We all talk about the most populated countries of the world, which are China and India, followed by the European Union and the USA. To control the population of the country, the Chinese government has implemented one Child policy. This policy was announced in 2015 and ended in 2016. Fortunately, some countries don’t need to implement such policies because they are already less populated.
These countries have limited geographic locations, which means they can’t accommodate more people because of limited space and resources. The benefit that least populated countries can enjoy is that it provides increased economic opportunities for minority groups and women.
Moreover, it increases the wages for unskilled labor. Additionally, least populated countries experience increases in capital per person that enhances productivity. The gross domestic product grows slowly however, GDP per person increases.
Let’s have a Look at the 10 Least Populated Countries in the World
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What is the Least Populated Country in the World?
As mentioned above while we talk about the most populated countries every now and then, how many of us are aware of the least populated country? Well, it is Vatican City. it is not only smaller in size but also in terms of population which stands at 519 according to the recent United Nations data.
Let’s explore these cities in terms of population and demographics.
1. Vatican City
Vatican City is located within the capital of Italy, which is Rome. It is the smallest country with only 11O acres. Only 519 people live in Vatican City, making it the least populated country in the world. Although it is a small country, it is wealthy.
The Vatican Bank holds assets worth $8 billion. The people of Vatican City are Swiss Guards, the Clergy, and the officials of the state. Marriage in this country is considered an unnecessary thing. This country is surrounded by playful neighborhoods.
The case of the least populated country and the famous Vatican Museum makes it an attractive spot for tourists. Approximately 5 million people visit this country every year.
2. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is the second least populated country in the world. It’s a small island archipelago located in the region of Polynesia. Tuvalu has a land of only 10 square miles and only 11405 people reside there. The total coastline of Tuvalu is 14.9 miles. If we compare the size of this land with Manhattan then Tuvalu is 0.8 times the size of the famous borough of New York (i.e. Manhattan).
The population of Tuvalu has remained relatively stable over the years, with only small increases and decreases. The country is heavily reliant on foreign aid and has limited economic opportunities, which has led to some emigration in recent years. However, the government of Tuvalu has taken steps to promote sustainable development and improve the lives of its citizens.
Moreover, this dwarf state is not a tourist spot because of its remote location. We can say that tourism is non-existent there. The best part of this island is that it offers free education to children from the age of 6 to 15 years. The size of this country is shrinking because of rising sea levels.
Therefore, the catchphrase that Tuvalu is sinking is famous in the country. According to the United States, it is the least developed country in the world.
3. Nauru
A population of only 12,780 people makes Nauru the third least populated nation in the world. It is a small island that is situated at the top of the border and in between the North and South Pacific Oceans. This country occupies land of 8 sq. miles only. In terms of population density, it has approximately 480 people per square kilometer.
Nauru as a nation has a unique history. It was once famous for its rich deposits of Phosphate. Due to its prosperous phosphate mining industry, the country has once been one the world’s wealthiest nations with high GDP. However, now the country’s natural resources have depleted leaving it with a lower GDP and a struggling economy around the world. Around 90% of the population is unemployed. Despite all these odds, the Nauru government is making strong efforts to broaden its economy which will improve and uplift the living standard of its citizens.
Moreover, people don’t like to visit this country because of its remote location. The important thing to note about Nauru is that it is considered the fattest country in the world, with 71.1% of its population being obese.
4. Palau
Palau is a small island located in the Western Pacific Ocean. This country has 340 islands that cover an area of 177 square miles. It is one of the least populated countries in the world with the least population of only 18,058 people.
Although Palau has a large landmass that is 395.06 sq. km but still its population is still less than Tuvalu and Nauru. The Philippines is present in the East of this country. Palau got independence in 1990.
The government provides job opportunities to people. It is famous for its eye-catching beaches. Therefore, more than a thousand tourists visit this country every year. This country is connected through the flights of Hong Kong, Manila, Yap, Guam, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul.
5. San Marino
San Marino is a country that is surrounded by the Italian Peninsula from all sides. It is one of the oldest countries in the world. It was found in a stone mansion named Marinus who became a saint later in 301 CE.
He left San Marino and went to Croatia so that he could not be oppressed for Christianity beliefs. This country was not recognized by the Pope until 1631 AD. At present, only 33,642 people live there in an area of 61.2 sq. km.
You will be amazed to know that the law of the 1600 acts is used as San Marino’s constitution. It was the first law document in the world. It is the wealthiest country in the world despite having a low population.
6. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. It occupies an area of 99.78 sq. km and only 39,584 people reside there. With the least population, it is also the least visited country in the world.
