As a geography enthusiast and researcher, I have always been fascinated by the diverse characteristics of the world's nations. The question of which is the smallest country in the world is a common one, and it leads us to delve into the fascinating world of microstates.

Vatican City is often cited as the smallest country in the world based on landmass. It is an independent state surrounded entirely by Rome, the capital city of Italy. The area of Vatican City is approximately 0.2 square miles, which is indeed quite small, making it almost 120 times smaller than the island of Manhattan, a borough of New York City known for its dense population and skyscrapers.

Vatican City is not just a small country; it is also a significant religious and cultural center. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. The city is home to numerous historical and religious sites, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which attract millions of visitors each year.

Despite its small size, Vatican City has its own government, postal service, and even a radio station. It is a sovereign entity with a unique political and religious status. The city-state is also known for its Swiss Guard, a small military force that serves as the Pope's personal security.

However, when discussing the smallest country, it's important to consider other criteria besides landmass. For instance, some might argue that Nauru, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is the smallest in terms of population, with just over a thousand citizens. Nauru is also one of the smallest in terms of land area, at about 8.1 square miles.

Another contender for the title of the smallest country could be Monaco, a city-state on the French Riviera. While it is larger than Vatican City in terms of land area, measuring about 0.76 square miles, it has a much higher population density.

In the realm of microstates, there are also entities like San Marino and Liechtenstein, which are both smaller than many cities but have significant land areas compared to Vatican City.

In conclusion, while Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by landmass, the title of the smallest country can be subject to debate depending on the criteria used for measurement. Whether it's population, land area, or cultural significance, each of these microstates offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a country.

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Vatican CityBased on landmass, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, measuring just 0.2 square miles, almost 120 times smaller than the island of Manhattan. Situated on the western bank of the Tiber River, Vatican City's 2-mile border is landlocked by Italy.Jul 17, 2013read more >>