There are many dwarf states in the world. Most small countries are located in Europe or on islands. They are often located inside other large states. You can see the sights of mini-countries in one day. However, some of them play an important role in the international political arena. This article provides a list and short description the smallest countries in the world by territory in descending order of their area.
10. Malta
Area 316 km². The capital of the archipelago is the city of Valletta. The island state is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The population is represented by Maltese, Arabs, British and Italians. Picturesque places attract tourists. The main component of Malta's economy is the tourism business. The country is famous for its cliffs, forts, cathedrals and temples.
9. Maldives
Area 298 km². The Maldives are located in the southern, equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. The capital of the archipelago is the city of Male, located on the island of the same name. Most of the population are Maldivians and Indians. The sea near the Maldives takes on a blue, transparent hue. The islands are considered a paradise for vacationers. Diving, yachting, and trips on glass-bottomed vessels are especially popular.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Area 261 km². The Federation is located on two islands in the Caribbean Sea. The capital is the city of Basseterre. The majority of residents are of African descent, the rest of the population is mulatto and white. The federation has its own currency, the East Caribbean dollar. The US dollar is in free circulation. The islands are famous for their beaches and bays. average temperature air temperature throughout the year is about +24°C. Tourists come for diving, traveling through the rainforest and horseback riding.
7. Marshall Islands
Area 181 km². The republic is located in the northern part Pacific Ocean. The capital is Majuro Atoll. The archipelago consists of 1152 islands. The population consists of Marshallese, Mestizos, Filipinos and Americans. The republic is associated with the USA. Nuclear weapons tests were carried out here in the last century. Much of the unique nature was destroyed for the sake of coconut palm plantations. There are few attractions on the archipelago. Due to its remoteness, tourism is poorly developed. The islands attract diving enthusiasts: at the depths lies sunken equipment from the Second World War.
6. Liechtenstein
Area 160 km². The state is located in Central. It borders with Austria and Switzerland. The capital is the city of Vaduz. The population is represented by Liechtensteiners, Germans, Swiss, Italians. Despite its modest territory, the country was able to develop economically. In Liechtenstein, per capita income does not lag behind neighboring countries. The cities of the principality are famous for their rich history and have many attractions. The country is replete with Gothic castles, chapels, and authentic villages. Ski resorts are especially popular among tourists.
5. San Marino
Area 61.2 km². The dwarf state is located on the Apennine Peninsula, surrounded on all sides by Italy. The capital has the same name, San Marino. The indigenous people are Sanmarinians and Italians. Despite its size, the country has developed agriculture. People grow grapes, olives, and wheat. More than three million tourists visit San Marino every year. The castle towns in which the population lives have retained their medieval appearance. It is prohibited to drive cars in the historical part of the capital.
4. Tuvalu
Area 26 km². The country is located in . The capital of the islands is Funafuti Atoll. Tuvalu is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The population is represented by Polynesians, the number of foreigners does not exceed two hundred people. The Governor General of the dwarf state represents the interests of the Queen of Great Britain. The local currency, the Tuvalu dollar, has an original design. All the islands are low-lying, the height does not exceed 5 m above sea level, so they suffer. Rising sea levels are degrading groundwater quality. Because of this, agriculture is in decline and the soil is subject to erosion. If the situation worsens, the population will have to move to New Zealand, or in Fiji.
3. Nauru
Area 21.3 km². The state is located on the island of the same name in the Pacific Ocean. There is no capital; the administrative center is the city of Yaren. Most residents are Nauruans. The island was covered with tropical forests. In the 20th century, while mining the mountains, people discovered huge deposits of phosphates and began to mine them. Forest areas in mining areas have turned into rocks. It is impossible to build anything here or plant new forests. Almost the entire territory of the island became a wasteland. Today there is a problem with fresh water, for its extraction, special tanks are installed on the roofs of houses. Tourist activities are limited. Nauru mainly attracts divers.
2. Monaco
Area 2.02 km². The country is located in the south of Europe, the capital is Monte Carlo. On land, Monaco borders France. The ethnic composition is diverse, with French, Italian and Monegasque residents living in the districts. The Principality can be crossed in just a few hours. For many centuries, Monaco has enjoyed the status of a luxury resort. The country is famous for its casinos, beaches Cote d'Azur and magnificent. Tourists are recommended to visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Prince's Palace, and the Oceanographic Museum.
