Which country is the smallest. Which countries are the smallest in terms of population?

We all know that Russia ranks first among the states of the world in terms of area and is in the top ten in terms of population. But there are many countries in the world that are so small in area that it is difficult to immediately find them on the map.

There are also states whose population is comparable to the number of inhabitants of a Russian regional center or even a small village. Meanwhile, they have all the paraphernalia necessary for a sovereign state - the recognition of other states and international organizations, monetary system, government, etc.

The smallest countries in the world by area

The list of the smallest countries in the world is of interest not only from geographic point view, but also from the standpoint of the justification of the existence of these independent states for the rest of the world.

How did small states manage to maintain their sovereignty in the era of the most severe wars for territories and resources? Meanwhile, many so-called dwarf states have considerable weight in world politics.

1. The smallest officially recognized state in the world today is the residence of the Pope Vatican. It is located in the capital of Italy, Rome, and covers an area of ​​only 0.44 square kilometers with a population of about 900 people.


However, the influence of the Vatican world politics incommensurate with its area. In fact, it is the capital Catholic world, which includes more than a billion people from dozens of countries on all continents.

2. In second place in terms of area is the European Principality of Monaco, which occupies 2.02 square kilometers on the Cote d'Azur mediterranean sea- the most famous and fashionable resort area peace. The state is governed by the Prince of Monaco, whose power is inherited.


The number of subjects is a little over 30 thousand people. Monaco is famous for its gambling houses and international banks, which bring the main income to the treasury.

3. Nauru- the third largest officially recognized state. This is an island lost in the Pacific Ocean, with an area of ​​21.3 square kilometers, on which about 10 thousand people live. Nauru does not even have its own capital, as its territory can be explored on foot in a few hours.


Until the 80s, the main income of Nauru was the extraction of phosphorus minerals, because of which the ecology of the island was seriously disturbed. In the 90s, the state became an offshore banking zone and actively traded in its passports. Today, Nauru's economy is supported primarily by aid.

4. Tuvalu- another island Pacific state, uniting 9 coral islands with total area about 26 square kilometers, where a little less than 10 thousand people live. This is one of the poorest countries in the world, the main income of which is generated by issuing licenses to fish in its territorial waters.


The population is mainly engaged in agriculture, growing vegetables for their own subsistence and coconut palm for the production of copra for export.

5. San Marino- the fifth largest state, occupying 61 square kilometer in the northern part of the Apennines and surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy.


This oldest republic in Europe has all the hallmarks of a real state: a developed and diversified economy, a multi-party system, its own university and research center.

The smallest countries in the world by population

List of independent countries with smallest number population practically coincides with the territorial list.

1. Vatican - 793 people.

2. Tuvalu - 9916 people.

3. Nauru - 10,222 people.

4. Palau - 21,291 people.

5. San Marino - 31,781 people.

If we take into account dependent territories under the protectorate of more than major states, the list will look like this:

1. Pitcairn Islands (British protectorate) - 56 people.

2. coconut islands(territory of Australia) - 550 people.

3. Vatican - 793 people.

4. Tokelau (New Zealand protectorate) - 1383 people.

5. Niue (New Zealand protectorate) - 1610 people.

Principality of Sealand - the unrecognized leader of the dwarf states

Off the coast of Britain, in the waters North Sea the Principality of Sealand, which has existed since 1967, is located. This is the Roughs Tower platform, left over from defensive structures British army during World War II. Retired Major Roy Bates declared her his principality, and himself, respectively, Prince Roy I.


Today, there are 27 people in the world who have Sealand passports and are formally its citizens. However, there is only a shift guard on the 550 square meter platform at all times. The State of Sealand is not recognized by any officially existing state in the world.

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 of the 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.

Exactly this small 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 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 South Pacific, not far from 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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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, is 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 the lack of 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 a total area of ​​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.

