10 smallest countries in the world. Size matters: the smallest countries in the world by area and population

Most small state in the world (photos below) is the Vatican. It is the smallest on the planet both in terms of the area occupied by the territory and the number of citizens. It should be noted that in this case only officially recognized countries are taken into account. The residence of the Pope of Rome is located here, because this miniature city-state is considered the center of the entire Catholic world.

general description

The smallest state in the world in terms of area occupies a territory whose size is only 0.45 km 2. It is in the heart the Italian capital- Rome. The total length of the Vatican border is 3200 meters. From all sides the state is surrounded by high walls. It has its own post office, police station, railway station, publishing house and even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the nineteenth century, it has had its own currency unit- the lira of the Papal States, however, after the introduction of the euro in Italy in 2002, this currency began to be used in the Vatican.

Short story

The country had a small size throughout the history of its existence. IN ancient times no one lived on the territory of the modern Vatican. The point is that in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. It began to be inhabited in 326, after the construction of the Basilica of Constantine over the supposed burial place of St. Peter. In the period from 752 to 1870, the smallest state in the world in terms of population occupied an area of about 41 km 2. At that time it was called the Papal States. The country was invaded by a united Italian army in the middle of the nineteenth century.

The situation was resolved in 1929. It was then that the Lateran Treaty was signed, according to which the independence of the state was proclaimed, and Pope Pius XI recognized the Kingdom of Italy in return.

Population

As noted above, the Vatican is the smallest state in the world in terms of population. About 850 people who are citizens of this country permanently live on its territory. All of them have the status of ministers of the Holy See. You can get Vatican citizenship only in this way. After the completion of this work, it is instantly canceled. The local army has a hundred people.

In the daytime, there are about three thousand hired workers in the country, who are mainly engaged in menial labor. They are not subjects of the Vatican and live outside of it. The overwhelming majority of these people are Italians.

Political system and language

Based on international law, the smallest state in the world is an absolute theocratic monarchy, which is administered by the Holy See. In other words, all executive, legislative and judicial power is concentrated in the hands of the Pope, who is elected for life by the cardinals. He leads, in fact, only the Holy See, while the country is governed by the governor of the Pontifical Commission appointed by him.

All published in the Vatican legislative acts shall enter into force only after they have been published in Italian and Latin. Thus, we can say that both of them have an official status in the country. At the same time, work in any world language is allowed here, which is associated with the presence of representatives of many nationalities among church ministers.

financial policy

There are no industrial enterprises in the Vatican, in connection with which the smallest state in the world receives almost all financial income from investments, donations and tourism. Basically, this money is used for ordinary expenses, including salaries, renovation of buildings, maintenance of the Holy See, and so on. The annual state budget of a country whose economy is of a planned type is on average 310 million US dollars. At the same time, the power is known due to the charitable activities of the pontiff. In particular, funds are allocated to support people who have suffered from natural Disasters, as well as the construction of churches in all corners of the planet.

Social politics

To ensure close contact and dialogue with Catholics, as well as the dissemination of the teachings of the church, the Vatican has its own television channel. It hosts live broadcasts of state celebrations and services of the Pope, as well as documentary films. In addition, it has its own radio. It is available not only on shortwave AM and FM, but also via the Internet. IN Lately the social policy pursued by the smallest state in the world is criticized by parishioners. In particular, many of them do not like conservative teachings, which do not correspond to the realities of our time.

tourist attraction

As noted earlier, tourism is considered one of the main sources of income for the Vatican. This is not surprising, since millions of people come here every year who want to see the ancient architectural ensembles and world famous works of art created by great masters. The most popular among them are the Cathedral and St. Peter's Square, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum and Library, as well as the gardens that occupy most territory of the country.

The Vatican received the status of the official residence of the Pope in 1377.

Any visitor to the country has the opportunity to use the services of local mail, in particular, send commemorative postcards with unique stamps to their relatives and friends anywhere in the world.

Local museums are the third most popular on Earth, second only to the Louvre and the British Museum.

