5 states with the smallest area. Even the smallest countries in the world can occupy a significant place in world politics and economics. What kind of visa is needed to visit the smallest country - the Vatican

Some countries in the world are quite small in size and occupy less area than metropolitan areas. But this does not prevent them from playing a significant role in the world. For example, the Vatican is considered religious center, Monaco is recognized as a place of luxury, and Liechtenstein has won the glory of a prosperous country. The following are smallest countries in the world by area — top 10 rating.

10. Grenada (334 km²)

The list of the smallest countries in the world opens with Grenada, with an area of ​​334 sq. km and a population of about 100 thousand inhabitants. This island volcanic origin in the Caribbean was discovered by Columbus. First, the territory was settled by the French colonists, then it was transferred to Great Britain according to the Versailles Peace Treaty. The spirit of France is felt in the country today - in architecture, art and even sports. locals love to play cricket. Tropical evergreen forests, hills, mountains, beaches - this place could be called paradise, if not for the hurricanes. Cocoa, bananas, citrus fruits, cloves and vanilla are grown on fertile volcanic soils. Grenada is also called the "Island of Spice" for the production of nutmeg.

9. Malta (316 km²)

One of the smallest countries in Europe is Malta (316 sq. km). It is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its leisurely life. The state unites six islands. Of the 360,000 people, 80% live in Malta, and in Gozo, local residents buy summer cottages. Despite its modest size, Malta is visited by more than a million tourists a year. Attract ancient temples, nature, rocky and sandy beaches, crystal pure water and rich undersea world. The Maltese are a cheerful people. Holidays, festivals, theatrical performances and fireworks - there is a lot of entertainment. Crime on the island is almost zero.

8. Maldives (300 km²)

The Maldives also occupy a modest size territory - 300 square meters. kilometers. This is the smallest country in Asia - both in terms of territory and population (about 393 thousand). The state is one of the most dispersed in the world, because it consists of a thousand coral islands. Of these, only 200 are inhabited, and a hundred were given to tourists. They move between the islands on boats and local dhoni boats. City One - the capital of Male, with an area of ​​​​less than three square meters. kilometers. Even for an airport there is no place - planes arrive at neighboring island. Until recently, the inhabitants of the Maldives were mainly engaged in fishing, and today the source of income is serving tourists. The island economy is aimed at it. Guests like it here, because 80% of the territory is golden beaches. From entertainment - scuba diving and rides. Nightlife almost no, because Republic of Maldives applies to Muslim countries.

7. Saint Kitts and Nevis (269 km²)

Saint Kitts and Nevis - a small cityThe state in the east of the Caribbean Sea, with an area of ​​269 sq. kilometers. It consists of two islands, Nevis and Saint Kitts. They were discovered by Columbus, and two centuries later the British settled in the territory. The colonies developed rapidly thanks to the export of sugar. Since the 90s, the federation has gained independence. Today Saint Kitts and Nevis is home to 50,000 people, about 86% of African descent. Tropical thickets, mountains and meadows, butterflies and exotic birds, Coral reefs and a strip of lagoons - the local nature captivates. This gives a large influx of tourists, on the service of which the country's economy is built. Another area of ​​income is agriculture. Residents breed goats and sheep, grow pineapples and coffee trees. Islands adapted for life: yes narrow gauge road along the coast, car roads, ports and two airports.

6. Liechtenstein (160 km²)

Liechtenstein is a European dwarf state, with an area of ​​​​only 160 square meters. km. At the same time, the mountains occupy most area of ​​the country. There are very few minerals - only limestone, white clay and alabaster. The country earns on the manufacturing industry, produces canned food and wines. Liechtenstein is prosperous and has a high standard of living. The inhabitants were also lucky with nature: alpine meadows, Mountain peaks, forests. The climate is mild and pleasant, because mountain ranges protect from evil winds. Liechtenstein is known for its renunciation of the armed forces - the state has not had an army since the 19th century. And the police is small - 120 employees.

5. San Marino (61 km²)

San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The dwarf country is called the "Land of Freedom". San Marino is surrounded by Italy. Maybe that's why the country is overcrowded with tourists during the summer months. Moreover, thanks to reduced taxes, goods here are much cheaper than in Italy. Some residents live in Italian towns, and get to work in San Marino by car. The number of inhabitants in the country is about 30 thousand people, and it is difficult to obtain a residence permit. You need to live in the territory for 30 years or be married to a local resident for 15 years. San Marino is ruled not by one person, but by two at once - captains-regents. Almost the entire territory of the country (80%) is occupied by mountains.

