The smallest country in the world in terms of population. The smallest country in terms of population. Saint Helena

An equally important indicator is population density. This value represents the number of inhabitants per 1 sq. km. km. The calculation of the population density of each country in the world is made with the exception of uninhabited territories, as well as minus vast expanses of water. In addition to the general population density, its individual indicators can be used, both for rural and urban residents.

Given the above facts, it should be borne in mind that the population of the globe distributed unevenly. The average density of each country differs quite significantly from each other. In addition, within the states themselves there are many deserted territories, or densely populated cities, in which one square. km may account for several hundred people.

The most densely populated areas of the South and East Asia, as well as the countries of Western Europe, while in the Arctic, in deserts, tropics and highlands it is not at all dense. absolutely independent of their population density. Exploring the uneven distribution of the population, it is advisable to highlight the following statistics: 7% of the globe occupies 70% of the total number of people on the planet.

Wherein eastern part occupies 80% of the world's population.


The main criterion that acts as an indicator of the distribution of people is population density. The average value of this indicator for this moment equals 40 million people per sq. km. km. This indicator can vary and is directly dependent on the location of the area. In some areas, its value may be 2 thousand people per square meter. km, and on others - 1 person per sq. km.

It is advisable to single out countries with the lowest population density:

  • Australia;
  • Namibia;
  • Libya;
  • Mongolia;

Greenland is one of the countries with the lowest population density

As well as countries with low density:

  • Belgium;
  • Great Britain;
  • Korea;
  • Lebanon;
  • Netherlands;
  • El Salvador and a number of other countries.

There are countries with medium density population, among them are:

  • Iraq;
  • Malaysia;
  • Tunisia;
  • Mexico;
  • Morocco;
  • Ireland.

In addition, there are areas on the globe that are classified as territories unsuitable for life.

As a rule, they represent an area with extreme conditions. These lands account for approximately 15% of all land.

As for Russia, it belongs to the category of low-populated states, despite the fact that its territory is quite large. The average population density in Russia is 1 person per 1 sq. km. km.

It is worth noting that the world is constantly undergoing changes, in which there is a decrease in either the birth rate or the death rate. This state of affairs indicates that the density and size of the population will soon be kept at about the same level.

The largest and smallest countries by area and population

most big country The world's largest population is China.

The number of people currently in the state is 1.349 billion people.

Next comes India with a population of 1.22 billion, followed by the United States of America with 316.6 million people. Next location in terms of numbers belongs to Indonesia: today 251.1 million citizens live in the country.

Next comes Brazil with a population of 201 million, then Pakistan with 193.2 million citizens, Nigeria with 174.5 million, and Bangladesh with 163.6 million citizens. Then Russia, with a population of 146 million people, and finally Japan, whose population is 127.2 million.


For a more detailed understanding of the issue, it is advisable to study the statistics regarding the smallest countries in the world in terms of population. In this scenario, it will suffice to consider the gradation of several independent states, which also include associated countries. The number of people in countries, in descending order, is as follows:
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis with a population of 49,898 people;
  • Liechtenstein, with a population of 35 thousand 870 people;
  • San Marino, the number of citizens of the country is 35 thousand 75 people;
  • Palau, a state belonging to the association of the United States of America, with a population of 20,842;
  • with a population of 19 thousand 569 people;
  • Order of Malta, which consists of 19 thousand 569 people;
  • Tuvalu with a population of 10,544 people;
  • Nauru - the population of the country is 9 thousand 322 people;
  • Niue is an island with a population of 1,398 people.

The smallest country in terms of population is considered to be the Vatican.

At the moment, only 836 people live in the country.

Table of population of all countries of the world

The world population table looks like this.