There is no airport on the territory of the Vatican. At the same time, the smallest state in the world can boast of having a heliport that has been operating since 1976. From here, the pontiff usually flies to Roman airports or to his residence, Castel Gandolfo.

The country has its own railway with the station. Its length is 700 meters.

The Vatican is characterized by an extremely high crime rate. For each local resident, there is an average of one crime per year. Usually it's theft. However, it should be borne in mind that they are made mainly by service personnel or tourists.

In the state, marriages are almost never concluded and children are not born.

Literacy local residents is 100%.

Other tiny countries

As a rule, the smallest states in the world have very rich history and are distinguished by high tourist attraction. Below, in descending order, are the five smallest countries on the planet.

In fourth place on the list is the Pacific island country Tuvalu. It gained its independence from England in 1978. population local population is about 10 thousand people. The state is located on 4 islands and 5 atolls with total area 26 km2.

The third position belongs to Nauru - an island state located in the south Pacific Ocean. It has the status of an independent republic and is distinguished by the absence of a capital. The area of Nauru is 21.3 km 2, and the population is about 9.5 thousand people.

Monaco ranks second in the ranking of "The smallest countries in the world." The Principality borders France and is located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. The area of the country, in which about 36 thousand inhabitants live on a permanent basis, is 2.02 km 2. Thanks to tax incentives, the capital of the richest people on Earth is attracted here. The capital has the same name.

The tiniest state in the world is the Vatican, which was discussed in more detail earlier in this article.

Historically, humanity has sought to divide endless expanses our planet into separate pieces. In the course of thousands of years of conquest, each nation has secured its own territories - some have more, some have less.

Majority names major countries we studied at school, but few people remember about these states. They do not have huge armies or natural deposits, but are known for their tiny area. This compilation contains the 10 smallest countries in the world!

10 Maldives

This ranking of countries in descending order is headed by . Among the top tiny countries, they have the most large area- 298 km². But in terms of population density, this state can compete with any big country Over 400,000 people live in this area.

The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which, in turn, are a chain of 1192 coral islands. The only city in the Maldives is Male, which is also the capital of this country. This amazing archipelago is a unique reef ecosystem, various types fish and marine organisms.

9 Saint Kitts and Nevis

This small country covers an area of 261 km² and consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea and has the title of the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is small - only 50 thousand people.

The state is well known among tourists and the income from this destination is more than 70% of the country's GDP per year. It also processes sugar cane and shellfish. The largest city of this country, and concurrently the capital, is inhabited by 11 thousand people. Saint Kitts and Nesiv have their own army of 300 people.

8 Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands covers an area of 181.3 km² of land. It is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean and is a chain of atoll islands. These islands were discovered in 1526 by Alonso de Salazar, and for many centuries passed as a colony from one country to another.

Today, these 34 atoll islands are real paradise. The territory of the republic has a unique head start and fauna, which, by the way, was almost destroyed by man. In the middle of the 20th century, Americans tested a hydrogen bomb here. The explosion was so powerful that it surpassed Hiroshima by 1000 times. However, local residents managed to slowly restore the ecosystem of the islands.

7 Liechtenstein

The European Principality of Liechtenstein is tiny and very famous in the world. Despite its area of 160 km², this state has a very powerful economy and developed industry. It can serve as an example for many powers thanks to its unique system management of the state in such a way that people here lived very well.

Liechtenstein is located in Alpine mountains and borders Switzerland and Austria. The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty, which has been ruling together with the Landtag for many years. The population of this European country is small - about 36 thousand people.

6 San Marino

On the sixth line of our rating is the state of San Marino, which has an area of 60 km². It is unique in its location - it borders Italy on all sides. The name of the country was formed from the name of the saint who founded it according to ancient legend- stonemason Marin.

With modern borders, San Marino is considered the most ancient state in Europe, it was founded in 301. Almost the entire territory of the country (80%) is the foothills of the Apennines, so there is practically no arable land here. The population of the country is 33 thousand people with such a small area. This country has many unique architectural monuments on its territory.

