Which Is the World's Smallest Country by Population?

Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has a population of approximately 800 people, making it the world's smallest country by population as well as by area (0.44 square kilometers). Its residents include the Pope, members of the Swiss Guard, clergy, and religious sisters. Citizenship is not based on birth but on appointment — when a person's role at the Vatican ends, they typically lose citizenship. The next smallest countries by population are Nauru (~12,500), Tuvalu (~11,900), and Palau (~18,000). Despite its tiny size, Vatican City has its own postal service, radio station, heliport, and even a small railway station.