The smallest countries in the world and their capitals. What is the smallest country in the world
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
This ranking of countries in descending order is headed by . Among the top tiny countries, they have the most large area- 298 km². But in terms of population density, this state can compete with any big country Over 400,000 people live in this area.
The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which, in turn, are a chain of 1192 coral islands. The only city in the Maldives is Male, which is also the capital of this country. This amazing archipelago is a unique reef ecosystem, various types fish and marine organisms.
9 Saint Kitts and Nevis
This small country covers an area of 261 km² and consists of two islands - St. Kitts and Nevis. It is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea and has the title of the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is small - only 50 thousand people.
The state is well known among tourists and the income from this destination is more than 70% of the country's GDP per year. It also processes sugar cane and shellfish. The largest city of this country, and concurrently the capital, is inhabited by 11 thousand people. Saint Kitts and Nesiv have their own army of 300 people.
8 Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands covers an area of 181.3 km² of land. It is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean and is a chain of atoll islands. These islands were discovered in 1526 by Alonso de Salazar, and for many centuries passed as a colony from one country to another.
Today, these 34 atoll islands are real paradise. The territory of the republic has a unique head start and fauna, which, by the way, was almost destroyed by man. In the middle of the 20th century, Americans tested a hydrogen bomb here. The explosion was so powerful that it surpassed Hiroshima by 1000 times. However, local residents managed to slowly restore the ecosystem of the islands.
7 Liechtenstein
The European Principality of Liechtenstein is tiny and very famous in the world. Despite its area of 160 km², this state has a very powerful economy and developed industry. It can serve as an example for many powers thanks to its unique system management of the state in such a way that people here lived very well.
Liechtenstein is located in Alpine mountains and borders Switzerland and Austria. The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty, which has been ruling together with the Landtag for many years. The population of this European country small - about 36 thousand people.
6 San Marino
On the sixth line of our rating is the state of San Marino, which has an area of 60 km². It is unique in its location - it borders Italy on all sides. The name of the country was formed from the name of the saint who founded it according to ancient legend- stonemason Marin.
With modern borders, San Marino is considered the most ancient state in Europe, it was founded in 301. Almost the entire territory of the country (80%) is the foothills of the Apennines, so there is practically no arable land here. The population of the country is 33 thousand people with such a small area. This country has many unique architectural monuments on its territory.
5 Tuvalu
This small state in Polynesia has an area of 26 km². It consists of nine coral atolls, four of which make up the Tuvalu archipelago. The discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendanya de Neira, called them Lagoons, but they received their name Tuvalu only in 1975.
This a nice place, nevertheless, was ranked among the poorest countries as of 2016. The area of the islands is decreasing from year to year, so in 50 years, according to experts, Tuvalu may completely disappear from the face of the Earth as a state. The population of the country according to the latest data is just over 12 thousand people.
4 Nauru
The dwarf state of Nauru covers an area of 21 km² and was very popular in the middle of the 20th century. Such popularity was provided by phosphates, which the territory of this piece of land was full of. But today, only dilapidated mines remain from phosphates, and the country's ecology has been irretrievably damaged even for tourism.
Like the islands of Tuvalu, Nauru is located near the Republic of Kiribati and is located 42 km south of the equator. This country does not have official capital, and the population is only 10 thousand people. But, unlike Tuvalu, this dwarf country again began to develop its economy and increase the birth rate.
3 Monaco
The third line of our rating is occupied by the well-known European Principality of Monaco. Probably everyone has heard about it, despite the fact that it occupies only 2.02 km². The legendary Monaco Grand Prix races are held here, and the casino in Monte Carlo is very famous among gambling enthusiasts.
The population of Monaco (with such and such an area!) Is 38 thousand people. This is a lot, but such popularity has its own explanation. For a long time there was no taxation in Monaco, so many businessmen, wealthy foreigners settled here and large companies were founded. Monaco is governed by Prince Albert II, who is assisted by a national council.
2 Vatican
The State of the Vatican, with its tiny area of 0.44 km², is a very powerful state that has been deciding the fate of many countries for many centuries. The country's population is equal to the number of employees - 836 people. At the same time, the Vatican has no economy, and the country's budget is replenished only through numerous donations from Catholic organizations.
Here is the residence of the Pope - the heart catholic church. The state is located inside Rome and is directly associated with Italy. But despite the proximity, the Vatican gained its independence in 1929 and has been an independent country ever since. By right, he has the title of the smallest country in the world, but there is another state that should be paid attention to.
1 Order of Malta
And the first place in this list is occupied by the state, which some countries do not recognize as a separate state unit. We are talking about the Order of Malta with a territory of 0.012 km². This Order has about 13,000 members who have the country's passports and use their own currency.
Not all countries recognize the sovereignty of the Order of Malta and consider it only at the level of diplomatic relations. The largest city Orders - Fort St. Angelo, which the country rents from Malta. If you do not take into account the shaky recognition of this sovereignty, then the Order is the smallest state in the world.
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.
The smallest countries in the world 🗺
We live in huge countries. But there are also small countries on earth. And although they are small in size, some of them are quite significant and authoritative.
Of the 10 smallest countries, two are in the Caribbean, four in Europe, one in Asia, and three in Oceania. There are four more countries on the continent, and 3 of them do not even have access to the sea, and six tiny countries are located on islands. For such countries, livelihoods are vital.
Country Vatican
Most small state it is with an area of 0.44 square kilometers, located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. Population - 836 people. The strongest apparatus of the entire Roman Catholic Church is working for the Vatican big amount followers around the world. He receives all finances from the donations of Catholics on a voluntary basis. He also sells stamps, books and part of the money comes from tourists. There is no tax in the Vatican.
