10 countries with the smallest populations in 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The population of each country varies greatly, from billions of people to just a few hundred. In 2026, the countries with the smallest populations are dominated by small island nations in the Pacific and microstates in Europe.
Population projection data from the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024 serves as one of the latest demographic references covering 237 countries or territories. The data uses estimates up to 2023 and projections from 2024 to 2100.
Here are the 10 sovereign countries with the smallest populations in 2026 based on population projections for that year.
- Vatican City
The Vatican, or the Holy See, is the country with the smallest population in the world. Its population in 2026 is projected to be around 506 people at mid-year. The figure is based on the World Population Prospects 2024 projection.
The very small population is linked to the Vatican’s character as a microstate that serves as the centre of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Tuvalu
Tuvalu is next with a population of around 9,300 people in 2026. The island nation in the Pacific region consists of a number of islands and atolls with very limited land area.
UN-based projections place Tuvalu’s population in that range in 2026. UN data also shows Tuvalu’s population was around 10,000 in 2024 and is projected to remain in that range for several years to come.
- Nauru
Nauru has a population of around 12,000 people in 2026. The country in the Micronesia region is one of the smallest island nations in the world in terms of both population and land area.
UN projection data shows Nauru’s population at around 12,000 people, and it remains one of the least populous countries in the world.
- Palau
Palau is projected to have around 17,600 people in 2026. The island nation in the Western Pacific consists of hundreds of islands, although only some are inhabited.
UN data records Palau’s population at around 18,000 in 2024 and estimates that the number will decline over the next few decades.
- San Marino
The European microstate of San Marino has a population of around 33,600 people in 2026.
San Marino is surrounded by Italian territory and is known as one of the smallest countries in Europe. The 2026 population projection places its population slightly above 33,000 people.
- Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands has around 35,000 residents in 2026.
The Pacific island nation has a relatively small population spread across various atolls. UN data records around 38,000 residents in 2024 and estimates that the number will decline over the next few decades.
- Monaco
Monaco is one of the countries with a very small territory as well as a population of under 40,000 people. In 2026, its population is projected to be around 38,000 people.
Although its population is small, Monaco is known for having a very high population density because its land area is only about 2 square kilometres.
- Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is projected to have around 40,000 residents in 2026. The microstate located between Switzerland and Austria is among the least populous countries in Europe.
UN data shows Liechtenstein’s population at around 43,000 in 2024 and projects it to remain in the tens of thousands over the next few decades.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Caribbean country of Saint Kitts and Nevis has around 47,000 residents in 2026. The country consists of two main islands and is the sovereign state with the smallest population in the Americas.
Its population is larger than the microstates in the previous positions, but still far below the more populous countries in the Caribbean region.
- Dominica
In 10th place is Dominica with a population of around 66,000 people in 2026. This Caribbean island nation has a larger population than the nine previous countries, but it still belongs to the group of least populous countries in the world.
Dominica is different from the Dominican Republic. The two are distinct countries located in the Caribbean region.
Dominated by island nations and microstates
The list shows that the least populous countries mostly come from Oceania and the Caribbean, in addition to several microstates in Europe.
Geographic conditions are one of the factors that cause these countries to have small populations. Many of them are island nations with limited land area, while countries such as the Vatican, San Marino, Monaco and Liechtenstein are microstates in Europe.
The World Population Prospects 2024 data itself shows that a number of small countries face varying demographic trends. The UN estimates that some countries with small populations will experience population decline over the next few decades, while others still have the potential to grow.
Thus, the Vatican is the country with the smallest population in 2026, followed by Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, San Marino, the Marshall Islands, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica.
It should be noted that the population figures are projections, not the result of a census counting every resident directly in 2026. Therefore, the figures may differ slightly depending on the source, the time of measurement and the estimation method used. UN data is one of the main references for observing global population developments.