From the Vatican City to the islands of the Pacific, the smallest territories in the world tell interesting stories about land and politics.
This selection gathers the smallest countries and territories in the world by land area, including lakes and rivers inside their borders. The list includes both independent nations and dependent regions with different political statuses. From the Vatican with 0.4 square kilometers to Monaco and San Marino in Europe, and island nations in the Caribbean like Saint Kitts and Nevis, this selection shows the geographic diversity of small areas.
European micro-states have medieval fortifications, princely palaces, and modern financial districts in small spaces. Pacific atolls like Nauru and Tuvalu have coral structures and tropical coastlines, while Caribbean islands combine volcanic mountains, rainforests, and colonial buildings. Despite their small size, these countries and regions maintain their own governments, cultures, and economic models, based on tourism, finance, fishing, and farming.
From the Vatican City to the islands of the Pacific, the smallest territories in the world tell interesting stories about land and politics.
This selection gathers the smallest countries and territories in the world by land area, including lakes and rivers inside their borders. The list includes both independent nations and dependent regions with different political statuses. From the Vatican with 0.4 square kilometers to Monaco and San Marino in Europe, and island nations in the Caribbean like Saint Kitts and Nevis, this selection shows the geographic diversity of small areas.
European micro-states have medieval fortifications, princely palaces, and modern financial districts in small spaces. Pacific atolls like Nauru and Tuvalu have coral structures and tropical coastlines, while Caribbean islands combine volcanic mountains, rainforests, and colonial buildings. Despite their small size, these countries and regions maintain their own governments, cultures, and economic models, based on tourism, finance, fishing, and farming.
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, covering an area of just 0.4 square kilometers. This city-state is entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy, and houses approximately 764 residents. Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and functions as the residence of the Pope. The territory includes St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, along with various administrative buildings and gardens.
The Principality of Monaco covers an area of 2 square kilometers along the French Mediterranean coast and has 38,631 residents. This constitutional monarchy led by the Grimaldi family has one of the highest population densities in the world. The territory includes several districts, such as Monte Carlo with its casino and Monaco-Ville, the old town on the rock.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The area covers 6.8 square kilometers and has a population of 39329 residents. The limestone cliff rises to 426 meters above sea level and forms the northern pillar of the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Tokelau is a territory belonging to New Zealand, located in the south of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of three coral atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. The total area is about 12.2 square kilometers, spread across these three atolls. Around 1647 people live mostly from fishing and coconut farming. Tokelau does not have an airport, and access is only by boat from Samoa.
The Cocos Islands are an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 27 coral islands on two atolls. The territory covers an area of 14.2 square kilometers and is home to 593 residents. Located approximately 2,750 kilometers northwest of Perth, these islands feature palm-lined beaches and lagoons characteristic of coral atoll formations.
Saint-Barthélemy is a French overseas territory in the Caribbean with an area of 21 square kilometers. The island is located northeast of Saint Kitts and has about 10,967 residents. This area was part of Guadeloupe before becoming a separate territory in 2007. The capital, Gustavia, serves as the administrative and economic center. The island has several beaches and maintains a French-influenced infrastructure.
Nauru is an independent island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a land area of about 81 square miles (21.1 square kilometers) and a population of around 11947 people. The Republic of Nauru is located northeast of Australia and south of the equator. The island has a coast lined with coral reefs and a raised central plateau shaped by historic phosphate mining. Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by land area and the smallest island nation.
Tuvalu is an independent island nation in Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of nine atolls covering about 26 square kilometers. The country is roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia and has around 9646 people. The capital, Funafuti, is on the same-named atoll and serves as the main place for work and governance. Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and is now part of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Macau is a special administrative region of China located on the southern coast of the country. The area covers about 12 square miles and has around 687,000 residents. Macau includes the Macau Peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. It was a Portuguese colony until 1999 and still has European-style buildings today. Macau has its own currency, legal system, and immigration policies based on the .
Saint-Martin is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, covering the southern part of the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin. This land has an area of 34 square kilometers and about 43,350 people. The capital, Philipsburg, is on Great Bay and is the main center for business and government. Saint-Martin shares the island with the French overseas territory of Saint-Martin, with an open border between the two areas. The economy mostly depends on tourism, trade, and financial services.
