Countries Smaller Than India: Area and Population Size

India, the seventh largest country in the world, encompasses a vast expanse of diverse landscapes ranging from the fertile plains of the Gangetic region to the arid deserts and the high-altitude Himalayas. However, several other nations are smaller in terms of both area and population compared to India. This article explores the list of countries that are smaller in area than India and compares their population sizes.

Which Countries Are Smaller Than India?

India, with its total area of approximately 3.29 million square kilometers, is indeed the seventh largest country in the world. This means that 188 other countries in the world are smaller in terms of area. The smallest of these countries are often islands and microstates, while others are mid-sized nations that have chosen different paths of development and governance. Here are some notable examples of countries that are smaller than India.

Islands and Micronations

Some of the smallest countries in the world are volcanic islands, such as those found in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean regions. These nations often have unique cultures, rich histories, and distinct ecosystems. Here are a few examples:

Palau

Palau, officially known as the Republic of Palau, is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. With a total area of approximately 459 square kilometers (177 square miles), Palau is significantly smaller than India. Its population is around 18,000, making it one of the least populous countries in the world.

Maldives

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, consisting of approximately 1,190 islands grouped into twenty-six atolls. The total area is around 90 square kilometers (35 square miles), making it about 20% of the size of India. The population of the Maldives is approximately 543,000, which is much smaller than India's population.

Mid-Sized Nations

There are also mid-sized nations that are smaller than India but have greater population densities and diverse economies. These nations include:

Sri Lanka

With a total area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers (25,332 square miles), Sri Lanka is about 2% the size of India. However, its population of around 22 million is more than four times that of Palau and nearly ten times that of the Maldives. Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it a significant cultural and economic hub in the region.

Pakistan

Pakistan, with a total area of approximately 881,913 square kilometers (340,509 square miles), is also smaller than India. The population of Pakistan is approximately 227 million, which is comparable to the population density of some northeastern Indian states. Pakistan's diverse terrain spansFromArray deserts to mountains and a rich cultural heritage.

Population Comparison

While India's area is significantly larger, many smaller countries boast impressive population figures. Here is a comparison of population sizes for some of the smaller countries mentioned:

Country Area (km2) Population (approx.) India 3,287,263 1,380,004,385 Palau 459 18,000 Maldives 90 543,000 Sri Lanka 65,610 22,000,000 Pakistan 881,913 227,000,000

Conclusion

While India's vast area and diverse landscape are the primary reasons for its size, the list of countries smaller than it showcases the wide range of environments and populations across the global map. From small island nations to larger mid-sized countries, each has a unique story to tell based on its area and population. This comparison highlights the intricacy of the world's geography and demographics, reminding us of the importance of diversity and unity in our global community.