The smallest country in Africa by total land area is Seychelles.
Seychelles, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, holds the distinction of being the smallest country across the entire African continent, considering its total landmass. This archipelago is composed of 115 islands, and its compact land area is approximately 455 square kilometers (176 sq mi). Its unique geography, consisting primarily of scattered islands, contributes to its status as the continent's smallest sovereign state.
Smallest Country on Continental Africa
While Seychelles is the smallest overall, it is important to distinguish the smallest country located on the continental African mainland. That title belongs to The Gambia.
The Gambia is situated on the west coast of Africa, a narrow strip of land largely surrounded by Senegal, with a short Atlantic coastline. Its land area is approximately 10,689 square kilometers (4,127 sq mi). This makes The Gambia the smallest country on the mainland of Africa, highlighting the distinction between island nations and those situated directly on the continental landmass.
Key Distinctions in African Land Area
To summarize the smallest nations by land area in Africa:
| Country | Distinction | Approximate Land Area (km²) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | Smallest country in Africa (overall) | 455 | Indian Ocean (East Africa) |
| The Gambia | Smallest on continental Africa | 10,689 | West Africa (mainland) |
Understanding these distinctions provides a clearer picture of Africa's diverse geography and the varying sizes of its sovereign states.
