There are 194 countries in the world, and when I think about each of them, we, as a rule, represent a large territory and a population of many millions. But some states are several times smaller in area than modern megacities. We've collected ten of the tiniest ones.

No. 10 Grenada: 344 km²

This Island state in the Caribbean Sea, located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, so it is not surprising that it is also called the “Spice Island”. From 1649 to 1763 it was a French colony. The strong influence of French tradition and culture in the country is still felt today - from architecture and art to cricket, which is the most popular sport on the island.

No. 9 Malta: 316 km²

Malta is another tiny island state. 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 approximately 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most populous countries in the world. Most tourists come to Malta for beach holiday, intriguing history and vibrant nightlife.

No. 8 Maldives: 300 km²

The smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population, the Maldives is nevertheless one of the most... popular places holidays in Indian Ocean. Snow-white sandy beaches and crystal blue water gave the country a reputation as a paradise. Some 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 room for just the two of you.

Formerly part of the West Indies, these two islands in the Caribbean were among the first lands settled by Europeans and were major exporters of sugar for many centuries. Today, only colonial estates converted into hotels remind of the former plantations. The country's modern economy is built around tourism, agriculture and small manufacturing enterprises. St. Kitts and Nevis is home to fantastic dive sites and rich marine life.

No. 6 Liechtenstein: 160 km²

Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that lies 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 Italian lands. The country claims to be the oldest sovereign state in the world. San Marino ranks third on the list of smallest countries in Europe and has a population of only 30,000 people, but boasts one of the highest GDP per capita and low unemployment rates.

No. 4 Tuvalu: 26 km²

Formerly known as Ellis, the state of 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. It was once a British territory but became independent in 1978. Due to the fact that getting here is quite problematic, 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 east of Australia. The country's economy suffered significantly when local phosphate mines were depleted. Unemployment reached 90%. The Republic is also known as home to the world's 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: it has the largest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world. Thanks to the luxurious casinos and wide choice exclusive services, the country has become a favorite holiday destination powerful of the world this. 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 a population of over 36,000 inhabitants, Monaco is the most populous country in the world.

No. 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 catholic church. It is not surprising that this is where the largest Christian church in the world is located - St. Peter's Basilica. In addition, in the Vatican you can see valuable works of art from the Renaissance. The main source of income in the country is voluntary contributions from Catholics from all over the world (more than 1 billion people). The rest of the profit comes from the sale of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs and entrance tickets to museums.

07/22/2014 at 23:03 · Johnny · 163 120

Top 10 smallest countries in the world

On the world political map There are about 250 officially recognized independent states in the world. Among them there are powerful powers that have significant weight in various international organizations and take an active part in the life of other states. As a rule, these states have a sufficient (for example, Russia) and large population (China).

Along with giant countries, there are also very small states, the area of which does not exceed 500 km², and the number of people living is comparable to the population small town. However, some of these countries play a very significant role. These, for example, include the state of the Vatican - the religious center of all Catholics, headed by the Pope.

As you may have guessed, today we have prepared a ranking of the smallest countries in the world; the main criterion for the distribution of places is the area of territory occupied by the state.

10. Grenada | 344 sq. km

Primary language: English
Capital: St. George's
Population: 89,502 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $9,000

Grenada is an island state with a constitutional monarchy. Located in the Caribbean Sea. It was first discovered by Columbus in the 14th century. In the agricultural sector, bananas, citrus fruits, and nutmeg are grown, which are subsequently exported to other countries. Grenada is an offshore zone. Thanks to the provision of offshore financial services, the country's treasury is replenished by $7.4 million annually.

9. Maldives | 298 sq. km

Main language: Maldivian
Capital: Male
Population: 393 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $7,675

The Republic of Maldives is located on an archipelago of more than 1,100 islands in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is one of the best resorts in the world, therefore, along with fishing, the main share of the economy is the service sector (about 28% of GDP). There are all the conditions for a wonderful holiday: magnificent nature with a mild climate,... Abundance different types animals, among which they are almost never found. The presence of beautiful underwater caves stretching along the entire archipelago, which will be a real gift for tourists who are fond of diving.

Interesting fact: With such a cluster of islands there is not a single river or lake.

8. St. Kitts and Nevis | 261 sq. km

Primary language: English
Capital: Basseterre
Population: 49.8 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $15,200

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federation located on two islands of the same name, in the east Caribbean Sea. In terms of territory and population, this state is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere. The climate is tropical. Thanks to this, the islands have a very rich flora and fauna. The main industry that provides the majority of treasury revenue is tourism (70% of GDP). Agriculture is poorly developed, mainly sugar cane is grown. To modernize agriculture and industry in the country, a program was launched - “Citizen for Investment”, thanks to which you can get money by paying $ 250-450 thousand.

