Top 10 least populous countries in the world

Most of the Top 10 least populous countries in the world are island nations and colonies of other countries and are among the smallest in area.

(Data of United Nations updated 2024)

Class	Country / Territory	Population in 2024	Area (Km2)
1	Holy See (Vatican)	496	0,44
2	Niue	1.819	260,00
3	Tokelau	2.506	10,80
4	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	3.470	12.173,00
5	Montserrat	4.389	102,00
6	Saint Helena	5.237	121,80
7	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	5.628	242,00
8	Tuvalu	9.646	26,00
9	Saint Barthélemy	11.258	25,00
10	Wallis and Futuna Islands	11.277	142,00

Top 10 least populous countries in the world — Small island nations in the South Pacific. Pictured are four of the world's top 4 least populous island nations: Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna Islands.

#1. Holy See (Vatican): 496 people

Vatican City, also known as Holy See, is the smallest independent country in the world, located entirely within the heart of the Italian capital Rome. With an area of about 0,44 km² (equivalent to 44 hectares), the Vatican is the center of the Roman Catholic Church and the official residence of the Pope.

With an area of only 0,44 km², Vatican is one of the countries with the largest population density the world's tallest, with an estimated 496 inhabitants as of 2024.

#2. Niue: 1.819 people

Niue is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. The island has an area of about 260 km² and 64 km of coastline.

Niue is considered one of the largest coral islands in the world.

Despite its small size, Niue has a population of about 1.819 people, mostly Polynesians.

#3: Tokelau: 2.506 people

Tokelau is a dependent territory of New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory consists of three atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo.

With a land area of 10,8 km2, Tokelau has a population of 2.506 by 2024.

#4: Falkland Islands (Malvinas): 3.470 people

Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic, has an area of about 12.173 km²The Falkland Islands are a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, located approximately 650 km off the coast of Argentina.

In terms of population, according to 2024 estimates, the archipelago has about 3.470 residents, mainly concentrated in the capital Stanley.

Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean.

#5: Montserrat: 4.389 people

Montserrat is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The island has an area of about 102 km².

In terms of population, as of 2024 estimates, Montserrat has approximately 4.389 residents.

The official capital of Montserrat is Plymouth; however, due to volcanic activity, the temporary capital is now brades.

#6: Saint Helena: 5.237 people

Saint Helena is a volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The island has an area of about 121,8 km².

Saint Helena is one of the most remote islands in the world, famous as the place where Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled and died. The terrain of the island is mainly mountainous, with the highest point being Diana's Peak, 820 metres above sea level.

In terms of population, Saint Helena has 5.237 residents in 2024.

#7: Saint Pierre and Miquelon: 5.628 people

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is an archipelago located in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The archipelago consists of eight islands, with a total area of about 242 km².

Of these, only the two main islands, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, are inhabited.

In terms of population, according to 2024 estimates, the archipelago has about 5.628 inhabitants.

#8: Tuvalu: 9.646 people

Tuvalu is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, with a total land area of approximately 26 km².

The country consists of nine atolls and islets, spread over a vast ocean area, covering approximately 900.000 km² of the Pacific Ocean.

Despite its small land area, Tuvalu has a large exclusive economic zone, facilitating maritime economic activities.

In terms of population, according to 2024 estimates, Tuvalu has about 9.646 people.

#9: Saint Barthélemy: 11.258 people

Saint Barthélemy, also known as Saint Barts, is a French overseas community located in the Caribbean Sea, covering an area of approximately 25 km².

According to the latest estimates, as of July 1, 7, the population of Saint Barthélemy is 2024.

#10: Wallis and Futuna Islands: 11.277 people

Wallis and Futuna is an overseas territory of France, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main island groups: the Wallis Islands (Uvea) and the Hoorn Islands (including Futuna and Alofi).

The total land area of Wallis and Futuna is 142 km².

According to the latest estimates, as of 1 July 7, the population of Wallis and Futuna is 11.277 people.

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Top 10 least populous countries in the world