Description of the economy of the dwarf states of Western Europe. France, excluding all overseas possessions

Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a dwarf state located in the heart of Europe between Switzerland and Austria, not landlocked.

In the world, the country has long been known as a tax haven, very popular among financiers.

In addition to the policy of non-disclosure of bank secrecy, Liechtenstein stands out against the background of other European states by the liberalism of its tax system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Liechtenstein's status as a tax haven attracted widespread attention in 2000, when a group of international experts in their reports criticized the country for the lack of an effective financial control system. According to these reports, Liechtenstein created the conditions for unhindered money laundering for Russian, Italian and Colombian criminal groups.

In this regard, the state has revised a number of laws, and now the likelihood that the personal data of depositors will remain anonymous has significantly decreased.

In 2008, Liechtenstein became one of the three states (along with Andorra and Monaco) that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) included in the list of countries where tax havens were created and financial institutions were opaque.

During World War II, Liechtenstein achieved neutrality. A 2001 government report refuted allegations that state-owned banks of Liechtenstein assisted the Nazis during the war.

In addition, the report assigned the principality the role of an observer, and not an accomplice, in the fact of using slave labor from German concentration camps on the royal estates of Austria.

Over the years of its history, the country has been the center of numerous political disagreements over the role and power of the hereditary monarchy.

After another campaign of this kind in March 2003, Prince Hans-Adam II was elected by a majority vote to a constitutional referendum aimed at expanding princely powers.

In fact, the outcome of the referendum made Liechtenstein the only state in Europe with an absolute monarchy. So, Prince Hans-Adam received the right to independently appoint and remove members of the government, despite universal fears about the possible transformation of such a regime into a dictatorship.

Historically, the Catholic Church enjoys great authority in Liechtenstein. Women who decided to have an abortion were threatened with imprisonment of 1 year until the end of 2005, when the premature termination of pregnancy was legalized.

DATA

• Official name:  Principality of Liechtenstein
• Population:35,000 (UN data, 2009)
• Capital:  Vaduz
• Area:160 sq km
• Primary language:  Deutsch
• The main religion:christianity
• 75 years / 82 years (UN data)
• Currency unit:  1 Swiss franc \u003d 100 rap
• Main export items:  mechanical engineering, food, postage stamps, dentifrices
• Internet domain:  .li
• +423

Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican.

Monaco annually attracts a huge number of tourists and business owners: the former with a luxurious climate and the beauty of landscapes, the latter with a liberal tax system.

The Principality extends a narrow strip along the Mediterranean Sea and by and large is one bay hidden among the high Alps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In the world, Monaco has a reputation as a "gambling paradise" and a fashionable resort. Lovers of gambling constantly flock to the Square of Casino in Monte Carlo in hundreds. It is in this city that the Monaco Grand Prix is \u200b\u200bheld annually, which is considered one of the most prestigious Formula 1 championship races.

Monaco is one of the world's leading financial centers; local banks maintain the confidentiality of their customers in all circumstances. An interesting fact is that the residents of Monaco are not taxed.

The favorable tax regime of Monaco has long been troubling France, which simply calls the principality the place of money laundering. Monaco authorities strongly deny such allegations.

In 2007, Monaco became one of the three states that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) added to the list of "tax havens" with the opacity of financial institutions along with Andorra and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

In the form of government, Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. Today, the country is led by the Grimaldi dynasty, whose members ruled the Genoese Republic for five centuries and settled in Monaco in the 14th century. Their names were full of headlines in 1956, when Prince Rainier III married the famous American actress Grace Kelly. However, about the personal life of the daughters of the royal couple, Princess Carolina and Stephanie, the press responds less favorably.

The head of government is the Minister of State, who is appointed by the monarch from the list of candidates proposed by the French president.

The State Minister supervises the activities of the Government Council, which is a legislative body and consists of 24 members, elected for a five-year term.

DATA

• Official name:  Principality of Monaco
• Population:32,000 people (UN data, 2009)
• Capital:  Monaco
• Area:1.95 sq km
• Primary language:  French
• The main religion:christianity
• Life expectancy (male / female):75 years / 83 years (UN data)
• Currency unit:  1 euro \u003d 100 cents
• Main export items:pharmaceuticals, perfumes, textiles
• Internet domain:  .mc
• International dialing code:+377

San marino

Like Liechtenstein, Monaco and the Vatican, San Marino is a dwarf country. Surrounded by Italian territory on all sides, San Marino serves as a kind of symbol of the era when city-states flourished in Europe.