Interesting: Pavel Durov (creator of the social network VKontakte) has citizenship in this country.

7. Marshall Islands | 181 sq. km

Main language: Marshallese, English
Capital: Majuro
Population: 53.1 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $2,851

Marshall Islands (republic), located in the Pacific Ocean. The country is located on an archipelago that includes 29 atolls and 5 islands. The climate on the islands varies, from tropical in the south to semi-desert in the north. The flora and fauna have been significantly changed by humans, including the nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1954. Therefore, plant species characteristic of this area are practically not found on the islands; others were planted instead. The main sector of the economy is the service sector. Products produced in agriculture, for the most part, are used for their own needs within the country. The country has fairly low taxes, which makes it possible to create an offshore zone. Due to undeveloped infrastructure and high prices for transport (flights to the islands), tourism is at an early stage of development.

6. Liechtenstein | 160 sq. km

Main language: German
Capital: Vaduz
Population: 36.8 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $141,000

The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in Western Europe, bordering Switzerland and Austria. Although this state occupies a small area, it is very beautiful. Beautiful mountain landscapes, because... The country is located in the Alps, and Europe’s largest Rhine flows in the western part of the state. The Principality of Liechtenstein is a technologically advanced state. Precision instrument making enterprises operate in the country. Also, Liechtenstein is one of the largest financial centers in the world, with a highly developed banking services sector. The country is very high level life and well-being. In terms of GDP per capita, it ranks second in the world, after Qatar, with an amount of 141,000 thousand dollars. Liechtenstein is a striking example of the fact that even such a small country can exist with dignity and occupy a significant place in world politics and economics.

5. San Marino | 61 sq. km

Main language: Italian
Capital: San Marino
Population: 32 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $44,605

The Republic of San Marino is located in the southern part of Europe and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is the oldest European state, formed in the 3rd century. This country is located in a mountainous area, 80% of the territory lies on the western slope of Monte Titano. Ancient buildings and the mountain of Monte Titano itself are among the objects World Heritage UNESCO. The basis of the economy is manufacturing, which accounts for 34% of GDP; the service sector and tourism also play an important role.

4. Tuvalu | 26 sq. km

Main language: Tuvalu, English
Capital: Funafuti
Population: 11.2 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $1,600

The state of Tuvalu is located on a cluster of atolls and islands (9 in total) and is located in the Pacific Ocean. The climate in this country is tropical, with distinct seasons of rain and drought. Often they pass through the islands. Vegetable and animal world This state's food supply is quite scarce and is represented mainly by animals brought to the islands - pigs, cats, dogs and plants - coconut palms, bananas, breadfruit. The economy of Tuvalu, like other countries in Oceania, is mainly made up of the public sector, and to a minor extent agriculture and fishing. Also, Tuvalu is among the poorest in the world.

3. Nauru | 21.3 sq. km

Main language: English, Nauruan
Capital: None (Government is located in Yaren County)
Population: 10 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $5,000

Nauru is located on a coral island in the Pacific Ocean and is the smallest republic in the world. This country does not have a capital, which also makes it unique. The climate on the island is quite hot, with high humidity. One of the main problems of this country is the shortage fresh water. Just like in Tuvalu, flora and fauna are very sparse. The main source of replenishment of the treasury for a long time was the mining of phosphorites (in those years the country was one of the richest countries in the world with a high GDP), but since the 90s the level of production began to decline, and with it the well-being of the population. According to some estimates, phosphate reserves should have lasted until 2010. In addition, the development of phosphorites caused irreparable damage to the geology and ecosystem of the island. Tourism is not developed due to the severe pollution of the country.

2. Monaco | 2.02 sq. km

Main language: French
Capital: Monaco
Population: 36 thousand people.
GDP per capita: $16,969

Notable: Monaco is the only state in which the number of regular troops (82 people) is less than the military band (85 people).

1. Vatican | 0.44 sq. km

Main language: Italian
Form of government: Absolute theocratic monarchy
Pope: Francis
Population: 836 people.

The Vatican, the leader of our ranking, is the smallest country in the world. This city-state is located inside Rome. The Vatican is the seat of the highest leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. Citizens of this state are subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has a non-profit economy. The bulk of the budget comes from donations. Also, cash receipts to the treasury come from the tourism sector - payment for visits to museums, sale of souvenirs, etc. The Vatican plays a significant role in resolving military conflicts, calling for the preservation of peace.