It's hard to believe that in such big world there are entire countries so small that they can easily be located in one of the districts of Moscow. People living in such countries are no different from those who inhabit countries with major cities and villages, they do not feel that they are somehow different from the rest. But for residents of countries with large territories they are considered as exotic as any plant. If you ask the question, which is the smallest country in the world or a state, only a person with a broad outlook, one who is interested in the unusual and amazing, will answer correctly.

Considering the smallest countries, it is worth saying that there are also very small states in the world. In order not to confuse them, you need to know how a country differs from a state. So, a country is a community with its own culture, history, land. At the same time, a country is considered a state if it has sovereignty, so to speak, political freedom.

Some might think: what could be interesting in a country with such a tiny territory? But it turns out that they are quite interesting not only with exotic nature, but also with history, picturesque landscapes,. So let's get to know smallest countries and states on our planet.

Maldives

Among the blue expanses of the Indian Ocean is the Republic of Maldives, which is considered the smallest country in Asia.

To many, it is known as the Maldives or the Maldives. It consists of many tiny islands. The area does not exceed 298 sq. km. 396 thousand people live in the Republic. The capital is Male, about two-thirds of the population lives in it. It gained its independence in 1965, and a couple of years later the Maldives became a republic.

If not so long ago, the inhabitants were more engaged in the export of dried tuna and other gifts, coconut cables, today the main income of the islanders is tourism.

Video about the Maldives:

Seychelles

The smallest state in the world, namely in Africa, is the Seychelles.

A couple of decades ago, the islands were completely subordinate to Great Britain; they became independent since 1976. To ensure a decent life, the inhabitants were engaged in the export of vanilla, cinnamon and coconut, with the gaining of independence, tourists began to come here. Thus, today the main income local residents- tourism. Seychelles can be found on the map north of Madagascar, they include 115 small islands in the Indian Ocean. According to the data, the archipelago has an area of ​​455 sq. km, where 84 thousand people live.

Video about the Seychelles:

Liechtenstein

A tiny state located next to Austria and Switzerland - Liechtenstein - is a real find for businessmen.

The low tax rates in force in the state attract many businessmen from all over the world who are registered in it. At the same time, rich businessmen are not embarrassed that the state does not even have its own, and the nearest one is in Zurich.

In area, Liechtenstein occupies about 160 square meters. km, the population is approximately 29 thousand people. Basically, the state prospers thanks to the export of food, dental instruments, microchips and postage stamps. It is also visited by many tourists who bring Additional income residents. The state is inhabited by Austrians, Germans and Swiss. The main language is German, but you can meet residents who speak several dialects. The city of Vaduz is the capital of a tiny state.

Video about the state of Liechtenstein:

Nauru

If you will be traveling Pacific Ocean, you know: in the south in Micronesia is the Republic of Nauru - a tiny island nation of the whole world. On an area of ​​21 sq. km is home to approximately 9 thousand people.

Even in the last century, the inhabitants of the island were considered the richest in the world. Thanks to the extraction of phosphates, they earned huge fortunes. The authorities of the Republic employed almost all the inhabitants of the island, education and medicine were made free. True, few people appreciated high school, only a few children attended it.

Over time, the phosphate deposits ended and almost the entire territory of the island ceased to be useful. Today, the former prosperity of the inhabitants is reminiscent of the mined-out and abandoned mines. But that's not all: there is no island in the world where people suffer from obesity as much as in Nauru. Most residents lead a sedentary lifestyle, eat very fatty foods and a lot of alcohol, the result is obvious - those suffering from diabetes. The state cannot protect itself because it does not have armed forces, but in 1999 the UN took him under its wing.

Video about the Republic of Nauru:

Vatican

If you want to know which is the smallest country in the world - then you should visit the Vatican.

The most beautiful buildings world, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace, St. Peter's Basilica, are located in a small but powerful Vatican. It is located in one of the Roman districts. 770 people live on 44 hectares and work there. The residence of the Pope is located in the Vatican.

