Which Is The Smallest Country In Asia?

The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by both area and population. Learn about its stunning geography, rich culture, and why this island nation is unique among Asian countries.

Apr 28, 2025, 17:22 IST
Which Is the Smallest Country in Asia?
Which Is the Smallest Country in Asia?

Smallest Country in Asia: Asia is the largest continent in the world. The biggest country in Asia is China. But do you know which is the smallest country in Asia? Tap to read. 

Which Is the Smallest Country in Asia?

The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. It has about 1,190 coral islands and is made up of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. While the Maldives is quite small, it is significant in the tourism and global climate debate.

Why Is the Maldives the Smallest Country in Asia?

The Maldives has an area of just about 300 square kilometres and is the smallest country in Asia. Although the population is more than half a million people, the Maldives is not a large island. The Maldives are low-lying islands and do not have much land mass.

Essential Information About the Maldives:

Geography: The Maldives is a beautiful tropical destination with coral islands and atolls. The highest land point in the Maldives is less than 3 metres above sea level, making it the flattest country on earth.

Climate: The Maldives is warm and tropical and enjoys almost year-round sunshine! The Maldives has two monsoons; the northeast which is dry and the southwest which is wet.

Culture: Maldivian culture derives from South Indian, Arab, and African influences. Music and dance like Bodu Beru, and handicrafts form a part of people's lives.

Tourism: Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives. Millions of tourists visit the Maldives every year for its white sandy beaches, clear lagoons, coral reef, and luxury hotels.

Language and Religion: The official language is Dhivehi, and Islam is the ‘state’ religion. Islam is constitutionally required for all citizens.

Economy: Other industries besides tourism, fishing is a significant industry. The Maldives exports fish (mainly tuna) to the world.

Top 8 Countries Are Bigger Than Maldives?

Here are some countries that are much larger in terms of economy or influence but still small geographically compared to Asian giants like India or China.

Country

Area (sq mi)

Key Details

Maldives

115

Island nation famous for tourism and its stunning beaches and lagoons.

Singapore

277.7

City-state, a global financial centre with a highly developed economy.

Bahrain

293

Island nation in the Persian Gulf with a significant oil and gas industry.

Brunei

2,226

Wealthy sultanate on the island of Borneo, known for its oil reserves.

Macau

12

Special Administrative Region of China, known as the 'Las Vegas of Asia'.

Hong Kong

426

Special Administrative Region of China, a major global financial hub.

Bhutan

14,822

Landlocked kingdom in the Eastern Himalayas, emphasising Gross National Happiness.

Kuwait

6,880

Oil-rich country located at the northern tip of the Persian Gulf.

Source- Britannica

The Significance of the Maldives in Asia

Small as it is, the Maldives is significant in discussions of climate change, tourism, and Indian Ocean security. It illustrates how small states can make a large impact in the world.

Why Is Maldives Famous?

Maldives is famous for its beautiful destination that offers an adventure vacation. The Maldives attracts millions of tourists each year because of its white sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and opulent hotels.

Fun Facts:

Natural Splendour: The Maldives is one of the world's premier destinations for snorkelling and diving featuring celebrated coral reefs.

Sinking Islands: The Maldives is faced with the possibility of disappearing beneath the sea due to sea level rise caused by climatic changes.

Strange Governance: The Maldives is unique, with a decentralised government where each atoll or island manages a portion of its affairs.

Historical Currency: Historically, the Maldives was known for cowry shells, which were used as currency in parts of Asia and Africa.

Jasreet Kaur
Jasreet Kaur

Content Writer

Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with over two years of experience and a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Driven and committed, she writes on current affairs and general knowledge, fueled by a desire to see positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.

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