16 Cities With The Smallest Populations In The World (2024)

The things most would think of when they hear the word "city" are towering skyscrapers, colorful cityscapes around the globe, or even the world's most beautiful capital cities that are densely populated. However, there are cities in the world with minimal populations. Imagine that!

This list includes examples of cities worldwide that have become known for their small human populace. What is most surprising is that a lot of them are actually capitals. Here are the smallest cities in the world with the lowest populations, most of which are also pretty isolated yet attractive.

16 Werdenberg, Switzerland

This small city was founded in 1289 and is one of the oldest settlements in Switzerland

Werdenberg,Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for having notable small towns. While there is a dispute about which one is the most jaw-dropping, there is no doubt that Werdenberg is the smallest of them. This little place is among the least populated cities in the world; it has approximately 41,000 inhabitants and unfolds as a hidden gem in the heart of the country.

This charming medieval town, nestled against the Alps backdrop, is also a destination for history enthusiasts. Werdenberg Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress, is a testament to the town's rich heritage. Cobblestone streets wind through the Old Town, revealing timber-framed houses and quaint squares with timeless charm.

• Population: 41,284
• When to visit: from March to May
• Attractions: Schloss Werdenberg, Museen Werdenberg (museum Schlangenhaus)

15 Monaco

Monaco may be a microstate, but it's also the most expensive city in the world

Monaco at night

Monaco, nestled along the French Riviera, has a population of 36,469. However, among the interesting facts about the fancy city-state of Monaco is that it offers an array of activities year-round despite being super tiny (and a prolific summer destination for the rich and famous).

Renowned for its glamorous casinos, like the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo and the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monaco is one of those places that has remained interesting through the centuries.

Despite its diminutive population, Monaco boasts breathtaking views from the Rock of Monaco, exquisite gardens like Jardin Exotique, and a vibrant cultural scene. A haven for the affluent, Monaco's pristine beaches, upscale boutiques, and elegant ambiance make it a destination well worth exploring for those seeking a taste of the high life.

• Population: 36,217
• When to visit: Spring or fall for fewer crowds but summer for warm, sunny weather
• Attractions:Musée océanographique de Monaco, Prince’s Palace of Monaco

14 San Marino

Founded in 301 AD, San Marino is the world's oldest republic

Guaita Tower and other historical buildings in San Marino

San Marino is a microstate that is surrounded by Italy. The city has a population of about 33,000 people; it's beautiful and has a lot of visitors every year since it sits atop Mt. Titano with fantastic views. Tourism is how a lot of the inhabitants make the most of their income, so they would be happy to have more visitors!

San Marino is famous for being one of the smallest independent states in Europe and one of the smallest republics in the world. Moreover, San Marino has plenty of amazing museums to visit while there.

• Population: 33,626
• When to visit: May to July for sunny, warm weather
• Attractions: Guaita Tower, Basilica di San Marino, Cesta Tower, Palazzo Pubblico

13 Jericho, West Bank

This Biblical city is a new UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the oldest fortified city in the world

Ruins of the Walls of Jericho, Palestine

Sitting at just 258m below sea level, Jericho is known not only for its small population but also for its status as the lowest city in the world. Despite its extreme location, it is also one of the world's oldest populated cities with life in the city that can be traced back 11,000 years.

Travelers to this small city will have to travel around on cable car and can visit the peak of the Mount of Temptation, which is home to a Greek Orthodox monastery and some fantastic aesthetic views.

• Population: 19,783
• When to visit: May to June and September to October
• Attractions: Hisham's Palace, Jericho Tel, Mount of Temptation, Qubbat al-Khazna, Jericho Cable Car

12 Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz is one of the smallest and safest cities in the world; most residents don't bother to lock their doors

Vaduz Castle, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein (the sixth-smallest country in the world), is one of the smallest cities on Earth but has captivating surroundings and a fascinating history. With just 5,818 residents as of 2024, it is also one of the least populated cities in the world.

Surrounded by dense forests, majestic mountains, and the serene Rhine, this town is a great destination for a nature retreat. The royal family lives in a magnificent castle located on a hill, which is a major draw for tourists. Plus, there are many other must-visit historical sites, like the Loewen Inn, Art Museum, Regional Museum, and Stamp Museum, that offer unique experiences.

