To be considered independent, a state must possess several requirements, including a territory – even if tiny – over which to exercise its sovereignty. But could you indicate which are the 5 smallest independent states in the world?
Get ready to test your geography knowledge and discover where these micro-nations are hiding. They range from theocracies nestled in the heart of a European capital to remote islands in the Pacific Ocean. Despite their very small size – we are talking about territories ranging from less than half a square kilometer to just over sixty – these political entities manage complex forms of government and maintain their own independence and sovereignty.
Little help: two of these nations are very close to us…
ATTENTION! From this moment on the solutions to the quiz will be visible.
5th place: San Marino (61 km2)
In last place in this ranking is San Marino, with its 61 km2 and a total of approximately 33,330 inhabitants. As we all know, San Marino is an Italian enclave, located on the slopes of Mount Titano between Emilia-Romagna and Marche. The history of the Republic of San Marino originates at the beginning of the 4th century AD when, according to tradition, a group of Christians settled there to escape persecution. Over the centuries, San Marino managed to remain independent despite the interference of bishops and neighboring noble families (such as the Medici in Florence), partly thanks to its physical isolation. In 1861, the year of the Unification of Italy, San Marino was recognized as an independent state: today it is a member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe and has Matteo Rossi and Lorenzo Bugli as Captains Regent.
4th place: Tuvalu (26 km2)
Tuvalu (also known as the Ellice Islands) is a Polynesian island country located in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It is made up of 9 small islands, for a total area of 26 km2: with its 10,000 inhabitants, it is the second least populous state in the world. In 1892 Tuvalu became a British protectorate, only to be transformed into a true colony of the British Empire. In 1978 it became independent: even today, however, it is a constitutional monarchy part of the Commonwealth: this means that the British monarch, King Charles III, is the Head of State.
3rd place: Nauru (21 km2)
There Republic of Nauru it is an island state in Oceania, made up of a single island of just 21 km² and inhabited by approximately 12,300 people. It is an island in Micronesia, located about 40 km south of the equator. Nauru was under German administration until the 19th century, before being occupied by Australian forces during the First World War. Following the conflict, it came under the mandate of the League of Nations, with Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand as the responsible authorities.
After World War II, Nauru became a United Nations Trust Territory, still under the administration of Australia. In 1968 it officially became an independent state: today it is considered the smallest republic in the world, given that the two previous states were monarchies. Since 2023 its President is David Adeang.
2nd place: Principality of Monaco (2.08 km2)
In second place in our ranking is the Principality of Monaco, with its 2.08 km2 of total surface area. This tiny state is located on the French Riviera, near the French city of Nice, and despite its small size it has a population of approximately 38,367 inhabitants, also thanks to favorable tax policies. The principality is a constitutional monarchy governed by the Grimaldi family since 1297, with Prince Albert II as the current head of state (in office since 2005).
1st place: Vatican City (0.44 km2)
With its 0.44 km2 of surface area, Vatican City is the smallest state in the world! Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican State has a total of 882 inhabitants. As we all know, its Head of State is Pope Leo XIV.
Its form of government is that of an absolute monarchy and can also be considered a theocracy, given that power is held by a religious authority. The foundation of Vatican City dates back to 1929, the year in which the Lateran Pacts were signed between the Church and the Italian government led by Benito Mussolini.
