What a small country in the world. The smallest countries in the world are located in Europe. Political system and language

09.08.2013

The G8 countries are known to everyone and in the past we presented the top 10, it is easy for a state with a vast territory to declare itself on the world stage. But the tiny countries are also interesting from the point of view of tourism. They, like the "big brothers", have their own history, interesting places to visit and picturesque landscapes. The United Nations has approved 192 sovereign states. They also include 10 world powers with the smallest area. Below are the top 10 smallest countries in the world.

10. Malta

The Republic of Malta has 3 large and a scattering of tiny islands, which are located in the middle mediterranean sea, 93 km south of the coast of Sicily. Gozo and Comino are sparsely populated islands, but Malta, on the contrary, is a modern and vibrant island with an urban lifestyle. The country won the right to be independent from Great Britain in 1964, and is currently a member European Union. The capital is Valleta, 452,000 people live in the country, and the area of ​​Malta is only 316 km2.

9. Republic of Maldives

paradise in the ocean - the Republic of Maldives. Also known as the Maldives or Maldives. The country is located in the southwest of India, in the Indian Ocean. Strictly speaking, this is a lot of small islands. The uniqueness of the state is that it is the smallest Muslim state in Asia, its area is 298 km2, and its population is just over 320 thousand people.
Capital Republic of Maldives the city of Male. In 1965, the Maldives gained independence from Britain, and after 3 years they became a republic.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The smallest state, not only in terms of area, but also in terms of the number of citizens, is on the eighth line among the smallest countries. The country owns 261 km2; area per 50,000 inhabitants. Make up the country of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the east caribbean. Independence, along with the name, was obtained in 1983, and at the moment, in addition to tourism, the electrical industry is very developed on the islands. The capital of the country is the city of Basseterre.

7. Republic of the Marshall Islands

A state in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of 29 atolls and five isolated islands in Micronesia. More than 60,000 people live on an area of ​​181 km². The country boasts stormy historical events, during which it was part of the Spanish, German and even Japanese empires. From last islands liberated the United States as a result of World War II. However, the States withdrew their claims, and the country gained freedom only in 1986.

6. Liechtenstein

A tiny state in the center of Europe, bordering Switzerland and Austria. Political structure- a constitutional monarchy. There is not even an airport, the nearest one is in Zurich, Switzerland. It is a tax haven for businessmen from all over the world. Due to the low tax rate, many large European enterprises have a residence permit here. The country lives on tourism and winter sports. The number of inhabitants is 35 thousand people, the area of ​​the country is 160.4 km2; The capital of Liechtenstein is the city of Vaduz.

5. San Marino

European mini-state, located in the interior of Italy. He has a lot of titles with the prefix "oldest":
- the oldest republic in the world
the oldest sovereign country in the world
is the oldest national constitution, dating back to 1600 and the fifth smallest country in the world.

4. Tuvalu

Island Pacific nation. It consists of 4 islands and 5 atolls Tuvalu has no minerals and the inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and fishing. For this reason, Australia is helping the country, New Zealand, Japan and USA. The country also sells the national top-level domain (.tv). The state gained independence from England in 1978. The area is 26 km2; the local population is 10 thousand people. The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti.

3. Nauru

Republic of Nauru, third smallest country in the world is a mini island nation in the South Pacific. It is located near another island country - Kiribati. It is the smallest independent republic on Earth. And also the smallest island state, the smallest power outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without official capital. In 1999, the republic was admitted to the UN. The area of ​​the country is 21.3 km2; the population is about 9.5 thousand people.

2. Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea and borders on France. The Grimaldi family has ruled the country since 1297. Monaco is one of the most densely populated states - 17,814.85 people/km2;. It has world fame thanks to the casino in Monte Carlo, as well as the Formula 1 racing championship Monaco Grand Prix. The country attracts the capital of the richest people on the planet through your tax breaks. The area of ​​the state is 2.02 km2, and 36,000 people live there permanently. The capital is named after the country.

