The lowest in the city. Hum is the smallest city in the world

small towns are distinguished by their own atmosphere, no matter in which part of the world they are located. They are very original and each of them is unique in its own way. Fairs are often held in small towns, where farmers come with their goods. Of course, you can argue that there are also squares where you can buy products from farmers, but it's hard to breathe in New York!.

Even in tiny towns, especially European ones, there are many coffee shops and restaurants where you can sit with friends for hours, there is some kind of architectural feature or an unusual natural attraction nearby.

Some small towns arose on their own, as it happened historically, while others were built only for tourists, but not in vain in this place! Now I will talk about those small towns in Europe, Asia and America that I saw myself. And I will also list my favorite tiny towns in Russia.

Believe it or not, there are many small towns in the USA that are so cute and lovely that you want to stay there to live. And many people move to these small towns or try to buy real estate there in order to live there in the right season and escape from big cities, such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, which seem unusual to us tourists, and for which we go in USA.

By the way, there are quite a few such towns along the way or as part of the aircraft itself, for example Malibu or. Another feature of small towns in the United States is their diverse flavor in terms of nationality. The United States is a country of emigrants, and therefore there are German towns, Scandinavian, Italian, in general, like the quarters of New York, only entire cities. So, to see these tiny miracles, you will have to go on a trip to America.

It is better to relax in the USA in small towns close to nature or go to

Let's start with small towns in the USA:

• Location: in the province of Mae Hong Son, 130 km from Thailand
• On the map:
• How to get there: by car, motorbike, bus, plane

Share is the capital of northern Thai artists. Otherwise, you can't say. From all over Thailand, artists, musicians, yoga teachers, culinary specialists and lovers of a creative look at life came here. Pai has been transformed from a village in the green valley of the Pai River into an art object.

• Location: in the province of Uva, 200 km from Colombo and 140 km from
• On the map:
• How to get there: by bus or rented motorbike or car

Like more famous city(tea capital of Ceylon) Ella- also a place of cultivation and collection of tea in Sri Lanka. And this city became famous thanks to picturesque rock, similar to the back of an elephant and which rises above the city and is called. Opposite Ella Rock stands, and between them - Ella's abyss - Ella Gap, and right along this lowland the road goes to Big world. These are the landscape features of this tiny village that singled it out among hundreds of the same ones and made it a cult one. In addition, there is a railway station in Ella, where everyone who dares to travel, admiring the unearthly landscapes of Ceylon, comes.

• Location: in the province of Nan, 320 km from Chiang Mai and 220 km from Thailand
• On the map:
• How to get there: by bus or carmotorbike

City of Nan is a true hidden treasure of Thailand. It is located almost on the border with Laos, away from noisy roads. But before Nan was at the crossroads trade routes, and in appearance and there were evidence of a mixture of various architectural styles. And its temples, like, are famous for the unique painting (murals) of the Tai Lu people, which are not found anywhere else in the world! Isn't this a reason to come to Nan and catch at least a piece of old Thailand?

Inside Wat Pumin temple unique temple city ​​of Nan

View of Pakse from Pu Salao hill, where the Big Buddha looks at the city

18. (Bagan)

• Location: 180 km from Mandalay and 630 km from
• On the map:
• How to get there: by plane or bus

Bagan- this is just an example of a tourist town that exists solely thanks to a nearby world-famous attraction, and in itself is of little value: restaurants, hotels and markets. But not everything is so simple. Although most of it lies in the sands on the bend of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the main pagodas, like Ananda Temple or Shwezigon, are active Buddhist temples which are open to all pilgrims, including locals. But tourists come to Bagan for history: to see with their own eyes 2200 pagodas ancient kingdom Bagan and fly on hot-air balloon on . Both are very impressive!