5 Tuvalu

This small state in Polynesia has an area of 26 km². It consists of nine coral atolls, four of which make up the Tuvalu archipelago. The discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendanya de Neira, called them Lagoons, but they received their name Tuvalu only in 1975.

This a nice place, nevertheless, was ranked among the poorest countries as of 2016. The area of the islands is decreasing from year to year, so in 50 years, according to experts, Tuvalu may completely disappear from the face of the Earth as a state. The population of the country according to the latest data is just over 12 thousand people.

4 Nauru

The dwarf state of Nauru covers an area of 21 km² and was very popular in the middle of the 20th century. Such popularity was provided by phosphates, which the territory of this piece of land was full of. But today, only dilapidated mines remain from phosphates, and the country's ecology has been irretrievably damaged even for tourism.

Like the islands of Tuvalu, Nauru is located near the Republic of Kiribati and is located 42 km south of the equator. This country does not have official capital, and the population is only 10 thousand people. But, unlike Tuvalu, this dwarf country again began to develop its economy and increase the birth rate.

3 Monaco

The third line of our rating is occupied by the well-known European Principality of Monaco. Probably everyone has heard about it, despite the fact that it occupies only 2.02 km². The legendary Monaco Grand Prix races are held here, and the casino in Monte Carlo is very famous among gambling enthusiasts.

The population of Monaco (with such and such an area!) Is 38 thousand people. This is a lot, but such popularity has its own explanation. For a long time there was no taxation in Monaco, so many businessmen, wealthy foreigners settled here and large companies were founded. Monaco is governed by Prince Albert II, who is assisted by a national council.

2 Vatican

The State of the Vatican, with its tiny area of 0.44 km², is a very powerful state that has been deciding the fate of many countries for many centuries. The country's population is equal to the number of employees - 836 people. At the same time, the Vatican has no economy, and the country's budget is replenished only through numerous donations from Catholic organizations.

Here is the residence of the Pope - the heart catholic church. The state is located inside Rome and is directly associated with Italy. But despite the proximity, the Vatican gained its independence in 1929 and has been an independent country ever since. By right, he has the title of the smallest country in the world, but there is another state that should be paid attention to.

1 Order of Malta

And the first place in this list is occupied by the state, which some countries do not recognize as a separate state unit. We are talking about the Order of Malta with a territory of 0.012 km². This Order has about 13,000 members who have the country's passports and use their own currency.

Not all countries recognize the sovereignty of the Order of Malta and consider it only at the level of diplomatic relations. The largest city Orders - Fort St. Angelo, which the country rents from Malta. If you do not take into account the shaky recognition of this sovereignty, then the Order is the smallest state in the world.

All these dwarf states rightfully take their place in the ranking of the smallest countries. They are unique and distinctive, and most of them, despite their small territory, are prosperous countries.

Have you ever wondered what is the smallest country in the world? You probably know some of them, but you will definitely be surprised to know which country ranks #1 on the list.

VseKnow.ru compiled a list of the 10 smallest countries in the world, you will be surprised at how dwarfed they are!

10. Maldives - 298 km²

The Republic of Maldives is located in Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. With a population of 341,356, the Maldives occupy area of 298 sq. km(115 sq. miles). The remaining 99% of the territory of the Maldives is ocean. Located on top of a huge underwater ridge, the republic has about 1,200 islands, 200 of which are inhabited. Maldives is the lowest country in the world with a maximum natural height of 2.6 m. In this regard, they are threatened by global warming, since the subsequent rise in sea levels may make them uninhabitable. But now you can go and enjoy the "last heaven on earth" with swaying palm trees, beautiful beaches and colorful coral reefs.

9. St. Christopher and Nevis - 261 km²

The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is a state in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. These two islands share a common area 261 sq. km(104 sq. miles). With a population of approximately 48,000, it smallest country in the Americas both in terms of area and population. These islands were among the first Caribbean that were allowed by the Europeans. Only in 1983 this country gained independence from Great Britain. Both islands have volcanic origin With mountain peaks covered with tropical forests.