Norfolk Island is an Australian external territory in the south of the Pacific Ocean, covering about 34.6 square kilometers. The island is roughly 1400 kilometers east of Australia and has around 2188 residents. This territory has a special administrative setup that gives it some independence within Australian law.
The Pitcairn Islands form a British Overseas Territory in the southern Pacific Ocean. The territory spans 49 square kilometers and comprises four volcanic islands. Only Pitcairn itself is inhabited, hosting approximately 47 residents, making it one of the least populated jurisdictions in the world. The islands are located roughly halfway between New Zealand and Peru.
The Bermuda Islands are a British overseas territory in the western Atlantic Ocean. They consist of about 181 islands covering 53.2 square miles. The territory is about 640 miles east of North Carolina and has a population of around 64,000. Hamilton is the main city and the center of the area's administration and business.
San Marino is a country completely surrounded by Italy. It is located on Mount Titano in the Apennines. The country covers about 61 square miles and has around 34,000 people. San Marino is known as one of the oldest republics still in existence, founded around the year 300. The capital has the same name as the country.
The British Indian Ocean Territory covers 63.2 square kilometers in the central Indian Ocean. This British Overseas Territory comprises the Chagos Archipelago with approximately 60 tropical islands. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a military facility. The territory features extensive coral reefs and marine protected areas. The population consists primarily of military and civilian personnel stationed on Diego Garcia.
Guernsey is a dependency of the British Crown located in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. The territory covers 78 square miles and has about 63950 people living on it. The island has its own legal system based on Norman customary law and has an independent government. The economy mainly depends on financial services, tourism and horticulture. Saint-Pierre-Port is the capital and main port of the island.
Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the eastern Caribbean, covering an area of 96 square kilometers and home to 15753 people. This area includes the main island of Anguilla and several small islands and uninhabited rocks. Most of the population lives in The Valley, the capital and administrative center of the territory.
Montserrat is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. It covers about 102 square miles. The island is part of the Leeward Islands and has around 4400 residents. The Soufrière volcano, active since 1995, shapes the land and has made the southern part uninhabitable. Plymouth, the old capital, was destroyed by volcano eruptions. Today, Brades acts as the main administrative center.
Jersey is a dependency of the British Crown located in the Channel Islands. It covers an area of 119.6 square miles. The island is off the coast of Normandy and has about 103,267 residents. Jersey has its own legal system based on Norman law, and it has independent powers over governance and taxes. The capital, Saint-Hélier, is the main economic and administrative center of the island.
Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, covering 135 square miles (around 350 square kilometers). It has about 1613 residents and is located south of Java. The island is known for its rainforests, coral reefs, and the yearly movement of large numbers of land crabs, as millions of crabs travel from the forest to the ocean.
Wallis and Futuna are a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, made up of three main volcanic islands: Wallis, Futuna, and Alofi. The area covers about 89 square miles (146 km²) and has around 11151 people, mostly Polynesian. Located between Fiji and Samoa, the islands keep traditional kingdoms that share space with the French government. The economy is based on small-scale farming, fishing, and support from France.
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, covering an area of 150 square miles (about 388 square kilometers). The territory includes more than 60 islands and cays, about 15 of which are inhabited. The largest islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. With a population of 39471 residents, the British Virgin Islands are among the smallest territories in the world by area.
The Principality of Liechtenstein covers 160.5 square kilometers between Switzerland and Austria in the Alpine region. This German-speaking state has 40,197 inhabitants and ranks among the smallest countries in the world. The constitutional monarchy uses the Swiss franc as its currency and maintains close economic ties with its western neighbor. Vaduz serves as the seat of government for the country.
Aruba is an independent country within the kingdom of the Netherlands. It is located in the south of the Caribbean Sea. The island covers about 179 square miles (464 square kilometers) and has nearly 108000 residents. Aruba is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of the Venezuelan coast. It is part of the ABC islands with Bonaire and Curaçao. The city Oranjestad is the main business and government center.
The Marshall Islands cover an area of 181.4 square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean and include 29 atolls and five individual islands. This independent island nation is spread over two parallel chains of islands, the Ratak chain to the east and the Ralik chain to the west. The capital Majuro is on one of the largest atolls and holds about half of the total population of 37548 people. The Marshall Islands gained independence from the United States in 1986 and remain connected by a free association agreement.
