I know, I know, Vatican City is still officially the smallest country. It is interesting to note though that some amateur political theorists used to argue that the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) located in Rome is really the smallest country in the world. One source states that the territory of SMOM is smaller than a football field.

Some people think that this Catholic order is also a country because it is a sovereign entity with a constitutional charter and a government with executive, legislative and judicial divisions. It has permanent observer status in the UN and has diplomatic relations with 99 countries. It has its own currency and issues its own passports and license plates.

Experts argue though that it is neither a state nor a country because it does not have an economy and substantial territory.

What do the members of this order do while others argue over their classification? They provide humanitarian aid to many places around the world.

Fact or Fiction?
I would have to say “Fiction!” about its being the smallest country.