The world's least populated countries offer fascinating insights into how geography, history, and economics shape human settlement. These nations, often marked by remote locations, limited land areas, and unique political statuses, host populations that are only a fraction of what might be expected in other parts of the world. From the spiritual hub of Vatican City to the isolated atolls of Tokelau, each of these countries tells a story of survival and adaptation in the face of natural and man-made challenges.
Explore the ten least populated countries, highlighting the factors that contribute to their small populations. List of country with low population density Rank Country Population size 1 Vatican City 764 2 Tokelau 1,915 3 Niue 1,935 4 Falkland Islands 3,803 5 Montserrat 4,372 6 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 5,815 7 Saint Barthelemy 11,019 8 Wallis and Futuna 11,439 9 Tuvalu 11,478 10 Nauru 12,884 Underpopulated countries in the world Vatican City As the smallest internationally recognized independent state, Vatican City has a population of just 764 as of 2023–24. This is largely due to its tiny land area of only 49 hectares, strict citizenship requirements that limit the number of new residents, and its unique role as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Catholic Church rather than a typical country.
Tokelau Tokelau, a group of three remote atolls in the South Pacific, has a population of around 1,915 people. Its isolated location and limited land area of just 26 square kilometers naturally constrain its population. The absence of airports and accessibility only by boat from Samoa further contribute to its small population size.
Niue Niue, a self-governing island country in free association with New Zealand, has a population of about 1,935 people. Its remote Pacific location, coupled with a tiny land area of just 260 square kilometers and limited economic opportunities, restrict population growth. Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, has a population of approximately 3,803 people.
Its isolated position and harsh sub-Antarctic climate make it an unattractive destination for large-scale settlement. The islands’ economy is primarily dependent on fishing and tourism. Montserrat Montserrat, a Caribbean island nation, has an estimated population of 4,372 people.
A devastating volcanic eruption in the 1990s destroyed much of the island and forced many residents to flee, resulting in its small population size. Ongoing volcanic activity and limited land area continue to constrain population growth. Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French territorial collectivity in the North Atlantic, has a population of around 5,815 people.
Its remote location off the coast of Canada and limited economic opportunities, mainly centered on fishing and tourism, contribute to its small population size. Saint Barthélemy Saint Barthélemy, a French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean, has a population of approximately 11,019 people. The island’s tiny land area of just 25 square kilometers and focus on luxury tourism, rather than large-scale industry or agriculture, limit its population growth.
Wallis and Futuna Wallis and Futuna, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, consists of three small volcanic islands with a total land area of just 142 square kilometers. Its remote location and lack of major economic activities contribute to its small population of around 11,439 people. Tuvalu Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation comprising nine small atolls, has a population of about 11,478 people.
Its tiny land area of 26 square kilometers and isolation from major trade routes and economic centres contribute to its status as one of the least populated countries in the world. Nauru Nauru, the world’s smallest republic, has a population of roughly 12,884 people. Its total land area of just 21 square kilometers and remote location in Micronesia limit population growth.
Economic challenges and a lack of natural resources further hinder the country’s development and population expansion. Also read:| Explore the largest malls in the United States.
