One of the features that make it such a large country is its vast land area.
But what some countries lack in size, they make up for in intense beauty!
It might surprise you how many of the following countries you've never heard about.
I'll bet you can't name most of them.
Here are the top 10 smallest countries in the world.
Number 10: Niue.
If you're a nature lover and a huge fan of anything rustic and laid back, Niue is going
to feel like paradise.
This 56 square kilometer Pacific Island sits in the middle of Samoa, Tonga and the Cook
Islands, and has a lot to offer to the adventurous soul.
For starters, you can ride a motorcycle to marble at the various natural attractions
in Niue.
From June to September, you can watch humpback whales as a nurse their calves just near the
atoll.
There are also plenty of fabulous diving spots that could transport you to another world.
After all the sightseeing, you could relax on a hammock and browse the internet through
your smartphone.
Because Niue’s the world's first free Wi-Fi nation.
With such a great environment, who would want to leave?
Apparently, most Niueans would and have.
Its population has been consistently declining in hopes of finding greener pastures.
One of the popular destinations is New Zealand, especially since they hold a New Zealand passport.
Authorities are hoping a boosted tourism would keep them from leaving while preserving the
Niuean in language and culture.
Number 9: San Marino.
San Marino is one of the most popular cities within Italy.
Are you aware though that it isn't actually part of that country?
With a land area of 61 kilometer squared, it's an enchanting city state and considered
one of the smallest countries ever.
San Marino is believed to be the world's oldest surviving republic, being founded way back
in 301 AD.
Even its size, does not stop it from becoming a prominent nation, which is further recognized
by many after a joined the United Nations in 1992.
As far as the economy goes, it gets the majority of its wealth for tourism, drawing in over
3 million visitors annually.
Speaking of tourism, what can you see here?
The whole territory itself is the attraction, so much that it had been declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2008.
From the Narrow streets, rustic squares, and magnificent churches, it brings you back in
time.
But the highlight of it all is climbing the First Tower, which gives you a breath-taking
panoramic view of the Adriatic seat and Apennines Mountains.
Number 8: Principality of Hutt River.
Australia is a huge country, but did you know that within this colossal landlock territory
lies a micro nation that fights back to maintains self-proclaimed sovereignty?
I'm referring to the principality of Hutt River, which is only 75 kilometers squared
big.
Found somewhere in the region of Western Australia, it was created around the 1970s by five families
headed by Leonard Casley.
He declared himself as his Royal Highness Prince Leonard of Hutt, using the British
Treason Act of 1495 as a ticket.
They did this as a result of opposition to the Australian government.
After a scuffle over weak quotas ensued.
Back then, Australia and the principality had a heated disagreement, but have since
made peace.
Did it endure?
Not exactly.
Recently, the Micron Nation was slammed by the Australian Tax Office with income taxes
amounting to more than $3 million.
They lost even after an appeal, so they plan to move the case to the high court.
With this, the gloves are off once again!
Number 7: Tuvalu.
Another small country in the Pacific is Tuvalu, which was formally known as the Ellice Islands.
It's composed of nine small coral islands making up 26-kilometer square of its total
land area.
After it gained independence in 1978, it's strived to become a self-sufficient nation.
Most grown plants are limited to coconut palms, breadfruit trees, pandanus, taro, and bananas
due to its soil's, poorest nature.
Other sources of food include pigs, chickens, and seafood to name a few.
Other than that, it heavily relies on trade partnerships with other places like Australia,
New Zealand, and Hawaii.
As far as scenery, it has a lot to offer.
It's reefs and gorgeous lagoons make it a great place to snorkel and spot various marine
life.
The native culture is very much alive in Tuvalu, as is seen in people who display traditional
dances, as well as locals who showcase basket weaving and wood carving.
If that appeals to you, you might want to visit soon, as it may be in danger of disappearing
due to rising sea levels.
Number 6: Nauru.
Somewhere northwest of Tuvalu, you could find the country of Nauru.
Similar to the former, this 21-kilometer square territory is on the top of a raised coral
island.
There are a lot of things that Tuvalu and Nauru have in common.
For example, both have poorest lands, making the practice of agriculture very limited.
But if there's something that sets Nauru apart, it's the fact that it's a favourite stopover
for migratory birds.
With this bird droppings are widespread, bringing the country its main source of income phosphate.
Mining this substance has made Nauru rich since 1907.
Unfortunately, that wealthy streak has come to a screeching halt.
Those long years of mining phosphate has made over 70% of the land, devastated and uninhabitable.
Forestry and Nauru was stripped away and, in its place, you could find piles of trash
that the country could not afford to remove.
Since, the demand for the mineral ended, it resulted in an unemployment rate of 90%.
Now, that's a richest to rag story!
