The phrase smallest city in the world sounds simple, but it sparks endless debate. Is “smallest” about population, land area, political status, or historical title? That’s where most confusion comes from, and why different answers circulate online.
In this guide, we’ll clearly answer what is the smallest city in the world, explain how rankings actually work, and untangle common questions about Vatican City, capital cities, and population-based records.
What Is The Smallest City In The World?
There isn’t a single universal answer to this question. The smallest city in the world depends on how “city” is defined, and different organizations use different criteria.
Some define a city by:
- Legal or historical city status
- Population size
- Physical land area
- Political or administrative role
Because of this, several places can claim the title under different definitions.
How “Smallest City” Is Defined (Population Vs Size)
Before naming contenders, it’s important to understand the two most common metrics.
- Population-based definition
This focuses on how many people live in a city. Smaller population = smaller city.
- Land-area-based definition
This looks at physical size. A city covering less land ranks as smaller, even if its population is relatively dense.
Key issue: Some tiny places are legally towns or villages, not cities, which is where disagreements begin.
The Widely Recognized Smallest City
Under most population-based definitions, the title often goes to Hum.
- Population: ~20–30 residents
- Location: Istria, Croatia
- Status: Officially recognized as a city under Croatian law
Despite being smaller than many villages, Hum retains historic city rights dating back to medieval times. This legal status is why it’s frequently cited as the smallest city in the world by population.
However, if legal city status isn’t considered, many settlements worldwide would be even smaller, but they’re classified as villages instead.
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Is Vatican City The Smallest Country In The World?
Yes, and this is where many people get mixed up.
Vatican City is officially the smallest country in the world, not the smallest city.
Key facts:
- Area: ~0.49 km² (0.19 sq mi)
- Population: ~500 people
- Status: Independent sovereign state
Because Vatican City is both a city and a country, many people assume it must also be the smallest city in the world. Politically, though, it’s classified as a country, which usually excludes it from city-only rankings.
What Is The Smallest Capital City In The World?
Capital cities add another layer of complexity.
Capitals With The Smallest Population
The capital with one of the smallest populations is Ngerulmud.
- Population: Fewer than 300 residents
- Country: Palau
Purpose-built capital with government buildings but very few inhabitants
In terms of population alone, Ngerulmud is often cited as the smallest capital city in the world.
Capitals With The Smallest Land Area
When measured by size rather than population, Monaco is often cited as the smallest capital by land area, particularly when city-states are included in comparisons.
- Area: ~2.02 km²
- Population: ~39,000
- Status: City-state and capital
Although Monaco has a large population density, its land area makes it one of the smallest capitals globally.
Why The Smallest City In The World Is Often Confusing
There are several reasons this topic causes so much disagreement:
- Different legal definitions: A “city” in one country may be a “town” or “village” elsewhere.
- Historical city titles: Places like Hum keep city status due to history, not size.
- City vs country overlap: Vatican City blurs the line between city and sovereign nation.
Because of these factors, articles often contradict each other without explaining the criteria they’re using.
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FAQs
What Is The Smallest City In The World By Population?
The most commonly accepted answer is Hum, Croatia, with around 20–30 residents, based on its legal city status.
Is Vatican City Considered A City Or A Country?
Vatican City is officially a country, the smallest sovereign nation in the world, even though it functions like a city.
What Is The Smallest Capital City In The World?
- By population: Ngerulmud, Palau
- By land area: Monaco
Both hold records depending on how “smallest” is measured.
Conclusion
So, what is the smallest city in the world?
- By population (legal city status): Hum, Croatia
- By country size: Vatican City (smallest country, not strictly a city)
- By capital population: Ngerulmud, Palau
- By capital land area: Monaco
The “right” answer depends entirely on how smallest is defined. Once you know the criteria, the rankings make a lot more sense, and the mystery disappears.