8. Marshall Islands - 181 km²

Although this country has about 1150 islands and islets, the total The land area is only 181 sq. km(70 sq mi) with a population of 72,000. Republic Marshall Islands located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. During World War II, before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the country was administrative center 6th Japanese Imperial Navy. After being occupied by the United States during World War II, the Marshall Islands officially became part of the United States in 1947. Unfortunately the US spent there nuclear tests. As a result, they exposed the locals to radioactive fallout and completely destroyed the island of Elugelab. Only in 1979 the country gained independence from the United States.

7. Liechtenstein - 160 km²

This dwarf German-speaking country is located between Austria and Switzerland. General area is 160 sq. km(61 sq. miles), and the population is about 37,000 people. It is a constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein. Being alpine country, Liechtenstein is mostly mountainous, which makes it perfect place For winter sports. As in other countries of the world, Liechtenstein does not have an army. However, he supports the police force and the SWAT team. Although the state is not a member European Union, it still participates in the Schengen area. This small country is the largest manufacturer of artificial teeth in the world. In addition, it manufactures ceramics, power tools, rock bolts, calculators, pharmaceuticals, and food products.

6. San Marino - 61 km²

The Republic of San Marino is located on the Italian peninsula and is surrounded by Italy. Its size is only 61 sq. km(24 sq. miles) with a population of 32,000. San Marino is considered the oldest republic in the world. It was founded over 1700 years ago - in 301 AD. e. Although it is one of the smallest countries, it is one of the richest, in terms of GDP. This the only country where there are more cars than people. San Marino is also known for its beautiful stamps and coins. The country has one of the smallest armies in the world, consisting of 75-100 people.

5. Tuvalu - 26 km²

Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific between Australia and Hawaii. The country consists of nine islands with a total area of 26 sq. km(10 sq. miles). But the land area is shrinking every year due to global warming and rising sea levels. Scientists believe that by the end of this century, Tuvalu will be completely under water.

The islands have everything you need for a perfect beach holiday — Coral reefs, white beaches, palm trees and friendly people. However, the remote location makes Tuvalu not very popular. tourist destination. You need to get to Fiji first and fly to Tuvalu.

4. Nauru - 21 km²

Nauru is also located in the South Pacific. This country is even smaller and has only 21 sq. km(8 sq. miles) of land. Nauru achieved its independence in 1969 and was formerly known as Pleasant Island. In the middle of the last century, the island was one of the richest places on earth. It contained significant reserves of phosphate. However Natural resources disappeared, and Nauru today is desperately poor. The country is almost entirely dependent on Australian support. Australia uses the island as a refugee detention center.

3. Monaco - 2.02 km²

Monaco is the second largest and most populous country in the world.. The area is only 2.02 sq. km(0.78 sq mi) and about 37,800 people. This beautiful place is located on the coast mediterranean sea. Monaco has no personal income tax and, as a result, is very popular with wealthy people. About 30% of the population are millionaires. It is also known as the capital of the Formula One Grand Prix. In addition, the Monte Carlo casino is located here. Ironically, local citizens are prohibited from entering the casino.

2. Vatican - 0.44 km²

The Vatican City, also known as the Vatican City State, is the smallest country and also a city in the world.. It is the capital of Catholicism. Its population is 1000 people, the area is only 0.44 sq. km(0.17 sq mi). The Vatican is completely surrounded by Rome, Italy. The country has a unique economy supported by tourism fees for visiting museums and selling postage stamps. In addition, they produce mosaics and clothes. The Vatican issues its own coins, which are very popular among collectors.

