5 states with the smallest area. The smallest countries in the world
Historically, it so happened that humanity seeks to divide the vast expanses of 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.
We learned the names of most large countries 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 ecosystem with reefs, various types of fish and marine life.
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 caribbean 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 due to its unique system of government in such a way that the people here lived very well.
Liechtenstein is located in the Alps 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 is 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 an ancient legend - the stonemason Marin.
At modern borders San Marino is considered the oldest 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 beautiful place, however, made it to the ranking of 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 an official capital, and the population is only 10 thousand people. But, unlike Tuvalu, this dwarf country has again begun to develop its economy and increase its 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 of the 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.
There are 194 independent countries in the world, and only 24 of them have an area of less than 1000 square meters. km. Some states are much smaller than cities. The smallest in area are mainly the dwarf states of Europe, due to their geographical boundaries and international agreements, and the island states in Oceania, limited by a natural coastal strip.
These tiny countries with their own history, culture, government - some of the richest, most remote and spectacular places on earth. Find out which 5 countries are on the list of the smallest countries in the world in terms of area.
Fifth place - San Marino
San Marino (full name - the Republic of San Marino), covering an area of 61 sq. km, - 3rd in the list of the smallest in size European countries; a dwarf sovereign state located at the foot of Monte Titano and surrounded by Italy. San Marino, founded in 301 by the Christian Saint Marin, it is the oldest republic in Europe. San Marino has a capital of the same name and a population of 33 thousand people. Despite the small area, this state is listed as one of the most developed and richest in the world.
Fourth place - Tuvalu
Tuvalu (formerly known as the Ellis Islands) is a Polynesian state (in the South Pacific), consisting of 5 atolls and 4 reef islands. The area of this constitutionally monarchical country is estimated at 26 square meters. km and is gradually decreasing due to rising sea levels. Tuvalu, with highest point 4.5 m above sea level, belongs to the lowest states in the world.
11 thousand people live in Tuvalu, the first settlers (Polynesians) lived here in the 1st century. In 1978, the country became independent from Britain, previously being its colony. The capital of this state is the atoll city of Funafuti, famous for its vast lagoon off the coast.
Third place - Nauru
Nauru (full name - Republic of Nauru), formerly known as pleasant island, is an island country in Micronesia (in the central Pacific Ocean). With a population of 10.1 thousand inhabitants and an area of 21.3 sq. km, Nauru - 3rd in a row among smallest countries in the world. The independence of this state was declared in 1968.
The Republic of Nauru is the smallest state in Oceania, smallest island country in the world, as well as the only country without a capital (the unofficial capital is the city of Yaren). The island is famous for the deposits of phosphate rocks near the surface, which allows this resource to be mined. Coral reefs, azure waters and white sandy beaches– main natural resources countries.
Second place - Monaco
Monaco (full name - Principality of Monaco) - microstate, semi-enclave in the south of France on the coast mediterranean sea, which ranks 2nd among the smallest countries in the world with with an area of only 2.02 sq. km. (over the past 20 years, the size of the land has expanded by 0.4 sq. km due to the drying of the sea). Monaco, with a population of 38,000, is the most populous country. The most populated quarter of Monaco Monte Carlo is a popular game center.
The sovereignty of Monaco is officially recognized after the signing of the Franco-Monegasque Treaty in 1861 between France and the Principality of Monaco. Monaco is a principality that governs under the form of a constitutional monarchy. Monaco is the richest country, a place of residence and recreation for millionaires and billionaires. Among the main attractions of this microstate is also the Monaco Grand Prix - the Formula 1 race.
The smallest country in the world
Vatican City (Vatican City State, Holy See) is the smallest country in the world, which covers area less than 1 sq. km- 0.44 sq. km. The Vatican is also the least populated country in the world with 850 inhabitants, but has the 3rd highest population density (after Monaco and Singapore).
The Vatican is located on the west bank of the Tiber River inside the Italian capital of Rome (landlocked) and is the center of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican officially became a sovereign state after the signing of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy in 1929. It is a monarchical state headed by the Bishop of Rome. Here is the largest Catholic church - St. Peter's Cathedral, which preserves the great works of art of the Renaissance ("The Creation of Adam", "Lamentation of Christ" by M. Buonarroti). About 75% of the citizens of the Vatican are members of the clergy.
There is a state even smaller than the Vatican. This Principality of Sealand is the most small state on Earth, whose area is 0.004 sq. km. It is an offshore platform in the North Sea (12 km from the coast of England), built by the British Army during the Second World War as an air defense.
