There Are 125 Countries In The World Today
Think you know every country on the map? Think again—these hidden nations are some of the world’s tiniest, least-visited, and most fascinating places you’ve probably never heard of.
The smallest in the world is actually a self-declared micronation—and you’ll never guess where it’s located.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a small remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is the fourth smallest country in the world with a total land area of only 10 square miles. As of 2022, there was just over 11,000 inhabitants, making it the second least populous country in the world.
But the nation’s size isn’t the only reason its population is so scarce.
TUVALU: FROM ABOVE by Sean Gallagher, Sean Gallagher - Pro Photographer
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a volcanic archipelago, and consists of three reef islands and six atolls that all have low and flat grounds with a highest elevation being of only 15 feet (4.6 meters).
Unfortunately, thanks to rising sea levels, the islands are under threat of sinking—earning Tuvalu the nickname “the Sinking Islands”. Because of this, tourism and new residents are highly unlikely.
In 50 years, this country might not exist - Documenting Tuvalu, Lost With Reason
Nauru
Nauru, formerly known as Pleasant Island, is a beautiful island nation and a microstate in the South Pacific Ocean. It is the third smallest country in the world with an area of only 8.1 square miles. Similar to Tuvalu, Nauru has a population of about 10,000, and sees a mere 200 visitors each year, making it one of the least-visited countries in the world as well.
But the reason checks out.
Cedric Favero, Wikimedia Commons
Nauru
No one visits Nauru because it’s nearly impossible to do so. The remote island is difficult to access, far from its neighbors, and lacks almost any tourist infrastructure. There are no hotels, transportation, or restaurants.
This is mostly because of a collapse in the economy in the 1980s, after phosphate mining left the island's interior almost entirely barren. Sadly, the unemployment rate in Nauru is a whopping 90% as a result.
San Marino
San Marino is one of the few landlocked enclaves in the world—completely surrounded by Italy. It is actually one of only two microstates in Italy, the other being Vatican City. San Marino has a population of only 34,000 people, and a land area of a mere 23 square miles, making it the fifth smallest country in the world.
Its location isn't the only interesting thing about this nation.
Commonists, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
San Marino
San Marino isn’t well known, but there are a few facts that make it notable. It is one of the few countries in the entire world that does not have its own airport. San Marino has also never been involved in a war, and has zero national debt.
The country also has a very high quality of life, which may contribute to the nation having one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is the world’s smallest country to border two countries—Austria and Switzerland—making it doubly landlocked. This microstate is known for its stunning scenery and magnificent castles, but it is often overshadowed by its much larger neighbors.
It may be small, but its packing a punch.
C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Liechtenstein
Much like San Marino, Liechtenstein is another one of the few countries in the world to have absolutely no debt. With a population of only 40,000 and a land area of just over 62 square miles, it is Europe’s fourth smallest country—but it has more than you might think.
Believe it or not, Liechtenstein is considered a very wealthy country with one of the highest GDP per capita in the entire world.
Andorra
Another often-missed European destination is Andorra, a small mountainous country that is landlocked between France and Spain. It’s the world’s 16th smallest country by land and 11th smallest by population.
Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, sitting at an incredible elevation of 3,356 feet above sea level.
And its size certainly doesn’t hold it back.
Carmen Carbonell, Wikimedia Commons
Andorra
Unlike the other lesser-known countries on this list, Andorra doesn’t suffer from a lack of visitors. In fact, a whopping 8 million visitors make their way to Andorra each year. It has become a popular destination for skiing and winter sports, and it’s incredible scenery. More than 90% of Andorra’s 180 square mile land is covered by mountains, forests, and waterways.
Benin
The Republic of Benin is a tropical country in West Africa. It’s not exactly small (43,484 square miles), and its population is a whopping 14.8 million—but it happens to be a country that is not widely known. This is likely due to a historical confusion with The Kingdom of Benin, a kingdom in Nigeria that has no relation to the Republic of Benin.
But its rich and unique cultural practices may just intrigue you.
Benin
Benin is known for being the birthplace of Voodoo—where it is actually recognized as an official religion that is practiced by a significant portion of the population. January 10th is their National Voodoo Day.
If you didn’t already know, the Voodoo religion also exists in the US, particularly in Louisiana.
Comoros
Comoros is a beautiful group of tropical islands in Southeastern Africa. It’s the only country of the Arab League which is entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. It is sometimes referred to as “the Perfumed Islands” because of its fragrant plant life.
Comoros has a population of over 850,000 but is known to be one of the poorest countries in the world. But that’s not why you haven’t heard of it.
Comoros
The Comoros islands are far off the tourist map for a few reasons. While Comoros has an impressive natural beauty, it also has a history of political coups, raising concerns globally about tourist safety.