There is an opinion that the smallest country in the world is the Order of Malta, with an area of 0.012 km2, because... it has all the necessary attributes to be called a state (its monetary unit, passports, etc.), but its sovereignty is not recognized by all members of the world community.

It is worth noting that there is a so-called principality Sealand(from English - sea land), the area of which is 550 sq.m. This state is located on a platform, not far from the shores of Great Britain. But, since the sovereignty of this state was not recognized by any country in the world, it was not included in our rating.

The smallest country in Eurasia is 0.44 sq. km.
The smallest country on the African continent is Seychelles– 455 sq. km.
The smallest country on the North American continent is 261 sq. km.
The smallest country on the South American continent is Suriname - 163,821 sq. km.

Living in large countries, not everyone and not always can travel to all corners of their homeland. However, there are states in the world where all the sights and interesting things 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 governed by the Pope and a conclave of cardinals, has the status of an independent state and even has its own army. True, despite such a small territory, it is unlikely that it will be possible to explore it in one day - so many architectural, sculptural and pictorial masterpieces are collected in it. The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the residence of the Pope - the Apostolic Palace, etc. - are far from full list masterpieces. Half of the country's territory is occupied by the Vatican Gardens. About 800 people are official citizens of the Vatican, and several thousand Italians commute here to work every day.

2. Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country. Over the past 20 years, due to the draining of the sea, the area of the country has increased and now it is 20.2 square meters. kilometer Monaco is a monarchical state, one of the most populous countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income for residents comes from tourism.

3. Nauru
Nauru is located in the south Pacific Ocean in Micronesia. The area of the state is 21.3 square meters. kilometer The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It gained independence in 1968, although the island was home to the Aboriginal people for 3 thousand years. Today the country's population is approximately 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 meters. 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 country's population is 10.5 thousand people. Due to lack natural resources Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries.

5. San Marino
The Republic of San Marino covers an area of 61 square meters. kilometer and has the smallest population among the member states of the European Council. Located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italy. It is the oldest independent country in the world, 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 square meters. kilometer Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and Austria and is landlocked. It is one of the richest states. There are more companies registered here than there are 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 square meters. 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 American assistance has helped them “keep afloat.”

8. Seychelles
A paradise on Earth, Seychelles covers an area of 455 square kilometers and has a population of 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands. The islands managed 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 the Indian Ocean and is the smallest Asian country by area. The area of the country is 298 square meters. km., population - 396 thousand. Two-thirds of the population lives in the country's capital, Male. Previously, the country developed thanks to the export of dried tuna, cowrie shellfish 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 square meters. km. These were the first islands settled by Europeans. The main source of income is tourism, agriculture and offshore banking are also developed.

Young schoolchildren study continents, countries and states from childhood. The boys' favorite subject is geography.

It reveals many facts about the beauty of our planet. The powers of the world are diverse in area and population.

Some have vast territories, traditions and customs. And other countries have a small area, with a minimal population. There are more than 250 countries in the world.

If you look at a world map or globe, you can visualize which of them have big sizes, while others are difficult to see due to their small size.

The smallest country in the world is the Vatican. Its area is 0.40 square kilometers.

This is an independent state, but at the same time it does not have its own monetary currencies and identity passports.

The most small state in the world is located on the territory of Rome, and is the spiritual capital of the world.

820 people live on the territory of the Vatican Catholic Church, the rest of the population are Italian subjects.

Citizens of the clergy are:

Clergy – 50 persons.
Guardsmen - 50.
Gendarmes -150.
Residents - 150.

The dwarf country has characteristic seasonal conditions similar to Mediterranean conditions. In winter, the temperature does not rise above 15 degrees. Sometimes precipitation occurs in the form of snow.

In summer, the temperature rises to 30 degrees Celsius. Winds, showers and hail are not observed.

The state has languages: Latin and Italian. In simple communication, during negotiations, the main language is Latin. Italian is used to sign contracts, acts or decrees.

The most important member of the state is the Pope; he has his own government, which includes:

Governor.
Papal Commission.
State Secretariat.
Ecumenical Council.
Synod.

The main religion of the country is Catholicism.

All cities and countries have their own characteristic places of interest.

Consider the list of outstanding monuments and buildings that are the pride of the Vatican:

St. Peter's Square, which was erected in the mid-18th century.
The Apostolic Palace, which has a rich library of valuable manuscripts and books. The Pope himself lives there. A distinctive feature of the palace are chapels and museums.
The Grotta di Lourde cave, which was artificially created by the inhabitants of the country in ancient times.
A historical monument of the country in the form of the Sistine Chapel. Prized for its historical manuscripts, drawings and frescoes inside the façade.
An art gallery called Pinakothek.