1. Vatican
Area 0.44 km². The city-state is located in Europe, it is surrounded by Italy. Just over eight hundred people live here. The country is dominated by a theocratic monarchy. Most tour operators include a visit to the Vatican in their Italy itineraries. The city abounds with palace complexes and museums. An Egyptian obelisk dominates St. Peter's Square. Here all year round Pilgrims come from all over the world. Tourists should definitely visit the Sistine Chapel, the Chiaramonti Museum, the Vatican Pinacoteca, and the Gregorian Etruscan Museum.
This is a list of the 15 smallest countries in the world. Countries that can be compared in size to small town. You can walk from end to end of almost every one of these countries in less than a day.
The smallest state on earth. The Vatican is located on the territory Eternal City Rome, on the hill of Monte Vaticano and has a state border length of only 3.2 km. In a few hours you can easily walk around the entire country. According to official data, the population of the Vatican is just over 800 people. Another 3,000 people are not citizens of the country, but come here to work every day.
The Vatican is one of the largest open-air museums. Here is a real treasury of works of art and architectural monuments, relics of Christianity and unique creations great masters. A huge number of believers and tourists visit the Vatican territory every day.
Second place in the list of micro states is occupied by the Principality of Monaco. Its territory is 1.95 square meters. km. The length of the state border with France is 4.4 km. The population density in Monaco, unlike the Vatican, is very high - the country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Local residents are mainly engaged in serving tourists, who are attracted here by magnificent beaches and a huge number of gaming establishments.
The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21.3 km² and a population of 12 thousand people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.
Tuvalu is a dwarf Pacific state in Polynesia. The length of the coastal strip is 21 km. The state is located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The total land area is 26 km². The country's population is 14 thousand people. The islands gained independence in 1978 (before that the archipelago was a British colony).
The name of the country, translated from the Tuvaluan language, means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu. The main problem of the islands is rising sea levels, which threatens to flood many of the islands, most of which is located no higher than 5 meters above sea level. The country lives on the help of other countries, because... does not have its own natural resources.
5. San Marino
A European state surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. The name comes from the name of the Christian saint who founded the state. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe. The area of the state is 60.57 km². Almost 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains and rock formations. Population: 33 thousand people. San Marino is one of the few modern countries with positive economic indicators. State revenues exceed expenses and the country has no external debt.
Another dwarf European state. The country's area is 160 km². The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the most high point- Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the largest rivers in Western Europe, the Rhine, flows through the western part of the country. The country's population is 38 thousand people.
Despite its size, Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed banking system. In addition, the Principality of Liechtenstein is included in the black list of “tax havens” - states where residents of other countries avoid taxation.
The Marshall Islands are a Pacific nation in Micronesia. The state is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the Marshall Islands archipelago. The length of the coastal strip is 370.4 km. The total land area is 181.3 km² and 11,673 km² are occupied by lagoons. The population of the Marshall Islands is 65 thousand people.
The maximum height above sea level is 10 meters. In the event of a significant rise in sea levels or global climate change, serious environmental consequences are inevitable on individual islands.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have a permanent armed force. According to the agreement, the United States bears responsibility for the security and defense of the country. They have a responsibility to protect the Republic of the Marshall Islands and its citizens from outside attacks and threats.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis - a state in the eastern part Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both islands are of volcanic origin and mountainous. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 53 thousand people. Total length coastline- 135 km.
The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not colonize them. The struggle for possession of the islands was fought for a long time by Great Britain and France. In 1983, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence.
The islands have rich tropical vegetation. The mountainous areas are covered with dense tropical forests and orchards. Lianas, mangoes, breadfruit and cinnamon trees, tamarind, avocados, bananas, and papaya grow here. At the tops of the mountains, forests give way to meadows with equally abundant vegetation. The forests are home to numerous tropical birds and butterflies, and there are monkeys. Many seabirds, including pelicans, nest on the coast. The waters abound with fish.
