Top 10 smallest countries in the world by population

Of the 245 sovereigns, associated countries and overseas possessions, there are the smallest populations. Each of them has its characteristics of economic development, history, culture; they try to preserve identity and life principles.

In the list below is an overview of the ten smallest countries in terms of population. Some of them also have a small record territory.

1. Pitcairn Islands, 40 people

Pitcairn Islands
Flag of Pitcairn Islands

Five islands in the South Pacific Ocean cover a total area of 47km2 and belong to the overseas territory of Great Britain. Inhabited is only Pitcairn, which characterizes by cliffs and rugged coastline. Volcanoes, fortunately, are no longer active. Tourism brings 80% of the revenue to the local treasury

The Pitcairn island is unique. Henderson, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 4 rare species of birds live here, about ten species of endemics grow. Ecology is not affected by human influence.

2. Vatican City, 825 people

Vatican City
Vatican City

The state within the territory of Rome is associated with Italy. The Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with 170 countries of the world. This small country is the centre of government of the Catholic Church, to which about 1 billion believers on our planet rank themselves. The official languages are Italian and Latin.

The population of the city-country mainly made up of church ministers, Swiss guards and their families. Men make up 95% of the citizens. Almost 5 million tourists visit the Vatican every year.

3. Tokelau, 1499 people

Tokelau
Tokelau flag

Three small islands in the Pacific Ocean administered by New Zealand, which provides significant aid to the dependent state. The limestone soil is suitable for pandanus and coconut trees. The surface of the atolls made up of coral debris.

A small income for the treasury is brought by the production of souvenir coins and postage stamps. Also, the country’s economy is developing at the expense of the national domain zone. Interestingly, the islands have recently decided to switch to solar energy as a source of electricity altogether.

4. Niue, 1,620 people

Niue
Niue flag

The self-governing state of Niue Fecaia covers 261 sq. km and is in free association with New Zealand. Almost all issues, except for foreign policy and defence, are resolved independently. 81% are indigenous people.

From April to October, the island is at the mercy of the strongest storms. Intense cyclones observed about once every ten years. The tourism sector is at the beginning of development, which is the main direction in the authorities’ work.

5. Falkland Islands, 3398 people

Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands

Argentina disputes rights to the British Overseas Territory in the Southwest Atlantic. The coastline stretches for 1,300 km. The total area of numerous islands and rocks is 12,173 sq. km. Life is concentrated in the most extensive formations – West and East Falkland.

Due to the constantly blowing strong winds, rare trees bend and take on bizarre shapes. The archipelago’s economy based on sheep breeding, industrial fishing, fish processing, tourism and agriculture.

Most of the island’s territory used as pasture land for 500,000 sheep. The islands are also famous for their population of penguins, of which there are more than seven hundred thousand.

6. Saint Helena, 4534 people

Saint Helena
Saint Helena

The British Overseas Territory locates on islands of volcanic origin. The primary and permanent population concentrated on the island of Saint Helena, where Bonaparte once spent his last days. The flow of tourists does not stop here.

Officials and military personnel with their families stationed on Ascension Island. Once the island was famous for the abundance of endemic plants, many are now on the verge of extinction. Interestingly, the two houses of Napoleon and the place of his burial – the Vallee of theTomb are the possession of France.

7. Montserrat, 4694 people

Montserrat
Montserrat

The British Overseas Territory locates on the leeward island, the part chain known as the Lesser Antilles, in the West Indies. Eight thousand residents forced to leave their homeland in 1995 when there was an increase in seismic activity. People have abandoned the administrative centre – the city of Plymouth. The southern half of the island is still inaccessible to people.

The country’s economy has traditionally based on tourism. In addition, sugarcane, citrus fruits and vegetables were grown here. The production of rum, textiles was established on the island, and factories for the assembly of electrical equipment were in operation.

Now the economic activity is at the stage of revival. The population is gradually returning; farmland is being restored, new houses being build.

8. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 6008 people

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon flag

The French overseas community locates on small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the foodstuffs, household goods, and fuel imported. There are no conditions for agriculture: the soil is not fertile, the humidity is high, the sun’s heat and light are not enough. The inhabitants of the country are mainly engaged in fishing and processing their catch. Chickens, sheep and pigs can be found in households.

The land surface covers with steep hillsides, numerous boulders, dunes and swampy areas. Due to the peculiarities of the weather and the relief, you can hardly find trees here.

9. Wallis and Futuna, 11 558 people

Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna flag

The territory of the overseas community of France in the Pacific divides into three kingdoms, two of which are on the island. Wallis and Futuna are one of the isles. Tourists attracted by untouched coral reefs, fabulously beautiful Catholic cathedrals, the richest flora and fauna in the coastal waters.

The economy poorly developed. The population strives to provide for their families through subsistence farming. The French authorities take care of the island’s defence, medical care, the creation of communications, and providing residents with work. French civil servants who arrived on the islands under contract are paid double or triple their salary.

10. Tuvalu, 11646 people

Tuvalu
Tuvalu flag

The Pacific state of Tuvalu, a member of the British Commonwealth, is scattered over eight coral islands. The total land area is 26 sq. km., the distance between the islands is 50-100 km. The country’s main export products are copra and frozen fish.

The main occupation of the local population is subsistence farming and fishing. Food and consumer goods, fuel and equipment, are imported here.

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