Some of the most beautiful countries to visit and appreciate are in fact smaller than the city of Lahore. Surprised? Well, don’t be. The total area of Lahore is 1,172 km², while these tiny little countries with immense beauty are nowhere even near 1,000 km².
Take a look at these countries that are smaller than one of our major cities.
11. The Republic of Seychelles
An archipelago in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 115 small islands that cover a total area of 444 km². A tourist destination that boasts beautiful beaches, clear waters and diving sites to entertain tourists that come from around the world.
10. Grenada
Situated in the Caribbean, this glorious Island paradise is only 344 km². It is also a very popular tourist destination, known as “The Island of Spice” since it is the largest producer of nutmeg and mace.
9. Malta
Like Grenada, Malta is also an Island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. But unlike Grenada, The Republic of Malta is comprised of three stunning Islands, the largest being Malta at 316 km². An Island country that is rich with history and popular as a tourist destination with stunning beaches to enjoy the balmy weather of the Mediterranean.
8. Maldives
Another popular tourist destination known for it’s beautiful crystal waters and under the sea restaurant. It is also the smallest country in Asia, comprising in the Indian Ocean. Maldives is the world’s most spread country and contains 1,192 coral Islands – wow – in 90,000 km² area.
7. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Going back to the Caribbean, these two islands with a total area of 261 km² are said to have been the first islands to be colonized by the Europeans. Known mostly as tourist destinations with amazing diving sites, beaches and magnificent centuries-old plantations that have been renovated into resorts for tourists.
6. Liechtenstein
This is the landlocked country between Switzerland and Austria. The amazing part of Liechtenstein is its entire 160 km² area is in the Alps and getting up there without flying, is extremely difficult.
5. San Marino
San Marino has a total area of 61 km² and is said to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world. It is the third smallest country in Europe and is completely surrounded by Italy.
4. Tuvalu
Once known as the Ellice Islands, it is in the Pacific Ocean near Australia. Based on this country being an Island country, one would be surprised to find out that there are over 10,000 inhabitants and with only 8 kms of road.
3. Nauru
Where Tuvalu is to the west of Australia, Nauru or Pleasant Island lies to the east of Australia. With a total area of 21 km², it is the smallest Island country in the world. Once an Island of wealth in the 1980’s, it now has a 90% unemployment rate.
2. Monaco
The country playground of the rich and famous, Monaco is located in the French Riveria and has a total area of 2 km². Popularly known for its gambling, its football team AS Monaco and annual Formula 1 racing event.
1. Vatican City
The Holy See is the smallest country in the world with a total area of 0.44 km². So small that it fits in the city of Rome. Even though it is very small, this country holds a great deal of religious significance as it is home to the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica and is the center for the Catholic Church.
Amazed at how many countries are so small?