Number 5: Principality of Seborga.
Let's fly back to Italy where another micronation is, it's known as the principality of Seborga.
With a land area of just around 14 kilometers squared, this self-proclaimed principality
is a small town somewhere in Italy's northwest region near the French border.
It was sometime in 1963, that the locals within the area were convinced that they were a separate
territory from Italy and declared Georgio Carbone as the head of state.
He was then crowned as Georgio I, the first Prince of Seborga.
The weird thing, however, is that it still pays taxes to Italy and votes in local and
national Italian elections, perplexing, right?
With a very confusing history, do you think people would want to rule this land?
Apparently, yes.
Currently the ruler, Marcello Menegatto, who holds the title of his tremendous Marcello
I.
The first is challenged by Nicholas Mutt, who calls himself his Serene Highness Nicholas
I. Mutt has laid out a five-year plan claiming that he could do a better job than the current
monarch.
The battle is so intense that opposing websites were even created.
Number 4: Monaco.
Don't you just hate paying taxes sometimes?
If so, you're going to love Monaco.
The two-kilometer square Micronation is such a progressive country that it doesn't charge
income tax.
That's part of the reason property here would cost you over $45,000 per square meter.
It's an illustrious place that hosts towering hotels and luxurious establishments listing
the Casino De Monte Carlo.
As one of the world-famous attractions that attract the rich and influential.
Monaco is also known for hosting the annual Formula One Grand Prix, since it started in
May, 1929.
Aside from visiting the legendary casino, there's a lot that could be done in Monaco.
Marine life lovers would be astounded by the renowned, Musee Oceanographique De Monaco,
which showcases over 450 Mediterranean and tropical species.
The Le Rocher provides a whimsical glimpse into its past as it retains original features
of the old town, while giving a panoramic view of the sea.
You'll also get to see the magnificent Palais Princier de Monaco within Le Rocher.
It's truly a life of opulence when you get here.
Number 3: Vatican City.
Roman Catholicism is one of the biggest religions practices globally today.
The seat of its influence is found on one of the smallest city states in the world.
This diminutive territory, which has a four four-kilometer square land area, is right
in the middle of Rome.
Marking its borders are medieval Renaissance walls that show regal grandeur.
There are six entries, but only three that could be accessed by the public.
They're the Piazza San Pietro, the Arco delleCampane, and the entry point to the Vatican museums
and galleries.
It holds two famous buildings, namely the Papal Residents Vatican Palace, and the astounding
St. Peters Basilica.
There are pretty interesting facts about the Vatican City.
For starters, the Swiss Guard, not the Vatican residents, is charged with the protection
of the Pope, who functions as both the head of the Catholic faith and the city state.
There's also an escape route underneath the city meant for the Pope security.
And what's curious is that it owns a high-powered telescope in Arizona!
What does it need that for?
Who knows!
Number 2: Republic of Molossia.
The Vatican may popularly have been known as a smallest country in the world, but guess
what?
There are still others that are tinier!
Let me introduce you to the Republic of Molossia.
It's a Micron nation somewhere in Nevada with a land area of just 0.0518 kilometer squared!
With its self-declared sovereignty, it doesn't pay any taxes to the US government and even
has its own currency printed on no less than poker chips.
This small territory is ruled by the president, his excellency, Kevin Baugh, and inhabits
the area along with 21 citizens and six canines.
With such a small population in an equally small region, Baugh has all the liberty to
enact whatever law he wants.
For funny reasons, spinach, tobacco and catfish are not allowed inside Molossia.
Cookie Dough is declared as its national food.
There are 25 holidays in a year, and one of them is in honour of the former first dog!
It all sounds crazy, but it's true!
Number 1: Principality of Sea Land.
We're down to the smallest country in the world, and this is a peculiar one.
You see, it doesn't sit on land, but rather on a concrete and steel construction located
in the North Sea!
I'm talking about no other than the principality of sea land.
A Micron nation on the Fort Roughs Tower, which lies six miles off the coast of Suffolk,
England.
This said territory is ruled by Paddy Roy Bates, who declares himself as his Royal Highness,
prince Roy of Sea Land.
He's joined by his family members and a few of his associates, all of which try to reside
on this 0.004-kilometer squared structure!
The principality of Sea land is unique and peculiar in a lot of ways.
It has a national anthem and a motto that says “E Mare, Libertas” which means “From
the Sea, Freedom.”
It has a constitution composed of a preamble and seven articles to be exact.
And the odd fact is that you could get an official noble title in exchange for a donation!
Who knew becoming a Lord or Lady was this easy?
Which country surprised you the most?
Are you planning to visit one of them anytime soon?
Let me know your thoughts and the comments below.
Thanks for watching.