In a world filled with bustling metropolises and an estimated population surpassing 8 billion in 2023, there exists a rare group of countries that embody solitude and tranquility due to their remarkably low population. It might come as a surprise that some of these nations have headcounts in the mere thousands or even the negligible hundreds.
1. Vatican City
Dubbed the smallest independent state on the planet, Vatican City, the spiritual epicenter of the Catholic Church, holds approximately 825 people within its walls.
The Vatican is in Rome, Italy, but this country doesn’t fail to attract thousands of tourists yearly. Its architectural wonders, like the St. Peter Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, draw many visitors.
2. Nauru
Nauru is the world’s smallest island nation, with only 10,824 people. Nauru holds a rich industrial past as a thriving phosphate mining hub, but the small island country now focuses more on driving its mini economy through eco-tourism.
3. Tuvalu
One small country in the South Pacific with a thin airport stripe through which you can access its shores, Tuvalu’s population is pegged at around 11,792 people. Tuvalu faces the ongoing threat of rising sea levels and could become a city underwater in the near future if nothing serious is done.
4. Palau
Webbed along the Alps of the western Pacific, Palau is resplendent in beauty unworthy of words. With a population of 21,503 people, an avalanche of lush jungle and underwater wonderlands would enrich any adventurer’s journey to this Micronesian nation.
5. San Marino
By the Italian Penisula, San Marino stands tall, an offshoot of the oldest surviving republic on the planet. San Marino has a population of around 34,232, and its medieval architecture promises to enthrall everyone visiting its shores.
6. Monaco
Banked on the French Rivera’s shores, Monaco’s glitzy city-state is the grand totem of luxury, glamour, and top-chart entertainment anywhere on earth.
It boasts a population of approximately 38,300 and fields iconic centers such as the Monte Carlo Casino, Formula One road tracks, and cultural events run by some of the world’s one percent. Monaco is also the most densely populated country in the world, considering its tiny landmass.
7. Liechtenstein
A thriving financial center drowned in alpine splendor between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein holds a population of 38,749. Tourists will enjoy an abundance of outdoor pursuits ranging from hiking and skiing to cycling behind mesmerizing landscapes.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
The smallest sovereign state in the Americas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, holds two islands housing 53,544 residents. It’s a country of rich colonial history, and despite its small size and populace, its passport is one of the most powerful in the world.
9. Marshall Islands
With a population of approximately 59,190, the small country that spans the equator through the western pacific ocean is a place of intrigue and mind-bending tranquility. If you’re a traveler seeking a remote paradise packed with natural wonders untouched, this is the place.
10. Andorra
Andorra, a hidden gem tucked away in the eastern Pyrenees mountains, has a population of 77,142. The fascination around this tenth least populous country swipes through the allure of its rugged landscape, making it a photographer’s dreamland. Andorra is the country to see if you’re seeking respite from the noisy clamor of urban life.
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