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the south of the Pacific Ocean. The area covers 199 square miles and has 46765 people. This group of islands is about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and has five main islands and two coral atolls. Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila is the capital and main port of the territory.
The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory covers about 150 square miles on 15 islands and has roughly 15,000 residents. These islands are between French Polynesia and Samoa, split into two groups: the coral atolls in the north and the volcanic islands in the south. Rarotonga is the main island and the government seat, while Aitutaki is known for its lagoon.
Saint-Christophe-et-Niévès is a country made up of two main islands in the Caribbean. The total area is about 160 square miles (260 square kilometers). Around 46843 people live there. It is one of the smallest independent countries in the western part of the world. The islands are in the small Antilles. They have been independent since 1983 within the Commonwealth.
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are a French overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the south coast of Newfoundland. The group is made up of eight volcanic islands covering about 150 square miles. The two main islands are Saint-Pierre, which has the town of the same name, and the larger Miquelon-Langlade. This territory keeps alive the French language and culture in North America. About five thousand residents live here, mainly from fishing, fish processing, and more and more, tourism.
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, covering an area of just 0.4 square kilometers. This city-state is entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy, and houses approximately 764 residents. Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and functions as the residence of the Pope. The territory includes St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, along with various administrative buildings and gardens.
The Principality of Monaco covers an area of 2 square kilometers along the French Mediterranean coast and has 38,631 residents. This constitutional monarchy led by the Grimaldi family has one of the highest population densities in the world. The territory includes several districts, such as Monte Carlo with its casino and Monaco-Ville, the old town on the rock.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The area covers 6.8 square kilometers and has a population of 39329 residents. The limestone cliff rises to 426 meters above sea level and forms the northern pillar of the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Tokelau is a territory belonging to New Zealand, located in the south of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of three coral atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. The total area is about 12.2 square kilometers, spread across these three atolls. Around 1647 people live mostly from fishing and coconut farming. Tokelau does not have an airport, and access is only by boat from Samoa.
The Cocos Islands are an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 27 coral islands on two atolls. The territory covers an area of 14.2 square kilometers and is home to 593 residents. Located approximately 2,750 kilometers northwest of Perth, these islands feature palm-lined beaches and lagoons characteristic of coral atoll formations.
Saint-Barthélemy is a French overseas territory in the Caribbean with an area of 21 square kilometers. The island is located northeast of Saint Kitts and has about 10,967 residents. This area was part of Guadeloupe before becoming a separate territory in 2007. The capital, Gustavia, serves as the administrative and economic center. The island has several beaches and maintains a French-influenced infrastructure.
Nauru is an independent island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a land area of about 81 square miles (21.1 square kilometers) and a population of around 11947 people. The Republic of Nauru is located northeast of Australia and south of the equator. The island has a coast lined with coral reefs and a raised central plateau shaped by historic phosphate mining. Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by land area and the smallest island nation.
Tuvalu is an independent island nation in Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of nine atolls covering about 26 square kilometers. The country is roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia and has around 9646 people. The capital, Funafuti, is on the same-named atoll and serves as the main place for work and governance. Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and is now part of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Macau is a special administrative region of China located on the southern coast of the country. The area covers about 12 square miles and has around 687,000 residents. Macau includes the Macau Peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. It was a Portuguese colony until 1999 and still has European-style buildings today. Macau has its own currency, legal system, and immigration policies based on the .
Saint-Martin is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, covering the southern part of the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin. This land has an area of 34 square kilometers and about 43,350 people. The capital, Philipsburg, is on Great Bay and is the main center for business and government. Saint-Martin shares the island with the French overseas territory of Saint-Martin, with an open border between the two areas. The economy mostly depends on tourism, trade, and financial services.
Norfolk Island is an Australian external territory in the south of the Pacific Ocean, covering about 34.6 square kilometers. The island is roughly 1400 kilometers east of Australia and has around 2188 residents. This territory has a special administrative setup that gives it some independence within Australian law.
The Pitcairn Islands form a British Overseas Territory in the southern Pacific Ocean. The territory spans 49 square kilometers and comprises four volcanic islands. Only Pitcairn itself is inhabited, hosting approximately 47 residents, making it one of the least populated jurisdictions in the world. The islands are located roughly halfway between New Zealand and Peru.
