Russia is by far the largest country in the world in terms of surface area, but do you also know what the smallest country in the world is?
This mini country surprises many people and it actually looks very funny.
We have made a top 10 of the smallest countries for you.
Number 10: The Maldives
The Maldives are in the Indian Ocean.
A total of 341,356 people live there, and that on only 298 square kilometers!
It is the world’s lowest lying country, with a maximum height of 2.6 meters.
That is why it is threatened by global warming, because the sea level rise can make it uninhabitable.
It is a real vacation paradise, with beautiful beaches, green palm trees and rich colorful coral reefs.
Certainly not a bad place to spend your vacation.
Number 9: Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Saint Kitts and Nevis islands lie in the Caribbean Sea.
About 48,000 people live on these two islands.
In total it is 261 square kilometers in size, which makes it the smallest country in North America.
Only in 1983 did this country become independent from Great Britain.
They are both ancient volcanic islands that are now tropical rainforests.
Number 8: Marshall Islands
Just like the Maldives, the Marshall Islands are very low, making it one of the lowest-lying countries.
It is only 180 square kilometers in size.
In total around 72,000 people live on these islands.
During the Second World War, the United States used these islands as a test base for nuclear weapons, which means that it is still impossible to live on some islands.
Only in 1979 did the country regain its independence from the United States.
Number 7: Liechtenstein
This small German-speaking country is located between Austria and Switzerland.
The total area is 160 square kilometers and the country has approximately 37,000 inhabitants.
Yet Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in terms of GDP.
The country has a monarchy and is led by the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Like a few other countries in the world, Liechtenstein has no army.
Number 6: San Marino
San Marino is completely surrounded by Italy.
It is only 61 square kilometers in size and has 32,000 inhabitants.
Although it is one of the smallest countries, it is also one of the richest just like Liechtenstein in terms of GDP.
It is the only country with more vehicles than people.
San Marino also has the smallest army in the world.
Number 5: Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located between Australia and Hawaii.
It consists of 9 islands, which together have an area of only 26 square kilometers.
The country shrinks every year due to rising sea levels, which means that it is probably completely submerged by the end of this century.
The islands are a perfect beach holiday and have a lot to offer for holidaymakers, beautiful coral reefs, white beaches and large palm trees.
However, it is anything but easy to reach, making it not so touristy.
Number 4: Nauru
Nauru is also located in the South Pacific.
This place is even smaller and is only 21 square kilometers in size.
Around 1960 the island was one of the richest places on earth, as it had a lot of phosphate.
However, the natural resources have been completely absorbed, making Nauru desperately poor today.
The country is almost entirely dependent on Australian support.
Australia uses the island as a detention center for refugees, which ensures that it is not a nice holiday island.
Number 3: Monaco
Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world.
The country is only 2.02 square kilometers in size, while 37.800 people live there.
This small country is located on the Mediterranean Sea.
Monaco has no personal income tax, so many rich people move there. 30 percent of the population is a millionaire here!
It is also known as the capital of the Grand Prix of Formula 1.
Number 2: Vatican City
Vatican City is not only the smallest recognized country, but it is also the smallest city in the world.
The country is located in the center of Rome, near St. Peter’s Basilica.
It is the capital of Catholicism. A total of 842 people live there and it is 0.44 square kilometers in size.
The country earns all its money from tourists for access to museums, the basilica and the sale of special stamps.
Number 1: Sealand
Sealand is the smallest country in the world, with an area of 0.025 square kilometers.
This principality is an unrecognized micronation that claims an old platform from the Second World War as its territory.
In 1975 Paddy Roy Bates created a constitution for Sealand, its own national flag, and even currencies and passports.
In 2007, The Pirate Bay tried to buy Sealand because they were looking for a way to escape copyright laws.
Later it was offered for sale for 900 million dollars.
