The 10 Smallest Countries In The World

A list of the 10 smallest countries by total land area. Some of the coziest nations, islands, and places on the planet.

Covering not even one kilometer squared, Vatican City is the world's smallest country by land area.

With over 194 countries in the world, it's easy to think the word "country" equates to a massive land area with large numbers of people. However, some nations are so small that cities within other nations are giants compared to them. Mostly found in Europe, the Carribean, and the Pacific, there are many countries in the world with an area of less than 400 square kilometers. The 10 smallest countries in the world cover a total area of 1491.4 km² which is smaller than the area of the city of Houston, Texas (1625.2 km²). These small countries are some of the richest, most remote, and most intriguing places in the world. Let us take a look at the 10 smallest countries in the world today, according to the United Nations Statistics Division.

10. Malta - 316 km²

Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. The Republic of Malta is made up of three islands: Gozo, Comino, and Malta, which is the largest of the three. This small country has a population of over 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Foreigners from all over the world come to Malta for its sunny weather, attractive beaches, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. Malta encompasses an area of 316 square kilometers, which puts it at number ten of the world's smallest countries.

9. Maldives - 300 km²

A popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. There are over 1,192 coral islands in the Maldives, which are spread over 90,000 sq.km, making it one of the world's most dispersed countries. The country was once the colony of many empires, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, but became an independent country in 1965. Today, the Maldives has a vibrant tourism economy due to its famous white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. The Maldives is the world's ninth smallest country with a land area that measures a total of 300 sq. km.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²

The Mother Colony of the West Indies, these 2 islands in the Caribbean were some of the first islands to be occupied by Europeans. They occupy a total of 261 sq.km, which makes Saint Kitts and Nevis the world's eighth smallest country. Its economy is dependent on tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing industries. The islands also provide fantastic diving sites due to abundant marine life. A major sugar exporter for centuries, the large plantations are now beautiful estates that have been converted into hotels and resorts.

7. Marshall Islands - 181 km²

The Marshall Islands, which is officially called the Republic of the MarshalI Islands, is an island country that can be found in the Pacific Ocean, approximately halfway between the US State of Hawaii and the continent of Australia. It is considered to be part of Micronesia. The area surrounded the islands are incredibly biodiverse and include over 800 species of fish as well as 160 of coral. The area around the Marshall Islands also hosts several shipwrecks. With 181 sq.km, the Marshall Islands are the world's seventh smallest country.

6. Liechtenstein - 160 km²

A German-speaking country, this is the only nation in the world to be completely located in the Alps. Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a little tricky, as there is no airport within its borders. Visitors must go through Switzerland's Zurich Airport to reach this Alpine country that's still ruled by a prince! With 160 sq.km, Liechtenstein is the world's sixth smallest country.

5. San Marino - 61 km²

Surrounded by Italy, San Marino is also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. With a total of 61 sq.km, it is the fifth smallest country in the world. it claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world and is also one of the wealthiest in terms of GDP per capita. The 3rd smallest country in Europe, it has a population of only 30,000, boasting of one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.

4. Tuvalu - 26 km²

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean northeast of Australia. With a total of 26 sq.km, Tuvalu is the fourth-smallest country in the world.There are about 10,000 inhabitants, with 8 km of roads, and only one hospital present on the main island. The country was once a British territory but became independent in 1978. Due to the country's location further afield, tourism is not very significant. In 2010, less than 2,000 visitors came to Tuvalu, with 65% of them coming for business.

3. Nauru - 21 km²

An island nation located east of Australia, Nauru is the smallest island country in the world. It was known in the 1980s for its booming phosphate mining but is now a quiet island off the radar of tourists. Formerly known as Pleasant Island, its phosphate resources are now depleted, leading to a 90% national unemployment rate, with the remaining 10% employed by the government. Nauru is also known as the country with the most obese people in the world, with 97% of its men and 93% of women being obese or overweight. Because of this, Nauru is also home to the world's highest level of type 2 diabetes, with 40% of its population suffering from the ailment. Nauru has a total of 21 sq.km, which makes it the world's third-smallest country.

2. Monaco - 2 km²

Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires in the world per capita. It is also the world's second-smallest country, with only 2 sq.km in total land area. Known for its gambling and luxury goods and services industry, Monaco is a favorite playground of the rich and famous. Bordered by France on three sides and one side by the Mediterranean Sea, the residents of Monaco are mostly French-speaking. With a population of over 36,000, Monaco is the world's most densely populated country. The most popular annual event is the Formula 1 race, with tracks passing through the city streets.

1. Vatican City - 0.44 km²

The world's smallest country is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. With only 0.44 sq.km, Vatican City is the world's smallest country by land area. This country fits entirely within the Italian capital city of Rome and is the center of the Catholic Church. It is also home to the biggest church in the world – St. Peter's Basilica, which holds some of the most significant artworks of the Renaissance such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. Its income comes from the voluntary contributions of over 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church around the world. The remainder of its economy comes from the sales of postage stamps, tourist mementos, and admission fees of museums.

What's the Smallest Country in the World?

Vatican City holds the distinction of being the world's smallest country, with a size of only 0.44 square kilometers, or 0.17 square miles. The other smallest countries are Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and the Marshall Islands.

The World's 50 Smallest Countries

Rank	Country	Area (km sq)	Area (sq mi)
1	Vatican City	0.44	0.17
2	Monaco	2.02	0.78
3	Nauru	21	8.1
4	Tuvalu	26	10
5	San Marino	61	24
6	Liechtenstein	160	52
7	Marshall Islands	181	70
8	Saint Kitts and Nevis	261	101
9	Maldives	298	115
10	Malta	316	122
11	Grenada	344	133
12	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	389	150
13	Barbados	431	166
14	Antigua and Barbuda	443	171
15	Seychelles	455	176
16	Palau	459	177
17	Andorra	468	181
18	Saint Lucia	606	234
19	Singapore	687	265
20	Micronesia	702	271
21	Tonga	717	277
22	Dominica	751	290
23	Bahrain	765	295
24	Kiribati	811	313
25	Sao Tome	964	372
26	Comoros	1,862	719
27	Mauritius	2,030	784
28	Luxembourg	2,586	999
29	Samoa	2,821	1,089
30	Cape Verde	4,033	1,557
31	Trinidad and Tobago	5,128	1,980
32	Brunei	5,265	2,033
33	Cyprus	9,241	3,568
34	Gambia	10,000	3,861
35	Bahamas	10,010	3,865
36	Lebanon	10,230	3,950
37	Jamaica	10,831	4,182
38	Qatar	11,586	4,473
39	Vanuatu	12,189	4,706
40	Montenegro	13,452	5,194
41	East Timor	14,874	5,743
42	Swaziland	17,204	6,643
43	Kuwait	17,818	6,880
44	Fiji	18,274	7,056
45	Slovenia	20,151	7,780
46	Israel	20,330	7,850
47	El Salvador	20,721	8,000
48	Belize	22,806	8,805
49	Djibouti	23,180	8,041
50	Macedonia	25,433	9,820

The Seven Wonders of the World

Taj Mahal, the Incan city of Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China are among the 7 wonders of the world.