In 1975, the country adopted a constitution. However The Principality of Sealand is not officially recognized by the international community as a sovereign state., so the country is not included in the list.
Thus, the list of TOP 5 smallest officially recognized countries in the world includes the old European republic of San Marino, which is surrounded by Italy; the Pacific island nations of Tuvalu and Nauru; Principality of Monaco, located along the French Riviera on mediterranean coast; and the center of the Roman Catholic Church Vatican, occupying an area of less than 1 sq. km. km and heading this rating.
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Ecology
Can you boast that you have been to all corners of your country? Most of us, of course, will answer in the negative. The average person is more likely to not be able to visit every locality and area of their country, especially if it occupies a fairly large territory. However, if you live in some kind of dwarf state, you will not have such a problem. In fact, in order to go around your entire country, you will need no more than one day, and maybe just a couple of hours. For example, between breakfast and lunch, you can take a walk and visit every corner of your state.
1) Vatican
The Vatican is a dwarf state located in one of the districts of Rome. It is a closed city-state with an area of only approximately 44 hectares. The Vatican is not a very old country. The state was founded in just 1929 and is governed by the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope. The most beautiful buildings in the world are located on the territory of the Vatican: St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace (the residence of the Pope), several museums and many others beautiful buildings. In addition, this tiny area also accommodates Vatican Gardens covering about half of the country's territory. About 800 people are official citizens of the Vatican, but several thousand more Italians come here every day to work.
2) Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and covers an area of 2.02 square kilometers. Thanks to the drying of the sea, the area of the country has increased slightly over the past 20 years. The country is also the second smallest monarchical state in terms of size. Monaco is located in Southwestern Europe on the Mediterranean coast, bordering France on land. Monaco is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of around 30,000. Mostly residents are engaged in tourism, as many guests come here who gamble and enjoy their holidays by the sea.
3) Nauru
Located in Micronesia, in the South Pacific Ocean, Nauru is a dwarf island nation with an area of only 21.3 square kilometers. The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. The state gained independence in 1968, but the island has been home to Aboriginals for at least 3,000 years. The first Westerner to visit the island was John Fearn. He gave the island the name "Pleasant". Today the population of the country is 9 thousand people, the state has no armed forces.
4) Tuvalu
Also located on islands in the South Pacific Ocean, the dwarf state of Tuvalu covers an area of 26 square kilometers. The country includes several coral islands. Previously, these islands were called the Ellis Islands and belonged to the British Crown. The islands were discovered in 1568 and were under British control until the end of the 19th century. Tuvalu gained full independence from the British only in 1978. At present, the population of the country is about 10.5 thousand people. Since there is practically no natural resources, Tuvalu lives off the help from other countries.
5) San Marino
Covering an area of 61 square kilometers, San Marino is the 5th smallest country in the world. San Marino also has the smallest population of the member countries of the European Council. San Marino is one of the oldest independent countries in the world. The founding date of this country is September 3, 301. The country's constitution was adopted as early as 1600, making San Marino the second oldest constitutional republic in the world. San Marino is also one of the richest countries on the planet, it has no debts, and incomes exceed expenditures in the budget.
6) Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a state surrounded on all sides by land, located in Europe. The area of the country is 160.4 square kilometers, it borders on Switzerland and Austria. Liechtenstein may be one of the smallest states on the planet, but it is also on the list of the richest. Winter tourism is developed here, but tourism is not the main source of income. Liechtenstein is a popular business center with more companies registered than residents.
7) Marshall Islands
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a dwarf state Marshall Islands mainly consists of coral islands. The total area of the country is 181 square kilometers, the population is 62 thousand people. This state gained independence from the United States only in 1986, but so far, US assistance has helped the economy of the Marshall Islands to "keep afloat". The country has virtually no natural resources and imports more goods than it exports. The Marshall Islands has suffered in recent years due to high energy costs.
8) Seychelles
Seychelles occupy an area of 455 square kilometers. It is the 8th largest dwarf country with a population of about 84 thousand people. The archipelago consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, and is located north of Madagascar. The Seychelles has been constantly developing thanks to the export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since the country gained independence in 1976, tourism has become the main source of income. The tourism industry currently employs about a third of the country's working population.