1. Vatican

The smallest country in the world, a well-known sovereign state headed by the Pope. He also has the title of Bishop of Rome and is located in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The country is a religious complex, surrounded by an enclave wall, in the heart of Rome. The Vatican has its own police force, military contingent and the Swiss Guard, which is the personal bodyguard of the Pope. The area of ​​the Vatican is 0.44 km2;, the population is 840 people, the capital is the Vatican.

Living in big countries, not everyone and not always can travel all corners of their homeland. However, there are states in the world, all the sights and attractions of which can be seen in a day or two. So, we present the top 10 smallest states in the world.

1. Vatican
The Vatican is a closed city-state. It is located in one of the districts of Rome and covers an area of ​​44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 by the Roman Catholic Church, controlled by the Pope and the conclave of cardinals, has the status of an independent state and even its own army. True, despite such a small territory, it is unlikely to be able to see it in one day - so many architectural, sculptural and pictorial masterpieces are collected in it. The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral, the residence of the Pope - the Apostolic Palace, etc. - far from full list masterpieces. 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.

2. Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country. Over the past 20 years, due to the drying of the sea, the area of ​​the country has increased and now it is 20.2 square kilometers. kilometers. Monaco is a monarchical state, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main source of income for the residents is tourism.

3. Nauru
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. It gained independence in 1968, although the island was home to the natives for 3 thousand years. To date, the population of the country is about 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.

4. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, its area is 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, but in 1978 they gained independence from the British. The population of the country is 10.5 thousand people. Due to lack natural resources Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries.

5. San Marino
The Republic of San Marino covers an area of ​​61 sq. kilometer and has the smallest population among the member countries of the European Council. It is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. 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.

6. Liechtenstein
The area of ​​the country is 160.4 sq. kilometers. Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and Austria and is landlocked. It is one of the richest states. There are more companies registered here than residents.

7. Marshall Islands
This state is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean and 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 the country has no natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports, so until now only America's help helps them "keep afloat".

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

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

10. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Located in the West Indies - between North and South America on islands Atlantic Ocean. The state consists of two islands with total area 261 sq. km. These were the first islands inhabited by Europeans. The main source of income is tourism, agriculture and offshore banking are also developed.

Vatican
In second place in terms of area is the Vatican. It is also located inside Rome and is considered a state associated with Italy. Its area is 0.44 square kilometers. The country has the most powerful support from the entire Catholic community in the world. The head of the Vatican, the Pope, renders big influence on the economic and political alignment of forces not only in Europe but also in the world.

Monaco
In third place is the Principality of Monaco, located on the Cote d'Azur. This country is associated with France. Despite its miniature size, Monaco has its own Olympic team, led by a prince. The main source of income in this state is gambling and tourism. The area of ​​Monaco is 2.02 square kilometers.

Nauru
This state covers an area of ​​21 square kilometer and is located in Oceania, on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on the planet and the tiniest island nation. The lack of an official capital is another distinguishing feature this country.

Tuvalu
This state in pacific ocean, which is located on five atolls and four islands. Its area is 26 square kilometers. Tuvalu receives its main income from growing coconuts and catching fish. In addition, she is paid a million dollars every quarter by many television companies in the world in exchange for the right to use the .tv domain zone. Despite this, Tuvalu is among the ten poorest countries in the world.

San Marino
One of the oldest republics in Europe covers an area of ​​61 square kilometers. The main income of the state is the issuance of postage stamps and tourism. On all sides, San Marino is surrounded by the territory of Italy.

Liechtenstein
This state is associated with Switzerland and has an area of ​​160 square kilometers. It also generates income from postage stamps and tourism. Its picturesque alpine landscapes attract many tourists.

Marshall Islands
This Pacific state is associated with the United States and is located on 5 islands and 29 atolls. The total is 181 square kilometers. Income in the budget of this state comes from tourism, export of coconuts and fishing.

Cook Islands
This state is self-governing and is in free with New Zealand. The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean and cover an area of ​​236 square kilometers.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
This country, located in the east of the Caribbean Sea, consists of two islands - Nevis and St. Kitts. The total area of ​​the state is 261 square kilometers. It is the smallest country in Latin America.

Ten smallest countries in the world by population

Niue
Approximately 1,400 people live in Niue.