The Swiss Guard keeps order and. The guard consists of a hundred people, but to get into its composition, a person must be a single Catholic and a resident of Switzerland. The main income of the Vatican consists of donations that flow into the treasury from all over the world, as well as additional income from the sale of books and tourists visiting the country.

Video about the Vatican:

Monaco

Monaco is second among the smallest countries in the world.

On an area of ​​2 sq. km is home to about 24 thousand inhabitants. More recently, the Grimaldi family, which came from Genoa, was considered the rightful ruler here. Today their place was taken by the Prince and National Council. Monaco is next door to France and is located on the shores of the beautiful Ligurian Sea.

The country is very attractive to the richest people in the world, because here they are offered attractive tax incentives. Despite the fact that tourism is very developed in the country, many residents are successfully engaged in agriculture and offshore banking.

The small country has become famous thanks to the world-famous casino, which is located in Monte Carlo. The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco was held here. The capital of the country is called Monaco.

Video about Monaco:

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

On the islands in the Atlantic between North and South America fit a tiny state - the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which has an area of ​​​​261 square meters. km and a population of 50,000.

In addition to tourism, they are engaged in the electrical industry, the export of sugar and shellfish, which brings good profit.

Video about the state - Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis:

Marshall Islands

The smallest state in Europe is the Marshall Islands, which consist of many coral islands, tiny in size, and reefs. State in 180 sq. km inhabited by 52 thousand inhabitants.

Mostly they speak here English language. The islands are known for their turbulent history, having been under the government of Germany, the Japanese Empire and Spain. As a result of the events of World War II, the United States liberated the island from the Japanese government, but the inhabitants received final freedom only in 1986. Thanks to the support, the island is still thriving today, despite the fact that it does not have its own resources and well-established exports. Residents of the Marshall Islands are engaged in the sale of fish, copra. Additionally, the treasury is replenished thanks to the developed tourism.

Video about the Marshall Islands:

San Marino

In the heart of Italy, on the slopes of Mount Titan, rises the miniature state of San Marino.

On the territory of 61 sq. km is home to approximately 28 thousand people. Colloquial residents - Italian. The state has its own ancient history that all residents are proud of. They tell about the mason Marinus, who came to these lands back in 301, fleeing from the Christian hater and persecutor of the emperor Diocletian. So that the emperor would not find him, the mason hid in the mountains of Titan, where he later created his own Christianity. The owner, who owned the mountain, recorded it in the name of the Christian community, so the territory was first known as the "Land of St. Marinus", and later - San Marino.

This tiny state, at the end of the war, was also considered the poorest, thanks to which it managed to maintain its independence.

After millions of tourists began to visit the country every year, the treasury of San Marino began to replenish rapidly. In addition to tourism, the state trades in the export of quality goods, including wine, ceramics, stone for construction and chemicals. Today, the inhabitants of a tiny country can be safely called the richest inhabitants of Europe.

Video about San Marino:

Tuvalu

Although the ocean level is constantly rising, the inhabitants of the tiny state of Tuvalu are in no hurry to leave it.

The country is located in the Pacific basin and consists of four islands and five atolls. At 26 sq. km lives 10.5 thousand people. It became independent relatively recently - in 1978. Previously, the British crown ruled here and were known as the Ellis Islands.

In order to survive, the inhabitants fish and farm, but this is not enough, so they receive great support from Australia, Japan, the USA, and New Zealand.

Video about the state of Tuvalu:

So you got acquainted with the smallest countries and states.

On the Internet, you can easily find information about where the smallest country in the world is located. Thanks to the global network in the 21st century, you can walk the streets of another country without leaving your city. Moreover, many states in their size are not far from Russian megacities: in distant Europe there are states much smaller than the smallest district of Moscow.