4. Tuvalu (26 km²)

The tiny state of Tuvalu in Polynesia could not keep up with its “colleagues”. The country is considered one of the poorest. Even the nature here is scarce, consisting mainly of imported plants and animals. Of the plants there are palm trees, bananas, breadfruit. The weather here is an amateur: long droughts give way to the rainy season. Sometimes destructive cyclones pass through Tuvalu. Because of one of them, the houses were completely destroyed and 90% of the trees were felled. Many of the benefits of civilization are still inaccessible to local residents - their way of life has hardly changed over the centuries.

3. Nauru (21 km²)

The island dwarf state of Nauru is located in the Pacific Ocean. Its shape resembles a rectangle. The unique difference of Nauru is that it does not have official capital. There are no rivers on the island, and therefore one of the main problems of local residents is the lack of water. This is reflected in the flora and fauna - it is scarce, as in Tuvalu. The treasury of Nauru replenished quickly when phosphorites were mined. The country was considered one of the richest in the world, but in the 90s, the reserves began to decline. The welfare of the population has fallen. Phosphate mining has damaged the island. Due to the heavy pollution of Nauru, tourism is not developed.

2. Monaco (2.02 km²)

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with an area of ​​only 2.02 sq. km. The entire principality can be walked in an hour. Some tourists even have a photo where the country fits in one picture. Despite its miniature size, the state managed to make itself known to the world. Many countries have heard about the city of Monte Carlo and its legendary casino. Monaco hosts Formula 1 competitions. The Principality is adjacent to France. The country makes money on tourists, and therefore carefully monitors its image. Monaco is called the "European reserve for the rich." Blooming azaleas and rhododendrons, princely court and temples, narrow streets and Mediterranean architecture, modern elite real estate- Walking around the country is a pleasure. The main bay of Monaco parks the most luxury yachts peace.

1. Vatican (0.44 km²)

The Vatican is rightfully recognized as the smallest state in the world. The country, with an area of ​​​​only 0.44 square kilometers, is located inside Rome and is associated with Italy. IN antique time the area was not inhabited - it was considered holy. In 326, a basilica was created, and the territory began to be developed. The Holy See rules the Vatican. The main one is the Pope, who is elected for life. There is a state on donations from Catholics around the world and tourism income (souvenirs, entrance fees to museums, sale of stamps and coins). Almost all citizens of the Vatican are ministers of the Catholic Church.

Introducing the Top smallest countries in the world, both in terms of area and population.

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:- 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 - 49 898 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

9th place: Cook Islands- an archipelago and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people.

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 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:- a state on the coral island of the same name in the western part of the Pacific Ocean with an area of ​​​​21 km². Population - 9 322 people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest Island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

3rd place: Monaco 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: Vatican located within 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: (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 continents 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

9 Saint Kitts and Nevis

8 Marshall Islands

7 Liechtenstein

6 San Marino

5 Tuvalu

4 Nauru

3 Monaco

2 Vatican

1 Order of Malta

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.

In the school curriculum in geography, unfortunately, interesting geographical facts our planet, and there are so many of them: colorful beaches or lakes, gigantic or smallest countries, highest or low points earth's surface and much more. Therefore, many children, and then adults, do not have the desire to travel to see something interesting with their own eyes.

In this article, you will learn about the 10 smallest countries in the world in terms of the area they occupy.

1. Order of Malta. This is the smallest country in Europe and the whole world in terms of area occupied by the territory - only 0.012 km² (these are two buildings in Rome). The Order of Malta is not recognized by all countries of the world as an independent full-fledged state, but all members of the order are considered its citizens (12.5 thousand people), it issues passports, has its own currency and stamps.


2. . The most famous small country in the world, located, like the Order of Malta, in Rome. On the territory of the Vatican, an area of ​​\u200b\u200bless than one square kilometer(0.44 km²), only 826 people live, and at the same time 100 of them serve in the Swiss Guard, protecting its borders. It is the residence of the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope of Rome, and therefore, despite its small size, enjoys great political influence.


3. Monaco. This small country in the south of Europe is the most densely populated among the mini-countries: over 20 thousand people live here per 1 km². France is Monaco's only neighbor. A feature of this country is that there are five times more visitors than the indigenous population.


4. Gibraltar. Situated on south side Iberian Peninsula, on a formidable rocky cape, connected to the mainland by a very narrow isthmus of sand. Although its history was very closely connected with Great Britain, but now it is quite independent state. The entire area of ​​​​this state is 6.5 km², with an average population density for Europe.


5. Nauru. Nauru is the smallest island country Oceania, located on the coral island of the same name in the Western Pacific Ocean, with an area of ​​​​21 km² and a population of slightly more than 9 thousand people. It is the only state in the world without an official capital.


6. Tuvalu. This Pacific state, located on 9 coral islands(atolls) with a total area - 26 km², population - 10.5 thousand people. This is a very poor country, which may disappear due to rising water levels and coastal erosion.
7. Pitcairn. Located on five islands Pacific Ocean, of which only one is inhabited, and is considered the country with the smallest population - only 48 people.


