The largest and smallest country in the world. Size matters: the smallest countries in the world by area and population

Hearing the word "country" we immediately imagine massive territories with big amount of people. But there are countries in the world that are so small that cities in other countries are giants in comparison. The 10 smallest countries in the world have a total area of ​​1326.4 km² - less than the area of ​​the city of St. Petersburg, Russia (1439 km²).

List of 10 smallest countries by total land area

10. Malta - 316 km²

Malta - island country located in the Mediterranean. The Republic of Malta actually consists of three islands: Gozo, Comino and Malta, which is the largest of the three. Malta is 27 km long and 15 km wide. Gozo is half the size, while Comino is only 2 km long. In this small country It has over 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

9. Maldives - 300 km²

Popular tourist destination V Indian Ocean The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. The Maldives has over 1,192 coral islands spread over 90,000 sq. km, which makes it one of the most scattered countries in the world.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²

Saint Kitts and Nevis, these 2 islands in Caribbean were among the first to be captured by the Europeans. They occupy a total of 261 km², making Saint Kitts and Nevis the eighth largest country in the world, the smallest country in the Americas and the Western Hemisphere.

7. Marshall Islands - 181 km²

Marshall Islands, officially called the Republic Marshall Islands, is an island country located in pacific ocean, about halfway between the state of Hawaii and Japan.

6. Liechtenstein - 160 km²

Located between Switzerland and Austria, the miniature state of Liechtenstein is the richest in the world in terms of GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a bit tricky as there is no airport within its borders. Visitors must pass through Swiss Zurich Airport to reach this alpine country, which is still ruled by the monarch!

5. San Marino - 61 km²

San Marino is one of the smallest states in the world. Is in Southern Europe surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The name comes from the name of a Christian saint who, according to legend, founded the state.

4. Tuvalu - 26 km²

Formerly known as the Ellis Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean northeast of Australia. With a total of 26 square kilometers, Tuvalu makes it the fourth largest country in the world.

3. Nauru - 21 km²

Nauru is the smallest island country, the smallest republic, and the smallest country that is not a city-state.

The population of Nauru suffers greatly from obesity. According to the UN, Nauru ranks first in the world in terms of the number of people who are obese. In 2003, Nauru's adult prevalence of diabetes (30.2%) was the highest in the world. The causes of obesity in Nauru, as in other regions with a recent industrial past, are associated with the spread of cheap high-calorie foods, primarily canned meat. Nauru has a total of 21 sq. km, making it the third largest country in the world.

2. Monaco - 2.02 km²

The Principality of Monaco is home to millionaires and billionaires. It is also the second largest country in the world with only 2 square kilometers total area sushi. It is also the smallest country with coastline. The Principality is widely known for its casinos in Monte Carlo and the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco held here.

1. Vatican - 0.44 km²

The smallest country in the world by area is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. This country is completely within the territory of Rome and is the center of the Catholic Church.

It is also home to the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, which houses one of the most significant works of art of the Renaissance, Michelangelo's masterpiece, the marble Pieta. The income of the Vatican comes from the voluntary contributions of more than 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church worldwide. The rest of its economy comes from sales of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs, and museum entrance fees.

On June 7, 1929, the State of Vatican City was established in accordance with the Lateran Accords. You can learn about it and 9 other smallest countries in the world from our today's selection.

(Total 10 photos)

1. Maldives

island country Republic of Maldives located in the Indian Ocean and by area is the smallest Asian country. The area of ​​the country is 298 sq. km. with a population of 396 thousand. Two-thirds of the population lives in the country's capital, Male. Formerly country developed through the export of dried tuna, kauri clams and coconut ropes, now the main income comes from tourism.

2. Seychelles

Seychelles covers an area of ​​455 square kilometers, with a population of 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located north of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands were able to develop thanks to the export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. But since 1976, when the country gained independence, tourism has become the main source of income.

