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

The things most would think of when they hear the word "city" are tall buildings, colorful cityscape, large sizes, as well as many people. 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 ten smallest cities in the world that are pretty isolated yet attractive.

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14 Funafuti, Tuvalu

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Funafuti, the capital city of Tuvalu

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 the 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.

• Best time to visit: June to September
• Places to visit in Funafuti: Funafuti Lagoon, Funafuti Marine Conservation Area, Nanumea Island, Vaiaku Lagi Hotel

13 Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz Castle, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz, the capital city of Liechtenstein, is one of the smallest cities in the world but has captivating surroundings and a fascinating history. With just 5793 residents as of July 2023, 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.

• Best time to visit: Mid-May to late September
• Places to visit in Vaduz: Vaduz Castle, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein National Museum, Cathedral of St. Florin, Vaduz City Center and Pedestrian Zone

12 Hum, Croatia

Church of St. Jerome, HUM, Croatia

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. It is not only small but also very old. Documents dating back to 1102 have mentioned this city. 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.

• Best time to visit: May through September
• Places to visit in Hum: Church of St. Jerome, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik Old Town, Diocletian's Palace

11 Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands

Stunning panorama ofAdamstown, Pitcairn Islands

What is unique about Adamstown is that it is not only the capital of the Pitcairn Islands. It is the only settlement on the Pitcairn Islands.

The entire population is around 50 people. There are multiple islands, but the others outside Adamstown are all uninhabited. It is known as the second-smallest capital city in the whole world and has just one general store which is only opened three times a week. Apparently, they want more people to move here, but no one wants to. Takers, anyone?

• Best time to visit: May and June
• Places to visit Adamstown: Stoudt's Brewery, Adamstown Antique Mall, Black Angus Antiques, Green Dragon Farmer's Market, Renninger's Antique & Farmer's Market

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10 St. Asaph, Wales

St. Asaph Cathedral,St. Asaph, Wales

Here is a less insanely small population, but it still stands as Britain's second-smallest city with a population of around 3,000.

The city likes to promote itself as "The City of Music" and lives up to the name by hosting Wales' international music festival, which attracts a lot of locals and tourists alike. They are also known for their beautiful churches.

• Best time to visit: June to August
• Places to visit St. Asaph: St. Asaph Cathedral, Bodelwyddan Castle, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, The Dinorben Arms Pub, St. Asaph Cricket Club

9 St. Davids, Wales

St, Davids Cathedral, St. Davids, Wales

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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 place is pretty rich in Christian history. It is the place where St. Patrick is said to have set sail to convert Ireland to Christianity.

Today, the city has narrow streets, cafés, hotels, art galleries, and restaurants.

• Best time to visit: July
• Places to visit St. Davids: St. Davids Cathedral, Whitesands Bay, Ramsey Island, Porthgain Harbour, St. Non's Bay

8 Vatican City, Italy

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 is an independent city-state that is only 110 acres big. 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 is also home to some of the most famous art globally, so the city sees plenty of tourists.

• Best time to visit: October and November
• Places to visit Vatican City: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, Vatican Gardens

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7 Ngerulmud, Palau

Capitol Complex, Ngerulmud, Palau

The capital of Palau is one of the least populated capitals in the world, with only about 400 people living in the area. It only became the capital recently in 2006.

For those that do not know, Palau is a country that consists of about 346 islands. The city of Ngerulmud is located on the most significant island. Still, it feels pretty isolated, with no tourists to do unless you want to visit government buildings.

• Best time to visit: December to February
• Places to visit Ngerulmud: Palau National Capitol Building, Belau National Museum, Japanese WWII Communications, Bunker, Melekeok Ancient Village, Ngardmau Waterfall

6 Greenwood, British Columbia

Church inGreenwood, British Columbia

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 2016, the population count in Greenwood city was standing at 665, 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 Canada's smallest city.

• Best time to visit: May to September
• Places to visit Greenwood: Greenwood Museum, Boundary Museum Society, Phoenix Mountain, Copper Eagle Cottages, Deadwood Junction and Tuck Shop

5 San Marino, San Marino

Beautiful city ofSan Marino, San Marino

San Marino is a microstate that is surrounded by Italy. The city has a population of about 4,000 people. It is beautiful and has a lot of visitors every year since it sits atop Mt. Titano with a fantastic view. In fact, tourism is what how a lot of the inhabitants make most of their income. They would be happy to have you visit!

San Marino is famous for being one of the smallest independent states in Europe and one of the smallest republics in the world.

• Best time to visit: May to July
• Places to visit San Marino: Guaita Tower, Basilica di San Marino, Cesta Tower, Palazzo Pubblico, The Three Towers of San Marino (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale)

4 Norton City, Virginia

Norton City Hall,Norton City, Virginia

As of 2010, Norton City in Virginia had a population of 3,958. 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. Moreover, 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.

• Best time to visit: April to June
• Places to visit Norton City: Flag Rock Recreation Area, High Knob Observation Tower, Powell Valley Overlook, Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, Wise County Historical Society Museum

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3 Opatowiec, Poland

Dominican Church, Opatowiec, Poland

In 2006, this tiny city was recorded to have a population of about 338 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 historic 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.

• Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
• Places to visit Opatowiec: Opatowiec Castle, Church of St. Nicholas, Regional Museum in Opatowiec, Opatowiec Park, Palace in Opatowiec

2 Jericho, West Bank

Vista ofJericho, West Bank

Sitting at just 258m below sea level, Jericho is known, not only for its small population but for its status as the lowest city in the world. Despite its extreme locations, 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 be 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.

• Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
• Places to visit in Jericho: Hisham's Palace, Jericho Tel, Mount of Temptation, Qubbat al-Khazna, Jericho Cable Car

1 Hamilton, Bermuda

Front Street of Hamilton, Bermuda

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 is still home to a lovely and active harbor. Bermuda's Front Street is home to pastel-colored buildings from the colonial period with high-end shops. Travelers will even be able to look forward to being thrilled by the sights of the stone Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. It has a tower with aesthetic city views. Travelers can even explore the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute which offers ocean discovery exhibits.

• Best time to visit: March through April
• Places to visit in Hamilton: Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, Royal Naval Dockyard, Crystal Caves, Gibb's Hill Lighthouse