Rating of the smallest countries in the world

According to official data, the list of the smallest states looks something like this:

1. Order of Malta
2. Vatican
3. Monaco
4. Nauru
5. Tuvalu
6. San Marino
7. Liechtenstein
8. Marshall Islands
9. Cook Islands
10. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Of these, Tuvalu is the poorest, but its government registered a .tv zone and sold it, and successfully: after all, TV is an excellent domain zone for telecommunications companies, channels and Internet portals with video materials from all over the world. Tuvalu itself is located in Polynesia. For tourists, entry is absolutely free: a visa is issued for 30 days upon arrival in local airport.

The Order of Malta is the smallest country on the planet

The Order of Malta is a state with an area of ​​​​only 0.012 sq. km. It consists of two buildings in Rome and one in Birgu, Malta. Main government building, Main Palace, is located in the capital of Italy near the Spanish Steps.
Moreover, part of this palace is rented out for restaurants and shops. It is here that government meetings are held, and the residence of the prince is located. The palace is recognized as the capital of the Order.

Small spool, yes in the UN

Sovereignty miniature state recognized by about 100 countries. It has the status of a UN observer. There are representatives of the Order of Malta in different parts of the world. In the Russian Federation, his Mission is located in Moscow on Volkhonka.
The Order issues identity cards that enable free entry without a visa to 30 countries, and mints coins - meagerly. Its exchange rate changes, but approximately 1 scudo is equal to 0.24 euros. Although the real cost is slightly higher, because These coins are minted from real precious metals.
The state language of the state is Latin. The Order issues exclusive stamps that are very popular with collectors. The Order's mail is not part of the Universal Postal Union, so its stamps can not be used in all countries of the world, but only in 60.

The Order of Malta even has its own car plate numbers, but they belong exclusively to the government of the country and are found mainly in Rome. Machine number format: SMOM alphabetic code and 2 digits. Between the numbers and letters is a small Maltese cross. The Order of Malta does not have its own domain zone. Also, the country cannot boast of the presence of the police and the army.

The Order of Malta: a walk through a small country

The Order of Malta can be called the most isolated state in the whole world. For example, on Sunday, any visits to the country are prohibited. All 3 buildings of the small state are closed.
On a weekday, the Main Palace is open to the public. Moreover, each person can enroll in the library of the Order of Malta, which is located on the second floor of the palace. To do this, you need to fill out an application for.
But the entrance to the Maltese villa (the second building of the state) is strictly prohibited for outsiders. But enterprising tourists came up with another fun. There is a small keyhole in the gate of the building, through which you can see 3 European countries:

• Order of Malta
• Vatican
• Italy

Those. Rome is a city that hosts two of the smallest countries in the world. To look into this well, you often have to stand in a long line of travelers from all over the world.
The third building of the Order of Malta is located in the city of Birgu and is called Fort Sant'Angelo. But it has been reconstructed for many years, and therefore is closed to tourists.

Little Vatican

The Vatican is the most famous small country on earth. This state is located in one of the districts of Rome. Its area is 0.44 sq. km. Length of the Vatican state border- 3.2 km.

Politics and economics of the Vatican

The Vatican is the residence of the Pope. This small state serves as an observer to the UN and cooperates with Interpol. The Vatican has diplomatic relations with 176 states around the world, incl. with EU countries. The country falls under the Hague Convention, which provides for the protection cultural property if the war starts. It is included in the UNESCO list.
The Vatican is governed by the Holy See, represented by the sovereign - the Pope. The pontiff is elected by the cardinals. If he dies or abdicates, the Camerlengo assumes his duties until the election of a new Pope. Moreover, the election of the Pope can last from 2 days to several years!
When a new pontiff is appointed, white smoke rises from the small chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Traditionally, the ballots of those who voted are burned, but to give the smoke the desired shade, they throw into the fire:

• rosin
• lactose
• Berthollet salt

White smoke is accompanied by the iridescent ringing of the bells of St. Peter's Cathedral. This is necessary to once again confirm the election of a new pontiff.

