Whenever we hear about any destination the first question that pops in our mind is which city it is in? Usually, for us, there is nothing like a small city. We are actually not aware of what the smallest city in the world is. It is because generally big cities get lots of attention due to their impressive structures so that we often forget about the smallest cities.Â
We think a small city = town. But, here we are wrong. Many smaller cities in the world need exposure. But, before we deep dive into those cities, let us first understand what the smallest city in the world is.
What is the Smallest City in the World?
Remember, the smallest city is not equal to the town. A small city is small in every sense – population and geographic area. The small cities that we have covered in this blog are definitely visit-worthy because they are pretty impressive too.Â
So, without further ado, let us get started with the 5 smallest cities in the world.Â
- Hum, Croatia
Featuring first on the list of smallest cities in the world by population is Hum, Croatia. This is a city only with just 30 people.
It is strangely astounding. We all need space and Hum people got space in profusion, right? Haha..! This city has also secured its name in the Guinness World Record Book as the smallest city in terms of population. Due to its long history, this city has many museums to visit.
Also, there are many amazing places to visit here. You will probably feel like staying there forever if once you take a glance at it and take a sip of their spiced brandy known as Biska.Â
- Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands
The next on the list is Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands. The special thing about this city is that it is not only the capital of the Pitcairn Islands but it is the only settlement on this island. You will be shocked by hearing this but it is true – this city has only 50 people who are living in it. Yes! You read it right.
The city is situated only in 4.6 sq. km. The main tourist attraction in the city is bounty bay, Pitcairn Island, museum. This city is possibly the only city in the world that has just one general store and that also works only 3 days a week. They want more people to come and live there. However, no one wants to move there. Readers, anyone?Â
- City of London, England
Coming up next on the list is the city of London, England. Within the big, full of life London city limits, there is a smaller city known as the city of London. It is known as the square mile because it is just hardly more than one square mile in size.
This region has governmental powers that are much more impressive than the rest of the region in the larger London area including their own police force. The City of London is an ancient city and it is a belief that from it modern London has grown. In such a way, the city of London is quite significant.
- St. David, Wales
The next on the list is St.David, Wales. It is one of the smallest cities in Britain. This city was founded in the 6th century. The city is actually built in the adjacent area of the cathedral and monastery which was founded by St. David. And, yes! You are thinking right. This is the reason why this city is called St. David.
This entire city is a pretty rich Christian history. The total area of this city is 46.4 sq. km. and the approximate population is 1800 people who are living their life peacefully and fully. Nowadays, in this city, there are narrow streets, cafes, hotels, art galleries, and restaurants.Â
- Vatican City, Italy
Last but not least on the list is Vatican City, Italy. It is technically not a city but an independent city-state that resides in only 110 acres. This city is small both in area and population. From its pictures, you will feel like many people live in this but this look is completely misleading.
This city has a population of approximately 1000 people only. Its area and population make it one of the smallest cities or we can say the smallest sovereign state in the entire world by both area and population. In this city, most of the population is made up of nuns, priests, cardinals, and some other religious figures. This city is the home base of the pope and the Catholic Church.
 This city entertains a great number of tourists every year. The reason behind it is this city contains various world-famous arts. In this city, its picturesque garden is worth visiting.
Epilogue
In a nutshell, here is the list of the smallest cities in the world both in area and population. We hope that you will be astounded by this information and plan to visit these cities soon.
Here are 20 cities around the world with small populations
- Andorra la Vella, Andorra: The capital and largest city of Andorra, with a population of approximately 22,000.
- Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: The capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, with a population of around 25,000.
- Nuku’alofa, Tonga: The capital of Tonga, with a population of around 25,000.
- Moroni, Comoros: The capital of Comoros, with a population of around 34,000.
- Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis: The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with a population of around 15,000.
- San Marino, San Marino: The capital and only city of the small European country of San Marino, with a population of around 4,500.
- Tarawa, Kiribati: The capital of Kiribati, with a population of around 30,000.
- Suva, Fiji: The capital of Fiji, with a population of around 85,000.
- Majuro, Marshall Islands: The capital of the Marshall Islands, with a population of around 25,000.
