The 10 smallest countries in the world by population, from Vatican City to the wealthy principality of Monaco

Population: 75,748

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island frequented by tourists for its hot springs, tropical rainforests, and the colorful capital city of Roseau.

Dominica became a sovereign nation in 1978, when the island attained its independence from Britain. Compared to other Caribbean islands and the US, it is relatively affordable to live in Dominica, due to the low cost of food, rent, and transportation in the island nation.

Population: 57,713

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is primarily known for its mountain regions, beaches, and rainforests, which attract tourists from all over the world.

However, in order to actually become a citizen, you'll have to pay up. According to the country's citizenship website, one must make either a minimum investment of $250,000 into the Sustainable Growth Fund, or purchase real estate valued at at least $400,000 in order to become a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Population: 53,327

The Marshall Islands consist of 29 coral atolls and five islands located in the central Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and the Philippines. One of its islands, Bikini Atoll, is most commonly known as a site for Cold War-era nuclear weapons testing by the United States.

ABC reports that between 1946 and 1958, the United States government detonated 23 nuclear weapons in Bikini Atoll, including 20 hydrogen bombs. The testing resulted in the displacement of many indigenous people, as well as harmful aftereffects due to radiation and the vaporization of three of the islands in the atoll.

Population: 39,684

Monaco is known across the globe for its wealthy residents, luxurious yacht shows, and for being the home of one of Europe's longest-ruling royal families. Although Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world — with an area of just 0.78 square miles —  it is also one of the richest per capita.

According to the World Bank, Monaco had a wealth per capita of $234,317 in 2021. The principality also has the highest GDP per capita in the world.

Described as the billionaire's playground, Monaco has a zero-income tax policy that attracts the super-rich to its shores.

Population: 39,135

Liechtenstein, which is located between Austria and Switzerland, is known for its stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and high quality of life.

However, while the economy in Liechtenstein is strong and crime rates are historically low, it's also among one of the most expensive countries to live in, according to Living Cost.

Population: 34,037

San Marino is the fifth-smallest country in the world and covers a land area of just over 23 square miles, making it also one of the smallest countries geographically.

It is surrounded by north-central Italy and is considered to be one of the richest countries in the world, with an estimated GDP of $1.855 billion in 2021, according to the World Bank.

Population: 22,927

Palau is a small country made up of over 500 islands in the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean.

It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful blue waters and famous jellyfish lakes, which are home to jellyfish that have evolved without stingers, since there are no natural predators in their habitat. Scuba-diving is a popular activity for tourists visiting one of the many islands, where the country's chief industry is tourism.

Population: 11,722

The sovereign country of Tuvalu is made up of nine different islands, three of which are reef islands. In addition to being one of the least populated countries in the world, it's also one of the least visited.

Tuvalu, which sits roughly 15 feet above sea level, is at risk of rising tides, flooding, and eventually being completely swallowed by the surrounding ocean, The Guardian reported.

The country is also considered the poorest nation in the world, given the country's remote location, low population, and limited natural resources and infrastructure. According to the World Bank, the nation's GDP was just over $60 million in 2022.

Population: 11,232

Nauru is one of the least populated and geographically smallest countries in the world. The land covers just over 8 square miles, much of which was taken over to mine profitable phosphate and has left about four-fifths of the island's land uninhabitable and uncultivable, Britannica reports.

Virtually all food, water, and manufactured goods are imported to the island, which struggles to produce enough goods to support its citizens due to Nauru's compromised soil and declining phosphate industry. 

Population: 799

Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, that serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, is considered to be the smallest country in the world with a population of fewer than 800 people. It is also the smallest sovereign country in the world in terms of area — the entire city covers just over 100 acres.

It isn't easy to become a citizen of Vatican City. Given that there are no hospitals inside the territory, it's impossible to become a citizen by birth or blood.

Citizenship is instead awarded to those who reside and work within the city limits for the Vatican office. Cardinals and other members of the clergy who live in Vatican City or Rome, as well as diplomats of the Holy See, are also considered citizens, according to the Vatican.