The world smallest, richest countries

The Vatican (0.44 km2)

Commonly referred as the Holy See, the Vatican is the heart of the Catholic Church that fits into Rome, Italy’s capital. Vatican’s economy is mainly driven by donations received from around 1 billion devotees belonging to the Roman Catholic Church around the globe. The other potion is derived from selling postage stamps, tourist mementos and museums admission fees. Home to the head of Roman Catholic, the Pope – the Holy See also houses the world biggest church – St. Peter’s Basilica.    

Monaco (2 km2)

Measuring a mere 2 km2 in surface area, Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita. A predominantly recreational area for the rich and famous – Monaco is famed for its gambling and luxury goods service industry provided by its estimated 36 000 largely French speaking inhabitants. A densely populated country it is bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea with the Formula 1, a yearly motor racing contest – a constant draw card. 

Nauru (21 km2)    

With a record shattering 90 percent unemployment rate, Nauru has the highest figures of obese people, whereby 97 and 93 percent of its men and women respectively are known to be overweight. It has also recorded the highest level of type 2 diabetes, with 40 percent of the population suffering from the chronic disease. Nauru – the smallest island country in the world is found east of Australia, and was once famed for its booming phosphate mining in the 1980’s. Sadly, Pleasant Island’s resources have since been depleted leading to decline in tourism and unrelieved economic dip.

Tuvalu (26 km2)

One hospital, 8 kilometres road network and 10 000 residents as part of its possessions, Tuvalu formerly known as Ellice Islands is located in the Pacific Ocean, to the west of Australia. A former British colony until 1978 – Tuvalu has limited tourism traffic due to its difficult accessibility, with only 2 000 recorded tourists visiting the island in 2010 – while 65 percent of them travelled for business.  

San Marino (61 km2)

The third smallest country in Europe, San Marino or more aptly the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, has the lowest unemployment rate in the world and boasts as one of the wealthiest countries in GDP per capita. With only a 30 000 population count – a 61 km2 surface area, it claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the universe while it is completely encircled by Italy. San Marino becomes the second country within Italy, including the Vatican.