5 states with the smallest area. For those who travel to the Vatican. Ten smallest countries in the world by population

Introducing the Top smallest countries in the world, both in terms of area and population.

The smallest countries by area:

Only independent states recognized by other states are included. Also included are associated states (a form of confederation of unequal states united on a bilateral basis, in which a smaller state, while formally maintaining sovereignty and independence, entrusts a significant part of its power to a larger state).

10th place:- state in the eastern part caribbean, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 49 898 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.

The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

9th place: Cook Islands- an archipelago and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people.

8th place:- Pacific state associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands, the total area of which is 181 km², the population is 68,000 people.

7th place: Liechtenstein- state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people.

6th place:- a state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Area - 61 km², population - 32,075 people.

5th place:- Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country would be even poorer if the country's leadership had not guessed to put up for auction the national domain zone.tv and the buyer was quickly found, because. zone.tv is a tidbit for TV companies and video sites. Tuvalu now receives $1 million quarterly in exchange for the right to use the .tv domain zone

4th place:- state on the same name coral island in the Western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 9 322 people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest island state, the most small state Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

3rd place: Monaco principality associated with France. Monaco is located in southern Europe on the coast mediterranean sea. Area - 2.02 km², population - 35,986 people.

2nd place: Vatican located within the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. The area of the Vatican is 0.44 km². Population - 836 people.

The smallest country in Europe and the whole world - Order of Malta(not to be confused with the state of Malta), the full name is "The Sovereign Military Hospice Order of Saint John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta". Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located inside the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort St. Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and car plate numbers, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.

The Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

The smallest states by area by continents and parts of the world:

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).
The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).
The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).
The smallest country in Africa Seychelles(area - 455 km²).
The smallest country North America- Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).
The smallest country in South America is Suriname (163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population:

Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 49 898 people.
9th place: Liechtenstein(for this country, see above). Population - 35 870 people.
8th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 32 075 people.
7th place: Palau- an island nation pacific ocean. It is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands with total area 458 km². Population - 20 842 people.
6th place: Cook Islands(for this country, see above). Population - 19 569 people.
5th place: Order of Malta(See above for more details). The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.
4th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 10 544 people.
3rd place: (for this country, see above). Population - 9 322 people.
2nd place: Niue- an island and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.
The smallest state in the world in terms of population - (see above about this country). Population - 836 people.

The smallest states in terms of population by continents and parts of the world:

The smallest country in Asia - South Ossetia (population - 72,000 people) - is a partially recognized state: it was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).
The smallest country in Oceania is Niue (pop. 1,398)
The smallest country in Europe - the Vatican (population - 836 people)
The smallest country in Africa - Seychelles (population - 87,476 people)
The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (pop. 49,898)
The smallest country in South America is Suriname (pop. 472,000)

All of the above countries dependent territories recognized by the international community or at least by several states, however, there is a state not recognized by any country, which is smaller in area than the Order of Malta and in population less than the Vatican.
The Principality of Sealand, located on an offshore platform in the North Sea, 10 kilometers from the coast of Great Britain, has an area of only 0.00055 km² (550 m²). As for the population, in 2002 the authorities of Sealand stated that the population of the state was 27 people. However, at the same time, only a guard constantly lives on the territory of Sealand.

Physically, the territory of Sealand arose during the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast. One of them was Roughs Tower. During the war, the platforms housed anti-aircraft guns and had a garrison of 200 men. After the end of hostilities, most of the towers were destroyed, but Roughs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained intact. In 1967, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates announced the creation of the sovereign state of Sealand (Sealand, in English) on the territory of the Roughs Tower platform. sea land") and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. In 1972, Sealand began to mint a coin. In 1975, the first constitution of Sealand came into force. A flag and coat of arms appeared.
In 1997, it turned out that without the knowledge of the leadership of Sealand, the passports of this state were illegally distributed. In total, more than 150 thousand passports were sold, after which Sealand was forced to cancel the passports. In January 2007, the owners of the country announced their intention to sell it. Immediately after that, the torrent site The Pirate Bay began raising funds for the acquisition of Sealand in order to achieve independence from the authorities of other states, but the deal did not take place.
Sealand official website - sealandgov.org

Ecology

Can you boast that you have been to all corners of your country? Most of us, of course, will answer in the negative. average person with more likely can't visit every locality and area of their country, especially if it occupies quite a large area. However, if you live in some kind of dwarf state, you will not have such a problem. In fact, in order to go around your entire country, you will need no more than one day, and maybe just a couple of hours. For example, between breakfast and lunch, you can take a walk and visit every corner of your state.

