Since the mid-twentieth century, the global population has increased by over three times. The world population reached 8 billion in 2022, representing a surge of over 300%, from an estimated 2.5 billion people in 1950. It is expected to increase by about 2 billion over the coming 30 years. In 2050, the global population is estimated to reach 9.7 billion and is expected to grow further and reach nearly 10.4 billion in mid-2080. According to the United Nations' growing population report, the rapid increase in the population can be attributed to the rise in the number of people surviving to reproductive age, growing urbanization, increasing human life expectancy, and booming migration.
Global Population Trends
According to the UN report on population, China and India remained the two most populous countries in the world, representing a total of nearly 36% of the global population. Africa is projected to become the fastest-growing continent in the world, responsible for over half of the global population growth by 2050. Sub-Saharan countries are expected to double in population by 2050. Despite the decrease in fertility rates, Africa is still expected to experience rapid growth in the near future.
61 countries or territories in the world are projected to undergo a decline in population by 2050. 26 out of these countries may witness a decrease of 10% or more. Population in many countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine are expected to decline by over 15% by 2050.
Tourism in the Smallest Countries of the World
Some of the smallest countries in the world are very popular among tourists. Countries such as Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino have emerged as tourism powerhouses, with tourism as one of the key contributors to their GDP. In 2021, Andorra, one of the smallest countries in the world, reported a total of 1.95 million tourists, ranking 36th globally in absolute terms. When compared to the population in the country, Andorra ranked 1st in the world with a staggering 24.42 tourists per resident in 2021. The country generated nearly $1.35 billion in the tourism sector in 2020, corresponding to 40.30% of its GDP and nearly 2% of international tourism receipts in Southern Europe.
Some of the most beautiful island countries in the world such as Samoa, Curaçao, St. Kitts and Nevis, and French Polynesia are popular tourist destinations. For instance, Curaçao reported a total of 1.03 million tourists in 2021. The total direct and indirect economic impact amounted to $1.4 billion in 2022, as calculated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Curaçao Tourist Board. These small island countries are home to some of the most pristine sceneries and landscapes, hence attracting a large number of tourists every year.
Major Players Orchestrating Global Tourism Experience
While these countries offer serene tourist attractions, it is the established names in the travel and tourism industry that help them enhance tourism in the country. Companies such as Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE), Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) are revolutionizing the traveling experience by providing top-notch travel products and services.
Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is a leading travel technology company specializing in hotels, hospitality, airfare, e-commerce, and tourism. On October 18, 2023, the company announced its partnership with the leading Australian financial services company known for its Buy Now, Pay Later services, Afterpay. The partnership allows millions of residents in Australia to book travel with Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) through the Afterpay app, authorizing them to pay in interest-free installments.
Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) is a tourism giant offering vacation rental services all over the world. On November 8, 2023, the company announced its winter release 2023, the release included compelling updates for both hosts and guests. The new update will allow guests to look up a curated selection of rentals with top ratings and reviews. The updated reviews will provide guests with a detailed insight into the property and the reviewer's experience. The new features will also include a tool for hosts to manage their listings with a new Listings tab. The tab features a redesigned editor for listing updates, AI-assisted photo tours of the property, and small lock integration. Moreover, hosts will be able to access improved pricing tools and a brand-new earnings dashboard for financial insights. With these features, Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) aims to enhance the traveling experience for guests and hosts.
Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is a major American travel company. On November 2, 2023, the company announced its earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. The company reported an EPS of $72.32 and beat estimates by $4.40. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported revenue of $7.34 billion for the quarter and outperformed estimates by $77.70 million. The company's revenue grew by 21.30% on a year-over-year basis.
Here are some of the comments from Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) Q3 2023 earnings call:
"As we take a very early look ahead to 2024, we see strong growth on the books for travel that will take place in the first quarter of next year, though a high percentage of these bookings are cancellable. Given current trends, we expect customers and consumers will continue to prioritize travel over other discretionary spend in 2024. I firmly believe we are well-positioned to continue our work attracting customers and partners to our platform, while making progress on several important initiatives, which will help strengthen our business over the long-term. These initiatives include: one, advancing our connected trip vision.
With this context, let's have a look at the 30 smallest countries in the world by population and land area.
30 Smallest Countries In The World By Population and Land Area
30 Smallest Countries In The World By Population and Land Area
Methodology
To rank the 30 smallest countries in the world by population and land area, we sourced the population and land area data from the World Bank database. We ranked our countries primarily on the basis of their total population as of 2022 and utilized land area to break the tie. Our list of countries is ranked in descending order of the total population.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
30 Smallest Countries In The World By Population and Land Area
30. Belize
Total Population (2022): 405,272
Land Area (2021): 22,810 sq. km
Belize is ranked 30th on our list of the smallest countries in the world by land and area. It is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, spanning an area of 22,810 sq. km. In 2022, the country had a total population of 405,272.
29. Iceland
Total Population (2022): 382,003
Land Area (2021): 100,830 sq. km
Iceland is ranked 29th on our list. According to the World Bank, Iceland reported a population of 382,003 in 2022. The Nordic Island country spans an area of 100,830 sq. km.
28. Vanuatu
Total Population (2022): 326,740
Land Area (2021): 12,190 sq. km
Ranked 28th on our list, Vanuatu is a country located in Oceania. The country is made up of 80 islands and stretches over an area of 12,190 sq. km. In 2022, Vanuatu had a total population of 326,740.