The Bermuda Islands are a British overseas territory in the western Atlantic Ocean. They consist of about 181 islands covering 53.2 square miles. The territory is about 640 miles east of North Carolina and has a population of around 64,000. Hamilton is the main city and the center of the area's administration and business.
San Marino is a country completely surrounded by Italy. It is located on Mount Titano in the Apennines. The country covers about 61 square miles and has around 34,000 people. San Marino is known as one of the oldest republics still in existence, founded around the year 300. The capital has the same name as the country.
The British Indian Ocean Territory covers 63.2 square kilometers in the central Indian Ocean. This British Overseas Territory comprises the Chagos Archipelago with approximately 60 tropical islands. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a military facility. The territory features extensive coral reefs and marine protected areas. The population consists primarily of military and civilian personnel stationed on Diego Garcia.
Guernsey is a dependency of the British Crown located in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. The territory covers 78 square miles and has about 63950 people living on it. The island has its own legal system based on Norman customary law and has an independent government. The economy mainly depends on financial services, tourism and horticulture. Saint-Pierre-Port is the capital and main port of the island.
Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the eastern Caribbean, covering an area of 96 square kilometers and home to 15753 people. This area includes the main island of Anguilla and several small islands and uninhabited rocks. Most of the population lives in The Valley, the capital and administrative center of the territory.
Montserrat is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. It covers about 102 square miles. The island is part of the Leeward Islands and has around 4400 residents. The Soufrière volcano, active since 1995, shapes the land and has made the southern part uninhabitable. Plymouth, the old capital, was destroyed by volcano eruptions. Today, Brades acts as the main administrative center.
Jersey is a dependency of the British Crown located in the Channel Islands. It covers an area of 119.6 square miles. The island is off the coast of Normandy and has about 103,267 residents. Jersey has its own legal system based on Norman law, and it has independent powers over governance and taxes. The capital, Saint-Hélier, is the main economic and administrative center of the island.
Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, covering 135 square miles (around 350 square kilometers). It has about 1613 residents and is located south of Java. The island is known for its rainforests, coral reefs, and the yearly movement of large numbers of land crabs, as millions of crabs travel from the forest to the ocean.
Wallis and Futuna are a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, made up of three main volcanic islands: Wallis, Futuna, and Alofi. The area covers about 89 square miles (146 km²) and has around 11151 people, mostly Polynesian. Located between Fiji and Samoa, the islands keep traditional kingdoms that share space with the French government. The economy is based on small-scale farming, fishing, and support from France.
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, covering an area of 150 square miles (about 388 square kilometers). The territory includes more than 60 islands and cays, about 15 of which are inhabited. The largest islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. With a population of 39471 residents, the British Virgin Islands are among the smallest territories in the world by area.
The Principality of Liechtenstein covers 160.5 square kilometers between Switzerland and Austria in the Alpine region. This German-speaking state has 40,197 inhabitants and ranks among the smallest countries in the world. The constitutional monarchy uses the Swiss franc as its currency and maintains close economic ties with its western neighbor. Vaduz serves as the seat of government for the country.
Aruba is an independent country within the kingdom of the Netherlands. It is located in the south of the Caribbean Sea. The island covers about 179 square miles (464 square kilometers) and has nearly 108000 residents. Aruba is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of the Venezuelan coast. It is part of the ABC islands with Bonaire and Curaçao. The city Oranjestad is the main business and government center.
The Marshall Islands cover an area of 181.4 square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean and include 29 atolls and five individual islands. This independent island nation is spread over two parallel chains of islands, the Ratak chain to the east and the Ralik chain to the west. The capital Majuro is on one of the largest atolls and holds about half of the total population of 37548 people. The Marshall Islands gained independence from the United States in 1986 and remain connected by a free association agreement.
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the south of the Pacific Ocean. The area covers 199 square miles and has 46765 people. This group of islands is about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and has five main islands and two coral atolls. Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila is the capital and main port of the territory.
The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory covers about 150 square miles on 15 islands and has roughly 15,000 residents. These islands are between French Polynesia and Samoa, split into two groups: the coral atolls in the north and the volcanic islands in the south. Rarotonga is the main island and the government seat, while Aitutaki is known for its lagoon.
Saint-Christophe-et-Niévès is a country made up of two main islands in the Caribbean. The total area is about 160 square miles (260 square kilometers). Around 46843 people live there. It is one of the smallest independent countries in the western part of the world. The islands are in the small Antilles. They have been independent since 1983 within the Commonwealth.