19. (Safe)

• Location: 170 km from Tel Aviv in Israel
• On the map:
• How to get there: by bus or by car

Safed- This beautiful town XVII century, which was built by the followers of Kabbalah who returned from Spain. Therefore, Safed is a very spiritual city. Its inhabitants observe strict rules of life: they wear clothes of past centuries and strictly respect the laws. Among other things, all doors, windows and other elements of buildings and structures in Safed are painted blue, and for this the city is called the Blue City. It looks very nice. And I especially liked that the city grew up among beautiful green hills and is simply immersed in greenery. And its streets are narrow, like in Europe, and paved with stone. Safed also has an artists' quarter. So the city is not only spiritual, but also creative. And somehow it fits together and gets along very well.

The top 10 included smallest cities in Russia both in terms of area and population. Despite their small size, they have something to be proud of, because each of them has its own remarkable history, its sights and outstanding people for whom our great power is famous.

Population 6,506

(Belgorod region) opens the top ten smallest Russian towns. On the territory of 10 sq. km. 6506 citizens live. The date of foundation is considered to be 1678. Local attractions include the male and female gymnasiums, which are buildings of the late 19th century, St. Nicholas Church of 1865, mansions made in the Art Nouveau style, etc. Among the prominent people who were born and lived here, one can single out the famous Russian engineer V. G. Shukhov, in whose honor the street, the school and the adjoining museum are named. It is noteworthy that a scientist from a small settlement became the author of the world's first hyperboloid structures.

Population 5,648

In ninth place among the smallest cities in Russia is (Kursk region). 5648 people live on the territory of the Kursk town, and its area is only 4.24 square meters. km. Suja was founded in 1664. It borders on the state of Ukraine. Main historical sites here are the Trinity Church, erected in 1812, the Church of the Virgin, the Nativity Church, etc. The main attraction is the park, named after the Russian actor M.S. Shchepkin.

Population 5,841

(Republic of Ingushetia) is one of the smallest Russian cities. It is considered the capital of the Republic of Ingushetia. On the territory of 12 sq. km. 5 841 people live. The capital is one of the youngest cities in the state of the Russian Federation. The date of foundation is 1994. Here are the Ingush Research Institute for the Humanities. Chakha Akhrieva, Ingush State University and the gymnasium "Marem". One of the main attractions of Magas is the hundred-meter Tower of Concord, built in 2013.

Population 4,700 people

One of the northernmost cities in Russia (Chukotka autonomous region) is also included in the list of the smallest. On the territory of 60 sq. km. there are about 4700 souls of the population. The city was founded in 1933. Mineral deposits, in particular gold, were discovered here. At the moment, gold mining enterprises, a meat and dairy plant and other organizations operate here. The airport is located 15 km from Pevek. Located nearby and sea ​​port. Here it is quite developed and social infrastructure. The city has various entertainment centers, houses of culture, libraries, museums, schools, sections and much more. A Russian actor, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Mezentsev A. V. was born in Pevek.

Population 1,984

(Ivanovo region) is one of the smallest cities in Russia with a population of 1984 people. The exact date of foundation of the settlement is unknown. Its history dates back to 1238 during the invasion of Batu Khan. On the territory of Plyos there are three state museums: House-museum of the artist Isaac Levitan, Landscape Museum, "Artistic crafts of the Ivanovo region." Among architectural buildings local churches are worthy of attention, in particular, the Assumption Cathedral, built in 1699. For visitors to the city there are hotels made in the style of the 19th century. The province has an agricultural college, a comprehensive school, music and sports educational establishments. A children's tourist base operates on the territory of the province.

Population 1,777

(Krasnoyarsk region) is one of the five most sparsely populated Russian cities. About 1777 people live here. The date of foundation of the residential area is considered to be 1700. Former name - Olkhovka. In 1939, it was renamed Artyomovsk in honor of the revolutionary known as Artyom (Fyodor Sergeev). The main types of fishing are forestry, mining. Alpine skier Artyomenko A.I., a participant in the 7th Winter Olympic Games, was born and lived here.

Population 1,670

(Sakhalin region) with a population of 1670 citizens takes the fourth line in the list of the smallest cities in Russia. It is one of the smallest settlements on Kuril Islands. For some time it belonged to Japan, but then again went to Russian possessions. One of the main attractions of Kurilsk is a local Museum of Local Lore. On the territory of the city there are seismic and meteorological stations that warn of natural disasters. The main industry in which residents work is fishing, fish farming and fish processing. Not far from Kurilsk there is a seaport.