Country Monaco
The second smallest country is considered with an area of 1.96 km². And on square kilometer accounts for 23,660 inhabitants. The country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with about 30,000 inhabitants. The main source of income for the residents is tourism. Monaco is located on the coast mediterranean sea.
Country Nauru
Nauru- a state located on a coral island 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. The state of Nauru does not have an army.
Country Tuvalu
Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. Due to lack natural resources Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries. This country is one of the poorest countries in the world and 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
Country San Marino
A country surrounded on all sides by Italy. Its area is 61 km², the population is 32,075 people. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture, growing grapes, fruits, corn and animal husbandry. But the main source of income is tourism. San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.
Country Liechtenstein
State in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people. has no access to the sea. One of the richest countries in the world, the main income is due to the large flow of tourists.
Pacific state associated with the United States. Republic Marshall Islands located on 29 atolls and 5 islands, the total area of which is 181 km², the population is 68,000 people.
is an archipelago of 15 islands. The State of the Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific. The area is 236 km², the population is 19,569 people, of which almost 80% are on the island of Rarotonga. The basis of the economy is tourism.
A country in the eastern Caribbean between North and South America. Consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis, with total area 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.
Country Maldives
The island country is located in Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area Asian country. Includes approximately 1190 coral islands with a total area of 298 sq. km, the population is 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.
State of Sealand
All these countries are recognized by the international community, but there is a state that, in terms of area and population, can rightfully be considered the smallest in the world. This state- Sealand), with an area of 500 square meters. It is a concrete platform with dimensions of 30 by 10 meters. The platform is located outside the three-mile zone in the North Sea, which means it is in neutral waters.
Roy Bates took advantage of this in the 70s and officially occupied this zone. Roy proclaimed himself king, his wife queen, and the state proclaimed a monarchy and with all his loyal subjects settled in his state. But he did not think to stop there, in 1975 Roy issued a constitution, a national currency.
Initially, the platform was created during the Second World War as a base for the British Army, but was subsequently abandoned, which was used by British Army Major Roy Bates to host a pirate radio station and, in order to avoid court, officially declared the independence of Sealand.
After 2 years, Britain tried to occupy the state, but Roy fired several warning shots into the air. Against Roy, as a citizen of England, a court case was initiated. But justice prevailed, the court issued a historically important verdict, he recognized that the case is outside the jurisdiction of the UK. In 2002, the population of the state of Sealand was 27 people. However, at the same time, only a guard constantly lives on the territory of Sealand.
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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 don't have to worry about hundreds of people scurrying around, and besides, crime rates are lower in smaller countries because a criminal can't hide in a big 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 sunbeams, you can do it most the time you are 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. locals friendly and the sights are great.
When we hear the word “country”, we immediately imagine massive territories with a large number of people. But there are countries in the world that are so small that cities in other countries are giants in comparison. The 10 smallest countries in the world have a total area of 1326.4 km² - less than the area of the city of St. Petersburg, Russia (1439 km²).
List of 10 smallest countries by total land area
10. Malta - 316 km²
Malta - island country located in the Mediterranean. The Republic of Malta actually consists of three islands: Gozo, Comino and Malta, which is the largest of the three. Malta is 27 km long and 15 km wide. Gozo is half the size, while Comino is only 2 km long. In this small country It has over 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
9. Maldives - 300 km²
Popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. The Maldives has over 1,192 coral islands spread over 90,000 sq. km, which makes it one of the most scattered countries in the world.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²
Saint Kitts and Nevis, these 2 islands in Caribbean were among the first to be captured by the Europeans. They occupy a total of 261 km², making Saint Kitts and Nevis the eighth largest country in the world, the smallest country in North and South America and the Western Hemisphere.
7. Marshall Islands - 181 km²
Marshall Islands, officially called the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is an island nation located in pacific ocean, about halfway between the state of Hawaii and Japan.
6. Liechtenstein - 160 km²
Located between Switzerland and Austria, the miniature state of Liechtenstein is the richest in the world in terms of GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a bit tricky as there is no airport within its borders. Visitors must pass through Swiss Zurich Airport to reach this alpine country, which is still ruled by the monarch!
5. San Marino - 61 km²
San Marino is one of the smallest states in the world. It is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The name comes from the name of a Christian saint who, according to legend, founded the state.
4. Tuvalu - 26 km²
Formerly known as the Ellis Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean northeast of Australia. With a total of 26 square kilometers, Tuvalu makes it the fourth largest country in the world.
3. Nauru - 21 km²
Nauru is the smallest island country, the smallest republic, and the smallest country that is not a city-state.
The population of Nauru suffers greatly from obesity. According to the UN, Nauru ranks first in the world in terms of the number of people who are obese. In 2003, Nauru's adult prevalence of diabetes (30.2%) was the highest in the world. The causes of obesity in Nauru, as in other regions with a recent industrial past, are associated with the spread of cheap high-calorie foods, primarily canned meat. Nauru has a total of 21 sq. km, making it the third largest country in the world.
2. Monaco - 2.02 km²
The Principality of Monaco is home to millionaires and billionaires. It is also the second largest country in the world with only 2 square kilometers of total land area. It is also the smallest country with a coastline. The Principality is widely known for its casinos in Monte Carlo and the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco held here.
1. Vatican - 0.44 km²
The smallest country in the world by area is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. This country is completely within the territory of Rome and is the center of the Catholic Church.
It is also home to the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, which houses one of the most significant works of art of the Renaissance, Michelangelo's masterpiece, the marble Pieta. The income of the Vatican comes from the voluntary contributions of more than 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church worldwide. The rest of its economy comes from sales of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs, and museum entrance fees.
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 of the 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 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 Pacific island state, uniting 9 coral islands with a total area of 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 kilometers 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.
