The world is brimming with life, and the human population has been on a steady rise for centuries now. According to UNFPA, the estimates show that the planet has surpassed 8 billion people as of 2023. This remarkable growth is, however, not uniform across the globe. While the most populated countries are seeing significant increases, the least populous countries have shown only moderate growth.
Table of Contents
Least Populous Countries
Nevertheless, some nations stand out for being the least populated countries in the world in the middle of the world’s population surge. These least populous countries have maintained extremely modest populations despite being frequently situated in isolated regions. Therefore, these countries remain exceptions in an increasingly worldwide trend of expanding human settlements.
10 Least Populous Countries as of 2023
This blog explores the top 10 least populated countries of the world as per 2023 statistics, their location, sizes, and distinctive characteristics. It will also explore the least populous countries in the globe, revealing the intriguing traits that set these sparsely populated areas apart:
Vatican City
The Vatican City is a bite-sized country that hosts a population of less than a thousand people, consisting of priests and nuns from all over the world. Notable structures here include the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square. This square can carry a crowd of 80 thousand people, most of whom are pilgrims eager to hear the Pope speak.
- Population: 764
- Size: 0.49 km2
- Location: Europe
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is one of the least populous countries of the world. It was formerly known as the Ellice Islands and is an island country in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean. It is largely Polynesian, with an emphasis on traditional ways, friendliness, and a relaxed lifestyle. The people there are famous for their dancing, music, and handicrafts.
- Population: 11,396
- Size: 26 km2
- Location: Oceania
Nauru
Similarly, Nauru is another least populous country. Officially the Republic of Nauru and formerly known as Pleasant Island, Nauru is an island country and microstate in Micronesia. It is a phosphate-rock island with rich deposits near the surface, which allowed easy strip mining operations for over a century.
- Population: 12,780
- Size: 21 km2
- Location: South Pacific Ocean
Palau
Known officially as the Republic of Palau, Palau is an island country in the Micronesian subregion of Oceania in the western Pacific. Furthermore, Palau is also sometimes called the ‘Underwater Serengeti’, the reason being its waters are teeming with marine life. From huge schools of tropical fish to turtles, sharks, and rays, you never know what you might see during a dive in Palau.
- Population: 18,058
- Size: 459 km2
- Location: Oceania
San Marino
Located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains, it is the 5th least populous country in the world. It has been a World Heritage site since 2008 and is the oldest Republic. Moreover, the intense, magical, and unique, San Marino offers authentic and exclusive experiences amid history and legend.
- Population: 33,642
- Size: 61 km2.
- Location: Italy
Monaco
Likewise, Monaco is a semi-enclave bordered by France to the north, east, and west. Many visitors who go to Monaco alternate their hours between its beaches and boating facilities, its international sports car races, and its world-famous casino, the gambling centre in the Monte-Carlo section.
- Population: 36,297
- Size: 2 km2
- Location: Europe
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is officially known as the Principality of Liechtenstein. It is a double-landlocked, German-speaking country in the Alps. The two neighbouring countries Austria and Switzerland do not border on a sea themselves, which makes it double landlocked. This phenomenon exists only twice in the world.
- Population: 39,584
- Size: 160 km2
- Location: Europe
Marshall Islands
29 atolls make up the Marshalls and are located in the Micronesia region of the Pacific. The action is centred on the nation’s capital, Majuro, which hosts over half of the country’s total population. Scuba diving is a popular activity there. The economy of Marshall Islands (RMI) has a tiny economy with an annual GDP of around USD 221 million.
- Population: 41,996
- Size: 181 km2
- Location: Oceania
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis merged into a federation in 1967, and are the 9th least populated country in the world. It followed a desire to reign in the sugarcane-based economy. St. Kitts was the first English colony in the Caribbean and Nevis is home to the region’s first hotel.
- Population: 47,755
- Size: 261 km2
- Location: Caribbean
Dominica
Known as the ‘The Nature Island of the Caribbean’ due to its lush scenery and varied flora and fauna, Dominica is the 10th least populous country. It is largely covered by rainforest and is home to the world’s second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake. Most of the population there is of African descent due to the era of importing enslaved people from West Africa.
- Population: 73,040
- Size: 751 km2
- Location: Caribbean
The Enigma of Least Populous Countries
The least populous countries are fascinating because of their distinct qualities. They frequently feature expansive, pristine landscapes that serve as havens for the natural world and wildlife. These countries are known for their slower-paced lifestyles and strong ties to the natural world preserving unique cultures and customs, promoting a sense of cohesion and independence.
Although the human population is on the rise, many animal species are on the verge of going extinct. Read about them here!
FAQs
A country that has an extremely low population in relation to other nations is said to be ‘least populous’.
Geographic isolation, scarce natural resources, and harsh climates contribute to these countries’ frequently low populations.
A restricted economic basis, reliance on imports, vulnerability to climate change, and maintaining services and infrastructure with a small tax base are the key problems.
Media Team of Matchlessly is dedicated to explore and collect all the stories/info which require the attention of the world.