Small countries by area. What is the smallest country in the world by area? Ten smallest states in the world

Today there are about 250 recognized independent states. Among them there are both giant states, such as Russia, the USA and Canada, and very small countries, comparable in area to large cities. Despite their “miniature” nature, in some cases they play a huge role in the world political arena.

You'll like it: according to various criteria.

Area: 0.004 km²
Population: 1 person
Capital: Sealand

In 1967, the virtual state “Principality of Sealand” appeared, with a population of 1 person and an area of 0.004 square meters. km². Unofficially, Sealand is the most small state in the world in terms of area and population, located above the territory of the offshore platform in the North Sea and claiming sovereignty. The only inhabitant of the platform, who is also the ruler, is Prince Michael I Bates.

Area: 344 km²
Population: 107,317 people.
Capital: St. George's

Grenada – Island state with a constitutional monarchy. This wonderful land is located in the Caribbean Sea, and it was discovered by Columbus back in the 14th century. Agriculture specializes in growing vegetables and fruits, which are subsequently exported. Since Grenada is located in an offshore zone, its treasury is replenished with more than $7 million annually through offshore financial services.

Area: 298 km²
Population: 427,756 people
Capital: Male

The Maldives is rightfully considered one of the best tourist resorts in the world. It has everything: the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, pristine nature rich in a wide variety of plant and animal species, mysterious underwater caves and much more. The tourism sector annually brings to the state budget Maldives about 30 percent of income. Interesting fact: Republic of Maldives consists of more than 1100 islets.

Area: 261 km²
Population: 54,821 people
Capital: Basseterre

This country is located on two islands of the same name and has a federal government structure. Agriculture here is very poorly developed (mainly sugar cane is grown), despite the favorable climate. But the tourism sector is developed. Travelers are attracted by the diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the mild tropical climate. It is worth noting that Pavel Durov (the creator of VKontakte) himself has citizenship of this country.

Area: 181 km²
Population: 53,263 people.
Capital: Majuro

The Marshall Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are distinguished by their specific natural conditions. The fact is that the American nuclear tests of 1954 greatly changed the biological environment of this country, so those species of plants and animals that are characteristic of such an area are almost never found there. Therefore, others were brought out there. The islands have very underdeveloped infrastructure, so many economic areas are in a development phase.

Area: 160 km²
Population: 37,468 people.
Capital: Vaduz

Despite its small area, Liechtenstein is one of the most beautiful and richest states peace. The country borders Austria and Switzerland and is located in the Alps, which makes it highly attractive for tourists. Liechtenstein is a global financial center with a highly developed banking system. It is also worth noting that the state ranks second in the world in terms of GDP, right after Qatar.

Area: 61 km²
Population: 33,029 people
Capital: San Marino

This small country is located on the mountain slope of Monte Titano and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is the most ancient state Western Europe, it was formed back in the 3rd century. Many attractions, including Monte Titano itself, are included in the list of sites natural heritage UNESCO.

Area: 26 km²
Population: 9,876 people
Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, which, in fact, is understandable. The country has an extremely unfavorable climate - here heavy rainfalls give way to droughts. As a result, the nature of Tuvalu is very poor, which affected the development of agriculture.

Area: 21 km²
Population: 10,084 people
Capital: no

The Pacific nation of Nauru is unique in many ways. This is the only country without a capital. It is the smallest republic in the world, and the smallest state, if you do not take into account the European continent. Nauru's budget is replenished mainly by the extraction of phosphates, which, in turn, cause great damage to the island's ecosystem, making the development of agriculture and tourism almost impossible.

Area: 2.02 km²
Population: 37,863 people
Capital: Monaco

Of course, everyone has heard about the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the famous casino in Monte Carlo. Yes, all this is located in this small state on the border with France. It is logical that tourism is one of the main sources of income for the country. The richest people in the world also keep their savings here, because in Monaco there is a guarantee of bank secrecy.

1. Vatican

Area: 0.44 km²
Population: 1,000 people
Capital: Vatican

The smallest state in the world, paradoxically, is the most powerful, or at least “one of...”. The Vatican is the residence of the Pope, and the country's citizens are called subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has great influence in the military-political sphere, often calling on warring countries to make peace.

Size doesn't matter - that's what needs to be said at the end of this article. Even the smallest country, although it will not amaze the imagination with its army of thousands, million-plus cities and megalopolises, will definitely be remembered for its unique nature, sights and unique history.

