Which country has the least amount of people?

Answer 1

It is difficult to answer this because one must first decide on a definition of a country and a definition of what is meant by" has ... people ".

Whatever the choices made, there are only two candidates for "what country". They are the Vatican, and the Principality of Monaco.

In order for some entity to be generally recognised as a country, several things are expected; independent government, its own postage stamps, membership of international organisations such as the UPU, the ITU, the IAEA, the Red Cross, the International Olympic Organisation, membership in the UN and at least some

Diplomatic representation in foreign countries. Monaco meets all these critieria and the Vatican meets almost all. However, the general consensus among specialists in international law is that to be recognised as a country, a territory must have a population attached to the territory by birth. This is true of Monaco, but it is not true of the Vatican. The inhabitants of the Vatican are almost entirely Roman Catholic clergy. There are some lay people employed by the Holy See, mostly Swiss Guards with only a few others. These men are allowed to have wives, and children born in the Vatican. However, these children, though born and raised there, do not have citizenship and can never obtain it. They are tolerated only until they reach the age of 25, after which they must leave.

Whether or not the Vatican " has people " within the meaning of your question is something for you to decide, but the question of whether or not the Vatican is really a country has I think already been agreed in the negative. If you want to decide for yourself you could read a very good book on " Microstates " by Dr. Jorri Dursma, an acknowledged expert in the subject. Published by Cambridge University Press.

So, my answer is Monaco. Area 468 acres or 196 hectares or 3/4 sq. mile. Population approx 30,000, of whom about 5,000 are Monegasque citizens. All children of Monegasques become citizens at 21 unless they leave the Principality during their childhood without the necessary formalities.

Answer 2

The Vatican City has the smallest population in the world, with approximately 800 residents.