27. French Polynesia
Total Population (2022): 306,279
Land Area (2021): 3,471 sq. km
French Polynesia is an overseas country of France, popular among tourists for its beaches and resorts. Spread over an area of 3,471 sq. km, the country is home to over 100 islands. French Polynesia reported a population of 306,279 in 2022.
26. Barbados
Total Population (2022): 281,635
Land Area (2021): 430 sq. km
Barbados is an island country, located in the Caribbean region of North America. Barbados is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches, rich marine life, and coastal life. The country had a total population of 281,635 in 2022.
25. New Caledonia
Total Population (2022): 269,220
Land Area (2021): 18,280 sq. km
New Caledonia is ranked among the smallest countries in the world by population and land area. The island country is spread over a total area of 18,280 sq. km. In 2022, New Caledonia reported a population of 269,220.
24. Sao Tome and Principe
Total Population (2022): 227,380
Land Area (2021): 960 sq. km
Sao Tome and Principe is an island country located in Central Africa. The country spans a land area of 960 sq. km and comprises two volcanic islands. In 2022, it had a total population of 227,380.
23. Samoa
Total Population (2022): 222,382
Land Area (2021): 2,780 sq. km
Samoa ranks 23rd on our list of the smallest countries in the world by population and land area. The country is a small Polynesian island country, spanning an area of 2,780 sq. km. Samoa reported a population of 222,382 in 2022.
22. St. Lucia
Total Population (2022): 179,857
Land Area (2021): 610 sq. km
Ranked 22nd on our list, St. Lucia is an island nation in the Caribbean. According to the World Bank, the country reported a total population of 179,857 in 2022.
21. Guam
Total Population (2022): 171,774
Land Area (2021): 540 sq. km
Guam is a self-governing incorporated territory of the US. According to the World Bank, the island country had a total population of 171,774 in 2022. It is ranked 21st on our list.
20. Curaçao
Total Population (2022): 149,996
Land Area (2021): 444 sq. km
Curaçao is an island country located in South America, famous for its beach and marine life. The country reported a total population of 149,996 in 2022. It is ranked 20th on our list of the smallest countries in the world by population and land area.
19. Kiribati
Total Population (2022): 131,232
Land Area (2021): 810 sq. km
Kiribati is ranked 19th on our list. It is one of the smallest countries in the world by population and landmass. The country is located in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania. In 2022, Kiribati had a population of 131,232.
18. Grenada
Total Population (2022): 125,438
Land Area (2021): 340 sq. km
Grenada is an island country in the Caribbean. According to the World Bank, Grenada reported a total population of 125,438 in 2022. The country is spread over a land area of 340 sq. km and is home to pristine waters and beaches.
17. Seychelles
Total Population (2022): 119,878
Land Area (2021): 460 sq. km
Seychelles is the smallest and least populated country in Africa. The country spans an area of 460 sq. km and boasts beautiful beaches and numerous islands. It had a total population of 119,878 in 2022.
16. Micronesia
Total Population (2022): 114,164
Land Area (2021): 700 sq. km
Micronesia is an island country in Oceania, spread across 700 sq. km over the Western Pacific Ocean. According to the World Bank, the country reported a total population of 114,164 in 2022. It is ranked among the smallest countries in the world by population and land area.
15. Tonga
Total Population (2022): 106,858
Land Area (2021): 720 sq. km
Ranked 15th on our list, Tonga is a Polynesian country popular among tourists for its beach resorts and coastal life. In 2022, Tonga had a total population of 106,858.
14. Aruba
Total Population (2022): 106,445
Land Area (2021): 180 sq. km
Aruba ranks 14th on our list. Located in the South of the Caribbean Sea, Aruba is a constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 2022, Aruba reported a population of 106,445.
13. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Total Population (2022): 103,948
Land Area (2021): 390 sq. km
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small island country in the eastern Caribbean. According to the World Bank, St. Vincent and the Grenadines reported a population of 103,948.
12. Antigua and Barbuda
Total Population (2022): 93,763
Land Area (2021): 440 sq. km
The Caribbean island country is ranked 12th on our list of the smallest countries in the world. Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2022, the country had a population of 93,763.
11. Andorra
Total Population (2022): 79,824
Land Area (2021): 470 sq. km
Andorra is a small European country situated between France and Italy. In 2022, the country had a total population of 79,824. It is ranked 11th on our list.
10. Dominica
Total Population (2022): 72,737
Land Area (2021): 750 sq. km
Ranked 10th on our list, Dominica is a Caribbean island country located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. According to the World Bank, the country had a total population of 72,737 in 2022.
9. Greenland
Total Population (2022): 56,661
Land Area (2021): 410,450 sq. km
Greenland is a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark. The country had a population of 56,661 in 2022, as reported by the World Bank. It is ranked 9th on our list.
8. St. Kitts and Nevis
Total Population (2022): 47,657
Land Area (2021): 260 sq. km
St. Kitts and Nevis is a twin island country located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. In 2022, St. Kitts and Nevis reported a population of 47,657.
7. Marshall Islands
Total Population (2022): 41,569
Land Area (2021): 180 sq. km
The Marshall Islands is a country in Oceania, featuring 29 coral atolls and five islands. It is ranked among the smallest countries in the world. In 2022, the Marshall Islands had a population of 41,569.
6. Liechtenstein
Total Population (2022): 39,327
Land Area (2021): 160 sq. km
Liechtenstein is ranked 6th on our list. It is the 4th smallest country in Europe, situated between Austria and Switzerland. Spread over an area of 160 sq. km., the country is famous for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes, and villages. In 2022, the population in the country was 39,327.