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are a French overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the south coast of Newfoundland. The group is made up of eight volcanic islands covering about 150 square miles. The two main islands are Saint-Pierre, which has the town of the same name, and the larger Miquelon-Langlade. This territory keeps alive the French language and culture in North America. About five thousand residents live here, mainly from fishing, fish processing, and more and more, tourism.
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, covering an area of just 0.4 square kilometers. This city-state is entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy, and houses approximately 764 residents. Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and functions as the residence of the Pope. The territory includes St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, along with various administrative buildings and gardens.
The Principality of Monaco covers an area of 2 square kilometers along the French Mediterranean coast and has 38,631 residents. This constitutional monarchy led by the Grimaldi family has one of the highest population densities in the world. The territory includes several districts, such as Monte Carlo with its casino and Monaco-Ville, the old town on the rock.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The area covers 6.8 square kilometers and has a population of 39329 residents. The limestone cliff rises to 426 meters above sea level and forms the northern pillar of the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Tokelau is a territory belonging to New Zealand, located in the south of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of three coral atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. The total area is about 12.2 square kilometers, spread across these three atolls. Around 1647 people live mostly from fishing and coconut farming. Tokelau does not have an airport, and access is only by boat from Samoa.
The Cocos Islands are an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 27 coral islands on two atolls. The territory covers an area of 14.2 square kilometers and is home to 593 residents. Located approximately 2,750 kilometers northwest of Perth, these islands feature palm-lined beaches and lagoons characteristic of coral atoll formations.
Saint-Barthélemy is a French overseas territory in the Caribbean with an area of 21 square kilometers. The island is located northeast of Saint Kitts and has about 10,967 residents. This area was part of Guadeloupe before becoming a separate territory in 2007. The capital, Gustavia, serves as the administrative and economic center. The island has several beaches and maintains a French-influenced infrastructure.
Nauru is an independent island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a land area of about 81 square miles (21.1 square kilometers) and a population of around 11947 people. The Republic of Nauru is located northeast of Australia and south of the equator. The island has a coast lined with coral reefs and a raised central plateau shaped by historic phosphate mining. Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by land area and the smallest island nation.
Tuvalu is an independent island nation in Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of nine atolls covering about 26 square kilometers. The country is roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia and has around 9646 people. The capital, Funafuti, is on the same-named atoll and serves as the main place for work and governance. Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and is now part of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Macau is a special administrative region of China located on the southern coast of the country. The area covers about 12 square miles and has around 687,000 residents. Macau includes the Macau Peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane. It was a Portuguese colony until 1999 and still has European-style buildings today. Macau has its own currency, legal system, and immigration policies based on the .
Saint-Martin is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, covering the southern part of the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin. This land has an area of 34 square kilometers and about 43,350 people. The capital, Philipsburg, is on Great Bay and is the main center for business and government. Saint-Martin shares the island with the French overseas territory of Saint-Martin, with an open border between the two areas. The economy mostly depends on tourism, trade, and financial services.
Norfolk Island is an Australian external territory in the south of the Pacific Ocean, covering about 34.6 square kilometers. The island is roughly 1400 kilometers east of Australia and has around 2188 residents. This territory has a special administrative setup that gives it some independence within Australian law.
The Pitcairn Islands form a British Overseas Territory in the southern Pacific Ocean. The territory spans 49 square kilometers and comprises four volcanic islands. Only Pitcairn itself is inhabited, hosting approximately 47 residents, making it one of the least populated jurisdictions in the world. The islands are located roughly halfway between New Zealand and Peru.
The Bermuda Islands are a British overseas territory in the western Atlantic Ocean. They consist of about 181 islands covering 53.2 square miles. The territory is about 640 miles east of North Carolina and has a population of around 64,000. Hamilton is the main city and the center of the area's administration and business.
San Marino is a country completely surrounded by Italy. It is located on Mount Titano in the Apennines. The country covers about 61 square miles and has around 34,000 people. San Marino is known as one of the oldest republics still in existence, founded around the year 300. The capital has the same name as the country.
The British Indian Ocean Territory covers 63.2 square kilometers in the central Indian Ocean. This British Overseas Territory comprises the Chagos Archipelago with approximately 60 tropical islands. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a military facility. The territory features extensive coral reefs and marine protected areas. The population consists primarily of military and civilian personnel stationed on Diego Garcia.