The smallest country in the entire universe in terms of population is Pitcairn Island. It consists of 5 islands, of which only one is inhabited by people.

Important! Pitcairn is a unique and isolated island that was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption using lava.

The island has features and living conditions:

Area 4.5 square kilometers.
No more than 60 people live in the entire territory.
The native language is English.
The head of state is the British Commissioner.

All people are friendly and kind to each other. They help everyone in many matters and also consider themselves soul mates.

Rating of the smallest countries in the world

There is a list of small states, depending on the size of the territory:

Vatican.
Monaco.
Nauru.
Tuvalu.
San Marino.
Marshall Islands.
Liechtenstein.
Nevis.
Maldives.
Grenada.

Let's look at the table of the top smallest republics that are located in Europe:

Republic, by ranking increase	Total area, sq. km.	Features of states
Vatican	0,40	Spiritual capital of capitalism
Monaco	1,8	A dwarf state with its own values, resort areas recreation. The population includes people from other countries
San Morino	60	It is the most ancient and oldest country in the entire universe. Has beautiful scenery and is located on a mountain slope
Liechtenstein	58	A prosperous state due to ski resort, well-established policies and a small percentage of taxation from the people. Engaged in the supply of goods to other countries at low cost
Malta	300	Prosperous development of industry and tourist areas
Andorra	450	There is no duty on the type of products for all vacationing tourists
Luxembourg	2500	Is international country With tourist center in Europe
Cyprus	9000	A picturesque corner of the country with highly developed tourist areas. For vacationing citizens there is a huge range of services and entertainment at low prices
Kosovo	10500	Is the most beautiful country Europe, valued for its picturesque places
Montenegro	13200	State income comes from the large number of tourists. Those who like to relax choose a place for affordable prices and a mild temperate climate

There is a list of which countries are the smallest in terms of population, in different parts of the world:

The most small country South Ossetia is in Asia; its population of all living citizens is about 70,000 people.
Oceania - Niue with a population of 1400.
Africa - Seychelles - 85,500 people.
North America - Nevis - 50,000 people.
South America - Suriname - 450,000 people.

Important! Each part of the world has its own small state with smallest area and the population.

But the Order of Malta and the Vatican are dwarfed. There is no country in the world with the lowest indicators.

A small Arab state is the Bahrain archipelago and its 33 islands.

The Arab country has become famous due to its attractions and values:

The most popular and sought after place for foreign and Russian tourists.
The main hobby is undersea world diving in the Persian Gulf.
The oil refining and gas industries are developing and thriving.
All proceeds go towards developing a recreation area for all vacationers.

In small states there is an interconnected relationship of close relationships between all citizens. Government authorities are able to help and take care of the entire population.

Useful video

10

Square: 316 km 2
Population: 429,344 people
Density: 1432 people/km 2
Motto:"Valor and constancy"
Form of government: Parliamentary republic, democracy
Capital: Valletta

The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The name comes from the ancient Phoenician malat (“harbour”, “shelter”).

In 1964, Malta gained independence from Great Britain, and in 1974 a republic was proclaimed, but until 1979, when the last British naval base in Malta was liquidated, the British Queen was still considered the head of state.

The territory of Malta is represented by the Maltese archipelago, consisting mainly of the islands of Malta and Gozo. It also includes the uninhabited islands of St. Paul and Filfla, the sparsely inhabited island of Comino, and tiny Cominotto and Filfoletta. Malta is 27 km long and 15 km wide (less than the diameter of the Moscow Ring Road). Gozo is half the size, and Comino is only 2 km long. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have permanent rivers or natural lakes.

9

Square: 300 km 2
Population: 341,256 people
Density: 1,359 people/km 2
Form of government: Presidential republic
Capital: Male

The Republic of Maldives is a South Asian country and is located on a group of atolls consisting of 1,192 coral islets in the Indian Ocean south of India.

The islands do not rise much above sea level: the most high point archipelago - on the southern Addu (Sienu) atoll - 2.4 m. Thanks to this, the Maldives are known as the lowest located state.

The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km 2. The capital Male, the only city and port of the archipelago, is located on the atoll of the same name.

As for tourism, it is worth noting that all the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level, but there are no special attractions on land. There is an unremarkable capital, Male, many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics, as well as a kind of “action” - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable overwater excursion is the “Photo Flight”, a seaplane flight over the islands. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise or a submarine dive. The most common way of spending time among tourists in the Maldives is diving, since there are coral reefs near every island. Also popular are windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, squash and darts.