No. p / pCountriesPopulation
1. 1 343 238 909
2. India1 205 073 400
3. USA313 847 420
4. Indonesia248 700 000
5. Brazil199 322 300
6. Pakistan189 300 000
7. Nigeria170 124 640
8. Bangladesh161 079 600
9. Russia142 500 770
10. Japan127 122 000
11. 115 075 406
12. Philippines102 999 802
13. Vietnam91 189 778
14. Ethiopia91 400 558
15. Egypt83 700 000
16. Germany81 299 001
17. Türkiye79 698 090
18. Iran78 980 090
19. Congo74 000 000
18. Thailand66 987 101
19. France65 805 000
20. Great Britain63 097 789
21. Italy61 250 001
22. Myanmar61 215 988
23. Korea48 859 895
24. South Africa48 859 877
25. Spain47 037 898
26. Tanzania46 911 998
27. Colombia45 240 000
28. Ukraine44 849 987
29. Kenya43 009 875
30. Argentina42 149 898
31. Poland38 414 897
32. Algeria37 369 189
33. Canada34 298 188
34. Sudan34 198 987
35. Uganda33 639 974
36. Morocco32 299 279
37. Iraq31 130 115
38. Afghanistan30 420 899
39. Nepal29 889 898
40. Peru29 548 849
41. Malaysia29 178 878
42. Uzbekistan28 393 997
43. Venezuela28 048 000
44. Saudi Arabia26 529 957
45. Yemen24 771 797
46. Ghana24 651 978
47. North Korea24 590 000
48. Mozambique23 509 989
49. Taiwan23 234 897
50. Syria22 530 578
51. Australia22 015 497
52. Madagascar22 004 989
53. Ivory Coast21 952 188
54. Romania21 850 000
55. Sri Lanka21 479 987
56. Cameroon20 128 987
57. Angola18 056 069
58. Kazakhstan17 519 897
59. Burkina Faso17 274 987
60. Chile17 068 100
61. Netherlands16 729 987
62. Niger16 339 898
63. Malawi16 319 887
64. Mali15 495 021
65. Ecuador15 219 899
66. Cambodia14 961 000
67. Guatemala14 100 000
68. Zambia13 815 898
69. Senegal12 970 100
70. Zimbabwe12 618 979
71. Rwanda11 688 988
72. Cuba11 075 199
73. Chad10 974 850
74. Guinea10 884 898
75. Portugal10 782 399
76. Greece10 759 978
77. Tunisia10 732 890
78. South Sudan10 630 100
79. Burundi10 548 879
80. Belgium10 438 400
81. Bolivia10 289 007
82. Czech10 178 100
83. Dominican Republic10 087 997
84. Somalia10 084 949
85. Hungary9 949 879
86. Haiti9 801 597
87. Belarus9 642 987
88. Benin9 597 998
87. Azerbaijan9 494 100
88. Sweden9 101 988
89. Honduras8 295 689
90. Austria8 220 011
91. Switzerland7 920 998
92. Tajikistan7 768 378
93. Israel7 590 749
94. Serbia7 275 985
95. Hong Kong7 152 819
96. Bulgaria7 036 899
97. Togo6 961 050
98. Laos6 585 987
99. Paraguay6 541 589
100. Jordan6 508 890
101. Papua New Guinea6 310 090
102. 6 090 599
103. Eritrea6 085 999
104. Nicaragua5 730 000
105. Libya5 613 379
106. Denmark5 543 399
107. Kyrgyzstan5 496 699
108. Sierra Leone5 485 988
109. Slovakia5 480 998
110. Singapore5 354 397
111. UAE5 314 400
112. Finland5 259 998
113. Central African Republic5 056 998
114. Turkmenistan5 054 819
115. Ireland4 722 019
116. Norway4 707 300
117. Costa Rica4 634 899
118. Georgia456999
119. Croatia4 480 039
120. Congo4 365 987
121. New Zealand 4 328 000
122. Lebanon4 140 279
123. Liberia3 887 890
124. Bosnia and Herzegovina3 879 289
125. Puerto Rico3 690 919
126. Moldova3 656 900
127. Lithuania3 525 699
128. Panama3 510 100
129. Mauritania3 359 099
130. Uruguay3 316 330
131. Mongolia3 179 917
132. Oman3 090 050
133. Albania3 002 497
134. Armenia2 957 500
135. Jamaica2 888 997
136. Kuwait2 650 002
137. West Bank2 619 987
138. Latvia2 200 580
139. Namibia2 159 928
140. Botswana2 100 020
141. Macedonia2 079 898
142. Slovenia1 997 000
143. Qatar1 950 987
144. Lesotho1 929 500
145. Gambia1 841 000
146. Kosovo1 838 320
147. Gaza Strip1 700 989
148. Guinea-Bissau1 630 001
149. Gabon1 607 979
150. Swaziland1 387 001
151. Mauritius1 312 100
152. Estonia1 274 020
153. Bahrain1 250 010
154. East Timor1 226 400
155. Cyprus1 130 010
156. Fiji889 557
157. Djibouti774 400
158. Guyana740 998
159. Comoros737 300
160. Butane716 879
161. Equatorial Guinea685 988
162. Montenegro657 410
163. Solomon islands583 699
164. Macau577 997
165. Suriname560 129
166. Cape Verde523 570
167. West Sahara522 989
168. Luxembourg509 100
169. Malta409 798
170. Brunei408 775
171. Maldives394 398
172. Belize327 720
173. Bahamas316 179
174. Iceland313 201
175. Barbados287 729
176. French polynesia274 498
177. New Caledonia260 159
178. Vanuatu256 166
179. Samoa194 319
180. Sao Tome and Principe183 169
181. Saint Lucia162 200
182. Guam159 897
183. Netherlands Antilles145 828
184. Grenada109 001
185. Aruba107 624
186. micronesia106 500
187. Tonga106 200
188. US Virgin Islands105 269
189. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines103 499
190. Kiribati101 988
191. Jersey94 950
192. Seychelles90 018
193. Antigua and Barbuda89 020
194. Isle Of Man85 419
195. Andorra85 100
196. Dominica73 130
197. Bermuda69 079
198. Marshall Islands68 500
199. guernsey65 338
200. 57 700
201. American Samoa54 950
202. Cayman islands52 558
203. Northern Mariana Islands51 400
204. Saint Kitts and Nevis50 690
205. Faroe islands49 590
206. Turks and Caicos46 320
207. Sint Maarten (Netherlands)39 100
208. Liechtenstein36 690
209. San Marino32 200
210. British Virgin Islands31 100
211. France30 910
212. Monaco30 498
213. Gibraltar29 048
214. Palau21 041
215. Dhekelia and Akroity15 699
216. Wallis and Futuna15 420
217. England15 390
218. Cook Islands10 800
219. Tuvalu10 598
220. Nauru9 400
221. Saint Helena7 730
222. Saint Barthelemy7 329
223. Montserrat5 158
224. Falkland (Malvinas) Islands3 139
225. Norfolk Island2 200
226. Svalbard1 969
227. Christmas Island1 487
228. Tokelau1 370
229. Niue1 271
230. 840
231. coconut islands589
232. Pitcairn Islands47