Population 1,150 people

The top three smallest Russian towns opens ( Leningrad region). It was founded back in 1710 by Peter the Great. The population here is 1150 people. In Vysotsk there is a naval base, as well as oil and coal terminals. For 15 years, the Soviet director Stanislav Rostotsky lived in the province. The only educational institution in Vysotsk is named after the director.

Population 1,125

(Republic of Yakutia) ranks second in the ranking of the smallest cities in Russia. To date, the number of people living here is 1125 citizens. The founder of the settlement is the Cossack Posnik Ivanov, who noticed this corner in 1638. It is considered one of the coldest Russian cities, which is why it is often called the Pole of Cold of the northern hemisphere. Primary activity local population focused on agriculture. The inhabitants are engaged in cattle breeding, horse breeding and reindeer breeding. The attraction of Verkhoyansk is the museum "Pole of Cold".

Population 964 people

(Tula region), referred to as Likhvin until the 40s of the last century, tops the list of the most Small town ov Russia. The population of Chekalin is only 964 people. At the beginning of the 20th century, the former Likhvin was considered one of the most developed provinces. Her buildings include about 300 one-story dwellings and more than 100 two-story houses. Many of the buildings date back to before 1917. At the same time, 70% of the housing stock cannot be used. There are only three Soviet-era apartment buildings here. Of the sights of the town, one can single out the merchant's mansions of the 19th century, which have survived to this day. Local authorities in the recent past, they intended to lower the status of Chekalin to the village, but this caused a violent protest of the inhabitants.

The best is not always the greatest. The smallest cities in the world in terms of area and population are distinguished by a special culture and often have a rather interesting history.

Small towns are always in the shadow of multi-million giants. This is undeserved, because people are obliged to know their history, and also remember that there are quite a few places in the world where peace reigns. Sometimes it is useful to visit such places in order to understand how calm and measured life can be.

Rochefourches, France

Jean-Baptiste de Martigny has been living alone in this city for many years. The city was founded back in 1806. Then the population was 220 people. It gradually decreased until in 1999 only Jean-Baptiste remained there. The status of the settlement is a commune. This is an analogue of the city, so Rochefourches can be considered a full-fledged city that has not been lucky with popularity.

Cass, New Zealand

It's a city at the end of the world, because New Zealand located far away from all other countries. There lives a man named Barry Drummond. On south island there are countries railroad station, which is a city. It is called Cass and there is nothing remarkable about it, but this place has become very famous not only in New Zealand, but throughout the world. Only one train with tourists passes through the station.

A hundred years ago, a little less than a thousand people lived in the city. Now Barry lives here alone, and for more than 25 years. He likes to receive tourists who often come to the city. Moreover, there are settlements nearby, which are not far away. The man says he is happy.

Buford, USA

Only one person lives in this city. It is located in the USA, in the state of Wyoming. The only resident of this city is its mayor, which allows us to consider Buford a truly full-fledged city with only one resident. His name, by the way, is Don Semmons. In 2009, his son left the city, leaving his father alone. Now it is, to put it mildly, quiet here, but in the 19th century this city flourished and had more than 2,000 people. In 2012, the entire city was bought by a Vietnamese businessman for just under a million dollars.

The smallest city in Russia

This status has a city called Chekalin, which was born in the distant 16th century. At one time it was called Likhvin. Now a little over 1000 people live in it. It is located in the Tula region.

The city is named after the pioneer Alexander Chekalin, who during the Great Patriotic War was killed by the Nazis for not telling about the location of the partisans. This small town is imbued with a spirit of pride and perseverance, because people were able to defend this title when the authorities wanted to demote Chekalin "in rank" to the village.

There are many in the world beautiful cities, whose population or area is comparable to a small street. Sometimes their beauty is mesmerizing. There are also countries in which settlements with a population of 400 people receive city status. We are talking about Greenland, in which only about 60,000 people live. Given the climate, it is understandable why there is not much desire to move there.