Nauru
The population of Nauru is 9320 people.

Tuvalu
The population of Tuvalu is slightly over 10,000 people.

Order of Malta
On the fifth line is the Order of Malta. Its population is 12500 inhabitants.

Cook Islands
19,600 people live in this archipelago.

Palau
This island nation in the waters of the Pacific Ocean is home to 20,850 inhabitants.

San Marino
The population of 32,100 people allowed San Marino to take the eighth line in the ranking.

Liechtenstein
In this European country 35900 people live.

Saint Kitts and Nevis
The first ten small countries in terms of the number of inhabitants closes the Latin American state with a population of 50,000 inhabitants.

Most small state in the world (photos below) is the Vatican. It is the smallest on the planet both in terms of the area occupied by the territory and the number of citizens. It should be noted that in this case only officially recognized countries are taken into account. The residence of the Pope of Rome is located here, because this miniature city-state is considered the center of the entire Catholic world.

general description

The smallest state in the world in terms of area occupies a territory whose size is only 0.45 km 2. It is in the heart the Italian capital- Rome. The total length of the Vatican border is 3200 meters. From all sides the state is surrounded by high walls. It has its own post office, police station, railway station, publishing house and even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the nineteenth century, it has had its own currency unit- the lira of the Papal States, however, after the introduction of the euro in Italy in 2002, this currency began to be used in the Vatican.

Short story

The country had a small size throughout the history of its existence. IN ancient times no one lived on the territory of the modern Vatican. The point is that in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. It began to be inhabited in 326, after the construction of the Basilica of Constantine over the supposed burial place of St. Peter. In the period from 752 to 1870, the smallest state in the world in terms of population occupied an area of ​​​​about 41 km 2. At that time it was called the Papal States. The country was invaded by a united Italian army in the middle of the nineteenth century.

The situation was resolved in 1929. It was then that the Lateran Treaty was signed, according to which the independence of the state was proclaimed, and Pope Pius XI recognized the Kingdom of Italy in return.

Population

As noted above, the Vatican is the smallest state in the world in terms of population. About 850 people who are citizens of this country permanently live on its territory. All of them have the status of ministers of the Holy See. You can get Vatican citizenship only in this way. After the completion of this work, it is instantly canceled. The local army has a hundred people.

In the daytime, there are about three thousand hired workers in the country, who are mainly engaged in menial labor. They are not subjects of the Vatican and live outside of it. The overwhelming majority of these people are Italians.

Political system and language

Based on international law, the smallest state in the world is an absolute theocratic monarchy, which is administered by the Holy See. In other words, all executive, legislative and judicial power is concentrated in the hands of the Pope, who is elected for life by the cardinals. He leads, in fact, only the Holy See, while the country is governed by the governor of the Pontifical Commission appointed by him.

All published in the Vatican legislative acts shall enter into force only after they have been published in Italian and Latin. Thus, we can say that both of them have an official status in the country. At the same time, work in any world language is allowed here, which is associated with the presence of representatives of many nationalities among church ministers.

financial policy

There are no industrial enterprises in the Vatican, in connection with which the smallest state in the world receives almost all financial income from investments, donations and tourism. Basically, this money is used for ordinary expenses, including salaries, renovation of buildings, maintenance of the Holy See, and so on. The annual state budget of a country whose economy is of a planned type is on average 310 million US dollars. At the same time, the power is known due to the charitable activities of the pontiff. In particular, funds are allocated to support people who have suffered from natural Disasters, as well as the construction of churches in all corners of the planet.

Social politics

To ensure close contact and dialogue with Catholics, as well as the dissemination of the teachings of the church, the Vatican has its own television channel. It hosts live broadcasts of state celebrations and services of the Pope, as well as documentary films. In addition, it has its own radio. It is available not only on shortwave AM and FM, but also via the Internet. IN Lately the social policy pursued by the smallest state in the world is criticized by parishioners. In particular, many of them do not like conservative teachings, which do not correspond to the realities of our time.

tourist attraction

As noted earlier, tourism is considered one of the main sources of income for the Vatican. This is not surprising, since millions of people come here every year who want to see the ancient architectural ensembles and world famous works of art created by great masters. The most popular among them are the Cathedral and St. Peter's Square, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum and Library, as well as the gardens that occupy most territory of the country.