1) Vatican

Vatican - dwarf state located in one of the districts of Rome. It is a closed city-state with an area of only approximately 44 hectares. The Vatican is not a very old country. The state was founded in just 1929 and is governed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope. The most beautiful buildings in the world are located on the territory of the Vatican: St. The Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace (the residence of the Pope), several museums and many others beautiful buildings. In addition, this tiny area also houses the Vatican Gardens, which cover about half of the country. About 800 people are official citizens of the Vatican, but several thousand more Italians come here every day to work.

2) Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and covers an area of 2.02 square kilometers. Thanks to the drying of the sea, the area of the country has increased slightly over the past 20 years. The country is also the second smallest monarchical state in terms of size. Monaco is located in Southwestern Europe on the Mediterranean coast, bordering France on land. Monaco is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of around 30,000. Mostly residents are engaged in tourism, as many guests come here who gamble and enjoy their holidays by the sea.

3) Nauru

Located in Micronesia, in the South Pacific Ocean, Nauru is a dwarf island nation with an area of only 21.3 square kilometers. The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. The state gained independence in 1968, but the island has been home to Aboriginals for at least 3,000 years. The first Westerner to visit the island was John Fearn. He gave the island the name "Pleasant". Today the population of the country is 9 thousand people, the state has no armed forces.

4) Tuvalu

Also located on islands in the South Pacific Ocean, the dwarf state of Tuvalu covers an area of 26 square kilometers. The country includes several coral islands. Previously, these islands were called the Ellis Islands and belonged to the British Crown. The islands were discovered in 1568 and were under British control until the end of the 19th century. Tuvalu gained full independence from the British only in 1978. At present, the population of the country is about 10.5 thousand people. Since there is practically no natural resources, Tuvalu lives off the help from other countries.

5) San Marino

Occupying area 61 square kilometer, San Marino is the 5th most small states peace. San Marino also has the smallest population of the member countries of the European Council. San Marino is one of the oldest independent countries in the world. The founding date of this country is September 3, 301. The country's constitution was adopted as early as 1600, making San Marino the second oldest constitutional republic in the world. San Marino is also one of the richest countries on the planet, it has no debts, and incomes exceed expenditures in the budget.

6) Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a state surrounded on all sides by land, located in Europe. The area of the country is 160.4 square kilometers, it borders on Switzerland and Austria. Liechtenstein may be one of the smallest states on the planet, but it is also on the list of the richest. Winter tourism is developed here, but tourism is not the main source of income. Liechtenstein is a popular business center with more companies registered than residents.

7) Marshall Islands

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the dwarf state of the Marshall Islands mainly consists of coral islands. The total area of the country is 181 square kilometers, the population is 62 thousand people. This state gained independence from the United States only in 1986, but so far, US assistance has helped the economy of the Marshall Islands to "keep afloat". The country has virtually no natural resources and imports more goods than it exports. IN last years The Marshall Islands suffers from high energy costs.

8) Seychelles

Seychelles covers an area of 455 square kilometers. She is the 8th largest dwarf country with a population of about 84 thousand people. The archipelago consists of 115 islands indian ocean, and is located north of Madagascar. The Seychelles has been constantly developing thanks to the export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since the country gained independence in 1976, tourism has become the main source of income. The tourism industry currently employs about a third of the country's working population.

9) Maldives

Another one island country, Republic of Maldives, or simply the Maldives, is located in the Indian Ocean. In terms of area and population, the Maldives is the smallest Asian country. The total area is 298 square kilometers, and according to the 2010 census, 396,334 people live here. The state owns 1192 islands, but only about 200 are inhabited. About a third of all Maldivians live in the capital of the country - the city of Male. Today, the main source of income for the inhabitants of the Maldives is tourism, in the old days the country developed thanks to the export of kauri clams, dried tuna and coconut cables.

10) Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

This dwarf island nation is located in the West Indies - on the islands Atlantic Ocean between North and South America. The state is located on 2 islands with a total area of 261 square kilometers. These islands were the first of the Caribbean islands to be settled by Europeans. The state gained independence from Great Britain in 1983. This country is not only the smallest in area in the region of the 2 Americas, but also has the most small population among all the countries of this part of the world - about 50 thousand people. Tourism is the main source of income for the country today. Agriculture and offshore banking are also developed here.

10th place. Maldives- a state in South Asia, located on 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. The capital is Male.