1. Sealand - 0.025 km²

It is likely that you have never heard of Sealand. This is really a tiny, virtual state, with an area of just 0.025 sq. km, proclaimed in 1967 by British retired Major Paddy Roy Bates. The platform was built by the British during World War II for air defense. In 1975, Bates created a constitution for Sealand, National flag, money and even passports. Within 20 years, about 150,000 passports were issued in the country, but the Bates family withdrew them all in 1997. In 2007, torrent site The Pirate Bay tried to buy Sealand as they were looking for a way to avoid copyright laws. Later, in January 2009, the Spanish real estate agency Inmo-Naranja announced its intention to put Sealand up for sale for 750 million euros.

In 1987, the UK expanded its territorial waters from 6 to 22 km and Sealand is now inside British waters. The UK is part of the United States Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states that artificial islands do not have the status of islands. Thus, Sealand cannot be recognized as a country, as it is an artificial structure.

Order of Malta
The smallest state in the world is the Order of Malta (not to be confused with Malta). It is located in Italy, inside Rome. The area of this country is 0.012 square kilometers. Meanwhile, not all countries of the world have recognized the Order of Malta as independent state. However, he has diplomatic relations with 104 countries and is a permanent observer at the UN. The state issues its own car plate numbers and passports to its residents, and also has its own currency and stamps, which are signs of a full-fledged country.

Vatican
In second place in terms of area is the Vatican. It is also located inside Rome and is considered a state associated with Italy. Its area is 0.44 square kilometers. The country has the most powerful support from the entire Catholic community in the world. The head of the Vatican, the Pope, renders big influence on the economic and political alignment of forces not only in Europe but also in the world.

Monaco
In third place is the Principality of Monaco, located on Azure coast. This country is associated with France. Despite its miniature size, Monaco has its own Olympic team, led by a prince. The main source of income in this state is gambling and tourism. The area of Monaco is 2.02 square kilometers.

Nauru
This state covers an area of 21 square kilometer and is located in Oceania, on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on the planet and the tiniest island nation. The lack of an official capital is another distinguishing feature this country.

Tuvalu
This is a state in the Pacific Ocean, which is located on five atolls and four islands. Its area is 26 square kilometers. Tuvalu receives its main income from growing coconuts and catching fish. In addition, she is paid a million dollars every quarter by many television companies in the world in exchange for the right to use the .tv domain zone. Despite this, Tuvalu is among the ten poorest countries in the world.

San Marino
One of the oldest republics in Europe covers an area of 61 square kilometers. The main income of the state is the issuance of postage stamps and tourism. On all sides, San Marino is surrounded by the territory of Italy.

Liechtenstein
This state is associated with Switzerland and has an area of 160 square kilometers. It also generates income from postage stamps and tourism. Its picturesque alpine landscapes attract many tourists.

Marshall Islands
This Pacific state is associated with the United States and is located on 5 islands and 29 atolls. The total is 181 square kilometers. Income in the budget of this state comes from tourism, export of coconuts and fishing.

Cook Islands
This state is self-governing and is in free with New Zealand. The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean and cover an area of 236 square kilometers.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
This country, located in the east of the Caribbean Sea, consists of two islands - Nevis and St. Kitts. The total area of the state is 261 square kilometers. It is the smallest country in Latin America.

Ten smallest countries in the world by population

Vatican
The smallest state in terms of the number of inhabitants. Its population is only 840 people.

Niue
Approximately 1,400 people live in Niue.

Nauru
The population of Nauru is 9320 people.

Tuvalu
The population of Tuvalu is slightly over 10,000 people.

Order of Malta
On the fifth line is the Order of Malta. Its population is 12500 inhabitants.

Cook Islands
19,600 people live in this archipelago.

Palau
This island nation in the waters of the Pacific Ocean is home to 20,850 inhabitants.

San Marino
The population of 32,100 people allowed San Marino to take the eighth line in the ranking.

Liechtenstein
In this European country 35900 people live.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
The first ten small countries in terms of the number of inhabitants closes the Latin American state with a population of 50,000 inhabitants.

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 them, 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: - the 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 smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

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

2nd place: located inside 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 license plates, 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 South America- Suriname (area 163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population

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

10th place: Saint Kitts and Nevis(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 is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the USA. It consists of 328 islands with a total area of 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 continent 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