Small geographical areas and economic challenges can actually determine a country’s population. This is the case in most of the least populated countries in the world. They also have attributes like other countries, like political structure, farming, and tourism, but they struggle economically. The list below is compiled based on The Times of India report.
1. Vatican City
Vatican City has the lowest population in the world, with just 764 citizens. The majority of the people are Catholic clergy, believers, and government workers. The city restricts settlers from joining the population, and to have citizenship, you have to be permitted by the authority.
2. Tokelau
Tokelau is located in the South Pacific and has about 1,915 inhabitants. The means of transportation just by boat limit the number of people interested in living in Tokelau — a major factor that made it one of the least populated countries. As a democratic nation, elections are held every three years. The people are mostly Catholic Christians.
3. Niue
Niue is an island country with a population of 1,935 people. Lack of enough economic growth hinders their increase in population. Niue is divided into 14 villages with councils that elect a chairperson each to oversee the community’s affairs. English and Niuean are the major languages spoken in the country. They practice parliamentary democracy, electing representatives every year.
4. Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands is located in the South Atlantic and has around 3,803 people. Most of the settlers were of British descent; others were Gibraltarians, French, and Scandinavians. Their main economic activities include farming, tourism, and wool exports. The official language is English.
5. Montserrat
Montserrat is a Caribbean Island nation and a territory of the United Kingdom. It has an estimate of 4,372 people. The Island is controlled by the Head of State, the Premier – the head of government appointed by the legislature.
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6. Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French territory in the North Atlantic with about 5,815 people. It is closer to the Canadian province of Labrador. The nation’s major source of income is fishing.
7. Saint Barthelemy
Saint Barthelemy is one of the least populated countries in the world, with around 11,019 people. It is a French territory in the Caribbean with just luxury tourism, limiting population growth. The country’s official currency is the Euro.
8. Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna consist of three volcanic Islands. It is located in the South Pacific, regarded as a French territory. It is divided into three traditional kingdoms: Sigave, Alo, and Uvea. Being in a remote area and having few economic activities contribute to a small population of about 11,439.
9. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a nation in the Pacific Islands with three islands: Niutao, Nanumanga, and Niulakita. The country is between Hawaii and Australia and has a population of about 11,478. Being isolated from main economic centers and trade routes contributes to its status as one of the least populated countries in the world.
10. Nauru
Nauru operates a parliamentary system of government whereby the president is the head of state and government. Elections for the parliamentarians are held every three years. Lack of natural resources and economic problems have been a setback towards the development of Nauru and its expansion. There are about 12,884 people in the country.