The Republic of Maldives or simply the Maldives is a state in South Asia, located on a group of atolls in Indian Ocean, south of India. The state is a chain of 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islets. Population - about 330 thousand people. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². The capital Male - the only city and port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name and is the smallest capital in the world. However, Male is home to a third of the country's total population.
The basis of the economy is serving tourists. Hot but comfortable weather all year round (air temperature from 24 to 30°) made Maldives a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Fishing comes in second place.
The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino and many small and uninhabited ones. The territory of the state is 316 km². The population of Malta is 420 thousand people. The country bears the title of the least populated state in the European Union.
The main industry of Malta's economy is tourism. Most of the cultural and historical attractions are associated with the Knights of the Johannite Order (Order of Malta). Due to its wide variety of urban and natural landscapes, Malta is popular place filming of feature films. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have rivers, lakes or its own sources of fresh water.
Grenada is an island state in the southeast Caribbean Sea, occupies the island of Grenada and southern part islands of the Grenadines. Total area - 344 sq. km. Population: 110 thousand people.
The island of Grenada is of volcanic origin. In the center of the island there is a forested mountain range, overlooked by Mount St. Catherine (840 m), the highest point in the country. There are few rivers on the island, but there are many streams and springs. Grenada's economy is based on tourism as well as offshore financial businesses.
The song “Grenada”, written by M. Svetlov in 1926, as it turned out, has nothing to do with the state of Grenada.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state in the Caribbean. The territory consists of the island of Saint Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines group. Area - 389 km². Population - 105 thousand people.
On the island of St. Vincent there is active volcano Soufriere. During our era alone, it has erupted at least 160 times. The last eruption was in 1979. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is whites sandy beaches on the southern tip of the island.
Barbados is a small country in the West Indies, located on island of the same name, shaped like a pear. The island has an area of 431 km² and is mostly flat with small hills in the middle. Population: 290 thousand people. Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in terms of living standards and literacy.
The basis of the economy is tourism. Many historical monuments, are associated with the rise of piracy in the Caribbean. Barbados is also famous for the production of the famous pirate rum. Approximately every 3 years the island finds itself in the hurricane zone and suffers greatly from the elements.
Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the West Indies, located on three islands - Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The total territory is 442 km². Population 90 thousand people.
The main source of income is tourism. Antigua and Barbuda is ready to welcome tourists 365 days a year. The coastline of Antigua forms many bays (essentially relict volcanic craters) and a long strip of first-class beaches (it is believed that there are exactly 365 of them on the islands). There are both beaches with developed infrastructure and completely wild, secluded corners.
The Republic of Seychelles is an island state in East Africa. Located in the western Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator. The republic includes 115 islands, only 33 of them are inhabited. The islands cover an area of 455 square kilometers. The country's population is about 90 thousand people.
Main source of income Seychelles For a long time there was an export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since 1976, when Great Britain granted independence to the Seychelles, tourism has become the main source of income (up to 75% of foreign exchange earnings).
The fruit of the Seychelles palm, which grows only in the Seychelles, weighs 20 kg and is considered the largest fruit in the plant world.
For travelers, small countries have a special appeal because for many of these countries tourism is the main source of income, and a lot 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 in terms of territory, the following are the smallest. So…
1st place – Order of Malta
Located on the territories of Rome and the island of Malta with a total area of 0.012 square meters. km. The population of the order is considered to be 12,500 people.
The Vatican is in association with Italy and covers an area of 0.44 square meters. km and is inhabited by about 830 people.
III place - Principality of Monaco
Monaco, a country with an area of just over 2 square meters. km and a population of about 36 thousand people, associated and adjacent to France. Located on the resort Mediterranean coast.
IV place – Republic of Nauru
The country is a Pacific coral island with an area of 21 square kilometers. 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, population is approximately 10 thousand people. One of the poorest countries in the world, whose financial situation has recently improved slightly due to the sale of the national domain zone .ty, for the right to which television companies and video sites pay Tuvalu about 1 million. 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 rich history and a culture of which 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.
VIII place – Marshall Islands
The state includes 29 atolls and 5 islands in the Pacific Ocean on an area of 181 square meters. km and with a population of 68 thousand people. Is in association with the USA.