Wait and don't forget to press and

Surely, many users are often interested in a variety of facts of the world. Not only the most big cities in the world, but also small ones who have a small number citizens. Some cities are only two hundred miles away in the states. Today you can get acquainted with the rating smallest cities and states in the world.

10 Barbados

Barbados has total area 213 square miles and general population today is about three hundred thousand people. The city of Barbados is located on caribbean island close to eastern Antilles. Tourists from all over the world regularly come to Barbados, because this is beautiful place for relax.

9. Antigua

Antigua has a total area of ​​two hundred square miles, and a total population of only two hundred thousand people. This city is recognized as independent, and it received its freedom thanks to Great Britain. Since 1981, Antigua has connected the three most big islands in our world and only border lines separate them. ninth among smallest cities in the world.

8. Andorra

The total area of ​​Andorra is one hundred and eighty square miles. This city is under the control of the President of France. The city has a little less than 200 thousand inhabitants and only about twenty thousand inhabitants work in various industries that are associated with government organizations France, and accordingly it can be revealed that salaries there are very high.

7. Vatican

The Vatican is a very small city, and its area is about one hundred and fifty square miles per one hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants. Mountains surround the city, as well as green miles, which are considered unique and breathtaking for tourists.

6. Maldives

According to experts, the area Maldives equals one hundred and forty square kilometers, and the approximate population of one hundred thousand inhabitants. Surely many people know that this island is located in Indian Ocean and here the inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture.

5. Malta

Malta is a tiny city that has a total area of ​​130 square miles, this area she got thanks to british war which took place in 1979. According to experts, fifty thousand people live in Malta. Despite its size, this city is very beautiful, and every tourist wants to visit it at least once.

4. Monaco

According to experts, it occupies one hundred and twenty square miles, and the population there is only 35 thousand people. This city is under the control of Greece, and in order to maintain an atmosphere of harmony, the government imposes its own rules and regulations for all citizens who live and earn differently.

3. Nauru

There are thirty thousand inhabitants in a state of one hundred square miles. The city of Nauru is considered to be one of the smallest cities in the world. Of course, the population is gradually increasing, as new people come to the city and stay there to live. This city gained its independence back in 198 and relies only on its natural resources.

2. Tuvalu

It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique cities of its kind in the world. Tuvalu has an area of ​​fifty thousand square miles and thirty thousand inhabitants. This city is located in Ellis Island, and the environment surrounding this city is amazing. Most of The population of Tuvalu is engaged in fishing.

1. San Marino

The smallest city in the world. It is equal to twenty-five square miles, and the population is only twenty-five thousand. This city is located very close to the central part of Italy. This city, according to experts, still remains the most ancient and mysterious. Around San Marino are green lands, gardens, as well as unique waterfalls. A large number of tourists regularly come to this city, because this place can be called not only beautiful, but also calm.

The number of cities on the planet is measured in hundreds of thousands, and each reflects, to one degree or another, the way of life of their country. Everyone knows multimillion-dollar megacities with a strong economy and infrastructure, but there are much more tiny towns with one street and a few inhabitants. Perhaps each of the smallest cities in the world carries much more national flavor than a metropolis.

1. Buford (USA, Wyoming)

Of all the inhabited cities in the world, Buford is extremely small - a single person lives there. The Sammons family settled in Buford in the 1980s. Then the son moved and the wife died. Trying to avoid loneliness, the owner put his property up for sale. It was purchased for $900,000 by two Vietnamese. They were attracted by a local attraction - a store once robbed by Butch Cassidy, who became a character in many criminal legends.

2. Hum (Croatia)

At one time, this picturesque town was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest on the planet. This Croatian walled city is home to 18 people. There are 2 small streets with 13 houses, a 12th-century Romanesque church and another 200-year-old parish church. This architectural appearance Huma has changed little in the last thousand years. Is that added more modern shop and restaurant. The city became something like this back in the 11th century, when instead of a ruined fortress, several houses were built here, which managed to “hold out” to this day. During its heyday, Hum grew to 300 people. Now there are legends about its origin, broadcasting that it was laid by the giants.
The residents elect their mayor by voting in a procedure called "fool's election" because none of them are really eager to hold the office. The mayor is a nominal figure here, mainly for official events. The city has its own fireman, doctor, policeman, and city events are covered on the city's website.

