessed widespread mistreatment during Redzepi’s tenure. Redzepi publicly acknowledged the allegations, apologizing on […]
Estée Lauder sues Jo Malone over Zara perfume
British fragrance entrepreneur Jo Malone is facing legal action from cosmetics giant Estée Lauder Companies over the use of her name in a perfume collaboration with fashion retailer Zara. The dispute stems from a partnership between Zara and Malone’s newer fragrance brand Jo Loves. Estée Lauder argues that packaging used in the collaboration features wording that highlights Malone’s name, stating: “A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves.” According to Estée Lauder, this wording risks creating confusion with its own luxury fragrance label Jo Malone London, which the company acquired in 1999 when it purchased Malone’s original perfume business along with the commercial rights to her name. Under the terms of that agreement, Malone reportedly committed not to use the “Jo Malone” name for marketing or branding purposes in the fragrance industry. Estée Lauder now claims the Zara […]
Russia jails 19 over deadly Moscow concert attack
A Russian military court has sentenced 19 people over the deadly attack on a concert venue near Moscow that left 149 people dead and more than 500 injured, marking the deadliest mass shooting in Russia in two decades. According to state media, four gunmen received life sentences, while 11 accomplices were also convicted for their roles in the assault. Four additional defendants were handed prison terms ranging from 19 to 22 years. The attack occurred on 22 March 2024 at the Crocus City Concert Hall in Krasnogorsk, located on the outskirts of Moscow. Armed men stormed the venue during a rock concert, opening fire on the crowd before setting parts of the building ablaze. At the time of the assault, around 6,000 people were inside the concert hall. The fires triggered by the attackers quickly spread through the complex, eventually […]