• Population: 5,818
• When to visit: Mid-May to late September for sunny, warm weather
• Attractions: Vaduz Castle, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein National Museum, Cathedral of St. Florin, Vaduz City Center and Pedestrian Zone

11 Funafuti, Tuvalu

While the capital city is small, breathtaking scenery and cultural activities abound

Aerial view of Funafuti in Tuvalu, Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean

With a population of 4,492 in 2023, Funafuti, Tuvalu is one of the least populated cities in the world. Tuvalu Island, one of the world's smallest and most remote nations, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Funafuti is its capital city and has a peaceful and uncommercialized ambiance, ideal for leisure and relaxation.

While visitors can swim and snorkel in Funafuti Lagoon, they also have the opportunity to go bird-watching and fishing in the Funafuti Marine Conservation Area. Another must-visit attraction is the Philatelic Bureau, which has stamp collections from all over the world.

• Population: 4,492
• When to visit: June to September
• Attractions: Funafuti Lagoon, Funafuti Marine Conservation Area, Nanumea Island, Vaiaku Lagi Hotel

10 Norton City, Virginia

Enjoy the beautiful Cumberland Mountains and fun, small-town events in Norton City

Norton City Hall,Norton City, Virginia

As of 2024, Norton City in Virginia has a population of 3,627. It is the least populated city in Virginia. Moreover, the town is so tiny that its surface area is only 19.45 square kilometers. Although small, Norton is home to some beautiful restaurants, such as China Cafe and Fishtales Family Restaurant.

Also, the city boasts two recreation areas, Flag Rock and Norton Recreation Department. It is also home to Legion Park. People go there to relax and witness the cultural mountain music and outdoor recreation activities.

• Population: 3,627
• When to visit: April to June for milder weather
• Attractions: Flag Rock Recreation Area, High Knob Observation Tower, Powell Valley Overlook, Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail

9 St. Asaph, Wales

One of the least populated cities in Wales hosts Wales' International Music Festival

St. Asaph's Cathedral, St. Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales, UK, United Kingdom

St. Asaph is Britain's second-smallest city with a population of around 3,000. St. Asaph in North Wales likes to promote itself as "The City of Music" and lives up to the name by hosting Wales' International Music Festival each year, which attracts a lot of locals and tourists alike.

This small city is also known for its beautiful churches and lush countryside.

• Population: 3,485
• When to visit: June to August for the sunniest, warmest weather
• Attractions: St. Asaph Cathedral, Bodelwyddan Castle, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, The Dinorben Arms Pub, St. Asaph Cricket Club

8 Opatowiec, Poland

This small Polish city has a fascinating history and has been rebuilt many times

Dominican Church, Opatowiec, Poland

In 2006, this tiny city was recorded to have a population of about 338 people. Now, the population has grown slightly to 3,090 people. Like much of Poland, the history of the town is very long and exciting. It has a 15th-century Dominican church and a Józef Klemens Piłsudski for historical sightseers.

The city was utterly destroyed in the 1600s by Swedish soldiers in the Deluge at a certain point. Then it was destroyed again in World War I and again in World War II. That shows a significant benefit to a small city: it can quickly be rebuilt.

• Population: 3,090
• When to visit: May to June and September to October
• Attractions: Opatowiec Castle, St. James the Apostle Church, Regional Museum in Opatowiec, Opatowiec Park, Palace in Opatowiec

7 Hamilton, Bermuda

There's no end to the stunning scenery and vibrant city life in Bermuda's capital city

An aerial view of Hamilton, Bermuda

There are plenty of things to do in Bermuda, and visiting its capital Hamilton is one of them. The stunning capital of the former British island territory found in the North Atlantic, this tiny little city is home to less than a thousand people but still boasts a lovely and active harbor. Plus, Bermuda's Front Street is home to pastel-colored buildings from the colonial period with high-end shops.

Travelers will also appreciate the sights of the stone Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity; it has a tower complete with aesthetic city views. Visitors can also explore the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which offers ocean discovery exhibits.

• Population: 1,800
• When to visit: March through April for the best weather and less chance of rain
• Attractions: Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda Aquarium, Royal Naval Dockyard, Crystal Caves, Gibb's Hill Lighthouse

6 St. Davids, Wales

This small city's history dates back to 500 AD

St. Davids Cathedral, St. Davids, Wales

Beating St. Asaph as Britain's smallest city is St. Davids. The tiny town is built around a gorgeous cathedral founded in the 6th century, and the entire area is pretty rich in Christian history. In fact, it's the place where St. Patrick is said to have set sail to convert Ireland to Christianity.

