Look at a map of the world and you will see many huge nations. You’ll also see that the majority of countries are… well, kind of medium sized. But look more closely and you’ll see that some countries are actually tiny. But why is this? Why are some countries so much smaller than all the rest? Let us explain…
Some Countries Have Small Populations
A first reason why some countries are so small is because they have small populations.
A country’s population size generally correlates to its geographical size. This connection may not be exact, but generally countries with very small populations tend to have a small landmass. This is because small populations historical did not spread over large areas, and so the modern boundaries of countries with few people tend to also be small.
A further reason why small populations have led to smaller countries is because nations with fewer people are less able to conquer and subdue their neighbors. Often, countries become large by, usually over the course of several centuries, invading, overpowering and then incorporating territories that surround them. However, to do this, a country needs enough people in order to raise an army strong enough to subdue surrounding populations.
There are many examples of small countries that also have small populations. These include Nauru, which has only about 10,000 people, Tuvalu with only around 11,000, and Palau with less than 20,000 people.
Small Nations Can Have Split From Larger Ones
A second reason why some countries are small is because they split from larger countries.
There are many reasons why countries break apart. European colonialism created arbitrary borders for many countries that divided communities and lumped others together. Some countries broke apart, or had regions seceded as a result. In some cases, this created much smaller nations.
Another factor that can result in nations breaking apart, and often much smaller nations being formed, is invasions by larger powers. There have been many instances where one ethnicity, religious or cultural group is located within a neighboring country from the majority of their populations. Some larger powers have invaded on the pretense of protecting their community abroad – resulting in the creation of a new independent nation, which is often much smaller.
One example of a nation invading another and it resulting in the creation of a small country is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
An example of a country breaking way more peacefully from a larger state and so creating a new much smaller country is Luxembourg.
Some Small Nations Refused To Unite With Larger Neighbors
A third reason why some countries are smaller is because they refused to join much larger neighbours.
As we’ve said, many countries become large because they consume the smaller nations around them. This process can happen over hundreds of years. However, there are often instances where a smaller nation either manages to resist being consumed by their larger neighbors, or are not considered worth conquering by much larger and more powerful countries.
Many small countries are fiercely independent and have resisted for centuries being taken over by larger nations. These countries have often used a mixture of comparative military strength combined with diplomacy in order to remain sovereign. Geography can also play a key role in allowing smaller countries to resist being taken over by their bigger neighbors.
An example of a country that has successfully managed to resist being consumed by all the larger countries that border it is Switzerland. Another example would be Bhutan. Both have used a combination of military strength, diplomacy and their tough geography to remain small independent nations.
Geography Can Affect A Nation’s Size
Another reason why some countries are small is because of their geography.
A nation’s geography is one of the key factors that affects how it develops. Geographical features, including rivers, mountains, plains, jungles, forests and coastline, directly impact the type of society that forms. They also create natural barriers between societies. As a result, nations that have geographical features that historically contained a society, often formed into smaller nations as a result.
Another way that the geography of a nation can impacts its size is by providing natural defenses. Geographical features, for example mountains, jungles or rivers, make significant obstacles that armies, even in the modern age, find hard to traverse. They can also make a nation much easier to defend. Small nations often have advantageous geographical features that have allowed them to retain their independence.
One example of nation that is small partly due its geography is Andorra. Another example of a small country whose geography has been key to them retaining their independence in Switzerland.
Small Countries Often Have Unique Identities
One reason why some countries are very small is because they have unique identities.
There are many factors that bring nations together, however a country’s identity is often one of the most important. Aspects such as ethnicity, religion, culture and language that are shared among a group of people often result in them forming together into a nation states. However, when a strong identity is held by only a small number of people, often this results in a small nation being formed.
Although some small countries, such as San Marino and Monaco, share similar languages and cultural aspects to their larger neighbors, they still retain a degree of uniqueness to their identities. This has been key to many smaller nations remaining independent and avoiding being consumed by the larger countries they border.
All countries have a unique identity. However, small countries often fiercely protect their language and culture. They are also often unique in their ethnicity and sometimes religious practices. Small populations holding tightly onto their unique identities is actually the foundation of many small countries.
There Are Economic Benefits To Being A Small Country
A final reason why some countries are small is because there are actually some economic benefits to being a small country.
Many of the smallest countries in the world are among the wealthiest. Some economists believe that there is actually an economic gain to being a small country. Not only is it easier to become a coherent nation within a small territory, but it also helps with building infrastructure and moving goods and information within a country’s territory. These factors can provide an economic boost to countries that are not so large.
Another factor that can be an economic benefit to smaller countries is that they must rely on innovation and trade in order to become prosperous. Larger countries have more resources – be it material, financial or human, that they can leverage in order to generate wealth. Smaller countries must be more creative and look outwards in order to become developed. The smaller nations of the world that have been able to successfully do this have become some of the richest.
There are many examples of countries that have partly benefited economically from their comparatively small size. These include Qatar, Singapore, and Monaco.