The World has over 194 countries. The word “country” refers to a massive land area inhabited by many people and distinguished by their culture, geography, and language. However, there are some countries smaller than cities in other bigger nations. These countries are ruled by the own government and just like the other countries they are beautiful places to be. Are you wondering what these countries are? Here are the smallest nations on earth.

1. Vatican City

Vatican is the smallest country in the world according to World Atlas, and it’s also called the Holy See.

The city has an area of 0.17 square miles, and it’s located in Rome, Italy, and it serves as the center of Catholic Church. The largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is based here, and its income comes from over 1 billion Catholic faithful from around the world. There is no permanent citizenship in Vatican, and the official language is Italian and Latin.

Size: 0.17 square miles

2. Monaco

If you haven’t heard of Monaco, then you perhaps in the dark. It’s the second smallest nation in the world, and it’s a home for wealthy people. According to Jagran Josh. Monaco has the most millionaires and billionaires one earth per capita. The country has a population of 36,000 people, and it’s famous for fast cars, casinos and swish clubs.

The country is bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea, and it thrives on tourism.

Size: 0.78 square miles

3. Nauru

According to The Facts Site, Nauru is an island based on the east of Australia. It’s the only country among the smallest nations which has an official capital. The country is stunningly beautiful, but unemployment is an issue.

Nauru has a population of more than 10,000 people and its described as “Pleasant Island.” The nation came to be due to phosphate mining. Most obese people in the world leave in Nauru, and it’s also the home of the highest level of type 2 diabetes around the globe.

Size: 8.1 square miles

4. Tuvalu

Tuvalu is an island in the Pacific Ocean, in the northeast of Australia, which was earlier known as the Ellice Islands.

It’s the fourth smallest nation on earth with about 10,000 citizens, according to World Atlas. The country has only one hospital, and it was ruled by the British until 1978. Its capital is Funafuti, and due to the country’s location, tourism is not common. In 2010, most of the visitors were there for business. Tuvalu also has underwater caves which were discovered by two scuba divers.

Size: 10 square miles

5. San Marino

San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign state according to The Fact Site and is home to about 32,000 people. The country has a strange relationship with the US. Its government requested Abraham Lincoln to form an alliance with them in 1861, and promised to award him with honorary San Marino citizenship which Lincoln accepted. The country is surrounded by Italy and its one of the wealthiest countries in terms of GDP per capita.

Size: 23.5 square miles