The Vatican received the status of the official residence of the Pope in 1377.

Any visitor to the country has the opportunity to use the services of local mail, in particular, send commemorative postcards with unique stamps to their relatives and friends anywhere in the world.

Local museums are the third most popular on Earth, second only to the Louvre and the British Museum.

There is no airport on the territory of the Vatican. At the same time, the smallest state in the world can boast of having a heliport that has been operating since 1976. From here, the pontiff usually flies to Roman airports or to his residence, Castel Gandolfo.

The country has its own railway with the station. Its length is 700 meters.

The Vatican is characterized by an extremely high crime rate. For each local resident, there is an average of one crime per year. Usually it's theft. However, it should be borne in mind that they are made mainly by service personnel or tourists.

In the state, marriages are almost never concluded and children are not born.

Literacy local residents is 100%.

Other tiny countries

As a rule, the smallest states in the world have a very rich history and are distinguished by high tourist attraction. Below, in descending order, are the five smallest countries on the planet.

In fourth place on the list is the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. It gained its independence from England in 1978. population local population is about 10 thousand people. The state is located on 4 islands and 5 atolls with a total area of ​​26 km2.

The third position belongs to Nauru - an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It has a status independent republic and is distinguished by the absence of a capital. The area of ​​​​Nauru is 21.3 km 2, and the population is about 9.5 thousand people.

Monaco ranks second in the ranking of "The smallest countries in the world." The Principality borders France and is located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. The area of ​​the country, in which about 36 thousand inhabitants live on a permanent basis, is 2.02 km 2. Thanks to tax incentives, the capital of the richest people on Earth is attracted here. The capital has the same name.

The tiniest state in the world is the Vatican, which was discussed in more detail earlier in this article.

For travelers, small countries have a special attraction, because for many of these countries tourism is the main source of income, and much is done there in order to surprise and attract tourists from other countries.

Top 10 smallest countries in the world

Among the independent and associated states by territory, the following are the smallest. So…

1st place - Order of Malta

It is located in the territories of Rome and the island of Malta with a total area of ​​0.012 sq. km. The population is considered to be 12,500 people in the order.

The Vatican is in association with Italy and covers an area of ​​0.44 sq. km and inhabited by about 830 people.

III place - Principality of Monaco

Monaco, a country with an area of ​​just over 2 sq. km and a population of about 36 thousand people, is associated with and neighbors with France. Located on the resort Mediterranean coast.

IV place - Republic of Nauru

The country is a Pacific coral island with an area of ​​21 sq. km and a population of about 9 thousand people. Of the independent, island and Oceanian states, this is the smallest. Unlike all other republics in the world, it does not have a capital.

5th place - Tuvalu

A country that includes 5 Pacific atolls and 4 islands. Territory area - 26 sq. km, the population is about 10 thousand people. One of the poorest countries in the world, whose financial situation has recently improved a little due to the sale of the national domain zone.ty, for the right to which TV companies and video sites pay Tuvalu about 1 million dollars. dollars per quarter.

A state within the state of Italy. Occupies 61 sq. km, about 32 thousand people live in San Marino.

VII place - Liechtenstein

Central European country with richest history and culture, whose citizen it is almost impossible for an outsider to become a citizen, with the capital Vaduz, an area of ​​​​about 160 square meters. km and a population of about 36 thousand people. Associated with its neighbor Switzerland.

8th place - Marshall Islands

The state includes 29 atolls and 5 islands in the Pacific Ocean on an area of ​​181 sq. km and with a population of 68 thousand people. It is affiliated with the USA.

IX place - Cook Islands

Pacific Islands south of New Zealand and associated with it area of ​​236 sq. km. km inhabited by about 20 thousand people. Among the inhabitants of these fabulous corners, perhaps now there are descendants of those who once ate the famous captain.

X place - Saint Kitts and Nevis

These two islands, united into one Latin American country with an area of ​​261 sq. km and a population of about 50 thousand people, located in the Caribbean Sea.