- By Ridam Sharma
- Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Least Populated Countries In World: In a world where big megacities make headlines, the small nations and isolated territories sometimes hide behind the buzz. These small populations, some less than a village, have distinctive cultural backgrounds, systems of rule, and forms of survival in a more complex and crowded world. These countries only lag in population size and need more vision to stand powerful in the world's dynamics. Here’s a list of the top 10 least populated countries, along with their population size and growth rate as per the World Population Review report.
Which Is The Least Populated Country In The World?
Vatican City is the least populated country in the world, with a population of only 764 people. The country is the religious core of Catholicism, this city-state lives by Canon law. Here, the population comprises clergy, Swiss Guardsmen and lay staff. The majority of people who hold citizenship here are based on official positions.
List Of The Top 10 Least Populated Countries With Their Population Size And Growth Rate
| Rank | Country | Population Size | Growth Rate (Per Cent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vatican City | 764 | 0 |
| 2 | Tokelau | 1,915 | 1.80 |
| 3 | Niue | 1,935 | 0.14 |
| 4 | Falkland Islands | 3,803 | 0.50 |
| 5 | Montserrat | 4,372 | -0.60 |
| 6 | Saint Pierre & Miquelon | 5,815 | -0.37 |
| 7 | Saint Barthelemy | 11,019 | 1.01 |
| 8 | Wallis and Futuna | 11,439 | -0.47 |
| 9 | Tuvalu | 11,478 | 0.94 |
| 10 | Nauru | 12,884 | 1.21 |
Vatican City is the least populated country in the world.
Tokelau, with a population of 1,915 people, is a territory of New Zealand. This Pacific atoll group depends on remittances and fishing. Its 1.8 per cent population growth rate is restricted to emigration channels.
Niue has a population of only 1,935. This self-governing country has a defence and diplomatic partnership with New Zealand. Its population stability is based on balanced migration.
The Falkland Islands hold a population of 3,803 people. It is a British Overseas Territory and its economy is focused on fishing, tourism and wool exports. The 0.5 per cent growth rate is due to controlled immigration policies.
Montserrat has a total population of 4,372 people. The country has been devastated by the 1995 Soufrière Hills eruption, its southern exclusion zone is still not populated. The country’s negative growth rate of 0.6 per cent reflects disaster recovery issues.
Saint Pierre & Miquelon is France's remaining North American possession and has a population of 5,815. This Newfoundland island chain maintains Breton culture in a dwindling population with a growth rate of 0.37 per cent.
Saint Barthélemy comprises a population of 11,019 people. This country is a Caribbean luxury haven, and its 1.01 per cent growth rate mirrors the country’s high-end tourism and real estate investment from Europe.
Wallis and Futuna have a total population of 11,439, which makes it one of the least populated countries in the world. Here, the French Pacific collectivity is affected by youth emigration to New Caledonia, which is sustained by a 0.47 per cent growth rate.
Tuvalu has a population of 1,478. The place is endangered by the rise in sea levels. This UN member country leads digital sovereignty to counter economic vulnerability.
Nauru is the last place on the list of the top 10 least populated countries, with a population of 12,884. The nation is rich in phosphate mining and now also hosts Australian offshore detention centres. A 1.21 per cent growth rate hides reliance on foreign aid.