3. Liechtenstein

This state has no access to the sea. The area of ​​the country is 160.4 sq. kilometers. Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and Austria and is one of the richest states. There are more companies registered here than residents.

Nauru is located in the South Pacific Ocean in Micronesia. The area of ​​the state is 21.3 sq. kilometers. The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. They gained independence in 1968, but the island has been home to the natives for 3,000 years. To date, the population of the country is about 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.

5. Vatican

The Vatican is a closed city-state located in one of the districts of Rome and covers an area of ​​44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 and is run by the Pope. The Vatican boasts the most beautiful buildings in the world - The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral, the residence of the Pope - the Apostolic Palace, etc. In addition, half of the country's territory is occupied by the Vatican Gardens. Approximately 800 people are official citizens of the Vatican, and several thousand Italians travel here every day to work.

The second smallest country is Monaco. Over the past 20 years, due to the drying of the sea, the area of ​​​​the country has increased and now it occupies an area of ​​2.02 square meters. kilometers. Monaco is the second smallest monarchical state. The country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 30,000 inhabitants. The main source of income for the residents is tourism.

7. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

This dwarf state is located in the West Indies - between North and South America on islands Atlantic Ocean. The state is located on two islands with an area of ​​261 sq. km. These were the first islands inhabited by Europeans. The main source of income is, of course, tourism, but agriculture and offshore banking are also developed here.

8. Marshall Islands

This state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean consists mainly of coral islands. The area of ​​the country is 181 sq. kilometer, population 62 thousand. In 1986, the Islands gained independence from the United States, but so far only America's help helps them "keep afloat". The country does not have natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports.

9. San Marino

San Marino covers an area of ​​61 sq. kilometer and has the smallest population of the member countries of the European Council. It is the oldest independent country in the world and was founded on September 3, 301. In addition, San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.

10. Tuvalu

Tuvalu is also located in the South Pacific Ocean and covers an area of ​​26 square kilometers. kilometers. The country also includes several coral islands. Previously, these islands belonged to the British crown and were called the Ellis Islands. Tuvalu gained independence from the British in 1978. The population of the country is 10.5 thousand people. Due to the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries.

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There are more than 200 countries in the world whose names we have heard at least once. But on our planet there are also states whose existence we did not even know, because some of them occupy a very small area or even include several houses.

website will tell you about 10 countries with very small territories, the population of which is less than not the largest city, but in some places the village.

Palau

Palau is made up of over 300 islands of various sizes. Palau is one of the most amazing places on Earth, in the waters of which there are 130 species of sharks that are on the verge of extinction. Rainforests Palau are full unique plants and birds, but the most interesting attraction of the country is the lake, inhabited by 2 million jellyfish, which, in the process of evolution, have lost the ability to sting.

Niue

Niue is an island and a state in Oceania. Tourism is not developed in the country and there is not a single industrial enterprise, but it lives on subsidies from New Zealand. But there is an airport and a capital, however, metropolitan city is a small village with more than 600 people. The island even has a real supermarket - the only one in the whole state.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The state consists of two islands, one of which is called St. Kitts, and the other - Nevis. One of the main sources of income for the island nation is the sale of citizenship, which can be acquired by anyone who has at least $250,000 to invest in the local sugar industry. Another way to obtain citizenship is to purchase property worth at least $400,000 on one of the islands.

Principality of Hutt River

Hutt River Principality is a virtual state located in the province of the same name in Australia. Its territory completely coincides with the territory of the farmlands of the Casley family, since it was one of its members, Leonard, who became the founder of a new, albeit unrecognized, country. By the way, travelers can see the busts of the founder in different parts of the principality.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world. Economic situation dwarf state could have been completely useless if Tuvalu had not got the .tv Internet domain, on the sale of which the country earns millions of dollars annually.

Nauru

Nauru is the smallest independent republic and the smallest Island state planets. Nauru does not official capital And public transport- 40 km of roads locals ride on personal vehicles. The island has a poor ecological situation, so tourism is practically not developed here. And another record of Nauru, however, with a minus sign - this country has the largest percentage of the population suffering from obesity.