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 part 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 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 coast mediterranean sea. 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 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 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. 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 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

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 large country - more than 400 thousand people live here on such an 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 caribbean and has the title of small state 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 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 an 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.

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: Saint Kitts and Nevis

A state in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of ​​the country is 261 km². Population - 55214 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

5th place: Tuvalu

Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 116 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: Nauru

The state on the coral island of the same name in the western part of the Pacific Ocean with an area of ​​​​21 km². Population - 10478 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.

The smallest state in Europe and the whole world is the Order of Malta (not to be confused with the state of Malta))

full name "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 is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).

The smallest country in North America is 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: Saint Kitts and Nevis. Population - 55214 people.

9th place: Liechtenstein. Population - 37540 people.

8th place: San Marino. Population - 32 455 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. Population - 13340 people.

5th place: Order of Malta. The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.

4th place: Nauru. Population - 10478 people.

3rd place: Tuvalu. Population - 10 116 people.

2nd place: Niue - 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, population - 1,398 people.

The smallest country in the world in terms of population is the Vatican. Population - 842 people.

10

  • Square: 181 km 2
  • Population: 53,158 people
  • Density: 293.7 people/km2
  • Motto:"Achievement through common effort, marshall"
  • Form of government: Republic
  • Capital: Majuro

The Micronesian state of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after the British captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow captain Thomas Gilbert, are named after neighboring islands Gilbert, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of ​​the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km 2, while the area of ​​​​the territory occupied by lagoons is 11,673 km 2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from the Marshallese language "sunset") and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from the Marshallese language "sunrise"). Both chains are about 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for about 1200 km. The most important islands are the atolls of Kwajalein and Majuro. largest island Republic Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, is also an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

9


  • Square: 3900 km 2
  • Population: 51,547 people
  • Density: 13.73 people/km2
  • Form of government: presidential republic
  • Capital: Tskhinvali

Partially recognized state in Transcaucasia. Has no access to the sea. The issue of the international legal status of South Ossetia is controversial: the independence of the republic is recognized by four UN member states (Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru), partially recognized by Abkhazia and the unrecognized TMR, NKR, DPR and LPR.

More than 89.3% of the territory of South Ossetia is located at an altitude of 1000 meters or more above sea level. The relief is mountainous.

The highest point of the republic is Mount Halaca, 3938 m.

In the republic, only two settlements have the status of a city - Tskhinval and Kvaisa. Three settlements have the status of urban-type settlements - Dzau, Znaur and Leningor. Other settlements have the status of villages.

8


  • Square: 261 km 2
  • Population: 51,538 people
  • Density: 164 people/km2
  • Motto:"The state is above personal interests"
  • Form of government: parliamentary monarchy
  • Capital: Buster

Island nation in the Caribbean. Includes 2 islands - St. Christopher, aka St. Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis (Nevis), from the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. Both islands have volcanic origin, mountainous. Total length coastline- 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

The two traditional sectors of the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis are agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugarcane (a third of cultivated land). Cotton, coconut palm, pineapples are grown on the island of Nevis. The coffee tree, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Animal husbandry is developed - goats and sheep are bred. Fishing is also a traditional occupation. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.