Machu Picchu is listed among the 7 wonders of the world.

For centuries, human civilizations across the world have built and created cities, buildings, monuments, tombs, temples, churches, mosques, and other structures that continue to inspire awe in millions. Narrowing down the world's wonders to only seven is a difficult task. Luckily, the New7Wonders Foundation took the initiative to compose a list of the "new" seven wonders of the world by narrowing down a list of 200 monuments from around the world, including some of the world's most famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Statue of Liberty. 21 finalists were selected from this list, and the top seven were selected by popular vote.
This is a list of the New7Wonders of the World.

8. Taj Mahal - India

The Taj Mahal is well known across the world for its historical value, its tale of love, and its stunning beauty. The Taj Mahal is located in the historic Indian city of Agra. It houses the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is said that the Emperor loved his wife dearly and was prompted to build the Taj Mahal after her death as a testament to his love. The construction of the Taj Mahal was completed by 1632. The construction of the temple cost the equivalent of US$827 million today. In 1983, the Taj Mahal was inscribed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today, it attracts 7 to 8 million annual visitors each year.

7. Colosseum - Italy

Rome, Italy hosts the Colosseum, which is one of the world's seven wonders. Sometimes called the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is an oval-shaped amphitheater in the center of the city. Constructed from concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheater in the world. The Colosseum's construction was initiated in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian and was finished by AD 80 by his successor, Titus. Domitian, another emperor of the Flavian dynasty later made certain modifications to the amphitheater. The Colosseum had the capacity to host about 80,000 spectators. Mock sea battles, animal hunts, famous battle re-enactments, executions, and mythological dramas were just some of the public spectacles held at the Colosseum. Today, this wonder of the world is a popular tourist attraction and serves as the iconic symbol of Imperial Rome.

6. Chichen Itza - Mexico

Chichen Itza is an archaeological site located in Mexico’s Yucatán State. It is a pre-Columbian city that was built during the Terminal Classic period by the Maya people. The historical value of the site contributes to its status as a wonder of the world. Chichen Itza is believed to have been one of the major cities of the ancient Mayan world and constructions in the city exhibit a variety of architectural styles.

5. Machu Picchu - Peru

The dream destination of millions of people across the world, Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is located in the Cusco Region of Peru’s Machupicchu District. According to the majority of archaeologists, the Inca emperor Pachacuti built Machu Picchu as an estate around the year 1450. The site developed as a city but was abandoned a century later during the Spanish Conquest. The site remained largely unknown to the rest of the world until its discovery by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu is a great representation of the Incan way of life.

4. Christ the Redeemer - Brazil

One of Brazil's most iconic symbols, the Art Deco styled statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro is one of the seven wonders of the world. The credit of building the statue goes to Paul Landowski, a French sculptor. The Romanian sculptor, Gheorghe Leonida, was responsible for fashioning the face. Christ the Redeemer is 98 feet tall and has a 26-feet tall pedestal. Its arms stretch 92 feet wide. The 635 metric ton statue, made of soapstone and concrete, is located atop the 2,300 feet tall Corcovado mountain. The construction of the statue was initiated in 1922 and completed by 1931.

3. Petra - Jordan

Petra, a Jordanian wonder, is also listed among the seven wonders of the world. It has immense archaeological, historical, and architectural value that makes it a jaw-dropping tourist attraction. The water conduit system and the rock-cut architecture are the two most notable features of this ancient city. Petra is also nicknamed as the “Rose City” due to the stone color from which it is carved. Petra is not only one seven wonders of the world but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also listed as one of the "28 Places to See Before You Die” by the Smithsonian magazine.

2. Great Wall of China - China

The Great Wall of China, a global tourist hotspot, is known across the world for its uniqueness, great length, and historical value. It is also considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. The Great Wall of China is associated with thousands of years of Chinese history. A series of walls were initially built by Chinese empires and states over a period of many years, beginning as early as the 7th century BCE. These walls were then joined together to result in the Great Wall of China. UNESCO inscribed the site as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

1. Great Pyramid of Giza (Honorary Candidate) - Completed c. 2560 BC

Although the Great Pyramid of Giza was not officially selected as one of the seven wonders of the world, it was assigned an honorary title because of its undeniable importance. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the biggest and the oldest one among the three pyramids forming the Giza Pyramid Complex. Egyptologists believe that this pyramid was built over a period of 10 to 20 years and completed by around 2560 BC. For over 3,800 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza stood tall as the world’s tallest structure until this position was replaced by the skyscrapers of the modern world. The Pyramid has baffled engineers and architects across the world as to how it was constructed in times when modern infrastructural facilities did not exist. The pyramid houses the tomb of Khufu, the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh.

What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?

The Seven Wonders of the World are the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, the Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. The Great Pyramid of Giza is considered to be an honorary candidate although it is not technically a wonder of the world.

The 7 Wonders Of The World

Rank	Wonder	Date of construction	Location
1	Great Wall of China	Since 7th century BC	China
2	Petra	c. 100 BC	Jordan
3	Christ the Redeemer	Opened October 12, 1931.	Brazil
4	Machu Picchu	c. AD 1450	Peru
5	Chichen Itza	c. AD 600	Mexico
6	Colosseum	Completed AD 80	Italy
7	Taj Mahal	Completed c. AD 1648	India
8	Great Pyramid of Giza (Honorary Candidate)	Completed c. 2560 BC	Egypt

The Largest Countries in the World

The worlds largest nations, measured in square kilometers of land area.

From Cape Horn all the way to the Arctic Circle, the world’s largest countries provide a beautiful snapshot of the variety of geography, climate, and wildlife on the planet. Collectively, the world’s largest countries contain rainforest and tundra, mountains and valleys, coastline and desert.
As this we explore the largest nations, we visit five different continents, some of the world’s most spectacular geography, and every type of climate imaginable.
Excitingly, it’s always changing, too: history has taught that geopolitical boundaries shift dramatically as the centuries pass. In the next decades, who’s to say which countries will become the world’s largest?
When 11.5 percent of all the land in the entire world is claimed by just one country, it’s not surprising to learn that the tenth largest country (Algeria) could fit into the largest (Russia) seven times over. When all 10 of the world's largest countries are taken together, they total 49% of the earth's entire 149 million square kilometres of land.

10 – Algeria

The Algerian Sahara, the largest expanse of Saharan desert.

Algeria, at 2.38 million square kilometers, is the tenth-largest country in the world by area and the only African country in the top 10.
Situated in Northern Africa, Algeria has a Mediterranean coastline 998 km long. 90 percent of the country is desert, and much of its desert regions are highly elevated. The Tell Atlas mountain range runs along the country’s northern border, while the interior, much of it hundreds of meters above sea level, contains the Algerian portion of the Sahara desert. The massive Algerian Sahara extends all the way to the south of the country past its borders with Niger and Mali.

9 – Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country.