Principality of Seborga

Another state on the map of Italy, however, this time virtual, is the Principality of Seborga, which includes the village of the same name near the border with France. The title of the ruler of Seborg sounds like "His Greatness", and the army of the unrecognized state consists of 3 people: the Minister of Defense and two border guards.

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

10 Grenada

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

9 Maldives

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

8 Saint Kitts and Nevis

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

7 Marshall Islands

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

6 Liechtenstein

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

5 San Marino

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

4 Tuvalu

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

3 Nauru

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

2 Monaco

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

1 Vatican

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

On the world political map There are about 250 officially recognized independent states in the world. Among them there are mighty powers that have significant weight in various international organizations and taking an active part in the life of other states. As a rule, these states have enough (for example, Russia) and the amount of population (China).

Along with giant countries, there are also very small states, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich does not exceed 500 km², and the number of people living is comparable to the population small town. However, some of these countries play a very significant role. These include, for example, the state of the Vatican - religious center all Catholics, headed by the Pope.

As you may have guessed, today we have prepared a rating of the smallest countries in the world, the main criterion for the distribution of places is the area of ​​​​the territory occupied by the state.

344 sq. km

• Main language: English
• Capital: St. George's
• Number of population: 89.502 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $9,000

Grenada is an island state with a constitutional monarchy. Located in the Caribbean. It was first discovered by Columbus in the 14th century. In the agricultural sector, bananas, citrus fruits, nutmeg are grown, which are subsequently exported to other countries. Grenada is an offshore zone. Thanks to the provision of offshore financial services, the country's treasury is annually replenished by $ 7.4 million.

298 sq. km

• Main language: Maldivian
• Capital: Male
• Number of population: 393 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $7,675

The Republic of Maldives is located in an archipelago of more than 1,100 islands in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is one of the best resorts in the world, therefore, along with fishing, the main share of the economy is the service sector (about 28% of GDP). There are all conditions for have a great holiday: magnificent nature with mild climate. abundance different types animals, among which are almost never found. The presence of beautiful underwater caves stretching along the entire archipelago, which will be a real gift for tourists who are fond of diving.

Interesting fact: With such a cluster of islands, there is not a single river or lake.

261 sq. km

• Main language: English
• Capital: Basseterre
• Population: 49.8 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $15,200

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federation located on two islands of the same name, in the east of the Caribbean Sea. In terms of territory and population, this state is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere. The climate is tropical. Due to this, the islands have a very rich flora and fauna. The main industry providing most revenues to the treasury - tourism (70% of GDP). Agriculture is poorly developed, mainly sugarcane is grown. To modernize agriculture and industry in the country, a program was launched - "Citizen for Investment", thanks to which you can get by paying $ 250-450 thousand.

Interesting: Pavel Durov (creator of the social network VKontakte) has citizenship in this country.

181 sq. km

• Main language: Marshallese, English
• Capital: Majuro
• Population: 53.1 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $2,851

Marshall Islands (republic), located in the Pacific Ocean. The country is located on an archipelago, which includes 29 atolls and 5 islands. The climate on the islands is different, from tropical - in the south, to semi-desert - in the north. Flora and fauna have been significantly altered by man, including the 1954 nuclear tests conducted by the United States. Therefore, on the islands, plant species characteristic of this area are practically not found; others were planted instead. The main sector of the economy is the service sector. Most agricultural products are used for own needs inside the country. The country has quite low taxes, which allows you to create an offshore zone. Due to poor infrastructure and high prices on transport (flight to the islands), tourism is at an early stage of development.