The basis of the natural landscape of San Marino is part of the Apennine mountain range Mount Monte Titano, which rises 750 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

San Marino is often called the oldest republic on Earth. It is generally accepted that around the 4th century AD, it was founded by a simple mason named Mirinus, who found refuge there and later founded a small commune. Over time, the enclave developed and in the 9th century proclaimed its independence.

Over the centuries of its history, San Marino has gone through all the destructive and bloody wars on the Italian peninsula. In 1862, an agreement on friendship and trade was concluded between the two countries, which recognized and guaranteed the complete independence of San Marino.

The basis of the country's economy, whose area is only 61 square meters. km, is tourism. The magnificent nature and magnificent architecture annually attract more than three million tourists from all over the world.

One of the main sources of income is also postage stamps and coins, for which avid collectors are ready to lay out fortunes.

Today, the state consists of eight suburbs around the famous San Marino castles with an administrative office of eight Soviets. The already tiny territory of the country is divided into nine administrative districts. The supreme legislative body is the Grand General Council, from whose members every two equal captains-regents who are at the head of the state are selected every six months.

As one of Europe’s tax havens, San Marino serves as a safe for the capital of a large number of international investors. However, in the conditions of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, his tax shelter status was in jeopardy, and the republic began to take measures in an attempt to make its financial system more transparent.

DATA

• Official name:  Republic of San Marino
• Population:31 400 people (UN data, 2009)
• Capital:  San marino
• Area:61.2 sq. Km
• Primary language:italian
• The main religion:christianity
• Life expectancy (male / female):77 years / 84 years (UN data)
• Currency unit:  1 euro \u003d 100 cents
• The main  articlesof export:   wine, ceramics, furniture, stamps, collectibles
• Average annual per capita income:$ 46,770 (World Bank data, 2008)
• Internet domain:  .sm
• International dialing code:+378

Andorra

Andorra has been a member of the customs union with the EU since 1991, although it is not the EU customs territory for agricultural production. Andorra maintains customs control, remaining outside the Schengen area.

However, citizens with a Schengen visa can usually freely enter its territory.

Andorra is the only dwarf state to use the euro as cash without a formal agreement with the EU. This was due to the fact that in Andorra, before the introduction of the euro, there was no own currency, but franc and peso were used.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is the only dwarf that is part of the European Economic Area (May 1, 1995), thus being part of the single EU market with partial application of EU laws. Liechtenstein does not have diplomatic relations with one of the EU member states - Slovakia.

Monaco

Monaco at the moment already applies part of the EU's political principles through special relations with the EU member state - France. Monaco is a full member of the European Customs Union and the VAT zone, applying most of the EU principles regarding VAT and excise duties. Monaco is a de facto member of the Schengen zone and the Eurozone.

San marino

San Marino has an open border and a customs union with the EU. San Marino also uses the euro and is allowed to mint its own coins.

Vatican

The Vatican is the smallest state in the world. As a theocratic monarchy, it cannot join the EU, although it is the "heart" of Rome, the capital of Italy. The Vatican has open borders with Italy and intentions to enter the Schengen information system.

State San marinoIt is one of two dwarf states located in Italy. Another dwarf state is this. In our trip to Italy, we did not plan to visit San Marino. Excursion to San Marino is the smallest state in Europe  was given to us as a gift by our guide Kovtun Anatoly. From to San Marino, approximately 20 kilometers. The whole excursion was accompanied by rain and fog.

The state of San Marino is on a mountain. To become a citizen of this small state or to buy real estate in San Marino is almost impossible. Marriage ties will not make you a citizen of this republic unless in only 15 years. But the girls of the former CIS are willingly married with San Marinets. There are many Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians there. They just live and work. The population of San Marino is not numerous, about 30 thousand people. Many know each other by sight. The population is mainly elderly people, youth leaves San Marino to live and work in Italy.

How did the state of San Marino come about?