Kazakhstan’s 2.72 million square kilometers stretch over vast plains and highlands. A cool and dry, but not quite desert, climate prevails for most of the year. Kazakhstanis experience a great range of temperatures throughout the year, though it doesn’t get as cold in Kazakhstan as it does in parts of its northern neighbor, Russia.
Formerly part of the USSR, the largest nation in the world for most of the 20th century, Kazakhstan’s current main claim to fame is its status as the largest landlocked country in the world—and the only landlocked country in the top 10.

8 – Argentina

Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia, Argentina.

Argentina, the world’s 32^nd most populous country, is the world’s eighth largest, and the largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world by area. Its 2.78 million square kilometers include some of the most varied geography and climate in the world.
Swampy, tropical conditions in the very north give way to freezing glacial regions in the south. Patagonia, one of the most spectacular and dangerous places on the planet, stretches from the southern Andes in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The southern tip of Argentina, known as Cape Horn, is one of the stormiest locations on the globe.

7 – India

India is the second largest nation in terms of population, and seventh largest in terms of area.

India’s boundaries have changed quite a few times over the past century, and even still, India claims that the northern region of Kashmir (an area disputed with Pakistan) belongs under Indian control completely. As it stands, without Kashmir, India’s territory stretches for 3.29 million square kilometers.
China, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal each share a border with India, and its geography ranges from the majestic Himalayan Mountains to the tropical shores of the southern peninsula. Geologically, India is found on its own subcontinent, and geological studies show that this whole nation and its close neighbors were at one time separated from Asia by a sea.

6 – Australia

The Twelve Apostles, Victoria State, Australia.

The approximately 4.4 million square kilometer difference between Australia and India represents the second-largest size difference between countries ranked consecutively in the top 10. Australia, at around 7.69 million square kilometers, is over twice the size of India.
It’s the largest country in Oceania by far. Technically it is so large that it doesn’t even qualify as an island, it is a continental landmass.
The vast majority of its population live in coastal cities like Sydney in the east and Perth in the west, and with good reason: the Australian Outback is one of the world’s driest and hottest regions. Along with extreme climate and geography, Australia is known for its spectacular—and often deadly—wildlife.

5 – Brazil

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The largest country in South America at over 8.51 million square kilometers, Brazil plays home to much of the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon. The Amazon is so dense and vast that explorers and scientists have found human civilizations that had never made contact with the outside world.
Brazil also has a lengthy Atlantic coastline on the eastern side, which stretches approximately 8,000 km. Most of its major cities, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, exist near the coastline.

4 – People’s Republic of China

The Great Wall of China stretches along a long stretch of the northern border of China.

China, the United States of America, and Canada each occupy just under seven percent of the globe’s surface. Of these three, China is the smallest depending on what you factor at 9.6 million square kilometers. However that figure is not including disputed territories. In terms of just land area it is actually the 2nd biggest country in the world just United States and Canada have more area if you include water. It shares a border with 14 different countries, including Afghanistan to the west, Russia to the north, and Vietnam to the south. It is the largest country entirely in Asia.
Its climate and its people vary dramatically. In the north, temperatures drop to subarctic levels, the center of the nation holds the Gobi, the world’s 4^th largest desert, and in the south temperatures reach tropical levels regularly. With over 1.35 billion citizens, China is home to 56 recognized ethnic groups, has the world’s 18^th largest Muslim population, the 19^th largest Christian population, and with 1.9 doctors per 1000 people, China has more doctors than the entire population of Qatar.

3 – United States of America

Long meandering rivers of North Dakota cut through plains and canyons.

The United States, just bigger than China but slightly smaller than Canada, occupies 9.83 million square kilometers. If you factor out its terrtories it would be the 4th largest country after China. Bordered by Mexico to the south, and Canada to the north, the United States is home to a diverse array of geography and wildlife.
Two North-South features split the nation into three distinct pieces. West of the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific states are known for year-round temperate weather and long expanses of beach along the California coast. Sandwiched between the Rockies and the Mississippi River, the great plains stretch from Canada to Mexico, giving the United States one of the world's most fertile growing areas. Lastly, the third of the nation east of the Mississippi is the industrial and economic hub of America, with major cities spread all along the Eastern seaboard.

2 – Canada

The vast wilderness of Canada is popular for outdoor activity.

Canada’s 9.984 million square kilometers make it the largest country in the western hemisphere, and its 202,080-kilometer coastline means that it has a longer shoreline than any other nation. With a population density of 4 people per square kilometer, this means that each of Canada's 35 million people could have 61 acres for themselves.
Positioned between the Arctic and the United States, Canada’s massive frozen tundra extends into the Arctic Circle. Split similar to the USA; in the western half of the country, the Rocky Mountains run north to south, and prairies provide huge grain and canola growing areas. Eastern Canada is the traditional heart of the nation, with Toronto, Montreal, and the national capital of Ottawa, all located in the East.

1 – Russia

The landscape of Siberia, Russia.

Russia’s 17.1 million square kilometres easily make it the world’s largest by area. In fact, if Russia were to lop off 7 million square kilometers, it would still be the largest—and the lopped-off section would rank seventh overall! It represents equivalent to 11% of the worlds landmass.
Like China, Russia borders 14 different countries. Unlike China, none of Russia is tropical, though humid summers prevail in much of southern Russia. The Taiga, the world’s largest terrestrial biome, extends all the way from Eastern Canada throughout the vast majority of northern Russia. Massive oil reserves exist underneath Russia’s frozen forests and tundra; however, due to the expense and difficulty of extracting it, much of Russia’s oil wealth remains untapped.

What's the Biggest Country in the World?

The largest country in the world is Russia, with a size of 17 million square kilometers. Russia represents a total of 11% of the world's total area. After Russia, the world's largest countries are Canada, the United States, China, Brazil, and Australia.

50 Largest Countries in the World By Area

Rank	Country	Area sq.km
1	Russia	17,098,242
2	Canada	9,984,670
3	United States (including territories)	9,833,517
4	China	9,596,961
5	Brazil	8,515,767
6	Australia	7,692,024
7	India	3,287,263
8	Argentina	2,780,400
9	Kazakhstan	2,724,900
10	Algeria	2,381,741
11	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	2,344,858
12	Greenland (Denmark)	2,166,086
13	Saudi Arabia	2,149,690
14	Mexico	1,964,375
15	Indonesia	1,904,569
16	Sudan	1,861,484
17	Libya	1,759,540
18	Iran	1,648,195
19	Mongolia	1,564,116
20	Peru	1,285,216
21	Chad	1,284,000
22	Niger	1,267,000
23	Angola	1,246,700
24	Mali	1,240,192
25	South Africa	1,219,090
26	Colombia	1,138,910
27	Ethiopia	1,104,300
28	Bolivia	1,098,581
29	Mauritania	1,030,700
30	Egypt	1,001,450
31	Tanzania	947,300
32	Nigeria	923,768
33	Venezuela	912,050
34	Namibia	824,292
35	Mozambique	799,380
36	Pakistan	796,095
37	Turkey	783,562
38	Chile	756,102
39	Zambia	752,618
40	Burma	676,578
41	Afghanistan	652,230
42	South Sudan	644,329
43	France	643,801
44	Somalia	637,657
45	Central African Republic	622,984
46	Ukraine	603,550
47	Madagascar	587,041
48	Botswana	581,730
49	Kenya	580,367
50	Yemen	527,968

The Most Popular Sports in the World

​It is estimated that more than half of the global population consider themselves association football (soccer) followers.