Anyone locality from a gigantic metropolis to a tiny village, there is a name and a story associated with it. Many of them are named after...

3. Rabstein nad Strshelou (Czech Republic)

The tiny town of Rabstein appeared in Bohemia in 1337. Its name translates as "crow stone", and its very origin is shrouded in mystical legends.
On the only street of Rabstein, 12 or 15 people live in houses on the banks of the pretty river Strshela. The city has medieval castle, a dilapidated palace and some other ruins. Gothic castle The 14th century contrasts with the bright baroque style of the 17th century Putingi Count's Palace and another renaissance castle, all of which have been restored and become excellent monuments, confirming ancient history Rabstein. The dilapidated remains of the walls of medieval buildings give the town a special flavor, they contrast with the dryish features of German architecture. On the outskirts of the town is an old cemetery.
Despite its small size (indeed, thanks to it), Rabshteyn became a tourist attraction, so its infrastructure was quickly adjusted to travel business. So, in the monastery of the 17th century, a luxurious hotel was set up, in which monastic cells turned into cozy rooms.

4. Melnik (Bulgaria)

The town of Melnik, with only 390 inhabitants, is the smallest in Bulgaria. They named it after the chalk cliffs located right in the line of this very picturesque town. The first mention of it dates back to the 11th century, and later Melnik became the center of a feudal principality. In memory of that period, the ruins of fortresses remained, which can now be seen within the town. From 1395 Melnik became part of Ottoman Empire which did not affect the development of the city in the best way. Only at the end of the 19th century did the situation change for the better, at the same time the inhabitants began to engage in winemaking and tobacco cultivation.
Melnik is a monument of the Middle Ages, it has preserved the authentic architecture of that distant era. The Boyar House, built in the 13th century in the Byzantine style, is the oldest in the city and one of the oldest in Bulgaria. Historical and cultural value also has a monastery of St. Nicholas of the XII century, as well as the Slavov fortress (XIII century), a beautiful church of St. apostles Peter and Paul, a monumental Roman bridge and a classical Turkish bath. Nature is also beautiful here: rocky landscapes, plane trees, plane trees give Melnik an original flavor and charm.

Every year the population major cities, which means that their territory continues to grow steadily. Therefore, you can compare cities not only by ...

5. Durbuy (Belgium)

The tiny Belgian town of Durbuy is located in the province of Luxembourg. There is very beautiful landscapes stretching along the picturesque banks of a small river. Now about 350 people live there, who cherish the memory of long history of his old city.
Durbuy has typical provincial architecture - monumental castles, the oldest of which appeared in 889, and cobbled streets everywhere. The urban settlement of Durbuy was known as early as the 11th century, but local governments and massive walls appeared only three hundred years later, in 1331 it acquired the status of a city.
The decoration of the city is beautiful castle Ursel family, who owns it. Its majestic beauty is emphasized by the walls of houses made of gray stone and the pavement, along which countless shoes shuffled. But the main attraction of Durbuy has become surprisingly beautiful park Topiary, which appeared here only a couple of decades ago. Boxwood bushes grow on it, which are turned into funny figures by gardeners.

6. Kallaste (Estonia)

The smallest Estonian town of Kallaste appeared in the 18th century, when the settlement was called the “Red Mountains”, because it was surrounded by hills of such a palette. But in 1938 it received the status of a city, and with it the current name, meaning "shore" - a hint of the picturesque coast Lake Peipus on which it is located. The city is located on 2 sq. km, and about 950 people (mostly Russians) inhabit it. Mostly locals They live by fishing, which feeds them and brings some income. In general, Kallaste is considered the poorest Estonian city. Well, how else can a handful of people who are still engaged in subsistence farming live?
Once this settlement was founded by the Old Believers. However, the current population also considers itself an Old Believer and carefully observes the traditions bequeathed by their ancestors. The original version of Christianity passed through the centuries, and in the local community they keep ancient traditions and ancient ancestral language.