7


  • Square: 160 km 2
  • Population: 37,313 people
  • Density: person/km 2
  • Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
  • Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
  • Capital: Vaduz

Principality of Liechtenstein - dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders on Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the most high point- Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the largest rivers Western Europe- Rein.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the landtag (parliament), executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the landtag for its term of office and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks Alemannic German.

This beautiful Dreamland, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Picturesque natural landscapes, gorgeous medieval architecture and, of course, fashionable ski resort famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its "pearl" is the capital Vaduz. It is here that most of the sights of the country are concentrated. calling card not only the city, but the whole state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. Beautiful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

6


  • Square: 61 km 2
  • Population: 32,742 people
  • Density: 520 people/km2
  • Motto:"Freedom"
  • Form of government: parliamentary republic
  • Capital:

San Marino is 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 country is located on the southwestern slope of the three-headed mountain range Monte Titano (738 m above sea level), rising above the hilly plain of the foothills of the Apennines.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), the stonemason Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Mount Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, he built himself a small cell on its top and retired from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, St. Marin, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, not politically dependent on any of the neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Great General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy, up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry on the territory of the state annually, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

5


  • Square: 2.02 km2
  • Population: 30,508 people
  • Density: 18 679 people/km2
  • Motto:"God willing"
  • Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
  • Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur 20 km northeast of Nice; on land borders with France. 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 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco held here. The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length land borders- 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the X century BC. e., they were the Phoenicians. Much later, the Greeks and Monoiki joined.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Republic of Genoa on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

According to 2014 data, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of ​​the old city.

The economy of Monaco is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as through the media covering the life of the princely family.

4


  • Square: 458 km 2
  • Population: 21,186 people
  • Density: 43 people/km2
  • Form of government: presidential republic
  • Capital: Ngerulmudya

An island state associated with the United States in the Philippine Sea of ​​the Pacific Ocean, located 800 km east of the Philippines and north of Indonesia.

Consists of 328 islands with a total area of ​​458 km 2, belongs to Micronesia. The Palau archipelago is West Side Caroline Islands. It consists of many small atolls, formed on the peaks underwater volcanoes. The climate is tropical, the rainy season is from May to November.

Palau is a republic. The head of state and government is the president, elected by the population for a 4-year term (re-election for a second consecutive term is acceptable).

Parliament - bicameral State Congress, consists of the Senate (9 members elected by the population for 4 years) and the House of Delegates (16 members elected by the population for 4 years).

There are no political parties, just like there are no armed forces.

Palau's economy is based on tourism (85,000 tourists in 2007), fishing, and arts and crafts. In agriculture, coconut palm and tapioca are cultivated. Export goods - shellfish, fish, copra. Currency unit- U.S. dollar.

3


  • Square: 26 km 2
  • Population: 10,782 people
  • Density: 431.00 people/km2
  • Motto:"Tuvalu - for Almighty God"
  • Form of government: monarchy
  • Capital: funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000 people. Airplanes from Fiji arrive here 2 times a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a purposeful resettlement local residents to other states such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific state is located in Polynesia and until 1975 was called the Ellis Islands. Modern name translated from the Tuvalu language means "eight standing together" (meaning eight traditionally inhabited islands Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was settled relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 it received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used for almost the entire colonial era.

Tuvalu is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. The land area of ​​Tuvalu is only 26 km 2, while the area of ​​​​the territory occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll / reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km .

A significant part of the population of Tuvalu lives in the capital and the only city of the country, Funafuti - 47%.

2


  • Square: 21 km 2
  • Population: 9 488 people
  • Density: 473.43 people/km2
  • Motto:"God's will comes first"
  • Form of government: parliamentary republic
  • Capital: official capital No; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is not exactly known. As now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital and cities on the island. The President's residence is located in Meneng District, while government offices and Parliament are located in Yaren District. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

1


  • Square: 0.44 km2
  • Population: 842 people
  • Density: 1900 people/km2
  • Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
  • Capital:

And, of course, the title of the smallest state in the world belongs to the Vatican. The Vatican is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) inside the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The status of the Vatican international law- auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the residence of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Foreign diplomatic missions are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City State. Foreign embassies and representations accredited to the Holy See, in view of the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the embassy of Italy, which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (Latin ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the advent of Christianity, a basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and since then this place has been inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The Sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands absolute legislative, executive and judicial power is concentrated, is the Pope, who is elected by the cardinals for life. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camerlengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. Sources of income - primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Part of the funds is tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, fees for visiting museums). Most of the workforce (museum attendants, gardeners, janitors, and so on) are Italian citizens.

The budget of the Vatican is 310 million US dollars.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute of Religious Affairs.