Sports are played all over the world, whether as hobbies, careers, or as a part of fitness regimens. Various games have grown in popularity to amass a huge following across the world. The rules and characteristics of these games are dynamic and are governed by international bodies.
Most of these sports are included in the Olympic Games, where different countries from all around the world compete against each other. The sports are also lucrative industries, generating billions of dollars in revenues, especially in developed countries.

10. Golf - 450 Million Fans

Golf has an estimated global following of 450 Million people, and its primary influence is in Western Europe, East Asia, and North America. Golf is played by use of different clubs to hit a ball, over a determined course, using the fewest possible amount of strokes. The modern sport was first played in Scotland from where it spread to the UK and to the rest of the world.

9. Rugby - 475 Million Fans

Rugby has its primary sphere of influence in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, and an estimated global following of 475 Million people. The foundation of the modern day sport was laid out in medieval England. From the UK, it spread to British colonies such as Australia and New Zealand. The sport is played by two teams of 15 players each, who carry, kick or pass a ball across the end line to score points.

8. Baseball - 500 Million Fans

Baseball has an estimated 500 million global followers and enjoys its highest levels of popularity in the United States, the Caribbean, and Japan. The sport is a bat and ball sport involving two teams of nine players each, who participate in batting and fielding to earn points. Different versions of the sport were played in the US before it gained nationwide popularity in the 19th Century. From the US, the sport spread to other parts of the world and evolved to the modern game as played today.

7. Basketball - 825 Million Fans

Basketball boasts of having an estimated 825 million followers worldwide, and a global sphere of influence. The sport was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 in Massachusetts, United States. He created it as an alternative to football since the sport could be played indoors and had less potential to cause accidents. The sport is played by two teams of five players each, where the goal is to successfully shoot the ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet from the ground.

6. Table Tennis - 875 Million Fans

Table Tennis enjoys a global sphere of influence and has an estimated 875 million followers worldwide. The sport began in the 19th Century in England as a miniature version of the sports lawn tennis. The sport became widely referred to as "Ping Pong". The modern sport involves two teams of between two to four players, hitting a lightweight ball over a net on a hard table, by use of rackets. Formidable global countries in the sport include South Korea, Sweden, and China.

5. Volleyball - 900 Million Fans

The primary influence of volleyball is seen in Western Europe and North America, and the sport has an estimated global following of 900 million fans. The sport was invented in the US by William G. Morgan in 1895. He was part of the Young Men’s Christian Association as an instructor, and he borrowed from basketball, tennis, handball and baseball’s elements. The sport has evolved over the years to the modern day sport, characterized by two teams of 6 players each who throw a ball over a net.

4. Tennis - 1 Billion Fans

Tennis has an estimated global following of 1 billion fans and a global sphere of influence. Different versions of the sport are believed to have been played by the Egyptians, Romans and the Greeks, although the modern sport was first popularized in France. From France, it spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the whole world. The sport is played by two teams of either one or two players each and involves bouncing a ball over a net by use of tennis rackets. Points are earned when the opponent does not throw back the ball in the predetermined dimensions of the rectangular court.

3. Field Hockey - 2 Billion Fans

Field hockey has an estimated global following of 2 billion fans and sees its primary sphere of influence in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The contemporary field hockey sport was first played in England in the 1800s. The game is mostly similar to soccer except that the players use sticks to drive the ball instead of feet. The sport is widely played in India, Australia, and Pakistan, whose teams are formidable on the in the sport.

2. Cricket - 2.5 Billion Fans

Cricket has a 2.5 billion person estimated global following, and its primary sphere of influence is in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. The cradle of the sport was the 16th Century England and it was made a national sport in the 18th Century in the country. The sport is characterized by two teams of eleven players each, where each team attempts to score the most runs. The sport is overwhelmingly popular in former British colonies such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Australia.

1. Association Football (Soccer) - 4 Billion Fans

Association football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in the world. It is estimated that more than half of the world's population consider themselves to be association football (soccer) fans. The sport enjoys an estimated 4.0 billion person following, and a global sphere of influence. Ancient soccer has been traced to China, as early as the 2nd Century. The Romans, Greeks, and Japanese have also been thought as possible first players of the sport. Contemporary soccer began in England, where it amassed considerable interest and spread to other parts of the world. The sport is more popular in Europe and Americas than in any other continent. The sport is characterized by two teams of eleven player and two goals. The objective of the sport is to drive a ball into the goal defended by the opponent team.

What's the Most Popular Sport in the World?

Football, or soccer, is the world's most popular sport. It is estimated that more than half of the global population consider themselves association football fans.

​What Are The Most Popular Sports In The World?

Rank	Sport	Estimated Global Following	Primary Sphere of Influence
1	Soccer (Association Football)	4.0 Billion	Globally
2	Cricket	2.5 Billion	UK and Commonwealth
3	Field Hockey	2 Billion	Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia
4	Tennis	1 Billion	Globally
5	Volleyball	900 Million	Western Europe and North America
6	Table Tennis	875 Million	Globally
7	Basketball	825 Million	Globally
8	Baseball	500 Million	United States, Caribbean, and Japan
9	Rugby	475 Million	UK and Commonwealth
10	Golf	450 Million	Western Europe, East Asia, and North America

The Most Dangerous Cities in the World

Los Cabos, Mexico is the world's most dangerous city with a murder rate of 111.33 per 100,000 inhabitants.

When planning your next trip, you may want to avoid some of the cities we are about to mention. In 2017, they ranked among the world’s most dangerous places on the basis of murder cases per capita.

The World’s Most Dangerous Cities

Los Cabos, Mexico is the most dangerous city in the world with a murder rate of 111.33 per 100,000 people. This city's position on the list of the world's most dangerous cities is indicative of the increase in crime that Mexico has experienced over the last year. In 2017 and 2018, the resort town of Los Cabos has made headlines news for a string of alarming murders. The majority of the violence in Los Cabos has mostly been related to the drug trade, and tourists have not been the target. Nonetheless, the instances of violence are still drastic, and have earned the popular vacation destination a spot on the top of the list of the world's most dangerous cities.
Caracas, Venezuela, is the second most dangerous city in the world. With 111.19 murders per 100,000 people, it formerly claimed the top spot. In third place is Acapulco, Mexico, with 106.63 murders per 100,000 people. Violence brought on by drug trafficking and organized gangs have been blamed for the relentless violence in these cities, although the factors are generally quite complicated. Unfortunately, none of these cities are strangers to the top three positions, except for maybe the resort town of Acapulco, where violence from other regions of the country has been spilling into in recent years.

