The five smallest countries in the world by total land area are:
- Vatican City:
- Area: Approximately 0.17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers)
- Location: Enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy
- Notable: It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope.
- Monaco:
- Area: Approximately 0.78 square miles (2.02 square kilometers)
- Location: On the French Riviera in Western Europe
- Notable: Known for its upscale casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and the prestigious Grand Prix motor race.
- Nauru:
- Area: Approximately 8.1 square miles (21 square kilometers)
- Location: In Micronesia in the Central Pacific
- Notable: It is the third smallest country by land area and the smallest island country. It has significant phosphate mining.
- Tuvalu:
- Area: Approximately 10 square miles (26 square kilometers)
- Location: In the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia
- Notable: It is composed of nine small islands and is one of the least populated countries.
- San Marino:
- Area: Approximately 24 square miles (61 square kilometers)
- Location: Enclaved within Italy, near the northeastern coast
- Notable: It claims to be the oldest sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, founded on September 3, 301 AD.
These countries are unique in their own right, often with rich histories and distinctive cultures despite their small sizes.
