The smallest independent state in the world. The smallest countries in the world by area
Residents of Russia, who at best have seen only a few percent of their country's territory, often forget that not everyone is so lucky. There are small countries, such as Holland, Sweden or the Netherlands, and there are also very tiny ones, such that you can not just drive around them in a day - get around them. But the most small state in the world has a fairly serious political weight.
Vatican
It's not just a country within a country, it's a country within a city. In fact, it resembles a nesting doll: in the state of Italy there is the city of Rome, and in the city of Rome there is the state of the Vatican. True, the Vatican does not have a capital, it simply does not fit there. However, it has incredible amount temples, monuments of culture and art. But the main thing is that the residence of the Holy See, the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, diverges in it.
557 citizens are registered in this state. All of them are men. Most of them are priests, some are military, and only 43 are laymen. Of course, they are not enough to serve all the museums, churches and other institutions, so guest workers work in the Vatican - residents of another state, in this case Italy.
As for the territory of the Vatican, this is the smallest recognized state in the world. Its area is about 0.44 square kilometers, and the length of the border is only 3 kilometers.
This state is the second largest, it occupies a little more than two square kilometers. If it were presented in the form of a regular figure, then it would just occupy a rectangle with sides of 1 by 2 kilometers.
But, unlike the Vatican, which has less than a thousand people, Monaco is a rather densely populated state. Its population is about 36 thousand inhabitants. Another essential difference is the economy. It is clear that industry cannot be built on such a territory, but this is not required. Tourists bring money to the Vatican, and most importantly, donations from believers. Monaco was able to build a completely viable and efficient economy. Monte Carlo is one of largest cities countries is the gaming capital of the world, which, if inferior to Las Vegas, is not much.
The country even has armed forces - 82 people. Interestingly, there are 85 of them in a standard military band. This fully characterizes Monaco - this country has everything, but a miniature one. Besides the budget. He is quite impressive.
The Vatican and Monaco are small states, but quite prosperous, with a high standard of living. But Nauru, unfortunately, is not one of them. Rather, in the seventies, the economy of this island nation flourished. Phosphates were mined and exported on the island, but when the deposit was depleted, it turned out that the island had nothing more to boast of. And in parallel with the development of resources, an ecological catastrophe occurred: the territory was polluted, the natural biodiversity was almost destroyed.
Not good picturesque island
Then the country tried to sell its citizenship, but not for too long and successfully. The era of offshore came next, which brought significant profits, but international groups quickly closed this shop too. Tourism is undeveloped, there is no industry, no resources, no minerals, no (fresh) water. The territory is inhabited not by robots, but by ten thousand people, who are evenly distributed over an area of 21 square kilometer. They live mainly due to the help of nearby Australia.
The third and fourth from the end of the state in terms of territory are in many ways similar - island states with a population of predominantly indigenous origin and a catastrophically underdeveloped economy. Tuvalu is classified as a country not even of the third, but of the fourth world, that is, the poorest of all existing states.
There is little land, but there is a lot of water
Tuvalu receives income by selling the right to fish in its waters to the vessels of other states. But in Lately Another good source appeared - the sale of national top-level domain names. It is quite aptly called.tv, which determines a good demand.
But even this does not make the life of 11 thousand inhabitants of this state more prosperous. And the tiny territory, 21 square kilometers of land and the adjacent water area do not imply any special prospects.
It so happened that most of the dwarf states are located in Europe. And San Marino is no exception. This baby is another of the independent dwarf states located on the territory of Italy. Fortunately, Italy can afford to host more than one such country. Given that San Marino is only 61 square kilometers, this is not difficult. True, it is quite densely populated - about 32 thousand people live in it.
The whole country is on one side of the mountain
However, San Marino is unique in its own way. This is the oldest independent state. It declared its sovereignty on September 3, 301 (this is not a typo, really 301). political map the world was redrawn dozens of times, countries changed names and territories, and little San Marino seemed to remain outside this carousel.
Add to this fact thousands of years of architecture and culture, an endless number of monuments, museums and castles, and you get a real tourist trap. Not surprisingly, most of the travelers visiting Italy set aside 1-2 days to get to know this unique country.
Now you know which is the smallest state in the world in terms of area. However, its significance is enormous, because all the Catholics of the world listen to the opinion of the Vatican, San Marno is a unique ancient state, Monaco is the gambling capital... In politics, size is really not the most important indicator.