Guernsey is a dependency of the British Crown located in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. The territory covers 78 square miles and has about 63950 people living on it. The island has its own legal system based on Norman customary law and has an independent government. The economy mainly depends on financial services, tourism and horticulture. Saint-Pierre-Port is the capital and main port of the island.
Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the eastern Caribbean, covering an area of 96 square kilometers and home to 15753 people. This area includes the main island of Anguilla and several small islands and uninhabited rocks. Most of the population lives in The Valley, the capital and administrative center of the territory.
Montserrat is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. It covers about 102 square miles. The island is part of the Leeward Islands and has around 4400 residents. The Soufrière volcano, active since 1995, shapes the land and has made the southern part uninhabitable. Plymouth, the old capital, was destroyed by volcano eruptions. Today, Brades acts as the main administrative center.
Jersey is a dependency of the British Crown located in the Channel Islands. It covers an area of 119.6 square miles. The island is off the coast of Normandy and has about 103,267 residents. Jersey has its own legal system based on Norman law, and it has independent powers over governance and taxes. The capital, Saint-Hélier, is the main economic and administrative center of the island.
Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, covering 135 square miles (around 350 square kilometers). It has about 1613 residents and is located south of Java. The island is known for its rainforests, coral reefs, and the yearly movement of large numbers of land crabs, as millions of crabs travel from the forest to the ocean.
Wallis and Futuna are a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, made up of three main volcanic islands: Wallis, Futuna, and Alofi. The area covers about 89 square miles (146 km²) and has around 11151 people, mostly Polynesian. Located between Fiji and Samoa, the islands keep traditional kingdoms that share space with the French government. The economy is based on small-scale farming, fishing, and support from France.
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, covering an area of 150 square miles (about 388 square kilometers). The territory includes more than 60 islands and cays, about 15 of which are inhabited. The largest islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. With a population of 39471 residents, the British Virgin Islands are among the smallest territories in the world by area.
The Principality of Liechtenstein covers 160.5 square kilometers between Switzerland and Austria in the Alpine region. This German-speaking state has 40,197 inhabitants and ranks among the smallest countries in the world. The constitutional monarchy uses the Swiss franc as its currency and maintains close economic ties with its western neighbor. Vaduz serves as the seat of government for the country.
Aruba is an independent country within the kingdom of the Netherlands. It is located in the south of the Caribbean Sea. The island covers about 179 square miles (464 square kilometers) and has nearly 108000 residents. Aruba is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of the Venezuelan coast. It is part of the ABC islands with Bonaire and Curaçao. The city Oranjestad is the main business and government center.
The Marshall Islands cover an area of 181.4 square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean and include 29 atolls and five individual islands. This independent island nation is spread over two parallel chains of islands, the Ratak chain to the east and the Ralik chain to the west. The capital Majuro is on one of the largest atolls and holds about half of the total population of 37548 people. The Marshall Islands gained independence from the United States in 1986 and remain connected by a free association agreement.
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the south of the Pacific Ocean. The area covers 199 square miles and has 46765 people. This group of islands is about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and has five main islands and two coral atolls. Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila is the capital and main port of the territory.
The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory covers about 150 square miles on 15 islands and has roughly 15,000 residents. These islands are between French Polynesia and Samoa, split into two groups: the coral atolls in the north and the volcanic islands in the south. Rarotonga is the main island and the government seat, while Aitutaki is known for its lagoon.
Saint-Christophe-et-Niévès is a country made up of two main islands in the Caribbean. The total area is about 160 square miles (260 square kilometers). Around 46843 people live there. It is one of the smallest independent countries in the western part of the world. The islands are in the small Antilles. They have been independent since 1983 within the Commonwealth.
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are a French overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the south coast of Newfoundland. The group is made up of eight volcanic islands covering about 150 square miles. The two main islands are Saint-Pierre, which has the town of the same name, and the larger Miquelon-Langlade. This territory keeps alive the French language and culture in North America. About five thousand residents live here, mainly from fishing, fish processing, and more and more, tourism.
These small countries keep going with clever economic plans suited to their size. Some focus on luxury travel, others on finance services or ship registration. Their small size can be a help: each place has its own strong look. Watching how people live in these small spaces teaches about adapting and smart ideas.
