Discover the world's smallest and most unique destinations. Complete guide to visiting 67 microstates and dependent territories that most travelers never consider.
While most travelers focus on the world's 195 UN-recognized countries, dedicated country collectors know that the real treasures lie in the small, overlooked destinations. Microstates and dependent territories offer unique experiences, rich histories, and bragging rights that few travelers can claim.
These tiny nations and territories often pack more character per square mile than anywhere else on Earth. From Vatican City's priceless art to Monaco's glamour, from Faroe Islands' dramatic landscapes to Gibraltar's strategic importance, each destination tells a fascinating story.
For country collectors using tracking apps like MileAway, visiting these destinations adds significant depth to your travel portfolio. Many experienced travelers consider microstates and dependent territories essential for completing regional collections and achieving rare travel achievements.
Microstates are sovereign nations with extremely small populations, land areas, or both. While there's no official definition, they typically have:
Microstates are found across different regions:
0.17 sq mi
800 people
0.78 sq mi
39,000 people
24 sq mi
34,000 people
62 sq mi
38,000 people
122 sq mi
514,000 people
181 sq mi
79,000 people
8.1 sq mi
11,000 people
10 sq mi
12,000 people
Dependent territories are regions that have some degree of autonomy but remain under the sovereignty of another country. These destinations often offer unique cultures, governance systems, and travel experiences distinct from their sovereign nations.
For dedicated country collectors, dependent territories represent fascinating destinations that blur the lines between countries. Many have their own currencies, languages, postal systems, and even Olympic teams, making them feel like independent nations.
Under United Kingdom
Under Denmark
Under Denmark
Under China
Under China
Under United Kingdom
Under United Kingdom
Under United Kingdom
Gibraltar, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and more
French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, New Caledonia, and more
Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands
US territories, Danish territories, Chinese SARs, and more
Start in Rome for Vatican City access, then train to Monaco via Nice. From Monaco, visit San Marino (day trip from Rome or Florence), continue to Switzerland for Liechtenstein access, then explore Malta and Andorra. This route covers all six European microstates efficiently.
Begin in Hawaii or Fiji as your hub, then island-hop to Tuvalu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Palau. This requires careful planning due to limited flight schedules, but rewards you with some of the world's most remote and unique destinations.
Explore British, French, Dutch, and US territories across the Caribbean. Start in Puerto Rico, visit the US Virgin Islands, continue to British Virgin Islands, then explore the Dutch ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) and French territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Many microstates and territories have limited or no commercial airports. Nauru has only 2-3 flights per week, Tuvalu requires connections through Fiji, and several Pacific islands are accessible only by chartered flights or boats.
European microstates are more accessible by land. Vatican City requires walking from Rome, Monaco is accessible by train from France, and San Marino requires a bus or car from Italy. Liechtenstein can be reached by bus from Switzerland or Austria.
Modern travel tracking apps like MileAway use GPS coordinates to automatically verify visits to countries and territories. This is particularly useful for:
Pro Tip: Keep GPS tracking enabled throughout your journey and take screenshots of your location data as backup verification.
When GPS isn't enough or for personal satisfaction, consider these verification methods:
Note: Some territories don't have passport controls, so alternative documentation becomes crucial for verification.
Several microstates and territories have no formal border controls. Vatican City is accessible on foot from Rome with no checkpoints. San Marino can be entered by bus or car from Italy with only tourism police presence. These require GPS tracking or alternative verification methods.
Some territories have border facilities that operate limited hours or don't always stamp passports. Gibraltar's border with Spain is fully controlled, but some Caribbean territories have minimal facilities. Research specific border procedures before visiting.
Many island territories are only accessible by boat or plane. Some require checking in with customs/immigration at ports or airports, while others have no formal procedures. Document your arrival method and keep tickets as proof.
Expect premium prices for accommodation, food, and activities due to limited options and high demand.
These destinations offer various accommodation and dining options to suit different budgets.
Many can be visited as day trips or have budget accommodation options for extended stays.
Beyond the obvious religious significance, Vatican City offers exclusive tours, rare stamps for collectors, and the chance to attend papal audiences. Book special access tours well in advance.
While famous for Formula 1 and casinos, Monaco offers excellent museums, the changing of the guard ceremony, and stunning French Riviera scenery. Consider timing visits around major events.
This ancient republic offers medieval architecture, panoramic views, and unique stamps and coins. The Three Towers of San Marino provide excellent photo opportunities and historical insights.
The world's smallest island nation offers stark landscapes shaped by phosphate mining, unique cultural experiences, and some of the world's most remote fishing. Limited infrastructure requires advance planning.
This climate change frontline nation offers traditional Polynesian culture, excellent fishing, and the unique .tv internet domain revenue story. Extremely limited tourism infrastructure.
World-renowned diving destination with pristine coral reefs, WWII history, and progressive environmental policies. More developed tourism infrastructure than other Pacific microstates.
For dedicated country collectors, microstates and dependent territories offer unique achievement opportunities that set you apart from casual travelers. These destinations require significant planning, resources, and dedication to reach.
In the travel community, visiting microstates and dependent territories earns significant respect and recognition. These destinations demonstrate serious commitment to travel and often require:
Apps like MileAway help you track these achievements and share them with fellow travel enthusiasts. Many experienced travelers consider microstate and territory collections the ultimate test of travel dedication.
Tracking microstates and dependent territories represents the pinnacle of country collecting. These unique destinations offer experiences, cultures, and bragging rights that few travelers can claim. Whether you're starting with accessible European microstates or planning epic Pacific island expeditions, each destination adds significant value to your travel portfolio.
The key to success is systematic planning, proper documentation, and patience with complex logistics. Modern tracking apps like MileAway make it easier than ever to verify and showcase these rare achievements to the global travel community.