India is the most populated country in the world with over 1.4 billion people as of 20231. It accounts for about 17.7% of the total world population2. India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country in April 20233. However, not all countries have such large populations. In fact, some countries have fewer than a million people living in them. Here are the 10 least populated countries in the world according to the latest estimates from Worldometer.
Vatican City:
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Vatican City, often known as the Holy See, is the world’s smallest and least populous republic. It is the Roman Catholic Church’s seat and the Pope’s residence. It has a population of 799 people and a land area of only 0.44 square kilometers as of 20205. It is surrounded by Italy and has only clerics, diplomats, guards, and visitors as permanent residents.
Tuvalu:
The second least populated country in the world is Tuvalu, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of nine coral atolls and has a total land area of 26 square kilometers. It has a population of 11,931 people as of 20204. It is one of the most isolated and vulnerable countries in the world, facing threats from sea level rise, cyclones, and water scarcity.
Nauru:
The third least populated country in the world is Nauru, another island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest republic in the world, with a land area of only 21 square kilometers. It has a population of 10,876 people as of 20204. It was once a rich phosphate mining country, but now suffers from environmental degradation, obesity, diabetes, and unemployment.
Palau:
The fourth least populated country in the world is Palau, a group of over 300 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It has a land area of 459 square kilometers and a population of 18,169 people as of 20204. It is known for its rich marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, and cultural heritage. It is also one of the first countries to ban shark fishing and create a marine sanctuary.
San Marino:
The fifth least populated country in the world is San Marino, a landlocked enclave in southern Europe. It is surrounded by Italy and has a land area of 61 square kilometers. It has a population of 33,931 people as of 20204. It is one of the oldest sovereign states in the world and claims to be the oldest constitutional republic. It has a high standard of living, low unemployment, and no national debt.
Liechtenstein:
The sixth least populated country in the world is Liechtenstein, a principality between Switzerland and Austria. It has a land area of 160 square kilometers and a population of 38,137 people as of 20204. It is one of the richest countries in the world per capita and has a strong financial sector. It is also known for its alpine scenery, medieval castles, and royal family.
Monaco:
The seventh least populated country in the world is Monaco, a city-state on the French Riviera. It has a land area of only 2 square kilometers and a population of 39,242 people as of 20204. It is famous for its casino, Grand Prix, yacht show, and royal family. It is also one of the most densely populated and expensive countries in the world.
Saint Kitts and Nevis:
The eighth least populated country in the world is Saint Kitts and Nevis, a twin-island federation in the Caribbean Sea. It has a land area of 261 square kilometers and a population of 53,199 people as of 20204. It is known for its volcanic mountains, rainforests, beaches, and sugar plantations. It is also one of the few countries that offer citizenship by investment programs.
Marshall Islands:
The ninth least populated country in the world is Marshall Islands, another island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 29 coral atolls and five islands and has a land area of 181 square kilometers. It has a population of 59,190 people as of 2020. It is a member of the United Nations and has diplomatic relations with many countries. It was also the site of nuclear testing by the United States from 1946 to 1958, which had lasting environmental and health impacts on the islanders.
Dominica:
The tenth least populated country in the world is Dominica, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It has a land area of 751 square kilometers and a population of 71,986 people as of 20201. It is known for its lush rainforests, hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. It is also home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake and the endangered sisserou parrot. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Caribbean Community.
These 10 countries may have small populations, but they have big stories to tell. They are rich in culture, history, nature, and diversity. They also face various challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. They are worth exploring and learning from. To put these numbers into perspective, India has more people than the combined population of these 10 countries multiplied by 1,000. India’s population is equivalent to about 1,750 times the population of Vatican City, the least populated country in the world. India’s population density is also much higher than any of these countries, with 464 people per square kilometer compared to only 1 person per square kilometer in Vatican City. India is truly a giant among nations when it comes to population size and growth.