The mason, named Marino, quarreled with the emperor, retired to mount Titano. Marino had the gift of healing the sick. Having once cured the child of a noble Roman woman, he received a reward in the form of lifelong use of Mount Titano. There he founded a settlement, which gradually turned into a state. Residents of San Marino idolized the masons and ranked him as a saint, hence the prefix "San". Since then, the inhabitants of San Marino live in freedom and independence. The last words of Marino were: "I leave you free from other people."

City state of San Marino aerial view

Currently, San Marino has a small army of about 100 people. The army performs primarily a police function and maintains the rule of law in the state, and the army also plays the role of protecting state institutions.

During the Second World War, the state was occupied by the Nazis, although it declared itself neutral. Therefore, the Allied aviation bombed the state, killing dozens of people. In San Marino there is a sculpture of a woman with a child running away from the bombing. In this case, a woman in high heel shoes. A woman must be a woman in any situation. Probably, the sculptor had in mind this.

The currency in the state is the euro. Residents of San Marino come from Italians, but they are very different from them in traditions, values \u200b\u200band even national costumes.

After our bus reached its destination, we went on a tour through the narrow streets of San Marino. The first significant place in San Marino was the tasting room.

The famous Italian alcoholic drinks were presented here. Having tried many of them, we began to choose what to buy. I liked the signature, Italian wine, limoncella. Sweet and sour wine with a taste and smell of lemon. Delicious wine in a glass bottle. The bottle was in the shape of an Italian boot. For the present, it’s just great. You could also buy cheese, cervelat and much more. All purchases were packaged, signed and shop employees treated the bus. So we didn’t carry purchases with us. The prices are reasonable, but as we later found out, all this can be bought cheaper in the store. Because the price in the store does not contain a percentage for guides leading tourists.

Roofs of houses of San Marino

Everywhere there were branded shops of clothes, bags, watches, perfumes. All stores were famous designers and fashion designers. For 60 euros you could buy a leather bag from Valentino.

Shopping San Marino

Each store has a necessarily Russian-speaking seller, a native of the CIS countries. They still work as "barkers."

"Calling" inviting tourists to the store

That is, standing near the store, "barkers" invite tourists to go to the store. There were original shops, for example, a shop where all products made from wax were sold.

Slowly we moved inland to the state of San Marino. Lot sights  San Marino is at the top of the mountain. Climb to the top of the mountain by funicular. We drove the way to the funicular on an open tram.

The first attraction was which is located in front of the Government building. The 17th century San Marino retains independence. The masterpiece of the sculptor is located on the square The Statue of Liberty. From the square you can see the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Under the area are vast tanks, previously intended to collect rainwater. This was very important for the residents of San Marino, since the state did not have its own rivers and lakes and access to the sea.

The Palace of the Government is a building in which the most important state ceremonies are held. It was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of the medieval Government Palace.

The building is made of stone blocks mined in the caves of Mount Titano. Every half hour from May to September in front of the government palace, a guard changes. The guard has an unusual shape and looks very solemn.
  In San Marino there is an opera house, a Ferrari museum, art galleries.

Basilica of San Marino

Basilica of San Marino

The main temple of the city is dedicated to the holy mason Marina, whose name is given to the state. The basilica is a UNESCO site. The basilica is built of light stone. The relics of St. Marina are stored here. In the basilica is a portrait of St. Marina. The basilica was consecrated by Pope John Paul II. The current basilica and services are held on weekends.

Museum of torture

The era of the Middle Ages was a cruel time. The Inquisition used sophisticated interrogation techniques. There is a museum of torture in San Marino. Where are the instruments of torture. Each implement is accompanied by a description and manual for use. The spectacle is not for the weakly nervous. There is also a wax museum. Where are the figures of famous personalities of Garibaldi, Pope, Mussolini, Hitler and others. Visiting hours:: 10: 00-19: 00 Cost: 8 euros

750 m high is the highest point of San Marino. On Mount Titano, Marino decided to establish a city of state. The mountain is a UNESCO site.

On this our tour ended. We have a good impression of San Marino.  There were buses nearby, which by this time had climbed the mountain. We found our packaged purchases, safe and sound, took our places and went to. If you liked the article, share it on social networks.