IX place – Cook Islands
Pacific islands south of New Zealand and associated with it with an area of 236 square meters. km are inhabited by about 20 thousand people. Among the residents of these fabulous corners, perhaps there are now 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 square meters. km and a population of about 50 thousand people, located in the Caribbean Sea.
There are quite a few countries on the planet that can fit, for example, on the territory of one district of Moscow. As a rule, such places are very interesting and exotic. Most of them are little known, but information about these countries is still available to readers of the “Smallest Countries in the World” rating.
In order not to be confused about where the country is located, and where the state or territory is located, you need to know: a territory is a community united by culture, land and history. If this community is isolated, even dependent, then it is already a country. But if it also has sovereignty, that is, political freedom to choose a state-legal organization, then you already have a state. So, which countries are the smallest?
Maldives, 298 sq. km
This is a state consisting of 2 thousand islands in the Indian Ocean. In 1965, the Maldives became independent from Great Britain.181 thousand inhabitants who speak Maldivian and English languages, make a living from tourism.
Saint Kitts and Nevis, 269 sq. km
The Caribbean country is home to 41 thousand English-speaking people. In 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis was recognized as independent. 
Here money comes from the export of sugar, shellfish, electronics and light industrial goods.
Seychelles, 217 sq. km
Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa. Until 1976 it was subordinate to Great Britain. 
After 69 thousand local residents became independent. Creole, English and French are spoken here. Residents have their main income from tourism.
Marshall Islands, 180 sq. km
The Pacific Marshall Islands are an archipelago of coral islets and reefs. The population of this small state is 52 thousand people. 
Official language- English. Formally, the islands are subject to the British crown, and this despite the fact that they became independent in 1986. The island produces copra, fish and phosphates. Recently, tourism has become an important source of revenue for the treasury.
Liechtenstein, 160 sq. km
This tiny state is located in the Alps, between Austria and Switzerland. About 29 thousand people live in the country. Liechtenstein lives by exporting food, selling postage stamps, microchips and dental instruments. At the same time, the state is a fairly developed industrial country with a high standard of living and an excellent system of financial services. 
Liechtenstein's population consists mainly of Germans, Austrians and Swiss. A third of the total population are foreigners. Everyone speaks German, but there are several dialects in the territory.
San Marino, 61 sq. km
This small state is located on the slope of Mount Titan, in the center of Italy. About 28 thousand inhabitants live on 61 square kilometers of San Marino. And they all speak Italian. 
Citizens are proud that their state is one of the most ancient in Europe. From ancient sources it is known that San Marino was formed in 301. The mason Marinus came to this land.
He was fleeing from the Roman emperor Diocletian, who is known for his hatred of Christians. Marinus hid at an altitude of 701 meters on Mount Titan and created his own small Christian community. The then owner of this land, Felicissima, bequeathed her land to the community. At first the territory was called “Land of St. Marinus”, then it was renamed San Marino.
San Marino retained its physical independence thanks to its inconvenient natural location and poverty. Since the 17th century, the Constitution in the country, ruled by the Council of Sixty, has not changed.
San Marino is a small country in Europe
After the end of World War II, San Marino found itself on the list of the poorest countries in Europe. Now the country is visited annually by about three million tourists, so their money constitutes one of the main sources of income. Ceramics, wine, paints, chemicals, and building stone are exported from San Marino. Now, thanks to this, the inhabitants of this small country have become some of the richest in Europe.
Tuvalu, 26 sq. km
This state is located in the western Pacific Ocean on a chain of nine coral atolls. It has a population of only 10.5 thousand people. 
Every year the island's territory becomes smaller and, perhaps, in a few decades, there will be nothing left of it - if the sea level rises. However, if this does not happen, then Tuvalu will still slowly but surely “go to the bottom.” The main problems in the state are coastal erosion and population growth.
Nauru, 21 sq. km
This dwarf state is located on the coral reef of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. The island has no capital of its own; it is the only such republic on the planet. About 13 thousand residents live here. 
