Borders define nations. A country's political and perhaps natural boundaries determine its physical area and thus its size. Political boundaries are artificial lines drawn for a political entity, while natural boundaries are defined by seas, rivers and mountain ranges. A country is a region characterised by people, culture, language, geography, etc. Some countries in the world are big and some are small. Some countries are so small that some cities or towns in other countries are even bigger. It's funny how some countries even have smaller parks than cities in other countries! These small countries have their own government, culture. Some of them are even considered as the richest countries in the world.

If you want to visit a country in a few days and want to see the whole country, i.e. from corner to corner, it is quite possible to do so with the smallest countries in the world! These three countries are 'recognised countries'.

(The author is a 'budget traveller' and a DIY tourist)

Nauru

Nauru is the third smallest country in the world. The area of ​​this country is 21 sq.km and the current population is 12,581. This country is in the north-east of Australia. No list of remote Pacific island countries would be complete without Nauru being named; In fact, Nauru is considered one of the most remote countries in the world. It was once known as 'Pleasant Island'. Micronesians and Polynesians settled here at least three thousand years ago. Japan bombed this place in 1942; But it didn't matter much. After that till 1966, according to the United Nations agreement, it was ruled by Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Nauru gained independence in 1968.

This country is also known as 'the country of heaviest people'. The Queen of England visited here in 1982. Nauru is also known as the 'smallest nation'. It was once considered the richest country in the world due to its phosphate deposits. However, according to the World Bank, the country is now the country with the lowest GDP. In 1907, a 4km-long narrow gauge railway track was constructed here. Most people here speak English. Although there is a police presence on this island, there is no army, because Australia is responsible for Nauru's security. Football and weightlifting are the national sports of this country.

Due to its isolation from the rest of the world and lack of tourist attractions, very few tourists visit Nauru.

Monaco

This country in Europe is the second smallest country in the world. The area of ​​this country is 2 sq.km and the population is 38,300. The country is recognized by the United Nations, the lingua franca is French and the currency is Euro. The country is famous for its attractive ports, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Grand Prix circuit.

Monaco's economy as a whole is dependent on casinos and tourism. This country is also known for gambling, luxury goods and service industry. The most popular annual event here is the 'Formula One Grand Prix'.

About 30% of its residents are millionaires and this small country has immense wealth. Additionally, Monaco's GDP is the highest compared to the GDP of any other country in the world. Of course there is zero poverty and zero% unemployment.

Vatican City

The smallest country in terms of both size and population is Vatican City. Vatican City is also called 'Holy See'. It has a total area of ​​0.44 sq.km and a population of only 839. This population is less than the population of some villages in India.

Interestingly, it is the only country in the world designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO! The most famous resident of Vatican City is the Pope. St. Peter's Square, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum are the famous tourist spots here. St. Peter's Basilica is considered an important pilgrimage site of the Catholic Church.

The most important and attractive part of the Basilica is its dome. The construction of these domes was completed in 1614. Many other cathedrals and buildings have been built with this dome in view. For example, the Capitol in Washington and St. Paul's Cathedral in London, You could see the entire country in one day! In this 109-acre country, Latin is the first language and English is also spoken.

Apart from these three countries, there are many other small countries like Tuvalu, Republic of San Marino, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, Maldives and Malta. Each has different characteristics. You must also visit such offbeat destinations, so that you can better understand the culture, language and living conditions of the people there and get the joy and satisfaction of visiting some wonderful place!