What is the smallest country in Africa?

The Republic of Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa. Its area is only 457 km² (176.5 mi²). Sometimes, when talking about the smallest country, people refer to population size rather than land area. Even by this measure, Seychelles is the smallest African country, as it has a population of only about 100,000.

Sometimes, Mayotte is referred to as the smallest country in Africa, with an area of 374 km² (144.4 mi²). However, this is incorrect since Mayotte is not an independent state but an autonomous island within the Comoros. Furthermore, France considers Mayotte part of its overseas territories.

Which other countries on the continent are among the smallest by area? Let's take a look at the list of tiny states on the second-largest continent in the world, Africa.

Top 7 smallest countries in Africa

Interestingly, the top five smallest countries in Africa are all island nations. After Seychelles, these are São Tomé and Príncipe, Comoros, Mauritius, and Cape Verde.

The smallest countries in Africa:

• Seychelles
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Comoros
• Mauritius
• Cape Verde
• The Gambia
• Eswatini

1. Seychelles – the smallest African country

The Republic of Seychelles is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, not far from the African continent. The republic consists of 115 islands, most of which are uninhabited.

This archipelago is located about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) east of Africa. The nearest countries are mainland Kenya and the island nation of Madagascar. The capital is Victoria, located on Mahé Island. Seychelles gained independence from Britain in 1976 and has since developed into a presidential republic. It actively attracts foreign investment, particularly in tourism, which drives economic growth and development.

The exact area of Seychelles is not officially established, as different sources provide slightly different figures. For example, the Encyclopedia Britannica states 446 km² (172 mi²), the CIA World Factbook 455 km² (176 mi²), and the UN Statistical Office 457 km² (176.5 mi²). However, this discrepancy is insignificant, as the following smallest country is twice as large.

Seychelles is a very popular tourist destination. Visitors come here for beach holidays, snorkeling, and diving. The islands are home to coral reefs, making underwater diving one of the most popular activities. Seychelles is also famous for its unique flora and fauna, which attract many travelers. The most famous local endemic species is the Seychelles Black Parrot.

2. São Tomé and Príncipe

After Seychelles comes the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located on the opposite side of Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. Its area is 964 km² (372 mi²).

São Tomé and Príncipe is located in the Gulf of Guinea, about 250 km (155 mi) from the African mainland. It is part of Central Africa. The equator passes through one of the islands in this archipelago.

This country is known for its scenic nature, colonial heritage, and beautiful beaches. However, tourism remains underdeveloped in this tropical region. Most visitors come for birdwatching and marine turtle observation. The islands are home to more than 20 endemic bird species.

The main export product of São Tomé and Príncipe is cocoa, which accounts for 80% of the country's exports. São Tomé's chocolate is considered among the best in the world.

3. Comoros

The third smallest African country is Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean. Its area is 2,235 km² (863 mi²), including the disputed island of Mayotte, which France also claims. Even without counting Mayotte, Comoros remains the third smallest.

The Comoros archipelago is situated between mainland Mozambique and Madagascar. It consists of three main islands and numerous smaller ones. The country is typically classified under "Eastern Africa" for political and economic groupings

Like São Tomé and Príncipe, Comoros does not have a well-developed tourism industry. The country has experienced numerous political upheavals, with at least 20 coups since gaining independence. Its economic situation is also unstable.

The wildlife in Comoros is relatively limited, with bats and marine mammals being the most notable fauna. However, the islands boast stunning natural beauty, featuring volcanoes cloaked in dense forests and vibrant coral reefs encircling the shores.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius ranks fourth among Africa's smallest countries, covering 1,979 km² (764 mi²). Many assume that Mauritius consists of a single island, but in fact, the country comprises multiple islands in addition to the main one.

Mauritius is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, located east of Madagascar. The country has a long history of political stability and successful economic development, which distinguishes it favorably from all other African nations. Thanks to a functioning democracy and economic growth, Mauritius has not only become the safest country in Africa but also one of the wealthiest.

A coral reef surrounds Mauritius, and the main island's coast features white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. The country offers travelers water sports and diving. Around the main island, there are about 50 uninhabited islets that serve as nature reserves. These islands are home to many rare plants and animals. Interestingly, Mauritius was the native habitat of the now-extinct dodoThe dodo was a flightless bird endemic to Mauritius. It became extinct in the 17th century, with human activity believed to be the primary cause of its disappearance. This bird stood about one meter or three feet tall and was too large to fly..

5. Cape Verde

Now, we move again to the Atlantic Ocean. Here, on the Cape Verde Islands, lies the country of Cape Verde, covering 4,033 km² (1,558 mi²).

This West African nation consists of 10 major islands and 8 smaller ones. Its closest neighbors are Senegal and Mauritania on the mainland, approximately 800 kilometers (497 mi) away.

Cape Verde is a well-developed tourist destination that attracts many travelers from Europe. A magnificent mild climate, eternal summer with constant temperatures of 25–29 °C (77–84°F), rare rains, and beautiful and diverse nature — what more could tourists ask for? There are even waves for surfing.

Cape Verde offers numerous beaches, several windsurfing centers, coral reefs with labyrinthine underwater caves, and pods of migrating whales that can be observed up close from a boat. All these are water activities available on the islands. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the picturesque valleys of the islands or climb volcanic slopes. In this small country, every traveler will find something to enjoy.

6. The Gambia

Not far from Cape Verde, its neighbor on the list of Africa's smallest countries appears, and this time, it is a mainland country. The sixth position on the list is occupied by The Gambia, which spans 11,295 km² (4,361 mi²). It is also the smallest country in Africa that is not an island country.

The Gambia is located in West Africa and is a semi-enclave, meaning it is surrounded on three sides by another country — Senegal. However, The Gambia does have access to the Atlantic Ocean, which provides opportunities for beach tourism.

The Gambia has another geographical peculiarity — if you look at the map, you will notice that the country resembles a winding snake. Its borders follow the curves of the Gambia River, the nation's primary natural attraction. This also makes river cruises one of the most popular forms of recreation.

Other interesting activities in The Gambia include wildlife watching, particularly crocodiles, visiting the Abuko Nature Reserve, and exploring cities that preserve historical heritage. However, the main draw for tourists remains the beaches along the ocean.

7. Eswatini

Rounding out the list of Africa's seven smallest countries is Eswatini. Like The Gambia, it is surrounded on three sides by a single country — South Africa. However, on the fourth side, there is no ocean. Instead, it borders Mozambique. Eswatini covers an area of 17,363 km² (6,705 mi²).

Eswatini is large enough to feature diverse landscapes, including open savannas, mountains, and humid forests. This variety of ecosystems creates distinct climatic zones, ranging from the scorching 35°C (95°F) heat in the lowlands to the cool temperatures of the mountains, where it is only about +12°C (54°F).

Despite its small size, Eswatini has several protected areas where numerous animal species thrive. Beautiful landscapes, national parks, handicraft markets in the cities, and numerous cultural programs involving indigenous communities attract many travelers.

When people ask about the smallest countries in Africa, Rwanda is often mentioned as either the smallest or among the top three. However, as you can see, that is not the case. Rwanda ranks 9th among Africa's smallest countries, trailing behind all the countries in our top 7, as well as Djibouti. Rounding out the top 10 is Burundi. Interestingly, Burundi is considered the poorest country in Africa.

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