8

Square: 261 km 2
Population: 51,538 people
Density: 164 people/km 2
Motto:“The state comes before personal interests”
Form of government: Parliamentary monarchy
Capital: Buster

Island state in the Caribbean Sea. Includes 2 islands - Saint Christopher, also known as Saint Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis, from the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. Total length coastline- 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

The two traditional industries of St. Kitts and Nevis are agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugar cane (one third of cultivated land). On the island of Nevis, cotton, coconut palms, and pineapples are grown. Coffee trees, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Livestock farming is developed - goats and sheep are raised. Fishing is also one of the traditional industries. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.

7

Square: 181 km 2
Population: 53,158 people
Density: 293.7 people/km 2
Motto:"Achievement through common effort, Marshallese"
Form of government: Republic
Capital: Majuro

The Micronesian nation of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after British Captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow Captain Thomas Gilbert, are named after neighboring islands Gilbert, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km2, while the area occupied by lagoons is 11,673 km2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from Marshallese as “sunset”) and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from Marshallese as “sunrise”). . Both chains are approximately 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for approximately 1200 km. The most important islands are the Kwajalein and Majuro atolls. Largest island Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, is also an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

6

Square: 160 km 2
Population: 37,313 people
Density: 229.56 people/km 2
Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
Capital: Vaduz

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Grauspitz (2,599 m). One of the largest rivers in Western Europe, the Rhine, flows through the western part of the country.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the Landtag (parliament), Executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the Landtag for the term of its powers and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks the Alemannic dialect of German.

This beautiful fairy-tale country, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Picturesque natural landscapes, magnificent medieval architecture and, of course, fashionable ski resort famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its “pearl” is the capital Vaduz. This is where most of the country's attractions are concentrated. The visiting card of not only the city, but the entire state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. The beautiful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

5

Square: 61 km 2
Population: 32,742 people
Density: 520 people/km 2
Motto:"Freedom"
Form of government: parliamentary republic
Capital:

San Marino is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The country is located on the southwestern slope of the triceps mountain range Monte Titano (738 m above sea level), rising above the hilly plain of the Apennine foothills.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), stonecutter Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Monte Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, built himself a small cell on its top and retired from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, Saint Marinus, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, not politically dependent on any of its neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Great General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy; up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry in the state every year, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

4

Square: 26 km 2
Population: 10,782 people
Density: 431.00 people/km 2
Motto:"Tuvalu - for Almighty God"
Form of government: monarchy
Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000 people. Planes from Fiji fly here twice a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a targeted resettlement local residents to other states such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific nation is located in Polynesia and was called Ellis Islands until 1975. Modern name translated from the Tuvaluan language means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was settled relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Álvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 they received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used for almost the entire colonial era

Tuvalu is a collection of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. The land area of Tuvalu is only 26 km 2, while the area occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll/reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km .

A significant part of the population of Tuvalu lives in the capital and only city of the country, Funafuti - 47%.

3

Square: 21 km 2
Population: 9,488 people
Density: 473.43 people/km 2
Motto:"God's will comes first"
Form of government: parliamentary republic
Capital: There is no official capital; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is unknown. As now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital or cities on the island. The presidential residence is located in Meneng District, while government offices and parliament are located in Yaren District. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

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Square: 2.02 km 2
Population: 30,508 people
Density: 18,679 people/km 2
Motto:"God willing"
Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur 20 km northeast of Nice; on land it borders with France. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is widely known for its casino in Monte Carlo and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length of land borders is 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the 10th century BC. e., they were Phoenicians. Much later the Greeks and Monoiki joined.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Genoese Republic on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

As of 2014, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of the old city.

Monaco's economy is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as due to media coverage of the life of the princely family.

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Square: 0.44 km 2
Population: 842 people
Density: 1900 people/km 2
Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
Capital:

And, undoubtedly, the title of the smallest state in the world belongs to the Vatican. Vatican City is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) within the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The Vatican's status in international law is an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the seat of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Diplomatic missions of foreign countries are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City State. Foreign embassies and missions accredited to the Holy See, due to the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the Italian embassy, which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (lat. ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the advent of Christianity, the Basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and from then on the site began to be inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands the absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers are concentrated, is the Pope, elected by the cardinals for a life term. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camerlengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. Sources of income are primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Part of the funds comes from tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, fees for visiting museums). The majority of the workforce (museum staff, gardeners, janitors, etc.) are Italian citizens.

The Vatican budget is US$310 million.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute of Religious Affairs.

The smallest state on earth. The smallest countries in the world