The smallest state in the world. The smallest countries in the world (by area and population)

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 get confused about what point the country is located at, 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 most small state in Africa. Until 1976 it was subordinate to Great Britain.

After 69 thousand local residents became independent. They speak Creole, English and French. 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. IN Lately 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 part 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. Everywhere there were only exhausted mines left. And this is not the only problem of a small state. Most local residents suffer from obesity. Too slow and sedentary lifestyle, a large number of fatty foods and alcohol have done their job - 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 highest 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.
Subscribe to our channel in Yandex.Zen

Do you think you know geography? What are the smallest countries in the world? Could you name them? Or could you point them out on the map? Or maybe you've never even heard of them? We think that not many people will be able to list even several of these countries at once. This is not surprising, since the UN currently recognizes more than 192 independent states. Therefore, we want to remind you of them and present a ranking of the smallest countries in the world.

Malta

The Republic of Malta consists of three big and several tiny islands that are located in the center Mediterranean Sea, at 93 km south of the coast Sicily. The two small islands of Gozo and Comino are sparsely populated, but the main island, Malta, has modern and vibrant urban areas. Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and has since become a member European Union. The capital of Malta is Valleta, with a population of more than 452,000 people; the area of ​​this small country is only 316 km².

Republic of Maldives, better known as Maldives or Maldives. Located on southwest coast India, in the waters Indian Ocean, and consists of many islands. The Republic of Maldives is the smallest Muslim country in Asia, with an area of ​​only 298 km² and a population of just over 324,000 people. The capital is the city of Male. The Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. In 1965, Britain granted independence to the Maldives, and in 1968 it became a republic.

This is the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere, not only in terms of area, which is 261 km², but also in terms of population, only about 50 thousand people. The state consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the east Caribbean Sea. St. Kitts and Nevis is now heavily dependent on tourism, but boasts the largest electrical industry in the Caribbean. It gained independence and the name Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1983. The capital is the city of Basseterre.

This Pacific nation consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands in Micronesia. The area is only 181 km², the population is more than 60,000 people, the capital is Majuro. During its history, the Marshall Islands were part of the Spanish, German and Japanese empires. During World War II, the United States liberated the islands from Japan, but they did not gain independence and remained largely under US jurisdiction until 1986.

Liechtenstein is a small country in the center of Europe, located on the border between Switzerland and Austria, which completely surround it. It is one of the few countries that does not have an airport, but does have a small heliport. Nearest international Airport is located in Zurich, Switzerland. The country is thriving tourism industry, pass winter views sports Known as a tax haven (due to its low taxes) for many large businesses from all over Europe. There are even more such enterprises than the inhabitants themselves in the country, and there are about 35,000 people, the country’s area is only 160.4 km², the capital is Vaduz.

San Marino

The Republic of San Marino is in fifth place in the ranking of the smallest countries in the world. It is a city-state located in Europe, on the border of Italy, which completely surrounds it. It is the oldest sovereign state in the world, as well as the oldest republic. Adopted in 1600, it is the oldest national constitution in the world. San Marino is also one of the least populated countries in Europe, with just over 31,000. Area of ​​only 61 km², the capital of San Marino.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is Island state in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of four islands and five atolls. It is the fourth smallest country in the world. Tuvalu has virtually no natural resources, excluding fish and agriculture. As a result, Tuvalu is largely dependent on foreign aid, which the country receives from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States in particular. However, significant cash proceeds come from the sale of the national top-level domain (.tv). Tuvalu gained independence from Britain in 1978. The area is only 26 km², the population is about 10 thousand people, the capital is Funafuti.

Nauru

The Republic of Nauru (formerly Pleasant Island) is a tiny island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, close to the island nation of Kiribati. It is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside Europe, and the only republic in the world that does not have an official capital. In 1999, the Republic was admitted to the UN. The area is only 21.3 km², the population is about 9,300 people.

Second place in the list of the smallest countries in the world is occupied by the Principality of Monaco, located in the south of Europe, on the coast Ligurian Sea, borders France. The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 17,814.85 people/km². Known all over the world, especially for the casino in Monte Carlo and the Formula 1 championship “Grand Prix of Monaco”. The country's area is only 2.02 km², the population is about 36,000 people, the capital is Monaco.

The smallest country in the world is the Vatican. It is a religious complex surrounded by an enclave wall. This is sovereign independent state with the Pope as monarch. The Vatican is located in the center of Rome, next to St. Peter's Square. The Pope also holds the title of Bishop of Rome and resides in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The state attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. The Vatican has its own police force known as the Corpo. It also has its own military personnel and the Swiss Guard, although their official purpose is to protect the Pope and the Holy See (of the Roman Catholic Church), and not the Vatican State itself. Area only 0.44 km², population about 840 people, capital Vatican.

Historically, humanity strives to divide the vast expanses of our planet into separate pieces. Over the course of thousands of years of conquest, each nation secured its own territories - some more, some less.

Most titles large countries We studied it in 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 collection contains the 10 smallest countries in the whole world!

10 Maldives

This ranking of countries is headed in descending order. 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- More than 400 thousand people live here in such an area.

The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which in turn are a chain of 1,192 coral islets. 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 species of fish and marine organisms.

9 Saint Kitts and Nevis

This small country covers an area of ​​261 km² and consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea and has the title of the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is small - only 50 thousand people.