The Vatican has its own state bank, which is otherwise called the Institute of Religious Affairs. The state is part of the eurozone and can create an individual design for the obverse of euro coins. Traditionally, the obverse depicts a portrait of the Pope, who is currently ruling.
The Vatican has a separate domain zone: .va. State languages: Latin and Italian. Vatican - the only country in a world where you can find menus in Latin in ATMs!

What kind of visa is needed to visit the smallest country - the Vatican

The Vatican is a separate state, but you do not need any special visa to visit it. Before traveling to Italy, Russians apply for a regular Schengen visa and, on its basis, cross the border of the Vatican. But tourists from all over the world sometimes have difficulties due to appearance. On the territory of the Vatican, you can not be in open T-shirts, short skirts and shorts. Travelers will be asked to change or leave the country.
Only the clergy and special guests can live on the territory of the Vatican. Hotels and inns (even the most expensive ones!) for ordinary tourists not provided.

Top 10 most famous sights of the Vatican

The most significant cultural and historical sites of the Vatican include:

• St. Peter's Square - a huge space, symmetrically bounded by semicircles of colonnades and having a high obelisk in the center;
• St. Peter's Cathedral - a spectacular building erected over the tomb of the Apostle Peter, it is here that you can see mosaics and paintings by Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini;
• Apostolic Palace - the residence of the pontiff, representing a single complex of palaces, galleries, chapels and gardens;
• The Sistine Chapel is a landmark famous for the frescoes of Botticelli, Rosselli and Perugino, as well as the monumental depiction of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo;
• Pinakothek - Art Gallery, which exhibits more than 450 paintings by Raphael, Giotto, Caravaggio, Titian, etc. mainly on religious themes (the unfinished painting by Leonardo da Vinci "Saint Jerome" is stored here);
• Raphael's Stanzas - 4 huge rooms in the Apostolic Palace with frescoes by Raphael;
• Belvedere Palace - a small complex of buildings, on the territory of which you can see unusual bronze sculptures in the form of a pine cone and a broken ball - the famous "Sphere in the Sphere";
• Vatican Gardens - park zone with an area of ​​more than 20 hectares, it is here that the heliport for transport communication With Italian airports;
• Grotta di Lourde - a consecrated artificial grotto in the Vatican Gardens;
• The Apostolic Library is the greatest book depository in the world, where you can find Renaissance and Medieval manuscripts, but only a part of the library is allowed for tourists.

Usually the Vatican Museums are open for visits from 9-00 to 18-00, the box office closes at 16-00. You can also purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums on their website www.museivaticani.va. During the periods from May 2 to July 29 and from September 2 to October 28, the Vatican Museums are also open from 19-00 to 23-00. To visit the Vatican attractions after sunset, you need to book a ticket in advance.

Little Principality of Monaco

Monaco is the smallest country in the Mediterranean. She is close to Cote d'Azur. The area of ​​the principality is only 2.02 sq. km. Moreover, over the past 20 years, this area has even increased by 40 hectares due to the drainage of sea borders.
Everyone who comes to Monaco should visit at least a few of its attractions. These include:

• Monte Carlo Casino is a grandiose gambling establishment where anyone can play (except for the citizens of Monaco - gambling is prohibited for them at the legislative level);
• Casino Square - a small square and a park area in front of the casino, where you can’t be in jeans and T-shirts - the status of a nearby establishment obliges;
• Monte Carlo Opera - famous Opera theatre, on the stage of which Chaliapin, Caruso, Verdi and many other eminent singers and musicians from all over the world performed;
• a museum of vintage cars, which even houses the London taxi that Grace Kelly once drove;
• Larvotto - amazing beautiful beach With clean water and artificial white sand, where many vacationers sunbathe without even taking off their jewelry;
• Museum of Oceanography built by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Of course, this is an incomplete list. Monaco - amazing country, which seems to consist entirely of architectural and cultural monuments, therefore, each tourist must independently choose the most important sights for himself.

Due to their miniature size, small states cannot boast of success in military affairs or industry, therefore they actively attract travelers from all over the world. Everyone needs to visit them in order to feel their originality.