- Palikir, Micronesia: The capital of Micronesia, with a population of around 7,000.
- Funafuti, Tuvalu: The capital of Tuvalu, with a population of around 6,000.
- Ngerulmud, Palau: The capital of Palau, with a population of around 300.
- Pristina, Kosovo: The capital of Kosovo, with a population of around 200,000.
- Maseru, Lesotho: The capital of Lesotho, with a population of around 198,000.
- Monaco, Monaco: The second smallest country in the world, with a population of around 39,000.
- Vaduz, Liechtenstein: The capital of Liechtenstein, with a population of around 5,000.
- Andorra la Vella, Andorra: The capital and largest city of Andorra, with a population of approximately 22,000.
- Malé, Maldives: The capital and largest city of the Maldives, with a population of around 140,000.
- Apia, Samoa: The capital and largest city of Samoa, with a population of around 37,000.
- Nassau, Bahamas: The capital and largest city of the Bahamas, with a population of around 247,000.
Least populated cities in the world
The least populated cities in the world are typically found in remote or sparsely inhabited regions, where factors such as geographic isolation, harsh climate, or limited economic opportunities contribute to low population densities. While specific population figures can vary over time, here are a few examples of some of the least populated cities as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021:
- Vatican City: With an area of just 0.17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers), Vatican City is the smallest internationally recognized independent state and the least populated sovereign entity in the world. It serves as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and its population is estimated to be around 800 people, mostly consisting of clergy, Swiss Guards, and administrative staff.
- Ngerulmud, Palau: Ngerulmud is the capital city of the Republic of Palau, an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. It became the capital in 2006, replacing Koror. Ngerulmud is located on the island of Babeldaob, and its population is estimated to be around 400 people. The city was designed with a specific focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation.
- Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands: Adamstown is the only settlement on the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the world. The population of Adamstown is quite small, with around 50 residents as of 2021, mostly descended from the mutineers of the HMS Bounty.
- Stanley, Falkland Islands: Stanley is the capital and the main settlement of the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The population of Stanley is around 2,500 people, making it one of the least populated capital cities in the world. The Falkland Islands have a total population of approximately 3,500 inhabitants.
- Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway: Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and administrative center of Svalbard, an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean. Despite its relatively larger population compared to other cities on this list, Longyearbyen is still considered sparsely populated, with around 2,000 residents. It serves as a gateway for scientific research and tourism in the Arctic region.
10 smallest town in the world by population
- Buford, Wyoming, USA: Buford, located between Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming, is one of the smallest towns in the United States. Its population was just one person in 2013, but it has varied over time.
- Monowi, Nebraska, USA: Monowi is a village in Nebraska known for having a population of only one person. Elsie Eiler, the sole resident, is the mayor, librarian, and caretaker of the Monowi Tavern.
- Hirtshals, Greenland: Hirtshals, located in the Qaasuitsup municipality in Greenland, is one of the smallest towns in the country. It has a population of around 5-10 inhabitants.
- Mestia, Georgia: Mestia is a small town in the Svaneti region of Georgia. While its exact population may vary, it is estimated to have only a few hundred residents.
- Oia, Greece: Oia is a village on the island of Santorini in Greece. It is known for its picturesque beauty but has a small population of a few hundred people.
- Vik, Iceland: Vik is a village in southern Iceland with a population of around 300. It is known for its stunning black sand beaches and basalt sea stacks.
- Goreme, Turkey: Goreme is a small town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It is famous for its unique rock formations and cave dwellings. Its population is estimated to be a few thousand.
- Riomaggiore, Italy: Riomaggiore is a village in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. It is known for its colorful buildings and scenic coastal views. Its population is around 1,500.
- HúsavÃk, Iceland: HúsavÃk is a town in northern Iceland with a population of around 2,300. It is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
- Reine, Norway: Reine is a fishing village located on the Lofoten Islands in Norway. It has a population of around 300 and offers stunning views of mountains and fjords.
These are just a few examples of small towns with limited populations. It’s worth noting that population figures can vary over time, and there may be other lesser-known towns with even smaller populations.