The status of dwarf states

Cyprus Partly dependent on the unresolved Cyprus conflict; plans - 2016.

Bulgaria not earlier than 2014

Expected Entries

Estonia

Sweden

Switzerland

Czech

France, with the exception of all overseas possessions.

Finland

Slovenia

Slovakia

Portugal

Poland

Norway, with the exception of Svalbard

Netherlands, except Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Caribbean Netherlands

Malta

Luxembourg

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Latvia

Italy

Spain, with the exception of Melilla and Ceuta. All Spanish territories are located in the Schengen area, but there is border control at the exit from Ceuta and Melilla to Spain or other countries of the zone due to special visa rules for Moroccan residents living in Tetuan and Nador.

Iceland

Denmark, with the exception of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Visiting these territories is possible only with a Schengen visa issued by Denmark.

Greece

Germany

Hungary

Belgium

Austria

Membership

At the moment, the Schengen area consists of 26 states, all but four of which are members of the European Union. Two non-EU countries - Iceland and Norway - are members of the Scandinavian Passport Union and are officially classified as states related to the Schengen activities of the EU. Two more countries: Switzerland and Liechtenstein entered the Schengen area under the same conditions. The de facto Schengen area includes several microstates that maintain open or semi-open borders with the Schengen countries.

Before the Schengen rules are fully introduced, the accession country must receive a readiness assessment in four areas: air borders, visas, police cooperation and personal data protection. The evaluating role is played by special experts from the EU.

Current composition:

3. Romania - not earlier than 2014

4. Croatia - 07/01/2015

A number of dwarf states of Europe, not being EU members and not having acceded to the Schengen legislation of the EU, do not have protected borders with participants fully applying this legislation:

The Vatican and San Marino are completely surrounded by Italian territory and have neither sea nor air ports through which it would be possible to get to their territory, bypassing the territory of Italy.

Monaco has a seaport, however, border formalities are carried out by representatives of France, and entry through it is considered entry into France.

De jure, the status of Monaco is different from the status of the Vatican and San Marino, since between Monaco and France there is a formal agreement on the representation of France's interests of Monaco in foreign relations.

However, from a practical point of view, all three states have the same status: they do not pursue their own separate visa policies for visitors, their citizens (citizens) and permanent residents can be rightfully located throughout the EU and the European Economic Area. Entrance to these states from the territory of Italy or France is not considered leaving the latter. Thus, their territories are de facto included in the Schengen area.

The Vatican expresses interest in direct participation in the Schengen affairs of the EU, in particular, in access to the Schengen information system.

In San Marino, at the request of a guest, the State Tourism Service for 5 euros can put in your passport a tourist visa, which is a stamp with the appropriate face value and a stamp with the coat of arms and the name of the state, the name of the issuing organization, the date and the inscription Visto turistico, that is, “Tourist visa” : San Marino General Tips

San Marino, like the Vatican, is a dwarf state in Italy. And if, although the imaginary, but the independence of the Vatican, I somehow can attribute the significant influence of the church in the old days, then how such a state as San Marino managed to maintain independence is completely incomprehensible. Most likely, as in the story of Elusive Joe, nobody really needed it.

Or maybe the fault is the successful location of the main fortress city.

At least he looks impregnable.

Moreover, taking San Marino with an attack is not so simple until now, because finding an unoccupied parking here in the middle of summer is not an easy task.

The fortress attracts a huge number of tourists.

But, I must admit, compared to Venice, everything is much more well-groomed here.

Oddly enough, but the economy of San Marino is considered one of the strongest in Europe.

Moreover, the state is not a member of the European Union, and before switching to the euro, there was even its own currency.

The main attraction of the enclave is the fortress.

It is located, like any self-respecting fortress, on the mountain. Naturally, everything was done so that it was harder for the enemies to take the city by storm.

Inside, actors in medieval costumes are trying to pretend that they are now some kind of XVIII century, but not really cope with it. I especially want to shout: “I do not believe it!” When from time to time someone takes out a smartphone.

Top view in fine weather is very good.

Just the whole small country is visible at a glance.

But the most interesting is the local political system. The head of state here are two regent captains, who are elected for a period of 6 months. However, it’s not very clear what they are doing if they cannot agree on issues of national importance.