The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives, at about 298 km². Asia is the largest continent, yet it holds some of the world’s tiniest nations — scattered islands and a couple of city-states. Here is the ranking of the 10 smallest Asian countries by area.
1. Maldives (298 km²)
An archipelago of around 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, home to roughly 520,000 people. The lowest-lying country on Earth, with an average elevation of about 1.5 metres.
2. Singapore (735 km²)
A city-state at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, with around 5.9 million people. One of the world’s leading financial and shipping hubs, and among the most densely populated countries.
3. Bahrain (785 km²)
An island kingdom in the Persian Gulf, connected to Saudi Arabia by a causeway. Around 1.5 million inhabitants and an economy built on oil, finance and aluminium.
4. Brunei (5,765 km²)
A small, oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo, surrounded by Malaysia. Around 450,000 people and one of the highest living standards in Southeast Asia.
5. Palestine (6,020 km²)
Comprising the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with a combined population of roughly 5 million. Recognised as a state by a majority of UN members.
6. Cyprus (9,251 km²)
Geographically in West Asia, this eastern Mediterranean island is a member of the European Union. About 1.2 million inhabitants, divided since 1974.
7. Lebanon (10,452 km²)
A mountainous country on the eastern Mediterranean, around 5.5 million people, with a long history as a crossroads of Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Ottoman cultures.
8. Qatar (11,586 km²)
A gas-rich peninsula on the Persian Gulf, around 2.7 million residents (mostly expatriates). Host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
9. East Timor (14,919 km²)
Timor-Leste, on the eastern half of the island of Timor, independent since 2002. Around 1.4 million people; one of Asia’s youngest nations.
10. Kuwait (17,818 km²)
A small, oil-rich state at the head of the Persian Gulf, around 4.3 million residents. Among the wealthiest countries per capita in the region.
Smallest countries in Asia at a glance
| Rank | Country | Area (km²) | Population (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maldives | 298 | 520,000 |
| 2 | Singapore | 735 | 5,900,000 |
| 3 | Bahrain | 785 | 1,500,000 |
| 4 | Brunei | 5,765 | 450,000 |
| 5 | Palestine | 6,020 | 5,000,000 |
| 6 | Cyprus | 9,251 | 1,200,000 |
| 7 | Lebanon | 10,452 | 5,500,000 |
| 8 | Qatar | 11,586 | 2,700,000 |
| 9 | East Timor | 14,919 | 1,400,000 |
| 10 | Kuwait | 17,818 | 4,300,000 |
Want the global picture? See the smallest countries in the world and the smallest countries in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest country in Asia?
The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by area, at about 298 km². It is an archipelago of roughly 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean.
Is Singapore or the Maldives smaller?
The Maldives (298 km²) is smaller than Singapore (735 km²) by area. Singapore, however, has a far larger population — close to six million against about half a million.
What is the smallest country in the Middle East?
Bahrain is the smallest country in the Middle East by area, at about 785 km². It is an island kingdom in the Persian Gulf, linked to Saudi Arabia by a causeway.
Which is the lowest-lying country in Asia?
The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in Asia and in the world, with an average elevation of about 1.5 metres above sea level, which makes it especially exposed to rising seas.