Traveling around the world is very different. Someone goes on vacation, someone is in a hurry on an extraordinary business trip, and someone decides to immigrate from ...

7. Baile Tusnad (Romania)

About 1,700 people live on the territory of the smallest city in Romania, Baile Tusnad. It appeared in 1842, and is obliged to these local healing sources, the benefits of which were known as early as the 16th century. Gradually, a medical resort zone began to develop there, and scientists continued to study the sources. For this purpose, a balneological institute was established in Bail-Tushnad, followed by a hospital. Once upon a time, even the Austro-Hungarian emperor came here to improve his health. And now people who believe in healing power old sources and newly discovered thermal waters trying to get here.
The resort town is located in the south of the Chuk lowland, in a picturesque gorge mountain river Olt, sandwiched by two peaks. This original region was generously endowed by nature in many respects. When viewed from an elevated place, incredibly colorful landscapes open up to the eye. On one side you can see the mirror of Lake Chukash with crystal clean water, in the other, dilapidated ducks are visible, and then the distances are guessed protected areas in which what only animals and birds do not live. The town of Baile-Tushnad itself has managed to preserve its historical identity. special atmosphere old of Eastern Europe here they create a museum of ethnography with a very rich collection, a very monumental looking fortress of Miko, the monastery of St. Elijah the Prophet.

8. Lanurtyd Wells (England)

Only about 600 people live in this tiny English town. Its main attraction was artificial reservoir with luxurious emerald carpets of lawns and thickets of trees spread out on the banks. Lanurtyd Wells also became famous for its unique sports, because it regularly began to host the world championship in swamp triathlon and a very unusual marathon, in which, in addition to people, horses also participate. As for the lifestyle of Lanurtil Wells, it is typical for Britain here - very measured, filled with traditions, original culture and somewhat prim architecture.

Couples in love are always looking for the perfect place for themselves. There are quite a few cities in the world shrouded in romance. Which of them are the most romantic? ...

9. Chekalin (Russia)

Little Russian provincial town Chekalin also lacks thousands of inhabitants. Although it appeared in the distant XVI century, where there was a powerful fortress. At that time it was called Likhvin. In 1944, it was renamed in honor of the 16-year-old boy, the brave partisan Alexander Chekalin, who was executed by enemies and posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
The heroic town itself with a glorious past stands on the picturesque bank of the fast Russian river Oka, from here it is only about 100 kilometers to regional center- Tula. The road to Tula passes through the bridge, but when the Oka overflows its banks in the spring, it is flooded and for some time Chekalin remains cut off from the outside world.
In the architecture of Chekalin, antiquity reigns supreme, one-story private houses mentally transfer a traveler who accidentally came here to the fifties of the last century. Many of them have long been abandoned, and the streets here are deserted, which silently guard the monuments to the Bolshevik leaders that have been preserved here. There was once a prison here, but now it has been converted into a residential building. Only on main street town you can see two-story buildings. In fact, there is one worthwhile attraction here - a church built in the 19th century.

10. Ugnev (Ukraine)

Not far from the Polish-Ukrainian border in Lviv region there is a colorful miniature and ancient (founded in 1360) town of Ugnev. He got lost among picturesque forests, which are very overgrown beautiful shores small river Solokiya. A little more than 1,000 people live in Ugnev, which makes it practically unpromising in economic terms. Here he stands, as if plunged into a sleepy haze, and shows almost no signs of life. It is clear that there are no industrial enterprises here, and local residents can find work only in the local technical school, school, bank branch, hospital, and in a couple of shops.
Even in the architecture of Ugnev, its decline is visible - abandoned streets and dilapidated facades of houses. The Church of the Assumption looks more or less decent Holy Mother of God, built back in 1695 - it is, at least, now being restored. The atmosphere of this small Eastern European town seems to have absorbed the emotions from the events of its long history, which do not end in our time.