Good Things Come in Small Packages! Quiz

Answer: Italy

Located in the northeastern area of Italy near the Adriatic Sea, the Republic of San Marino was founded in 301 AD by Marinus of Arbe, a stonemason who fled to the area to establish a community for Christians during a time when believers were often persecuted for their faith. Believed by many to be the world's oldest sovereign nation, San Marino is a mountainous country of just 24 square miles.

Vatican City lies entirely within the city of Rome and is the home of the Pope and the ruling body of the Roman Catholic Church. With a citizenship of less than 1,000, it is the world's smallest country in terms of both size and population. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Gardens, and the museums are popular destinations for tourists, with Catholic News Service reporting over five million visitors in 2011.

Answer: St Kitts and Nevis

The West Indies islands of St. Christopher (more commonly known as St. Kitts) and Nevis achieved independence in 1983, although the monarch of Great Britain is still recognized as head of state. The islands are separated by a narrow channel of water and the country is the smallest of the American nations. Known for its beautiful beaches, clear water and the warmth of its people, St. Kitts and Nevis is a popular vacation spot for those who prefer to avoid the commercialization of larger islands.

Trinidad and Tobago is also an independent nation, while the US Virgin Islands and Bonaire are municipalities of the US and the Netherlands, respectively.

Answer: The western African coast

Located off the northwestern coast of Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe is Africa's second smallest country. The islands were discovered during the fifteenth century by Portuguese explorers and were established as a base for ships engaged in the slave trading business. Cash crops grown in the volcanic soil have included coffee, cocoa, and sugar.

Sao Tome (named for Saint Thomas) and Principe achieved independence from Portugal in the 1970s and remains the world's smallest Portuguese speaking nation.

Answer: Pleasant Island

This tiny country in the South Pacific was nicknamed Pleasant Island in 1798 by John Fearn, a British captain who is believed to be the island's first western visitor. Nauru was annexed by the German empire in the latter 1800s. Following World War I, control was transferred by the League of Nations to the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.
After gaining independence in 1968, Nauru became the smallest nation in Oceania and remains the world's second smallest in population, behind Vatican City.

Answer: Andorra

Known for beautiful scenery, ski resorts and versatile shopping districts, Andorra is a popular vacation destination. At 181 square miles, it is Europe's sixth smallest country in area.

According to a 2012 report by the World Health Organization, Andorrans enjoy one of the world's longest life expectancies.

Answer: El Salvador

El Salvador's economy is largely dependent on agriculture, especially coffee and sugar crops. Despite a late twentieth century effort to attract manufacturing, much of the population still lives in poverty and drug activity is common. This small country is also vulnerable to natural disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Grenada is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, Suriname is located in South America, and the west coast of Africa is home to Equatorial Guinea.

Answer: East Timor

Located less than 500 miles from the northern tip of mainland Australia, Timor Island is divided between the Indonesian province and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor. Settled by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, it gained independence in 1975 only to be annexed by Indonesia the following year. With the help of UN sponsorship, it became the 21st century's newest country on May 20, 2002.

East Timor is one of only a few predominately Christian nations in Asia and has the distinction of being the only Asian country lying completely in the Southern Hemisphere.

Answer: Monaco

With a land area of less than one square mile and a 2020 population of nearly 40,000, Monaco is the world's most densely populated nation.

The Monte Carlo Casino opened in 1863 and numerous resorts and upscale hotels soon followed. The tiny country quickly became a popular vacation spot for the world's elite. Held every year in May, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events in Formula One racing.

Sicily and Corsica are Mediterranean islands and part of Italy and France respectively. Tahiti is an island in French Polynesia.

Answer: Seychelles

Located in the Indian Ocean, this island republic gained independence from Great Britain in 1976. Despite its small size and low population (less than 100,000 residents in 2019) the country is one of Africa's leading nations for education and human development. Its beautiful beaches and wide variety of plant and animal life make it a popular vacation spot for nature lovers.

Answer: Bahrain

Formerly a protectorate of Great Britain, Bahrain gained full independence in 1971. The 267 square mile kingdom is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway, which was opened in 1986 after both nations expressed interest in promoting relations. The causeway features a border station that includes a McDonald's restaurant.