1 / 12
Ever heard of the idiom, “Good things come in small packages”? And its recognised variant “Big things come in small packages”? This is extremely relevant in the travel world. While many of us chase vast destinations like Australia, North America, and countries in Africa, There are small countries, almost the size of any small state or town in India that have a lot to offer for a wholesome vacation, for history buffs, those who love natural beauty and those who don’t mind exploring new places for self-pleasure.
2 / 12This is what this article is all about. The CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked countries that match the phrase, “Good things come in small packages”. Yes, here’s a look at 10 smallest countries that offer breathtaking scenery, have white sand beaches, historic buildings, isolated islands and mountain views — Take a look.( Image: AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
3 / 12No 1. Country | Vatican City | Size: (0.44 sq km) | The world’s smallest sovereign city-state is Vatican City, which functions as the Roman Catholic Church’s administrative and spiritual centre. It is the smallest recognised country in the world and is just 0.44 square km in size. It has about 800 inhabitants, and is surrounded by Rome. Bucket-list treasures include the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling, the Vatican Museums, and St Peter’s Basilica. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
4 / 12No 2. Country | Marshall Islands | Size: 181 sq km | The Marshall Islands in the central Pacific, with an area of 181 square kilometres, are divided among 29 atolls and five separate islands between Hawaii and Australia. It is home to over 42,000 individuals, the majority of whom reside in the capital city of Majuro. Atolls, coral reefs, wreck diving (eg shipwrecks), and pristine beaches are its scenic highlights.
5 / 12No 3. Country | Nauru | Size: 21 sq km | The third-smallest nation in the world, Nauru, is home to only 10,000 inhabitants and covers an area of about 21 square kilometres. Coral reefs, walks along the shore, and charming local villages are some of the scenic highlights. The night skies, the remoteness, and the light of the Pacific are all unique.(Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 12No 4. Country | Monaco | Size: Two sq km | Monaco is another smallest state in the world, with a total area of only two square kilometres. It is a Western European city-state that shares borders with France and the Mediterranean Sea. Scenic highlights include the Prince’s Palace, the old town (Monaco-Ville), the cliffside luxury gardens (such as the Jardin Exotique), and views of the turquoise ocean. (Image: Canva)
7 / 12No 5. Country | Niue | Size: 260 sq km | Approximately 1400 people are living on the tiny coral island of Niue in the South Pacific. Compared to many other South Pacific islands, Nieu—also referred to as “The Rock”—is a coral island elevated above sea level. The remote island is around 2400 miles northeast of New Zealand in the South Pacific, close to Tonga. (Image: Shutterstock)
8 / 12No 6. Country | Liechtenstein | size: 160 sq km | With only 39,000 inhabitants, the Principality of Liechtenstein is the sixth-smallest country in the world. It is located between Switzerland and Austria in the heart of the Alps. Highlights of the scenery include the Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the Rhine Valley; mountain hikes; alpine views; and the peaceful allure of village life. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 12No 7. Country | Tuvalu (26 sq km | Tuvalu faces a serious threat from rising sea levels as one of the world’s smallest and lowest-lying countries. Situated midway between Hawaii and Australia, the Oceanian Island Republic is made up of nine islands and has a population of less than 11,000 inhabitants. Scenic highlights include the turquoise sea, local life, traditional dances and culture. (Image: Canva)
10 / 12No 8. Country | Cook Islands | Size: 236 sq km | Although the Cook Islands are smaller than Nieu, they are far more populated, with approximately 15,000 people calling them home. The island state, which is made up of 15 islands—12 of which are often inhabited—is located in the centre of the South Pacific’s Polynesian Triangle. (Image: Shutterstock)
11 / 12No 9. Country | Malta | Size: 316 sq km | A picturesque capital, Valletta, a beautiful coastline, cliff hikes, fortifications, and a rich history (Phoenician, Roman, Knights of St. John, British) make up this tiny state. Scenic highlights include limestone cliffs, turquoise bays, antique churches and castles, quaint streets and alleys in medieval towns, and boat trips around secret coves. (Image: Reuters)
12 / 12No 10. Country | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Size: 261 sq km | Volcanic scenery, lush woods, ancient forts, sugar cane heritage, and amiable islands make up this twin-island Caribbean jewel. Scenic highlights include Nevis rainforest walks, coral reefs, coastal resorts, sunset vistas from Brimstone Hill Fortress, and elevated vantage points over the ocean. (Image: Reuters)