Land area - 298 km²
Population - 393.000 people. (2013)

The capital of the Maldives is Male. Photo by Shahee Ilyas

9th place. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis- consists of 2 islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Geographically, the country is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. The capital city of Baster is located on the island of Saint Kitts. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

Land area - 261 km²
Population - 49.898 people (2010)

The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

8th place. Cook Islands- an archipelago and a state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean in Polynesia. The territory includes 15 islands, 3 of which are uninhabited. The capital is the city of Avarua on the island of Rarotonga.

Land area - 236.7 km²
Population - 14.974 people (2011)

Thor Heyerdahl's expedition contacted a radio amateur from the island of Rarotonga while traveling on the Kon-Tiki raft.

Cook Islands - Rarotonga Island

7th place. - Pacific state in Micronesia, associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the archipelago Marshall Islands. The capital is the city of Majuro, built on the atoll of the same name, consisting of 64 islands.

Land area - 181.3 km²
Population - 53.158 people (2011)

6th place. Principality of Liechtenstein- a dwarf state in Central Europe, associated with Switzerland. The capital of the principality is Vaduz.

Area - 160.4 km²
population - 35.870 people.

5th place. - located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The capital is San Marino.

Area – 61 km²
population - 32.075 people. (2011)

4th place. - Pacific state in Polynesia, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The capital is Funafuti.

Total land area - 26 km²
The population of the country is 11.206 people. (2011)

Tuvalu is notable for the fact that in 2011 it recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and 2.5 years later, for some reason, “changed its mind” and withdrew the act of recognizing the independence of these two states.

3rd place. Republic of Nauru- a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

Total land area - 21.3 km²
The population of the country - 10.084 people (2011)

2nd place. Principality of Monaco- a dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is widely known for its casinos in Monte Carlo, and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. The capital is Monaco.

Total land area - 2.02 km²
Country population - 35.986 (2011)

1st place. - a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) inside the territory of Rome, associated with Italy

Total land area - 0.44 km²
Country population - 836 (2012)

Order of Malta(Sovereign Military Order of Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem Rhodes and Malta) is a chivalric religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. The oldest order of chivalry in the world.

The Order of Malta has the status of an observer organization at the UN. It has diplomatic relations with 104 states, supported by a large number ambassadors. By international law The Order of Malta is a state-like entity, while the order itself positions itself as a state. The sovereignty of the Order of Malta is considered at the level of diplomatic missions, but not as the sovereignty of the state. Sometimes considered as a dwarf state.

Total land area - 0.012 km²
Country population - 13.000 members (2013)

The Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

State proclaimed in 1967 by British retired Major Paddy Roy Bates. Claims sovereignty over the territory of an offshore platform in the North Sea, 10 kilometers from the coast of Great Britain.

Total land area - 0.00055 km² (550 m²)
Country population - 27 (2002)

The appearance of the Sealand territory is due to Great Britain and the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast, which housed anti-aircraft guns and a garrison of 200 people. After the war, most of these towers were destroyed, but the Roughs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained intact.

In 1966, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates and his friend Ronan O'Reilly chose the now abandoned Roughs Tower platform to build an amusement park. However, after a while they quarreled, and Bates became the sole owner of the island. In 1967, O'Reilly tried to take possession of the island and used force to do so, but Bates defended himself with rifles, shotguns, Molotov cocktails and flamethrowers, and O'Reilly's attack was repulsed.

Roy did not build an amusement park, but chose a platform to base his pirate radio station, Britain's Better Music Station, but this radio station never broadcast from the platform. On September 2, 1967, he announced the creation of a sovereign state and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. This day is celebrated as the main public holiday.

The smallest countries in the world by area. Breakdown by continent and parts of the world

Asia - Maldives(area - 298 km²);
Africa - Seychelles(area - 455 km²);
Europe - (area - 0.44 km²);
Oceania - (area - 21 km²);
North America - Saint Kitts and Nevis(area - 261 km²);
South America - Suriname(area - 163.270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world in terms of population. Breakdown by continent and parts of the world

Asia - South Ossetia(population - 72,000 people);
Africa - Seychelles(population - 87.476 people);
Europe - (population - 836 people);
Oceania - Niue(population - 1.398 people);
North America - Saint Kitts and Nevis(population - 49.898 people);
South America - Suriname(population - 472,000 people).

The smallest countries in the world by population

- 836 people;
Niue- 1.398 people
Niue is an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific. Area - 261.46 km²;
- 9.322 people;
- 10.544 people;
Cook Islands- 19.569 people;
Palau- 20.842 people
Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km²;
- 32.075 people;
Liechtenstein- 35.870 people;
Saint Kitts and Nevis- 49.898 people;
Dominica- 72.000 people
Dominica is a state on the island of the same name from the Lesser Antilles (Windward) Islands group in the Caribbean Sea. Area - 754 km².