It is known as a landlocked country because you have to travel through two countries, that are Switzerland and Uzbekistan, to reach there. Despite its small size and less population, it is still the wealthiest country in the world.
Moreover, this country has the second-lowest unemployment rate in the world. It enjoys the second-highest GDP per capita in the world. It is the last country in Europe that granted permission to women to cast a vote in 1984.
7. Monaco
Monaco is a small European country. It is located on the Northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and France surrounds it from non-coastal borders. It has an area of 2.02 square kilometers with a population of 36,297 people and there is a clear decline in its population in recent years.
Therefore, it is considered the smallest country in the world with the least population. Monaco is a rich country. 32% of its population is millionaires. Additionally, this country is expensive and snobbish people with lavish cars reside there.
It is also famous for its Grand Prix circuit and casinos. Many tourists also visit this country due to its semi-inexpensive hotels and budget restaurants. Therefore, fewer rich people can also visit Monaco.
8. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is a country which is situated in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It consists of two islands, St. Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis is the least populated country in the world, with a population of only 47,755 people.
The capital of this country is Basseterre, which has a population of only 13,000 people. The number of tourists that visited this country is equal to its population. The economy of this country runs on the income that they got from tourism.
The kingdom of St. Kitts and Nevis is part of the Commonwealth. Moreover, Queen Elizabeth is leading this country. More tourists visit Kitts than Nevis because it is a big island, however, you can visit Nevis to relax.
9. Marshall Islands
The Republic of Marshall Island is also the least populated country in the world. It is located in the Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean. This archipelago island contains five separate islands and 29 atolls.
The area that these island covers is 181 sq. km having a population of 41,996. The US performed 67 nuclear bomb tests on these islands between 1946 and 1958. Therefore, they are known as one of the most contaminated islands in the world.
People also called it the fishiest place because you can find a variety of fish and coral on these islands. Most of the people live in Majuro islands.
10. Dominica
Dominica is an island which is situated in the Caribbean Sea. This island is bordered by Guadeloupe from the North and Martinique from the South. Both these areas are the territories of France.
Approximately, 73,040 people reside on this island, Out of this number, 3000 native people are called Caribs. Usually, these people live in the Eastern part of the Caribbean.
Christopher Columbus gave it the name Dominica, which means Sunday in the Latin language. He gave this name to this region because he passed from this region on Sunday in 1493. The original name of this island was Wai’tukubuli, which means tall in his body.
Effect of Low Population on Climate Change
With the low population rate in the world, climate change will slow down. There is an immense relationship between population growth and climate change. Human beings have some needs and want that are catered to by burning fossil fuels.
Global warming is threatening the world with unpredictable weather. It is affecting the mountains and oceans. Thus, the world requires slower population growth.
Fewer people have an anthropogenic impact on the environment. It can help to stabilize the temperature below the 1.5 °C benchmarks. According to the experts, it is a dangerous point and a point of no return.
The damage we cause to the environment cannot be reversed, which started with the industrialization of the Western world. Therefore, less population will make the Earth a healthy planet for the generations to come.
Less Population will not Slow Down the Growth Rate
Many economists are of the view that a slower population will give you many benefits. Climate change is impacting each country. They need to bear major costs to adapt to the new weather conditions. It is projected that weather change will reduce the GDP of America by 10%.
Developing countries that are not equipped with modern technology have to bear heavy bills. Therefore, if we start controlling the population to the point that eradicates greenhouse gas emissions, then the entire world will get the benefit.
Slower population growth will keep consistency in the GDP. Many companies are automating jobs with machines. Therefore, the slower population will have a low impact on the digital job market.
Mitigates the After Effects of Automation
It is an era of digitalization. When companies use technology to automate their business processes, then it results in many layoffs. The world including the USA has witnessed heavy layoffs. It is projected that driverless vehicles will eradicate the jobs of 294,000 long-range trucks over 25 years.
Some other industries like food, construction, and healthcare industries will also lay off 25% of the jobs. These projections can help us in mitigating the effects of automation.
Due to less population, few people will compete for jobs. In this way, governments can focus on training and development of the people to prepare these people for the job.
Wrapping Up
Monaco and Liechtenstein are the richest countries in the world with less population therefore, the growth of the country is not associated with population. Few least populated countries are facing the problem of rising sea levels and lack of natural resources.
Thus, they have to come up with an effective growth strategy. Less population will help in combating the climate change problems. Respective government can work easily for the training and development of the people.
Additionally, they can provide all the facilities to the citizens. With less population, we can make the world a less polluted and healthy planet of the universe.