Today, the city showcases narrow streets, cafés, hotels, art galleries, and restaurants for everyday travelers. The crowning jewel of St. Davids is St. Davids Cathedral; in one of the altars sits a stone that was brought back from one of St. David's pilgrimages to Jerusalem.

• Population: 1,348
• When to visit: June to August for sunnier, warmer weather
• Attractions: St. Davids Cathedral, Whitesands Bay, Ramsey Island, Porthgain Harbour, St. Non's Bay

5 Greenwood, British Columbia

What was once a popular mining town has now become Canada's smallest city

The streets in Greenwood, British Columbia, Canada

Greenwood in British Columbia, a popular tourist destination, has maintained its title as a city since its inception in 1897. This is despite the steep decline in its population over the years. As of 2022, the population count in Greenwood City was standing around 700, dropping from 1,000 in 1891.

The city is a destination rich with history and is one of only two mining towns that still exist nowadays. Moreover, Greenwood is the smallest city in Canada.

• Population: 705
• When to visit: May to September
• Attractions Greenwood Museum, Boundary Museum Society, Phoenix Mountain, Copper Eagle Cottages, Deadwood Junction and Tuck Shop

4 Vatican City, Italy

This historic hub is considered the world's smallest independent city-state

Illuminated panorama of Rome and Vatican City, Italy

It looks like it houses many people, but looks can be deceiving. Vatican City, famed for its grand basilica, has a population of about one thousand people. It's an independent city-state that is only 110 acres in size. That makes it not only one of the smallest cities but the smallest sovereign state in the entire world by both area and populace.

It's also home to some of the most famous art in the world, so the city sees plenty of tourists. Plus, despite being small, The Vatican houses plenty of secret spots to discover.

• Population: 523
• When to visit: Spring or October and November for fewer crowds and milder weather
• Places to visit Vatican City: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, Vatican Gardens

3 Ngerulmud, Palau

Established as a capital city in 2006, Ngerulmud is extremely remote in the western Pacific Ocean

Aerial view of the National Capitol Building in Ngerulmud, Palau, Western Pacific

The capital of Palau is one of the least populated capitals in the world, with only about 200 people living in the area. It only became the capital recently, in 2006.

For those who do not know about Palau, it's a country with about 346 islands. The city of Ngerulmud is located on the most significant island in the country. Still, it feels pretty isolated, with little to no touristy things to do besides visiting government buildings.

• Population: 203
• When to visit: December to February for better weather and less chance of rain
• Attractions: Palau National Capitol Building, Belau National Museum, Japanese WWII Communications, Melekeok Ancient Village, Ngardmau Waterfall

2 Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands

A small capital city on a remote island, Adamstown is perfect for adventure seekers

Stunning panorama of Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands

What is unique about Adamstown is that it is not only the capital of the Pitcairn Islands; it's the only settlement on these islands, and the entire population is around 50 people. There are multiple islands, but the others outside Adamstown are all uninhabited.

Adamstown is known as the second-smallest capital city in the whole world and has just one general store, which is only open three times a week. Apparently, locals want more people to move here, but reportedly no one wants to. Takers, anyone?

• Population: 50
• When to visit: May and June for nice weather
• Attractions: Saint Paul's Pool, Pitcairn Islands Museum, Christian's Cave

1 Hum, Croatia

Hum is officially considered the smallest town in the world

Colorful old stone street in Hum, Croatia, the world's smallest city

Wondering which is the least populated city in the world? Hum is an adorable name for a town, and this one was recorded to have a population of only 30 people as of 2011, earning status as the smallest city on Earth. It's not only small but also very old; documents dating back to 1102 have been mentioned in Hum. It was then called "Cholm" instead of "Hum."

In 1552, the town got a watchtower and bell. Due to its long history, the city does have a museum for visitors. Croatia fancies this place to even be the smallest city in the world, and they may be right.

• Population: 30
• When to visit: May through September for sunny, warm weather
• Attractions: Church of St. Jerome, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Museum Of Hum Aura, Viale Glagolitico