Do you think you know geography? What are the smallest countries in the world? Could you name them? Or could you point them out on the map? Or maybe you've never even heard of them? We think that not many people will be able to immediately list even several such countries. It is not surprising, because the UN currently recognizes more than 192 independent states. Therefore, we want to remind you of them, and present a rating of the smallest countries in the world.
Malta
The Republic of Malta is made up of three big and several tiny islands which are located in the center mediterranean sea, at 93 km south of the coast Sicily. Two small islands Gozo and Comino are sparsely populated, but the main island, Malta, is a modern and vibrant urban area. Malta gained independence from the UK in 1964 and has since become a member European Union. The capital of Malta is the city of Valleta, with a population of over 452,000 people, the area of this small country is only 316 km².
Republic of Maldives, better known as the Maldives either Maldives. Located on southwest coast India, in the waters of the Indian Ocean, and is a set of islands. The Republic of Maldives is the smallest Muslim country in Asia, with an area of just 298 km² and a population of just over 324,000 people. The capital is the city of Male. The Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. In 1965, Britain granted independence to the Maldives, and in 1968 it became a republic.
This is the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere, not only in terms of area, which is 261 km², but also in terms of population, only about 50 thousand people. The state consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the east caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis is now heavily dependent on tourism, but boasts the largest electrical industry in the Caribbean. Independence and name, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, received in 1983. The capital is the city of Baster.
This Pacific state consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands in Micronesia. The area is only 181 km², the population is more than 60,000 people, the capital is the city of Majuro. During its history, the Marshall Islands were part of the Spanish, German and Japanese empires. During World War II, the United States of America liberated the islands from Japan, but they did not gain independence and remained largely under US jurisdiction until 1986.
Liechtenstein is a small country in the center of Europe, located on the border between Switzerland and Austria, which completely surround it. This is one of the few countries that does not have an airport, but there is a small heliport. Nearest international Airport located in Zurich, Switzerland. The country has a thriving tourism industry, winter views sports. Known as a tax haven (due to its low taxes) for many large businesses from all over Europe. There are even more such enterprises than the inhabitants themselves in the country, and there are about 35,000 of them, the country's area is only 160.4 km², the capital is the city of Vaduz.
San Marino
In fifth place in the ranking of the smallest countries in the world is the Republic of San Marino. It is a city-state located in Europe, on the border of Italy, which completely surrounds it. It is the oldest sovereign state in the world and also the oldest republic. Adopted in 1600, the constitution is the oldest national constitution in the world. San Marino is also one of the least populated country Europe, just over 31,000. The area is only 61 km², the capital of San Marino.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of four islands and five atolls. It is the fourth smallest country in the world. Tuvalu has almost no natural resources except for fish and agriculture. As a result, Tuvalu is largely dependent on foreign aid, which the country receives from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States in particular. However, significant cash receipts come from the sale of the national top-level domain (.tv). Tuvalu gained independence from Britain in 1978. The area is only 26 km², the population is about 10 thousand people, the capital is Funafuti.
Nauru
The Republic of Nauru (formerly Pleasant Island) is a tiny island nation in the southern part of Pacific Ocean, near the island nation of Kiribati. This is the smallest independent republic in the world, also the smallest island state, the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world that does not have official capital. In 1999, the Republic was admitted to the UN. The area is only 21.3 km², the population is about 9,300 people.
The second place in the list of the smallest countries in the world is occupied by the Principality of Monaco, located in southern Europe, on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, bordering France. The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 17,814.85 people/km². Known all over the world, especially the casino in Monte Carlo and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix championship. The area of the country is only 2.02 km², the population is about 36,000 people, the capital is the city of Monaco.
The smallest country in the world is the Vatican. It is a religious complex surrounded by an enclave wall. It is a sovereign independent state with the Pope as its monarch. The Vatican is located in the center of Rome, next to St. Peter's Square. The Pope also holds the title of Bishop of Rome and resides in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The state attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. The Vatican has its own police force known as the Corpo. It also has its own military personnel and the Swiss Guard, although their official purpose is to guard the Pope and the Holy See (of the Roman Catholic Church), and not the Vatican State itself. The area is only 0.44 km², the population is about 840 people, the capital of the Vatican.
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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
The island country of the Republic of Maldives is located in Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area 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.
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 has no 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 big city and, in some places, villages.
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 on the planet. Nauru does not have an official capital and public transport- on 40 km of roads, local residents drive in 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.