Today there are about 250 recognized independent states. Among them there are both giant states, such as Russia, the USA and Canada, as well as very small countries, comparable in area to major cities. Despite their "miniatureness", they play in some cases a huge role in the world political arena.

You'll like it: according to various criteria.

Area: 0.004 km²
Population: 1 person
Capital: Sealand

In 1967, the virtual state "Principality of Sealand" appeared, with a population of 1 person and an area of 0.004 sq. km². Unofficially, Sealand is the smallest state in the world in terms of area and population, located above the territory of an offshore platform in the North Sea and claiming sovereignty. The only inhabitant of the platform, he is also the ruler - Prince Michael I Bates.

Area: 344 km²
Population: 107,317
Capital: St. George's

Grenada is an island state with a constitutional monarchy. This wonderful land is located in the Caribbean Sea, and it was discovered by Columbus in the 14th century. Agriculture specializes in growing vegetables and fruits, which are subsequently exported. Since Grenada is located in an offshore zone, its treasury annually replenishes more than $ 7 million through offshore financial services.

Area: 298 km²
Population: 427,756
Capital: Male

The Maldives is considered to be one of the best tourist resorts in the world. It has everything: the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, virgin nature, rich in a wide variety of plant and animal species, mysterious underwater caves and much more. The tourism sector annually brings in the state budget Maldives about 30 percent of income. Interesting fact: The Republic of Maldives consists of more than 1100 islets.

Area: 261 km²
Population: 54,821
Capital: Basseterre

This country is located on two islands of the same name and has a federal state structure. Agriculture is very poorly developed here (mainly sugarcane is grown), despite the favorable climate. But the tourism sector is developed. Travelers are attracted by the diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the soft tropical climate. It is worth noting that Pavel Durov himself (the creator of VKontakte) has the citizenship of this country.

Area: 181 km²
Population: 53,263
Capital: Majuro

The Marshall Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are distinguished by their specific natural conditions. The point is that American nuclear tests 1954 greatly changed the biological environment of this country, so there are almost no species of plants and animals that are typical for such an area. Therefore, others were brought out there. The islands have a very undeveloped infrastructure, so many economic areas are in the development phase.

Area: 160 km²
Population: 37,468
Capital: Vaduz

Despite its small area, Liechtenstein is one of the most beautiful and richest countries in the world. The country is bordered by Austria and Switzerland, located in Alpine mountains, which provides it with a high tourist attraction. Liechtenstein - world Finance center with a highly developed banking system. It is also worth noting that in terms of GDP, the state ranks second in the world, right after Qatar.

Area: 61 km²
Population: 33,029
Capital: San Marino

This small country is located on the mountain slope of Monte Titano and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is the most ancient state Western Europe, it was formed in the 3rd century. Many sights, including Mount Titano itself, are included in the list of objects natural heritage UNESCO.

Area: 26 km²
Population: 9,876
Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, which, in fact, is quite understandable. The country has an extremely unfavorable climate - here powerful downpours are replaced by droughts. From this, the nature of Tuvalu is very poor, which affected the development of agriculture.

Area: 21 km²
Population: 10,084
Capital: no

The Pacific nation of Nauru is unique in many ways. This the only country where there is no capital. This is the smallest republic in the world, and the smallest state, if you do not take into account European continent. The budget of Nauru is replenished mainly due to the extraction of phosphates, which, in turn, cause great damage to the island's ecosystem, which makes it almost impossible to develop agriculture and tourism.

Area: 2.02 km²
Population: 37,863
Capital: Monaco

Of course, everyone has heard of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the famous casino in Monte Carlo. Yes, all this is located in this small state on the border with France. It is logical that tourism is one of the main sources of income for the country. The richest people in the world also keep their savings here, because in Monaco there is a guarantee of banking secrecy.

1. Vatican

Area: 0.44 km²
Population: 1,000 people
Capital: Vatican

The smallest state in the world, paradoxically, is the most powerful, or at least “one of…”. The residence of the Pope is located in the Vatican, and the citizens of the country are called subjects of the Holy See. the Vatican has big influence in the military-political sphere, often calling on the warring countries to conclude peace.

Size does not matter - that's what needs to be said at the end of this article. Even the smallest country, although it will not amaze the imagination with its army of thousands, million-plus cities and megacities, will definitely be remembered for its unique nature, sights and unique history.