In the 1970s, the indigenous people of Nauru were the richest people in the world. Everyone profited from phosphates. Local authorities employed 95 percent of citizens, and also provided the people with free education and medicine. However, not everyone appreciated this - high school only a third of all children attended.
Nauru Island is the smallest country in the Pacific Ocean
However, phosphates did not last forever, and 90 percent of the island became unproductive. All that remained were depleted mines. And that's not the only problem small state. Most local residents suffer from obesity. A too slow and sedentary lifestyle, a large amount of fatty foods and alcohol have taken their toll - 9 out of 10 have too many extra pounds. Moreover, almost half of Nauru's population has diabetes. As a result, the state has the most high level incidence of this disease in the world.
Monaco, 1.96 sq. km.
Monaco takes second place in the list of “Smallest Countries in the World”. The area of this dwarf state is almost two square kilometers, and each has about 24 thousand inhabitants. For the last seven centuries, the Grimaldi family from Genoa has ruled here. Now the Prince rules together with the National Council. 
One to five - this is the ratio of native Monaco residents to visitors. Why did this happen? Because for quite a long time there was no income tax in the country. Therefore, wealthy foreigners, businessmen and owners of large companies came here in droves. After lengthy debates with the French authorities, who were dissatisfied with the outflow of their wealthy entrepreneurs along with their capital to a neighboring state, an income tax was introduced in Monaco. However, this change did not affect the indigenous people.
The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, 0.44 square meters. km
This country may be small, but it is very powerful. The Vatican is an independent territory of the Holy See of the Catholic Church, before which a billion people on the planet bow. In essence, the Vatican is the residence of the head of the Catholic Church.Italian and Latin are spoken in the Vatican. The country's economy is exceptional: it is the only non-profitable one in the world. The Vatican treasury comes from the pockets of Catholics around the world, that is, it is formed from donations, income from the sale of books, postage stamps and tourism. And one more important note: The Vatican does not collect taxes as a spiritual center.
In the ranking of the smallest countries in the world, there are many island states located close to the equator and having a very hot climate. We also invite you to read about the hottest countries in the world.
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Incredibly varied. Each of them is unique in its own way. However, we are accustomed to the fact that the word “country” implies a vast territory, hundreds of cities and villages. Nevertheless, there are powers in the world with a record small area. Today we will find out which countries are the smallest in area and what features they have.
The Heart of Catholicism
The smallest country in the world by area, known to everyone, is the Vatican. A small but incredibly powerful state is located in the western part of Rome. Since the residence of the Pope is located in the Vatican, this mini-country is the spiritual center of the entire Catholic world.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis are a pair of islands in the Caribbean that are united into one republic. They are of volcanic origin. The length of the coastline is 135 km. The islands are separated by the Narrows Strait and surrounded by coral reefs.
Power here belongs to the British monarch, who is represented on the island by the Governor-General. The official language is English. Total area - 261 sq. km.
Population - more than 50,000 people. Blacks dominate, whose descendants were brought as slaves to the islands. The indigenous inhabitants of the republic were Caribbean Indians, but in the 17th century they were ousted by the British. The latter soon had to cede rights to the islands to the French. In the 80s, Saint Kitts and Nevis gained internal self-government. Status - “state associated with Great Britain”.
Maldives - a piece of paradise
This paradise in the Indian Ocean is also one of the 10 smallest countries in the world by area. 1192 coral islets located near Sri Lanka are distinguished by beautiful scenery and provide all the necessary attributes of a holiday. Today, a tour to the Maldives is not that expensive - about $1,000.
The islands are grouped into a target of 26 atolls. Area - only 300 sq. m, which housed about 400,000 residents. Religion - Islam. It is noteworthy that out of 1192 islets, only 202 of them are inhabited. The rest are incredibly beautiful, uninhabited corners of the tropics. Scientists suggest that they are all of volcanic origin. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by area.
The indigenous people are the Dravidians (immigrants from India). In the 5th-7th centuries, Persians and Arabs appeared on the islands.
The official language is Dikhevi. However, in tourist centers Knowledge of English is enough.
Conclusion
So, we found out which country has the smallest area and which powers are among the ten smallest in size. The remaining small states of the world, including island ones, have an area of 400 square meters. km or more.