8. . European State, located on the slope of Mount Titan and surrounded on all sides by Italy, with an area of ​​​​61 km² and a population of 32 thousand people. Considered one of ancient states Europe.


9. Liechtenstein. The territory of this mini-state with a population of 29 thousand people is 160 km². It is located between Switzerland and Austria, in the Alps. Liechtenstein is a highly developed industrial country, exporting various products and with a high standard of living.


10. Marshall Islands. This is a whole archipelago, consisting of coral reefs and islets, with a total area of ​​180 km² with a population of 52 thousand people. Until 1986, it was a colony of Great Britain, but now it is an independent state, popular with tourists.

Having introduced you to the 10 smallest countries in the world, I would like to add that the big advantage of living in these countries is the constant concern of the government for its citizens.

Articles on this topic:

There are countries in this world that can boast large population but how hard it is to believe that there are also some countries that are quite small. Most people prefer to live in such places because it is cozy and you can relax. They do not have to worry about hundreds of people scurrying around, and besides, in small countries the crime rate is lower because the criminal will not be able to hide in a large crowd. Listed below are the ten smallest countries in the world.

10. Grenada

Known for the spices that this island has. If you're wondering where nutmeg came from, it's from here. The country is not the smallest, but there is quite a bit of space here. It's so beautiful here and you can come here if you know how to get there, or take a boat and then pick you up when you're done. The most popular sport here is cricket. This main view sports on the island. The area of ​​the island is only three hundred and forty-four square meters. km.

9. Malta

This is one of the countries that ended up on this list because of its size. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The country occupies three small islands. In total, four hundred and fifty thousand people live on three islands. If you look into history, you will see that Malta is at least 7,000 years old. There are amazing beaches here to take a look at, as well as many sunny days and comfortable environment. On those tiny islands nice to come and meet them.

8. Maldives

This place is small, but filled with housing and people. There is water all around, and you can go to the beach at any time if you live near one of them, and not in the center of the island. If you are in the center, then it will take several hours to leave the island. The Maldives is an independent country, it became one in 1965 and nothing has changed since then.

This amazing place interesting to visit, or live here. You will love the water that surrounds you, and the landscaped areas throughout the country that make it so amazing. The trees growing here are simply beautiful and allow you to hide in their shade. The country consists of two islands, but whichever you go to, it will be beautiful and relaxing. Sit in a chair and catch the sun, you can do that most of the time when you're here.

6. Liechtenstein

If you look at the local hills, you will see castle-like houses on them. If you are lucky enough to live in one of them, you can look down on the cities and feel like a queen or a king. Just live your life the way you want to, spend more time with your family and not spend all your time at work. The country is located in Switzerland. Unemployment is the lowest here, so you have to find a job and keep it, because here they know that people need a job, not a lack of pay for their work.

5. San Marino

All the houses here are similar. Even though the country is small, you will be able to find a job quickly as there are always many jobs available. About thirty thousand people live in the country, this number can sometimes grow or quickly decline. There are beautiful green meadows and trees among which it will be pleasant to make hiking or hiking almost every day. This is one of the most prosperous places to live due to the low unemployment rate.

4. Tuvalu

About ten thousand people live here. There is only one hospital in Tuvalu, so if you need health care you know where to look for it. About two thousand people visit the country every year. This is according to 2010 data. Most of them come on business, others just to see the country. Most people come for business, so they stay here for a short time. Tuvalu looks like a bunch of trees, so no one knows anything about the island.

3. Nauru

This country is in east coast Australia and in the 80s. she was one of the most popular places for phosphate mining. now this quiet place which tourists do not even think to visit. The unemployment rate here is ninety percent, and only 10 percent of the people work for the government. There are also the most overweight people here, among which there are almost equal numbers of men and women. Most people suffer from type 2 diabetes due to the problem of obesity.

2. Monaco

This country has the most rich people in the world. She is also very popular with celebrities. France is adjacent to Monaco, and on all other sides the Principality is surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. For most of the locals, French is native, and the population is more than thirty-six thousand people, so this country ranks second in the list of the smallest states.

1. Vatican

This country is the smallest that has ever existed and is also called the Holy See. The Vatican is located right in the center of the city of Rome. This country has the most big church in the world - St. Peter's Cathedral. Here you will find the best works of art such as The Pieta icon. To survive, the country receives financial assistance from members of the Catholic Church. In total, there are one billion members, which is quite enough for financial support. The rest of the economic injection is made up of money coming from the sale of postage stamps, money paid by museum visitors, and money tourists spend on small trinkets and souvenirs.

These are the Top 10 smallest countries in the world in 2017. Each of them would be great to go on vacation where you want to relax and get some peace and carefree doing nothing alone or with your partner. If you plan to live in one of these countries, then that's great. The locals are friendly and the sights are great.