9) Maldives
Another island nation Republic of Maldives, or simply the Maldives, is located in the Indian Ocean. In terms of area and population, the Maldives is the smallest Asian country. The total area is 298 square kilometers, and according to the 2010 census, 396,334 people live here. The state owns 1192 islands, but only about 200 are inhabited. About a third of all Maldivians live in the capital of the country - the city of Male. Today, the main source of income for the inhabitants of the Maldives is tourism, in the old days the country developed thanks to the export of kauri clams, dried tuna and coconut cables.
10) Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
This is a dwarf Island state located in the West Indies - on the islands Atlantic Ocean between North and South America. The state is located on 2 islands with a total area of 261 square kilometers. These islands were the first of the Caribbean islands to be settled by Europeans. The state gained independence from Great Britain in 1983. This country is not only the smallest in area in the region of the 2 Americas, but also has the most small population among all the countries of this part of the world - about 50 thousand people. Tourism is the main source of income for the country today. Agriculture and offshore banking are also developed here.
"Me and the World" welcomes everyone who is now reading this article. Today we want to present you a rating of small countries. And what is the smallest state in the world, you will find out by reading this article to the end.
When we hear about a country, for example, in the news, we imagine a large territory with a population of several million people. But there are countries that can be compared in area with one modern metropolis.
And let's start with San Marino - 61 sq. km
We can say that this is a state within a state. San Marino is surrounded by the lands of Italy in a circle and is considered the oldest in Europe. It is noteworthy that it is located on one of the slopes of Mount Titan.
According to legend, the founder of San Marino is considered to be a stonemason named Marinus, who made the main castle of the future country in the rock, where he created his community. Subsequently, the stonemason was canonized as a Christian saint.
Only 30,000 people live here. But on the other hand, there is almost no unemployment, and the GDP per capita is one of the highest, thanks to the tourism business.
On the 4th place is Tuvalu - 26 sq. km
This Pacific area in Polynesia consists of nine small coral islands. The population is about 11,000 people.
In such a small area, there are only 8 km of roads, so it is difficult to get to different parts of the country and tourists rarely visit these islands, although the places here are very beautiful. The biggest problem is the gradual flooding of the territory, i.e. the islands are slowly sinking.
The islands of Tuvalu were discovered by the British Alvaro Mendanya de Neira in 1568 and for a long time were an English colony until they gained independence in the middle of the 20th century. The capital of the country is a city with a candy-like name - Funafuti.
Interestingly, the lands often changed their name. The discoverer called them the Lagoon Islands, then the archipelago was called the Ellis Islands, and now this is the state of Tuvalu, which means “eight standing together”.
3rd place - Nauru - 21 sq. km
Nauru is also an island state, but even smaller in area than Tuvalu and also in pacific ocean. Although the names are quite consonant, right? It is the smallest of the island states. 
A little over 10,000 people live here. But they do not have an official capital.
AT recent times the country's economy suffers greatly due to the depletion of phosphate mines.
There was nothing to mine, so unemployment reached 90%. Maybe that's why there are too many obese people here - 97% of men and 93% of women - from nothing to do? Yes, diabetes mellitus is added to this problem.
2nd place - Principality of Monaco - 2.02 sq. km
The territory is located next to France on the Mediterranean coast. Warm climate and Beautiful places attract many travelers. About 40,000 people live here.
Many people know this state as the most gambling, thanks to the famous casinos in the city of Monte Carlo.
The country is also known for hosting the Formula 1 championship, the Monaco Grand Prix, every year.
Profit to the treasury comes from the tourism business and the sale of real estate.
The Vatican closes the top five - 0.44 sq. km - 1st place
Which of the independent states of the world is the smallest? This is the Vatican, and it is located not only on the territory of another state, but also in the center of another city -.
the Vatican is religious center catholic church. Therefore, here is the richest and largest church in the world - St. Peter's Cathedral.
The Vatican houses very valuable works of the Renaissance. What does this small state live on? On voluntary contributions of a huge number of Catholics living around the world - more than 1 billion people. There is still a small part of the profit: income from the sale of souvenirs and entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums.
The Pope is recognized as head for life.
Basically, the population (about 840 people) is the clergy, and those who serve the entire holy center (janitors, gardeners and others) are the population of Italy.
It has its own army - the ancient Swiss Guard.
I would like to tell you about another interesting state of South America -Saint Kitts and Nevis
Many wealthy people try to get citizenship here. And do it not in order to live there, but to travel freely around the world and actively engage in business. The possibilities of the passport of this country are simply golden - its presence allows you to visit up to 130 countries of the world, and small taxes allow you to successfully conduct business.