The Most Dangerous Cities in the United States

Four cities in the United States are counted among the world's most dangerous. The cities are, in descending order of homicide rates, St. Louis, Missouri (65.83), Baltimore, Maryland (55.48), New Orleans, Louisiana (40.10) and Detroit, Michigan (39.69). In the United States, the relaxed laws surrounding gun ownership is often a subject of much debate. In the United States, gun violence is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths nationwide annually.
One city that is a notable omission from the list is Chicago. Although the city of Chicago has had a reputation for crime in recent years, its homicide rate is 27.22 murders per 100,000 residents. It is important to note that although the city of Chicago experienced an overall decrease in violent crime in the early 2000s, as of the 2010s crime again seems to be on the rise. A full report of the most dangerous cities in the United States can be found here.

Latin American Cities

Of the entries on this list, many cities can be found in a region of the world known as Latin America. Latin America generally refers to countries in Central and South America, where the predominant language is Spanish (or in the case of Brazil, Portuguese). The factors for the dominance of these countries are varied and complicated. Violence related to drug trafficking and income inequality, corrupt politicians and officials, and residue from a history of brutal colonialism have all been indicated as factors that encourage violence.

South African Cities

Three cities in South Africa also make it to the list of the world's most dangerous cities: Cape Town (62.25), Durban (38.12), and Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) (37.53). South Africa, which occupies the southernmost part of the massive African continent, has often garnered publicity for its high crime rates, including murder rates. Factors such as high unemployment rates and systemic racism have been blamed for the violent trends in South African cities.

Where is the Most Dangerous City in the World?

Los Cabos, Mexico is the world's most dangerous city with a murder rate of 111.33 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The 50 Most Dangerous Cities

Rank	City	Country	Homicide Rate (Per 100,000)
1	Los Cabos	Mexico	111.33
2	Caracas	Venezuela	111.19
3	Acapulco	Mexico	106.63
4	Natal	Brazil	102.56
5	Tijuana	Mexico	100.77
6	La Paz	Mexico	84.79
7	Fortaleza	Brazil	83.48
8	Ciudad Victoria	Mexico	83.32
9	Ciudad Guyana	Venezuela	80.28
10	Belem	Brazil	71.38
11	Vitoria da Conquista	Brazil	70.26
12	Culiacan	Mexico	70.10
13	St. Louis	United States	65.83
14	Maceio	Brazil	63.94
15	Cape Town	South Africa	62.25
16	Kingston	Jamaica	59.71
17	San Salvador	El Salvador	59.06
18	Aracaju	Brazil	58.88
19	Feira de Santana	Brazil	58.81
20	Ciudad Juárez	Mexico	56.16
21	Baltimore	United States	55.48
22	Recife	Brazil	54.96
23	Maturin	Venezuela	54.43
24	Guatemala City	Guatemala	53.49
25	Salvador	Brazil	51.58
26	San Pedro Sula	Honduras	51.18
27	Valencia	Venezuela	49.74
28	Cali	Colombia	49.59
29	Chihuahua	Mexico	49.48
30	Joao Pessoa	Brazil	49.17
31	Obregon	Mexico	48.96
32	San Juan	Puerto Rico	48.70
33	Barquisimeto	Venezuela	48.23
34	Manaus	Brazil	48.07
35	Distrito Central	Honduras	48.00
36	Tepic	Mexico	47.09
37	Palmira	Colombia	46.65
38	Reynosa	Mexico	41.95
39	Porto Alegre	Brazil	40.96
40	Macapa	Brazil	40.24
41	New Orleans	United States	40.10
42	Detroit	United States	39.69
43	Mazatlan	Mexico	39.32
44	Durban	South Africa	38.12
45	Campos dos Goytacazes	Brazil	37.53
46	Nelson Mandela Bay	South Africa	37.53
47	Campina Grande	Brazil	37.29
48	Teresina	Brazil	37.05
49	Vitoria	Brazil	36.07
50	Cucuta	Colombia	34.78

The 10 Largest Cities in the World

Shanghai, China is said to be the world's most populated city.

Urban centers have been proliferating across the world as large populations settle in cities to take advantage of better economic opportunities, modern infrastructure, and other amenities. Asian cities have particularly recorded outstanding growth, and most of the largest cities are currently situated on the continent such as Shanghai, Beijing, Dhaka, Tokyo, Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi, and Guangzhou. The only African city on the list is Kinshasa. The source of the figures on this list can be found here.

10. Mumbai - 12.4 million

Mumbai lies on the western coast of the Indian Subcontinent, and has approximately 12.4 million inhabitants. Mumbai developed around a fort established by the British in the 17th century. Its natural harbor facilitated its growth, and by the 18th century, Mumbai was home to a thriving manufacturing sector. The largest population of billionaires and millionaires for any Indian City reside in Mumbai. Mumbai hosts such important financial institutions as the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of India. As an art center, Mumbai hosts the Bollywood industry as well as the Marathi cinema industry.

9. Tianjin - 12.7 million

Tianjin lies in China's northern coastal region, and it has over 12 million residents. Tianjin developed as a trading center after the Grand Canal was opened in the era of the Sui Dynasty. The city saw particular growth under the Qing Dynasty as well as the Republic of China, and it has served as a treaty port since 1860. Tianjin is also a gateway to Beijing, and European architecture reflects its colonial history. The city's GDP in 2014 was 1.572 trillion yuan with the highest GDP per capita in the country at $17,126.

8. Manila - 12.8 million

The city of Manila was first founded by the Spanish in 1571. Because of this, the city is home to many historic sites dating back hundreds of years as well as a unique mix of architectural styles. The design of the city was carefully planned by American architect and urban planner, Daniel Burnham in 1905. Today, the city is the capital of the Philippines and listed as an alpha-global city. Manila sits on the shores of Manila Bay, and is renown for its harbor. The city is prone to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.

7. Moscow - 13.1 million

Moscow is Russia's largest city as well as the country's capital. Situated on the banks of the Moskva River in central Russia, the city is the world's northernmost megacity. The city has been the seat of power for a multitude of states before being named as the capital of Russia and the home of the Government of Russia. The city is known for its well-developed transit network, large green areas, and stunning architecture.

6. Tokyo - 13.6 million

Tokyo lies on the eastern coast of Honshu, the largest of the four islands that make up Japan. The city is the Japanese capital and one of Japan's forty-seven prefectures. The city was initially called Edo but was renamed in 1868 when the Japanese imperial family relocated there from Kyoto. Tokyo's metropolis has an estimated 13,617,445 residents. Tokyo is home to fifty-one of the Fortune Global 500 firms, and it is ranked 4th in the Global Cities Index. The inhabitants of Tokyo are almost all Japanese with communities of Chinese and Koreans. Tokyo is home to headquarters of large corporations and financial institutions while the manufacturing sector is mainly concentrated in Yokohama, Chiba, and Kawasaki.

5. Dhaka - 14.5

The city now known as Dhaka has been a prominent commercial center since the 17th century and has been the capital of several empires and countries before becoming the capital of the newly independent Bangladesh in 1971. With a population of 14.5 million people, it is the largest city in Bangladesh and one of the major cities of South Asia. The city's population has grown tremendously over the past several decades emerging as a megacity by the 21st century. It is the major financial, political, and cultural center of the region.

