10 Curiosities about the Smallest Towns in the World: Where Everyone Knows Each Other

10 Curiosities About the Smallest Towns in the World: Where Everyone Knows Each Other

Explore the fascinating lives of people living in the smallest towns around the globe. Discover quirky facts, unique traditions, and what makes these tiny communities so remarkable.

While bustling cities offer the allure of vibrant cultures and endless possibilities, there is something incredibly intriguing about the smallest towns in the world, where the population can often be counted on two hands. In these communities, everybody knows each other by name, and life moves at a slower, more intimate pace. These towns might be tiny in size, but they are big on charm, community spirit, and eccentricities. In this post, we will delve into 10 unique curiosities about the smallest towns on the planet and uncover what makes these pint-sized places so extraordinary.

Hum, Croatia: The Smallest Official Town in the World

With just 30 inhabitants, Hum holds the Guinness World Record for being the smallest official town on Earth. Nestled in the Istria region of Croatia, this medieval town is known for its preserved stone architecture and quiet, picturesque streets. Visitors can walk through the entire town in just a few minutes, yet Hum offers a deep sense of history and culture that resonates beyond its size.

Curiosity: Hum is famous for its production of biska, a traditional Istrian mistletoe brandy. Legend has it that the recipe was brought to Hum by ancient Druids. The town even hosts an annual festival dedicated to this unique drink!

Buford, Wyoming, USA: Population of One

Located along Interstate 80, Buford once held the title of the smallest town in the United States with a population of just one. Yes, for several years, Buford’s only resident was Don Sammons, who was the town’s mayor, gas station attendant, and postmaster all rolled into one. In 2013, Sammons sold the town at auction, and it briefly attracted international attention.

Curiosity: Despite its tiny population, Buford has its own zip code and was once a thriving town during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 19th century. It is now primarily known as a quirky roadside stop.

Durbuy, Belgium: A Tiny Town with a Big Tourist Appeal

With a population of about 500 people, Durbuy is often referred to as the “smallest city in the world.” Situated in the scenic Ardennes region of Belgium, Durbuy’s medieval streets and stunning surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of small-town charm. Despite its size, Durbuy has a vibrant food scene and is known for its topiary park, which features intricately sculpted bushes and trees.

Curiosity: Durbuy has been a city since the Middle Ages, and its city status was never revoked, even as its population dwindled. Today, it thrives on tourism, offering outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and cycling.

Lanurt, Scotland: The One-Resident Town

Lanurt may be the epitome of small-town living. Located on the tiny island of Eilean Shona in Scotland, it is home to just one permanent resident, who takes care of the island’s wildlife and acts as a caretaker for visitors. The town’s remote location, coupled with the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, makes it a peaceful retreat for travelers who wish to escape modern life.

Curiosity: Lanurt is part of a privately owned island, and visitors can rent cottages for a peaceful getaway. The island is said to have inspired J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”, adding a touch of literary magic to its tiny footprint.

Rochefourchat, France: A Ghost Town with One Resident

Tucked away in the hills of southeastern France, Rochefourchat is a hamlet with only one permanent resident. The town consists of a single house, a church, and ruins of an ancient castle. While the village used to have a larger population in the 19th century, rural depopulation has left Rochefourchat nearly deserted.

Curiosity: Despite having just one resident, Rochefourchat has an active mayor and maintains its official status as a commune. This is a testament to France’s dedication to preserving its smallest settlements.

Monowi, Nebraska, USA: The Town with a Mayor and a Librarian—Both the Same Person

Monowi is another U.S. town with just one resident, but unlike Buford, Monowi’s last remaining citizen, Elsie Eiler, is not only the town’s sole resident but also its mayor, bartender, and librarian. Eiler runs the town’s only business, a tavern, and serves as the primary tourist attraction for those curious about life in the smallest incorporated town in the United States.

Curiosity: Every year, Elsie files all the necessary paperwork to keep Monowi incorporated, including filling out forms to allocate tax funds for herself and her bar. She also maintains the Monowi Public Library, which houses over 5,000 books.

Vatican City: The Smallest Independent State in the World

Though not a town in the traditional sense, Vatican City holds the distinction of being the smallest independent state in the world, both in terms of area and population. Encompassing just 44 hectares and home to about 800 residents (mostly clergy), Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope.

Curiosity: Despite its small size, Vatican City welcomes millions of visitors each year, thanks to its significant cultural and religious heritage. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are among the must-see attractions for anyone visiting Rome.

Maza, North Dakota, USA: A Town Frozen in Time

Before it was officially unincorporated in 2002, Maza was one of the smallest towns in North Dakota, with a population of just five. The town consisted of a few houses, a church, and little else, a relic of a bygone era when small rural communities dotted the American landscape. Today, Maza is more of a ghost town, but it remains a point of interest for those fascinated by America’s smallest municipalities.

Curiosity: Maza, like many small rural towns in the U.S., was originally founded as a railroad stop, but as the importance of the railroads declined, so did the town’s population.

Hålviken, Sweden: A Hidden Gem

Located on the scenic west coast of Sweden, Hålviken is a tiny fishing village with a population of just four residents. What it lacks in people, it more than makes up for in natural beauty. The town sits on the shores of the North Sea, surrounded by rugged cliffs and tranquil waters, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and breathtaking scenery.

Curiosity: Hålviken is often referred to as a birdwatcher’s paradise, as the surrounding area is home to a variety of seabirds and migratory species. It’s not uncommon for nature enthusiasts to outnumber the locals!

Gásadalur, Faroe Islands: A Town at the Edge of the World

Perched on the cliffs of the Faroe Islands, Gásadalur is one of the most picturesque yet isolated villages in the world. Until 2004, the only way to reach Gásadalur was by hiking over a mountain or by boat. With just a handful of residents, the town offers stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and a glimpse into the traditional Faroese way of life.

Curiosity: In 2004, a tunnel was built through the surrounding mountains, connecting Gásadalur to the rest of the Faroe Islands. This new access route has helped the village survive and attracted more tourists eager to see its famous waterfall cascading into the ocean.

Conclusion: Small Towns with Big Stories

While these towns may be small in size, they are rich in history, culture, and charm. Each one offers a unique glimpse into a way of life that’s drastically different from the bustling metropolises most of us are used to. From single-resident towns like Monowi and Buford to the ancient streets of Hum and the remote beauty of Gásadalur, these tiny communities remind us that sometimes the best things come in the smallest packages. Whether you’re planning your next off-the-beaten-path adventure or just curious about life in these miniature marvels, the smallest towns in the world have stories that will captivate and inspire you.