The state is well known among tourists and income from this destination accounts for more than 70% of the country's GDP per year. Sugarcane and shellfish are also processed here. The largest city in this country, and also the capital, is populated 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 Pacific Ocean and is a chain of atoll islands. These islands were discovered in 1526 by Alonso de Salazar, and for many centuries they were transferred as a colony from one country to another.

Today, these 34 atoll islands are real paradise. The territory of the republic has a unique odds and fauna, which, by the way, was almost destroyed by man. The Americans tested a hydrogen bomb here in the mid-20th century. The explosion was so powerful that it was 1000 times larger than Hiroshima. However, local residents managed to slowly restore the ecosystem of the islands.

7 Liechtenstein

The European Principality of Liechtenstein is tiny in size 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 so that people lived very well here.

Liechtenstein is located in the Alps and borders Switzerland and Austria. The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty, which has ruled together with the Landtag for many years. Population of this European country small - about 36 thousand people.

6 San Marino

In sixth place in our ranking is the state of San Marino, which has an area of ​​60 km². It is unique in its location - it borders on Italy on all sides. The name of the country was formed from the name of the saint who founded it according to ancient legend - the stonecutter Marin.

At modern borders San Marino is considered the most ancient state in Europe, it was founded in 301. Almost the entire territory of the country (80%) is the foothills of the Apennines, so there is practically no arable land here. The country's population is 33 thousand people in 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 Mendaña de Neira, called them Lagoon Islands, but they only received the name Tuvalu in 1975.

This a nice place, however, was ranked among the poorest countries as of 2016. The area of ​​the islands is decreasing from year to year, so in 50 years, according to experts, Tuvalu may completely disappear from the face of the Earth as a state. The country's population 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 mid-20th century. Such popularity was ensured by phosphates, which filled the territory of this piece of land. But these days, all that remains of the phosphates are dilapidated mines, and the ecology of the country has been irrevocably damaged, even for tourism.

Like the islands of Tuvalu, Nauru is located near the Republic of Kiribati and lies 42 km south of the equator. This country has no official capital and a population of 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 place in our ranking 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 race is 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 founded large companies. Monaco is governed by Prince Albert II, assisted by a national council.

2 Vatican

The Vatican State, with its tiny area of ​​0.44 km², is a very powerful state that has ruled the destinies 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. It rightfully holds the title of the smallest country in the world, but there is another state that deserves attention.

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 national 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 The Order is Fort Sant'Angelo, which the country leases from Malta. Apart from the shaky recognition of this sovereignty, 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.

On June 7, 1929, in accordance with the Lateran Agreements, the Vatican State was formed. You can learn about it and 9 other smallest countries in the world from our selection today

1. Maldives

The island country of the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area Asian country. The area of ​​the country is 298 square meters. km. with a population of 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.

2. Seychelles

Seychelles covers an area of ​​455 square kilometers, with a population of 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located north of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands managed to develop thanks to the export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. But since 1976, when the country gained independence, tourism has become the main source of income.

This state has no access to the sea. The area of ​​the country is 160.4 square meters. kilometer Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and Austria and is one of the richest countries. Registered here more companies than residents.

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. They gained independence in 1968, but 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.

The Vatican is a closed city-state located in one of the districts of Rome and covering an area of ​​44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 and is governed by the Pope. The Vatican boasts the most beautiful buildings in the world - the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the residence of the Pope - Apostolic Palace etc. In addition, 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.

The second smallest country is Monaco. Over the past 20 years, thanks to the draining of the sea, the area of ​​the country has increased and now covers an area of ​​2.02 square meters. kilometer Monaco is the second smallest monarchical state. The country is one of the most populous countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income for residents comes from tourism.

This dwarf state is located in the West Indies - between North and South America on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean. The state is located on two islands with an area of ​​261 square meters. km. These were the first islands settled by Europeans. Main source income, of course, tourism, but here are also developed Agriculture and offshore banking.

This state in the center of the Pacific Ocean 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 until now only American help helps them “keep afloat.” The country has no natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports.

San Marino covers an area of ​​61 square meters. kilometer and has the smallest population of the member states of the European Council. 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.

Tuvalu is also located in the South Pacific Ocean and covers an area of ​​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. Tuvalu gained independence from the British in 1978. The country's population is 10.5 thousand people. Due to the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to rely on help from other countries.

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 government in Malta was eliminated naval base, 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 uninhabited islands St. Paul and Filfla, the sparsely populated island of Comino, as well as tiny Cominotto and Filfoletta. The length of Malta is 27 km, the width is 15 km (less than the diameter of the Moscow ring road highway). 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 southern atoll Addu (Sienu) - 2.4 m. Thanks to this, the Maldives is 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 the unremarkable capital of 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. In addition, windsurfing, catamaran, water skiing, snorkeling, 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, for whom the neighboring Gilbert Islands are named, 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 atolls of Kwajalein and Majuro. 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 rivers flows through the western part of the country. largest rivers Western Europe - Rhine.

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 Dreamland, 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), the stonecutter Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Mount 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 of 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, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 they received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used throughout 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 the Meneng district, while government offices and parliament are located in the Yaren district. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

2

• 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, the Monaco Grand Prix, held here. 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.

1

• 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.