Throughout the existence of our civilization, entire empires have risen and disappeared more than once. Stronger states conquered and absorbed the weaker ones. It is all the more surprising how, after so many historical collisions on the world map, the countries whose territory less area any modern metropolis. The following is a list of the ten smallest of them.
Its area is 316 sq. km. It is jokingly called a toy state in which the city consists of two or three streets, there are no mountains or rivers. But on the other hand, there is no other place on earth where such a a large number of unique historical monuments.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea sea route from Europe to Asia and Africa, for many centuries it was at the epicenter of the main events in Europe. Therefore, today here you can see the most powerful sea fortress built by the knights of the Order of Malta.
An island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Its area 298 sq. km. Official name— Republic of Maldives. Its entire territory is located on atolls and small islands.
Rich water world And beautiful beaches made this country one of the most attractive places for diving enthusiasts and beach holiday. Here you can rent not only a hotel room, but also a bungalow on a separate island.
Another island nation, located on two islands in the Caribbean. with area 261 sq. km. it became the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere.
The official language here is English, because the country is part of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain. Interestingly, you can become citizens of this country while sitting at home. You just need to fill out an application for citizenship via the Internet, pay money and in six months receive a passport of this lovely state.
The state is located on a large number of atoll islands scattered over an area of 1.9 million square meters. km. Pacific Ocean. The area of the land is only 181.3 sq. km. The capital of this state Majuro located on the island of the same name.
The status of an independent state of the Marshall Islands was acquired quite recently in 1983. And three years later they entered the "free association" with the United States. The life of the people of this island state looks very interesting from the outside. Here you can live on one island, go to high school on another, and work on a third. That is, it turns out that they have islands, like residential areas in a large metropolis.
small state with total area 160 sq. km. located in the center of Europe between Austria and Switzerland. To date, this the only state with an absolute monarchy in Europe, which was part of the Roman Empire within the same borders that exist today. It managed to survive all the sharp turns of history and at the same time remain independent and strong.
Neat little alpine villages, enchanting nature, friendly residents- all this is perceived as a revived fairy-tale kingdom, from which one does not want to leave. Interestingly, one can obtain citizenship of Liechtenstein only by entering into a legal marriage with a citizen of this country.
The oldest state in Europe, bordering on all sides with Italy, is located on the square 60.57 sq. km. This is a real open-air museum.
The territory of the country consists of nine fortresses, including the capital of the same name. Majestic fortresses, with multiple temples and palazzos, which has become famous all over the world Italian Cuisine, as well as the hospitality of the owners attract a large number of tourists every year.
Pacific state in Polynesia area 26 sq. km. Included in the Commonwealth, under the leadership of Great Britain. Therefore, the head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, who is replaced here by the Governor General. It is located on several atolls, most of which are very narrow.
On the one hand, the ocean is always noisy, and on the other, sand and silence. The largest atoll is Funafuti, it is the capital of the country with the same name. Not throughout the area fresh water. Rainwater is collected here. If the dry season lasts longer than expected, water is brought from neighboring states on tankers.
A small state located on the island of the same name with an area of 21.3 sq. km. only forty kilometers from the equator. Nauru - the only country without an official capital. The island is surrounded around the perimeter by rocky ledges, therefore, in order to launch a boat, local resident I had to punch my way through it. A little strange in the eyes of a European looks like their favorite pastime. They like to sit in the water right in their clothes and eat raw fish.
This small state is located on the Mediterranean coast. It represents the merging territories of four cities: Monaco Ville (official capital), Monte Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvey, total area 2.02 sq. km. Monaco is the center prestigious place rest and residence in Europe.
Despite the small area, it is filled with places that amaze even the most experienced tourist with their appearance. Here you can see the Ocean Museum, whose director was the famous Jacques - Yves Cousteau, world famous Casino, Prince's Palace, which houses the Napoleon Museum. And yet, every year the legendary Formula 1 race in Monte Carlo takes place here.
The smallest city-state in the world was created in 1929 by an agreement between Italy and the Roman Catholic Church. It is located on the banks of the Tiber River in western region Rome. This state received its name from the name of the hill on which it is located. In the Vatican in the square 0.44 sq. km. about a thousand people live.
Its territory is enclosed within medieval wall. It houses the famous gardens of the Vatican, administrative buildings, a museum, art galleries. In addition, some buildings in Italy also belong to the Vatican, for example, the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. The border between Italy and the Vatican is formal and not marked on the ground.
