Delhi is one of the biggest cities in the world. The Indian capital, both in terms of its population and sheer size is definitely a mammoth city with a total area of 1,483 square km.
That being said, did you know that in terms of size there are at least nine countries worldwide which are smaller in size compared to India’s political capital?
Unbelievable, right? However, as it happens, there are some very quaint, very small countries that do exist, which – while they may not have a prominent mark on your atlas – definitely deserve your attention.
Here is a list of nine countries smaller than Delhi:
1. Vatican
Total Area: 0.44 Square Kilometres
Popular for being the centre for the Catholic Church and home to St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican is the smallest country in the world. Located in the heart of Italy’s capital city Rome, the Vatican is also the residence of the Pope.
Fun Fact: The smallest country in the world is a major tourist hotspot and is visited by 7.3 million, on an average, every year.
2. Monaco
Total Area: 2.02 Square Kilometres
Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and is home to many millionaires and billionaires. It is an expensive tourist destination mostly admired for the luxurious experience that the country has to offer.
Fun Fact: Despite a population of only 36,000 Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world.
3. Nauru
Total Area: 21 Square Kilometres
Not only is it the third smallest country in the world, but it is also the smallest island country. Nauru, which was previously known as Pleasure Island, is an independent island country on the east of Australia and has a total population of 9,600.
Fun Fact: The country is popular for its phosphate resources.
4. Tuvalu
Total Area: 26 Square Kilometres
Similar to Nauru, Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is also an island country and the fourth smallest in the world, located near the western coast of Australia. With a population of less than 10,000, the country only has eight kilometres of road and a single hospital.
Fun Fact: In 1568, Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña was the first European to sight the island.
5. San Marino
Total Area: 61 Square Kilometres
The fifth smallest country in the world is a mountainous microstate and is surrounded by Italy on all sides. With a total population of approximately 32,000, San Marino is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of per capita GDP.
Fun Fact: San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign in the world.
6. Liechtenstein
Total Area: 61 Square Kilometres
Like San Marino, this German speaking country is also a mountainous microstate, which is located between Switzerland and Austria. The country can only be visited through Switzerland and is among the few countries in Europe under monarchical rule.
Fun Fact: Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that stands on the Alps.
7. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Total Area: 261 Square Kilometres
These two islands form the seventh smallest country in the world and are a part of the Caribbean Islands. It is a popular destination for tourists for its scenic beauty and marine resources. The total population of this country is a little under 55,000.
Fun Fact: Saint Kitts and Nevis were the first islands conquered by the European colonisers.
8. Maldives
Total Area: 300 Square Kilometres
Famous for being the honeymoon destination for wealthy Indians and for tourists across the globe, Maldives is a collection of 1,192 small coral islands. Dutch, Portuguese and British colonisers have ruled this country periodically until 1965 when Maldives declared its independence.
Fun Fact: Maldives is Asia’s smallest country.
9. Malta
Total Area: 316 Square Kilometres
The ninth smallest country in the world has a rich history which goes back to 5000 BC. Comprised of three islands – Gozo, Comino and Malta, it is the smallest country in the Mediterranean and one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Fun Fact: Mdina, a fortified city located in north Malta, only allows cars of residents on its roads.
(Shibaji Roychoudhury was named after someone who wanted to conquer and inspire. Unfortunately, he is far too ambitious for that. Based out of Delhi, he has travelled across the globe and has some pretty funny tales to tell. Watch out for his next one.)
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