4. Istanbul - 14.6 million

Istanbul had a fascinating history having been established around 660 BCE as Byzantion and reestablished in 330 CE as Constantinople. Istanbul was a capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires, the latter which transformed it into an Islamic center. The city was positioned along the infamous Silk Road which facilitated the settlement of diverse peoples in its territory. Istanbul has over 14 million inhabitants, and it attracts millions of tourists yearly as one of the most sought-after European tourist destinations. Istanbul has also earned a reputation as a historical, arts, cultural, and entertainment hub.

3. Karachi - 18 million

Karachi serves as the capital of Sindh Province, and its greater metropolitan area has 18 million residents. The city enjoys strategic location on the Arabian Sea, and it is home to Port Bin Qasim and Port of Karachi which are among Pakistan's largest ports. The city was established as a fortified village in 1729 called Kolachi, and it gained prominence with the occupation of the British. Karachi's residents belong to different ethnicities, races, and religions making it Pakistan's most diverse and secular city. Karachi's formal economy was valued at $113 billion in 2014, and it generates about 20% of the nation's GDP.

2. Beijing - 18.5 million

Beijing is the capital of China, and it sits on the North China plain in the country's north-central region. The city, also called Peking, has an eventful history from being one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China to foreign occupation as well as civil war in the 20th century. Beijing established itself as an industrial sector in the aftermath of the Communist Revolution of 1949. Automobiles, textiles, petrochemicals, aerospace equipment, and semiconductors are some of the products produced by the city's industrial sector. Beijing is home to over 20 million residents. As a cultural center, Beijing boasts of seven World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO.

1. Shanghai - 24.1 million

Shanghai's population of 24.1 million makes it the top populous city proper not only in Asia but in the world as well. Shanghai strategically lies in the Yangtze River Delta and the city's port is ranked as the world's busiest having handled 37 million TEUs in 2016. Qinglong Town, founded in 746, preceded Shanghai and it grew as a trading port in Imperial China. Shanghai's economic potential made it a center of conflict in the 19th century as the British and French fought to control the city. The Japanese also invaded Shanghai during the 2nd World War. Shanghai is an economic and trading hub in modern day China, and it has reported double-digit growth since 1992 excluding the global recession of 2008 and 2009. Shanghai's top three service sectors are real estate, financial services, and retail while manufacturing accounts for about 40% of the total output. Shanghai hosts numerous industrial zones such as the Shanghai Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone. Shanghai attracts populations of local immigrants as well as foreign settlers from Japan, the US, and Korea.

What's the Biggest City in the World?

Shanghai is the most populated city in the world with a total population of 24.1 million people. After Shanghai, the largest cities are Beijing, Karachi, Istanbul, and Dhaka.

The World's Largest Cities

Rank	City	Country	Population
1	Shanghai	China	24,153,000
2	Beijing	China	18,590,000
3	Karachi	Pakistan	18,000,000
4	Istanbul	Turkey	14,657,000
5	Dhaka	Bangladesh	14,543,000
6	Tokyo	Japan	13,617,000
7	Moscow	Russia	13,197,596
8	Manila	Philippines	12,877,000
9	Tianjin	China	12,784,000
10	Mumbai	India	12,400,000
11	Sao Paulo	Brazil	12,038,000
12	Shenzhen	China	11,908,000
13	Guangzhou	China	11,548,000
14	Delhi	India	11,035,000
15	Wuhan	China	10,608,000
16	Lahore	Pakistan	10,355,000
17	Seoul	South Korea	10,290,000
18	Chengdu	China	10,152,000
19	Kinshasa	Congo D.R.	10,125,000
20	Lima	Peru	9,752,000
21	Jakarta	Indonesia	9,608,000
22	Cairo	Egypt	9,500,000
23	Mexico City	Mexico	8,919,000
24	Tehran	Iran	8,847,000
25	Baghdad	Iraq	8,765,000
26	Xian	China	8,705,000
27	London	UK	8,674,000
28	New York City	USA	8,550,000
29	Nanjing	China	8,460,000
30	Bangalore	India	8,444,000

Venomous Golden Lancehead Of Brazil's Snake Island: Why It Must Be Left Alone?

The presence of the golden lancehead makes the Snake Island one of the world's most dangerous places but the snake itself is critically endangered.

The Golden lancehead snake, scientifically known as Bothrops insularis is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. The snake is endemic to the Ilha de Queimada Grande Island, popularly known as Snake Island. The island, situated about 90 miles off the coast of the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, covers an area of 110 acres. Snake Island consists of tropical and subtropical moist forests, shrubs, and open spaces. At first glance, the island seems like one of those tropical destinations everyone dreams about. However, the island is home to thousands of venomous snakes that inhabiting the island, making it one of the most dangerous places on earth. Golden lancehead snakes present on the island are also not safe on the island because they face threats from poachers, habitat degradation, and diseases. In the last 15 years, their population has declined by nearly 50% by some estimates. The species is currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. If urgent action is not taken, conservationists are concerned that the species, which is only found on the island, might be driven to extinction.

Importance Of The Golden Lancehead Snake

People using high-blood pressure medication often take captopril or its derivatives, a lifesaving drug that is developed from toxins obtained from the lancehead viper. According to Zoltan Takacs, founder of the World Toxin Bank, the use of snake venom in medicine, opened up a new class of medication known as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, currently used to treat over 40 million people around the world. The approval of captopril by the FDA in 1981, helped push the idea that venoms could be used in the creation of modern medicine. Since then, venom based medicine has flourished. The boom has also prompted scientists from different parts of the world to seek out rare and venomous species of snakes in search of more potent drugs.

Golden Lancehead Snake Bites

Experts believe that a bite from the lancehead snake on a human carries a 7% chance of death. Even with treatment, humans still face a 3% chance of dying. Venom from the snake is likely to cause brain hemorrhaging, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding, and necrosis of muscular tissue. Lancehead viper venom is hemotoxic, which means that it destroys red blood cells, disrupts blood clotting, causes organ degeneration, and tissue damage. The venom thus helps digest the prey before the snake swallows it. The venom is also known to have neurotoxic properties, meaning that it can cause muscle paralysis, respiratory difficulty, and death. Chemical analysis of the snake’s venom indicates that it is five times more potent than that of its mainland cousin, Bothrops jararaca. The venom also acts faster than that of its cousins. Despite being one of the most venomous snakes in the world, there has never been a recorded snake bite on humans. There are, however, several legends about fatalities on the island. One such tale tells of a fisherman who strayed and decided to search for bananas on the island, his body was discovered days later in his boat, with snake bite marks on it. From 1909 to the 1920s, there were a few people who lived on the island to run its lighthouse. According to other local tales, the islands last lighthouse keeper and his entire family died after numerous snakes slithered through the windows of his home and attacked them. Operations at the lighthouse have since been automated and only require annual maintenance services from the Brazilian Navy. The island is also currently uninhabited, and adventure travel to the island is not allowed by the authorities. However, a few scientists are allowed on the island to study the snakes. The scientists also occasionally milk golden lancehead snakes for their venom, which is used in developing medication.

