Things You Might Not Know About the World's 17 Smallest Countries

With an area of just 44 hectares (110 acres), Vatican City is the world's smallest country. It is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy, and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. The country is home to the Pope and is famous for its cultural and religious significance, including iconic landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, covering an area of 2.02 square kilometers (0.78 square miles). Known for its luxurious lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and glamorous casinos, Monaco is a playground for the rich and famous. It is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as the current reigning monarch.

This tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean is the third smallest country by area, covering just 21 square kilometers (8.1 square miles). Once known for its rich phosphate deposits, Nauru's economy has struggled since the depletion of these resources. The country faces significant challenges, including a high unemployment rate, limited natural resources, and environmental issues caused by mining.

Another island nation in the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu covers an area of 26 square kilometers (10 square miles). It is a Polynesian country consisting of nine coral atolls with a population of around 11,000 people. Tuvalu is at risk from climate change and rising sea levels, which threaten the nation's existence. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and revenue from its ".tv" internet domain.

Enclaved within Italy, San Marino is the world's fifth smallest country, covering an area of 61 square kilometers (24 square miles). This landlocked nation is one of the oldest republics globally, dating back to AD 301. Its historic center, featuring well-preserved medieval architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Marino's economy is based on tourism, banking, and the production of ceramics, wine, and cheese.

This small, landlocked country is situated between Switzerland and Austria, covering an area of 160 square kilometers (62 square miles). Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Hans-Adam II as the reigning monarch. Known for its stunning alpine landscapes and picturesque villages, the country has a strong economy, largely driven by banking and finance, as well as manufacturing industries.

Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Marshall Islands is a country made up of 29 coral atolls and over 1,000 individual islands, covering a total land area of 181 square kilometers (70 square miles). The country has a rich cultural history, and its economy is primarily based on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The Marshall Islands also face significant challenges from climate change and rising sea levels.

This Caribbean nation consists of two main islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and covers an area of 261 square kilometers (101 square miles). Known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, the country's economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing. It is a federal parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state.

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, covering a land area of 298 square kilometers (115 square miles). Known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and luxury resorts, the Maldives is a popular tourist destination.

Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is an archipelago made up of three main islands - Malta, Gozo, and Comino, covering a total area of 316 square kilometers (122 square miles). The country has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with influences from various civilizations, including the Romans, Moors, and British. Tourism, manufacturing, and financial services drive Malta's economy, and it's known for its historic sites, beautiful beaches, and warm climate.

Located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Grenada is an island country covering an area of 348 square kilometers (134 square miles). Known as the "Island of Spice," Grenada is famous for its nutmeg and mace production. The country's economy relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, while the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture attract visitors from around the world.

This Caribbean nation consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and a chain of smaller islands called the Grenadines, covering a total area of 389 square kilometers (150 square miles). With its idyllic beaches, clear waters, and verdant mountains, the country is a popular tourist destination. Its economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and offshore financial services.

Located in the eastern Caribbean, Barbados is an island nation covering an area of 430 square kilometers (166 square miles). The country is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. Barbados is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. Its economy is primarily driven by tourism, offshore banking, and the production of rum and sugar.

Nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France, Andorra is a small, landlocked country covering an area of 468 square kilometers (181 square miles). Known for its ski resorts and duty-free shopping, Andorra attracts millions of tourists each year. The country is a parliamentary co-principality, with the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell serving as its co-princes.

Located in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands, covering a total area of 459 square kilometers (177 square miles). Known for its stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and unique flora and fauna, Seychelles is a popular tourist destination. The country's economy is primarily driven by tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services.

Situated in the eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation covering an area of 440 square kilometers (170 square miles). The country is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and rich maritime history. Its economy is primarily based on tourism, with visitors attracted to its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and luxury resorts.

Located in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean, Dominica is an island nation covering an area of 751 square kilometers (290 square miles). Known as the "Nature Island," Dominica boasts lush rainforests, volcanic hot springs, and diverse wildlife. The country's economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and geothermal energy.