What? You've never heard of Palua? You thought Tuvalu was a rap star? You assumed Vatican City was a city? Well, that's no surprise, considering how few people actually live in these tiny countries. While the U.S. has a population of more than 260 million, all the citizens of Vatican City could fit on two 747 jumbo jets! Here are the world's least populous nations:
1. Vatican City (surrounded by Italy)
Pop. 811
2. Tuvalu (a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean)
Pop. 9,991
3. Nuaru (an island in the Pacific Ocean)
Pop. 10,149
4. Palau (islands in the Pacific Ocean near the Philippines)
Pop. 16,661
5. San Marino (surrounded by Italy)
Pop. 24,313
Source: The World Almanac for Kids 1997