Diet

Golden lancehead snakes feed on perching migratory birds that stopover at the island and lizards. There are also incidents of cannibalism among the snakes. Golden lancehead newborns and younger snakes feed on invertebrates. Scientists believe that about 11,000 years ago, a rise in sea levels gradually separated the Ilha da Queimada Grande Island from mainland Brazil, leading to the isolation of the species. The snakes, therefore, evolved over thousands of years on a different path compared to their mainland cousins. A lack of ground predators meant that they reproduced rapidly. However, the only challenge was that the island also lacked ground prey. The snakes, therefore, slithered up the trees to hunt migratory birds. Golden lancehead snakes also evolved one of the most potent venoms in the world that kill prey almost instantly.

Poaching And Hunting

Golden lancehead snakes are in very high demand in the black market. Wealthy animal collectors from around the world are particularly interested in the species due to their uniqueness. Overzealous scientists, eager to make medical breakthroughs, also drive the high demand on the black market. The island is therefore frequented by wildlife smugglers keen to cash in on the lethal vipers. Experts estimate that a single golden lancehead snake can go for between $10,000 and $30,000, which is an attractive sum of money for the poachers. Research suggests that the illegal removal of individuals from the island could be a reason behind the decline of the golden lancehead population. Poaching is particularly harmful to the species since it targets the largest and thus the oldest individuals, which are also the most reproductively mature. Targeting such older snakes means that fewer snakes in the population reach old age classes leaving higher proportions of younger snakes. Studies also reveal that body size is usually positively related to fecundity, especially in female reptiles. A decline of older and larger individuals could, therefore, lead to a drop in average population fecundity, which negatively affects population growth. Similar trends are observed in the green python (Morelia viridis) populations in Oceania. Targeting adult females can, however, be advantageous when establishing colonies of captive-bred snakes.

Habitat Degradation Through Fires

In the past, fires have been deliberately started on the island in an attempt to eliminate the golden lancehead snakes so that acreage on the island can be utilized for plantation agriculture. The island’s name, Ilha da Queimada Grande, is a Portuguese title that loosely translates to Slash and Burn Fire or Big Burnt Island. The name refers to an attempt made by early developers to establish a banana plantation on the island through the slash and burn method, which is an environmentally destructive technique. Such activities likely led to the death of a significant population of snakes on the island. Numerous snakes on the island have eventually forced the developers to abandon their plans.

Habitat Destruction On Mainland Brazil

Conservationists are also concerned about habitat destruction on mainland Brazil. Although the snake island is miles away, many of the birds that arrive on the island (a primary source of food for the snakes) originate from mainland Brazil. The golden lancehead snake preys on two out of 41 migratory birds that seasonally arrive on the island. The tyrant flycatcher is the most common prey among adult pitvipers. The bird is found on the coast of southeastern Brazil towards the end of the wet season (austral summer). Low numbers of tyrant flycatcher birds making stops on the island in the corresponding season results in low survival rates of the snake population due to a scarcity of food. Prey availability also affects reproduction. Golden lancehead snakes have lower breeding frequency than the B. jararaca species found on the mainland, which enjoys relatively higher prey availability rates. The observation indicates that there is a close relationship between prey availability and population trends. Migratory birds, therefore, help maintain a delicate balance on the island’s ecosystem. Land clearing and the destruction of forests on mainland Brazil essentially robs migratory birds of their natural habitat leading to a decline in the bird population, which consequently affects the delicate balance on the island. Such human-made destructions have led to a steep decline in the number of migratory birds making stopovers on the island, which means less food for the snakes.

Habitat Destruction Through Vegetation Clearing

The Brazilian Navy has also been accused of destructive vegetation clearing around the lighthouse. Such activity negatively affects the habitat on the island, which consequently affects the snake population. Since the species is only found on the island, any alteration of its environment can have potentially devastating effects on the snake population.

Conservation Of The Species

Experts suggest that conservation of the golden lancehead’s habitat and the eradication of poaching are the most sustainable methods of saving the species. New innovative ideas are also being developed to help save the species. Artificial insemination is currently being researched by Rogerio Zacariotti, a conservation biologist, as a means of preserving the species. The technique has been successfully used to aid in the reproduction of other endangered species, but it has yet to be perfected in snake reproduction. The procedure, as done by Zacariotti, involves catching a live venomous snake, restraining it, and then massaging the sperm toward the exit where it is collected. The collected specimen is then used for future implantation.

Brazil's Forbidden Snake Island

Ilha da Queimada Grande has been shut off from the public in order to protect both people and the Golden Lancehead pit vipers that live there.

Description

The highly feared Ilha da Queimada Grande, or Snake Island, of Brazil is one of the most dangerous places in the world, and a place where human entry is completely restricted to save people from dying an agonizing death triggered by death bites dealt by the island’s Golden Lancehead pit vipers. The Snake Island is located 33 kilometers away from the mainland Brazilian city of Sao Paulo on the Atlantic Ocean. The island encompasses an area of around 430,000 square meters, with an elevation of approximately 206 meters above sea level.

History and Conservation

In the past, during Portuguese occupation of Brazil, the lha da Queimada Grande was subjected to slash and burn agricultural techniques to clear vast tracts of native forests for banana plantations. However, these attempts were not too successful and discarded at a later period. In 1909, a lighthouse was constructed on the island to warn ships about this island which now operates in an auto mode. Recognizing the dangers to human life from the snakes of the island, the Brazilian Navy completely banned the entry of all people to the island except for researchers and navy personnel with authorized consent to enter the island. While locals claim that the snakes were brought on the island by pirates to protect their buried treasures, scientists claim that the island was cut off from the mainland 11,000 years ago by rising sea levels. This led to an independent evolution of snakes on this island, resulting in the endemic Golden Lancehead pit vipers.

The Golden Lancehead Pit Viper

Endemic to the lha de Queimada Granda in Brazil, the Golden Lancehead pit viper (Bothrops insularis) is one of the most poisonous snakes in the world. The length of the snakes range between 70 and 118 centimeters. Like other snakes belonging to the Bothrops genus, the Golden Lancehead has an elongated head pointed at the nose. The golden-brown color of its body lends it its common name. The snake produces venom which is both hemotoxic and neurotoxic in nature. Its diet is based on birds, lizards, and other snakes. It is also known to practice cannibalism. Since the species inhabit an island which is completely off limits to human entry, very little data regarding human deaths induced by this snake exists. However, it is claimed that, if untreated, the Bothrops venom can kill an adult human being in less than an hour.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The lha da Queimada Grande region experiences a temperate climate. Large parts of the area of this island are covered by rainforests while there are also areas with exposed bare rocks and grassy clearings. Around 2,000 to 4,000 Golden Lancehead pit vipers inhabit the island. Besides these vipers, other species of snakes, frogs and lizards also occur here. A large number of birds, many of them migratory in nature, also visit the lha da Queimada Grande, some of them ending up as the prey of the Golden Lanceheads. A large biodiversity of insect species also thrives on this island.