It also has extremely limited tourism infrastructure, with no hotels, shopping, or restaurants. Travelers who do venture to Comoros have to take a more rustic approach—and according to those who have been there, it’s absolutely worth it.
Comoros Travel Vlog || Part 2: Moheli, The Traveling ZAM
Palau
Palau is another stunning island country in Oceania with jaw-dropping beauty. It’s on the larger size (though still small), with about 180 square miles spread across 340 small islands. It is considered the 16th smallest country in the world.
Palau has a strong environmental focus with unique features that include a Jellyfish Lake and a shark sanctuary. Visitors are required to sign a pledge to be ecologically and culturally sensitive, and reef-toxic sunscreens are banned.
But that’s not all that’s notable about Palau.
Palau
Palau has a strong matriarchal tradition where women play a significant role in decision-making—including the selection of village chiefs. It is also one of the few nations without its own military, relying on the US for defense.
The flag, a yellow disc on a blue background, represents the moon and the ocean—symbolizing peace and tranquility.
Luka Peternel, Wikimedia Commons
Seychelles
Seychelles may not be completely unheard of, but it’s absolutely worth mentioning considering it is often referred to as an absolute paradise. It’s renowned for its exceptional natural beauty that includes breathtaking beaches, vibrant turquoise waters, and lush landscapes.
Sources claim Seychelles is “one of the most beautiful places on Earth”. But there’s a reason this stunning oasis is lesser-known.
Le Domaine de la Réserve, Wikimedia Commons
Seychelles
Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa, with just over 100,000 people. And while it might seem like the perfect vacation spot, it’s actually out of reach for most people. It's particularly known for its luxury resorts—and high prices.
Also, most of the islands are nature reserves, as the country focuses more on nature-based tourism—something that may not be for everyone.
Kevin Gepford, Wikimedia Commons
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is another one that isn’t completely unheard of, however it is considered one of the world’s most hidden countries due to its extremely secretive nature. It’s located in Central Asia with a diverse range of beautiful landscapes, and possesses one of the largest reserves of natural gas in the entire world.
But it is also one of the least-visited countries in the world—and there’s a dark reason why.
John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is considered one of the world’s most restrictive countries, specifically when it comes to human rights and freedoms. It is essentially a dictatorship that severely restricts freedom of speech, monitors all civilian communications, bans all travel, partakes in child labor, practices torture, and so much more.
Maybe we can just enjoy the photos.
John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Kiribati
On a more positive note, Kiribati (pronounced kee-ruh-bas) is another stunning island country in Oceania that is considered among the world’s most hidden countries. With just over 100,000 people, this island paradise is comprised of 32 atolls and one remote raised coral island.
Until recently, most people lived in small villages consisting of 50 to 3,000 people, on the outer islands. And this may play a role in why Kiribati is lesser-known.
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons
Kiribati
Kiribati is considered one of the least developed countries in the world. Even its own people don't have much. It gets most of its income from abroad, and the few tourists that show up. Nearly all essential goods are imported, which is costly.
One cool fact, though, is that Kiribati’s islands span all four hemispheres.
Kiribati: Battling for Survival (Rising Sea Levels), United Nations
Republic Of Molossia
If you haven’t heard of Molossia, buckle up because this may surprise you. Molossia, founded in 1977, is a self-declared micronation within a nation. While it’s not officially recognized as a sovereign state by any government, it still manages to somehow have its own customs, currency, bank, postal service, and even navy.
Citizenship is limited to residents of the Republic only, and new citizens are not currently being accepted. But wait till you find out where Molossia is.
We Visited The Smallest Country In The World! (Molossia), Lloyd & Mandy
Republic Of Molossia
Believe it or not, Molossia is located right here in America, in Dayton, Nevada. It spans only 11 acres and has only 38 citizens. This self-declared nation is led by President Kevin Baugh.
As mentioned, they have their own regulations—and some of them are quite bizarre.
Kevin Baugh or someone acting as an agent of Kevin Baugh, Wikimedia Commons
Republic Of Molossia
First of all, the President’s title is more than a little long: "His Excellency President Grand Admiral Colonel Doctor Kevin Baugh, President and Rais of Molossia, Protector of the Nation and Guardian of the People”.
If that doesn’t make you giggle, wait till you find out he has banned the following items from Molossia: walruses, onions, spinach, and catfish. Oh, and the reasons are top-tier.
Welcome to the Republic of Molossia - A Country in Western Nevada | LX News, LX News
Republic Of Molossia
According to President Baugh himself, “Onions aren't allowed because I just don't like onions - and I'm the dictator so I can say stuff like that. When you break the rules and bring catfish into our country you go to jail. We just like doing things that are different, that are unique and eccentric in our country... It's surprising how many people are excited to be thrown into jail in a third-world country!”
Well, then. Anyone else intrigued enough to take a road trip?
Kevin Baugh or someone acting as an agent of Kevin Baugh, Wikimedia Commons
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