In the age of global cities and urban sprawl, the idea of a town with just a handful of residents seems almost surreal. Yet, scattered across the globe, there are municipalities so small that every inhabitant knows each other by name — sometimes because there’s only one. These places, often with fewer than 50 people, continue to exist not only on the map but in the legal, political, and symbolic fabric of their countries. They are proof that governance and community spirit do not depend on size, but on identity, history, and resilience.
The Smallest Municipalities in the World
Among the most famous is Hum, in Croatia, widely considered the smallest town in the world. Located in the Istrian hills, Hum has between 20 and 30 inhabitants. Despite its size, it has the status of a town and holds annual mayoral elections, along with festivals and centuries-old traditions. Visitors come to admire its medieval stone architecture and taste biska, a local herbal brandy.
In the United States, Monowi, Nebraska, stands out as a modern curiosity. It is inhabited by a single woman, Elsie Eiler, who serves as mayor, clerk, treasurer, librarian, and bar owner. Every year, she renews the town’s liquor license and files municipal paperwork to keep Monowi on the books — a touching display of personal dedication to a disappearing place.
Also in the U.S., Buford, Wyoming, once had a single resident and functioned as a mini-town with a gas station and general store. Although it no longer has permanent inhabitants, it became a symbol of America’s dying railroad towns and now attracts curious travelers.
On a different scale but still notable, Vatican City — while technically a sovereign state — is the smallest internationally recognized independent country in the world, with an area of just 0.49 square kilometers and fewer than 800 residents. It is not a municipality per se, but its size and unique governance structure make it relevant to any discussion of small-scale administration.
The Smallest Municipalities in Italy
Italy, with its deep-rooted municipal tradition and mountainous geography, is home to dozens of tiny comuni, especially in alpine and rural areas. Many of these towns have lost population over the decades but continue to exist as official administrative entities.
The smallest of all is Pedesina, located in the Lombardy region, in the province of Sondrio. With about 30 residents, it holds the title of Italy’s least populated municipality. Despite its tiny population, Pedesina maintains a mayor and a municipal council, and its survival is a matter of local pride.
Not far behind is Morterone, in the province of Lecco, nestled at the foot of the Grigna mountain range. Long considered the smallest town in Italy by population, Morterone has fluctuated between 20 and 40 residents in recent years. Its isolation and natural beauty attract hikers and artists, while its continued existence reflects the commitment of its few residents.
Another example is Moncenisio, in Piedmont, near the French border. With just 30 to 40 residents, it maintains a rich history as a strategic Alpine pass and cultural crossroads.
These Italian micro-municipalities often receive support from regional authorities to prevent their disappearance. Some promote tourism or organize local festivals, others serve as symbols of resistance to urbanization and depopulation. In many cases, they are custodians of unique dialects, culinary traditions, and centuries-old civic rituals.