Environmental Threats and Territorial Disputes

The Golden Lanceheads of Iha da Queimada Grande are currently suffering from several threats to their population. Though highly protected on the island where human entry is completely restricted without permission, the snakes are illegally captured or poached by "biopirates" who smuggle these snakes to scientists or collectors who are ready to purchase them for prices as high as $10,000 to $30,000 USD. The clearance of vegetation on the island by the Brazilian Navy also impacts the survival of these snakes. Over the last 15 years, the population of the Golden Lanceheads has decimated by nearly 50%.

Where is Brazil's Forbidden Snake Island?

Snake Island is located 33 kilometers away from the mainland Brazilian city of Sao Paulo on the Atlantic Ocean. The island encompasses an area of around 430,000 square meters, with an elevation of approximately 206 meters above sea level.

The Smallest Snake In The World

The Barbados threadsnake (Leptotyphlops carlae) is the world's smallest snake.

The Barbados threadsnake, scientifically known as the Tetracheilostoma carlae is the smallest of all snake species. It belongs to the Leptotyphlopidae family. The tiny snake, identified in 2008, weighs 0.02 ounces on average and measures an average of 3.94 inches long with the longest specimen ever recorded reaching 4.09 inches. The tiny snake has a gray, pink, or mauve color and looks like a shiny earthworm. The snake is described as being as wide as a spaghetti noodle and could easily be mistaken for a worm.

Habitat and Range

The snake species is thought to be found in the Caribbean island of Barbados and likely in the eastern forests of Barbados. There are reports that the snake species are also found in the islands of Antigua and Barbuda. The first specimen was found under the rocks in the forest of Barbados. Their living habitats are limited to only a few miles of the secondary forest.

Reproduction

This species of snake are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs for reproduction. The females lay only one egg at a time and when it hatches a young offspring emerges, which is about half the mother’s length. All species of small snakes typically have newborns which are relatively large compared to the adults. Large snakes have young ones which are about one-tenth of the adult’s body length, while small snakes like the Barbados threadsnakes have offspring which are about one-half the size of the adults. The eggs laid by the small snakes are also large in comparison to the size of the parent. The Barbados threadsnake lays a tiny egg which is about the shape and size of a long grain of rice. Other snakes lay more spherical eggs.

Diet

Although not much is known about the Barbados threadsnake, it is believed to feed mainly on ants, termites, and other insect larvae found in the soil. This feeding habit is as a result of its habit of burrowing.

Conservation

Not much is known concerning the distribution, abundance, or the ecology of this diminutive snake. However, scientists believe that they could be threatened and possibly facing extinction because much of the original forest of Barbados has been cleared. The forest in the eastern part of Barbados covers only 2% of the original cover because much has been converted to agriculture. It is believed that these species require forests habitats for survival. According to the IUCN red list, the species is categorized as a critically endangered species.

What is the Smallest Snake in the World?

The Barbados threadsnake, scientifically known as the Tetracheilostoma carlae is the smallest of all snake species. It belongs to the Leptotyphlopidae family. The tiny snake, identified in 2008, weighs 0.02 ounces on average and measures an average of 3.94 inches long with the longest specimen ever recorded reaching 4.09 inches.

10 Facts About the Copperhead Snake

The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is one of the most common snake species in North America.

The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) is one of the most common snake species in North America. Their venom is fairly weak, and the bites almost never end up fatal for people. Still, they bite frequently, so here are 10 facts about the Copperhead snake if you ever come across one.

Color

As the name tells us, the head of the Copperhead is in vibrant copper-red color. Copperhead Snake is a pit viper, and another characteristic of that species is that they have a small pit between the eyes and the nostrils, which serves as a heat-sensor. They use that pit to detect warm-blooded animals before they strike.

Size

Copperheads are considered to be medium-sized snakes, with their length being around 2 or 3 feet. Females are a bit longer than males, but males have longer tails. Their bodies are pretty thick and sturdy.

Head Shape

The head of a Copperhead snake is in the shape of a triangle. There is a noticeable ridge that separates the top of their heads from the eyes and nostrils. The pupil of a Copperhead is positioned vertically, and the color of the iris is mostly orange but can be in a reddish-brown shade.

Scaled Body Pattern

Like many of the other snakes, Copperheads also have scales over their bodies. This is the so-called ''dorsal pattern", where every scale is in a shape of an hourglass, changing colors from dark and red shades of brown on the top, and more lighter-pinkish colors on the back. Those scales are typically more prominent on each of the snake sides, and they become more narrow as they come towards the center or the back of the snake.
Many other snakes that are not venomous have a very similar pattern, but remember, Copperhead is the only snake that has scales shaped like an hourglass! The head of an adult Copperhead snake, however, does not have the same scaled ornamentations.
Until they reach the adult stage, young Copperhead hatchlings body patterns are grayer than anything else, and the top of their tail is in very bright yellow or green shades.

Copperhead Territory

The Copperhead snakes can be found anywhere across the southern parts of New England, all the way up to the northern parts of Mexico. They are five distinct subspecies of the Copperhead, based on the location where they live. The ones that are considered to be spread out the most are the northern specimens, who occupy the territories of Alabama, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
They are mostly found in the woods, but they are quite capable of living in other types of ecosystems, meaning they can be found in more urban areas. They can survive in rock covered areas, deserts and canyons, and basically, any setting that has both sunlight and shade.

Copperhead's Social Life

Copperheads most commonly do their prey hunting alone, so they are defined as a semi-social snake. However, they always hibernate within some sort of a snake community. They like to return to the same den every year.
Copperheads like to hunt during the daytime in spring or fall. Still, when the summer comes, they turn into night-loving animals and catch prey using their heat-sensor. They usually leave their den in the late spring and go searching for food. They come back to hibernation in early fall. Copperheads prefer humid and warm environments, and can sometimes climb trees when searching for prey.

The Hunter's Way

Copperheads are, in essence, predators. They mostly sit and wait and catch small prey bursting out of a bush. When they engage in a battle with bigger prey, they first bite the animal and release it. They know the venom is going to kick in soon, so they track down the victim.
Like most of the snake species, the Copperheads eat their prey whole, utilizing the flexibility of their hinged jaws. Interestingly, Copperheads eat only up to 12 times a year.

The Young Hunter's Alternative

Young Copperheads do not have the same strengths to tackle large prey as adults, so their diet consists mostly of smaller insects. The young ones are especially good at catching caterpillars. In hunt mode, a young Copperhead lays perfectly still, with only the very top of their tail moving and attracting animals like lizards or frogs. Once the prey comes close enough, they strike because they are born with the same set of fangs and the ability to inject venom.

Mating Season

The time when Copperheads engage in mating rituals is usually between February and May, and other rounds happen from August to October. To grab the female's attention, male Copperheads fight between themselves in a body-shoving contest. A male that loses a fight is likely never to rechallenge another male.
Females can also engage in combat to find their partner, and they will always turn down the male that does not want to put on a fight with her. After the mating is done, the female has the ability to delay fertilization for a few months, storing the sperm until the hibernation period is over.

Ovoviviparous Species

After the mating, the eggs incubate within the female. The little Copperheads are born alive, and a female Copperhead can give birth up to 18 young ones. The venom found in hatchlings is strong as the one found in adults.