On an area of 260 sq. km beautifully home to 50,000 people. But the country is still ruled by the Queen of England, because. The territory is part of the British Commonwealth. The tourism business is well developed here, there is still income from the import of sugar cane, coffee, and cotton.
Do you want to apply for citizenship here? Then you have two ways:
- Make a charitable contribution of $250-350,000 to the development of the country's sugar industry.
- Buy a property worth $400,000.
And interestingly, to obtain a passport, you do not need to go to St. Kitts and Nevis, it will be given to you in your country without the cost of a flight.
And one more interesting fact: many consider it a city or a small state. But in fact, this is not the case, since the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg occupies 2,500 square meters. km, and in terms of population - 576,000 people.
The duchy is one of the richest in the world, with a high standard of living. People from different countries keep their savings here thanks to 1000 investment funds and banks, of which there are more than 200.
We have described amazing countries, so small, but so interesting and unusual. With its own history and modern life. If the information became interesting to you, share this article with your friends. Travel the world and all the best to you!
There are 194 countries in the world, and I think about each of them, we, as a rule, represent a solid territory and a population of many millions. But some states are several times smaller than modern megacities in area. We've rounded up ten of the tiniest ones.
No. 10 Grenada: 344 km²
It is an island nation in the Caribbean, located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, so it's no surprise that it is also called the "Isle of Spice". From 1649 to 1763 it was a French colony. The strong influence of French traditions and culture in the country is felt today - from architecture and art to cricket, which is the most popular view sports on the island.
No. 9 Malta: 316 km²
Malta is another tiny island nation. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The three main islands of the Republic are Gozo (Gozo), Comino and the largest of them, Malta. The country has a population of about 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Most tourists come to Malta for beach holiday, intriguing history and up to a vibrant nightlife.
#8 Maldives: 300 km²
The smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population, the Maldives is nonetheless one of the largest popular places rest in Indian Ocean. White sandy beaches and crystal blue waters have earned the country its reputation as a paradise. About 1,192 coral islands are scattered over an area of 90,000 km², making the Republic one of the most dispersed countries in the world. Although this has its own plus: there is always a place here just for the two of you.
Formerly part of the West Indies, these two islands in the Caribbean were among the first lands inhabited by Europeans and were a major exporter of sugar for centuries. Today, only colonial estates converted into hotels remind of the former plantations. The modern economy of the country is built around tourism, agriculture and small manufacturing enterprises. Saint Kitts and Nevis is famous for its fantastic diving sites and rich marine life.
No. 6 Liechtenstein: 160 km²
Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that is entirely in the Alps. It is located between Switzerland and Austria. It is one of the richest countries with an incredibly low unemployment rate (1.5%). True, getting to Liechtenstein is a little problematic, because there is not a single airport here. The closest one is in Zurich.
No. 5 San Marino: 61 km²
San Marino is an enclave: its territory is completely surrounded by the lands of Italy. The country claims to be the oldest sovereign state in the world. San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe with a population of just 30,000, but boasts one of the highest GDP per capita and low unemployment.
No. 4 Tuvalu: 26 km²
Formerly known as Ellis, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. Its population is about 10,000 inhabitants, and the total length of roads is only 8 km. Once it was British territory, but in 1978 she became independent. Due to the fact that it is quite problematic to get here, tourism in Tuvalu is underdeveloped, although the landscapes here are truly heavenly.
No. 3 Nauru: 21 km²
Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It is located to the east of Australia. The country's economy suffered greatly when the local phosphate mines were depleted. Unemployment has reached 90%. The republic is also known as the place of residence of the most obese people: 97% of men and 93% of women are obese or overweight.
No. 2 Monaco: 2 km²
Monaco is the epitome of luxury and wealth: here is the largest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world. Thanks to chic casinos and a wide range of exclusive services, the country has become a favorite vacation spot for the powerful. One of the most popular and spectacular events of the year is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, during which cars drive along ordinary city streets. With over 36,000 inhabitants, Monaco is the most populous country in the world.
#1 Vatican: 0.44 km²
The smallest country in the world is the Vatican. It is located in the Italian capital and is the center of the Catholic Church. Not surprisingly, this is where the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, is located. In addition, valuable works of Renaissance art can be seen in the Vatican. The main source of income in the country is the voluntary contributions of Catholics from all over the world (more than 1 billion people). The rest of the profits come from the sale of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs and museum entrance fees.