160 sq. km

• Main language: German
• Capital: Vaduz
• Number of population: 36.8 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $141,000

The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in Western Europe bordering Switzerland and Austria. Although this state occupies a small area, it is very beautiful. lovely mountain scenery, because the country is located in the Alps, also in the western part of the state flows the most big europe- Rein. The Principality of Liechtenstein is a technologically advanced state. Precision instrumentation enterprises operate in the country. Also, Liechtenstein is one of the largest financial centers world, with a highly developed banking sector. The country has a very high standard of living and well-being. In terms of GDP per capita, it ranks second in the world, after Qatar, with an amount of 141,000 thousand dollars. Liechtenstein is a prime example that even such a small country can exist with dignity and occupy significant place in world politics and economics.

61 sq. km

• Main language: Italian
• Capital: San Marino
• Number of population: 32 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $44,605

The Republic of San Marino is located in the southern part of Europe and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is the oldest European state formed in the 3rd century. This country is in highlands, 80% of the territory lies on western slope mountains of Monte Titano. ancient buildings and Monte Titano itself belongs to the objects world heritage UNESCO. The basis of the economy is production, which gives 34% of GDP, and the service sector and tourism also play an important role.

26 sq. km

• Main language: Tuvalu, English
• Capital: Funafuti
• Number of population: 11.2 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $1,600

The state of Tuvalu is located on a cluster of atolls and islands (there are 9 in total) and is located in the Pacific Ocean. The climate in this country is tropical, with pronounced seasons - rains and droughts. Often, they pass through the islands. vegetable and animal world This state is quite scarce and is represented mainly by animals brought to the islands - pigs, cats, dogs and plants - coconut palms, bananas, breadfruit. The economy of Tuvalu, like other countries in Oceania, is mainly made up of the public sector, and to a small extent agriculture and fishing. Also, Tuvalu is among the poorest in the world.

21.3 sq. km

• Main language: English, Nauruan
• Capital: None (Government is in Yaren County)
• Population: 10 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $5,000

Nauru is located on coral island in the Pacific Ocean and is the smallest republic in the world. This country does not have a capital, which also makes it unique. The climate on the island is quite hot, with high humidity. One of the main problems of this country is the shortage fresh water. Just like in Tuvalu, the flora and fauna are very scarce. The main source of replenishment of the treasury for a long time was the extraction of phosphorites (in those years, the country was one of the richest countries in the world with a high GDP), but since the 90s, the level of production began to decline, and with it the well-being of the population. According to some estimates, phosphate reserves should have been sufficient until 2010. In addition, the development of phosphorites caused irreparable damage to the geology and ecosystem of the island. Tourism is not developed due to the severe pollution of the country.

2.02 sq. km

• Main language: French
• Capital: Monaco
• Number of population: 36 thousand people
• GDP per capita: $16,969

Notable: Monaco - the only state, in which the number of regular troops (82 people) is less than in a military band (85 people).

0.44 sq. km

• Main language: Italian
• Form of government: Absolute theocratic monarchy
• Pope: Francis
• Number of population: 836 people

The Vatican is the leader of our ranking, is the smallest country in the world. This city-state is located inside Rome. The Vatican is the seat of the highest leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. The citizens of this state are subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has a non-profit economy. Donations make up the bulk of the budget. Also, cash receipts to the treasury come from the tourism sector - payment for visiting museums, selling souvenirs, etc. The Vatican plays a significant role in the settlement of military conflicts, calling for the preservation of peace.

There is an opinion that the smallest country in the world is the Order of Malta, with an area of ​​0.012 km2, because. it has all the necessary attributes to be called a state (its monetary unit, passports, etc.), but its sovereignty is not recognized by all members of the world community.

It is worth noting that there is a so-called principality Sealand(from English - sea ​​land), the area of ​​which is 550 sq.m. This state is located on a platform, not far from the coast of Great Britain. But, since the sovereignty of this state was not recognized by any country in the world, it was not included in our rating.

The smallest country in Eurasia - - 0.44 sq. km.
The smallest country on the African continent Seychelles– 455 sq. km.
The smallest country on the North American continent - - 261 sq. km.
The smallest country on the South American continent - Suriname - 163,821 sq. km.