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 largest area - 298 km². But in terms of population density, this state can compete with any large 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 types 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 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. Sugar cane 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 part 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.

With 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 population of the country is 33 thousand people with such 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 received their name Tuvalu only in 1975.

This a nice place, however, was included in the rating 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.

Included only independent states, recognized by other states. Also included are associated states (a form of confederation of unequal states united on a bilateral basis, in which the smaller state, while formally maintaining sovereignty and independence, entrusts a significant part of its power to the larger state).

10th place: - a state in the eastern Caribbean, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 49,898 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.

The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

9th place: Cook Islands- an archipelago and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people.

8th place: - Pacific state associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands, with a total area of 181 km² and a population of 68,000 people.

7th place: Liechtenstein- a state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people.

6th place: - a state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Area - 61 km², population - 32,075 people.

5th place: - Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10,544 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country would have been even poorer if the country’s leadership had not thought of putting up the national domain zone .tv for auction and a buyer was quickly found, because zone.tv is a tasty morsel for television companies and video sites. Now Tuvalu receives $1 million every quarter in exchange for the right to use the domain zone.tv

4th place: - state on the same name coral island in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 9,322 people. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic, the smallest island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside Europe, and the world's only republic without an official capital.

3rd place: - principality associated with France. Monaco is located in southern Europe on the coast Mediterranean Sea. Area - 2.02 km², population - 35,986 people.

2nd place: located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. The area of the Vatican is 0.44 km². Population - 836 people.

The smallest state in Europe and the whole world - Order of Malta(not to be confused with the state of Malta), the full name is "Sovereign Military Hospitable Order of St. John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta." Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located within the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort Sant'Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of the territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and car plate numbers, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.

Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

The smallest states by area by continent and part of the world

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).

The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).

The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).

The smallest country in Africa is Seychelles(area - 455 km²).

Smallest country North America- Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).

Smallest country South America- Suriname (area 163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population

Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 49,898 people.

9th place: Liechtenstein(about this country, see above). Population - 35,870 people.

8th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 32,075 people.

7th place: Palau- an island state in the Pacific Ocean. Is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with total area 458 km². Population - 20,842 people.

6th place: Cook Islands(about this country, see above). Population - 19,569 people.

5th place: Order of Malta(see above for more details). The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.

4th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 10,544 people.

3rd place: (about this country, see above). Population - 9,322 people.

2nd place: Niue- an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.

The smallest state in the world by population (about this country, see above). Population - 836 people.

The smallest states by population by continent and part of the world

The smallest country in Asia is South Ossetia(population - 72,000 people) - partially recognized state: was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).

The smallest country in Oceania is Niue (population - 1,398 people)

The smallest country in Europe is Vatican City (population - 836 people)

The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (population - 87,476 people)

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (population - 49,898 people)

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (population - 472,000 people)

All of the above countries and dependent territories are recognized by the international community or at least by several states, but there is a state not recognized by any country, which is smaller in area than the Order of Malta and smaller in population than the Vatican.
The Principality of Sealand, located on an offshore platform in the North Sea 10 kilometers off the coast of Great Britain, has an area of only 0.00055 km² (550 m²). Regarding the population, in 2002 the Sealand authorities stated that the population of the state was 27 people. However, only a guard permanently lives on the territory of Sealand.

The physical territory of Sealand emerged during the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast. One of them was Rafs Tower. During the war, the platforms housed anti-aircraft guns and were garrisoned by 200 people. After the end of hostilities, most of the towers were destroyed, but the Rafs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained untouched. In 1967, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates announced the creation of the sovereign state of Sealand on the territory of the Rafs Tower platform. sea land") and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. In 1972, Sealand began minting coins. In 1975, the first constitution of Sealand came into force. A flag and coat of arms appeared.
In 1997, it became clear that without the knowledge of the leadership of Sealand, passports of this state were being distributed illegally. In total, more than 150 thousand passports were sold, after which Sealand was forced to cancel the passports. In January 2007, the country's owners announced their intention to sell it. Immediately after this, the torrent site The Pirate Bay began collecting funds for the acquisition of Sealand in order to achieve independence from the authorities of other states, but the deal did not take place.
Sealand official website - sealandgov.org

Incredibly varied. Each of them is unique in its own way. However, we are accustomed to the fact that the word “country” implies a vast territory, hundreds of cities and villages. Nevertheless, there are powers in the world with a record small area. Today we will find out which countries are the smallest in area and what features they have.

The Heart of Catholicism

The smallest country in the world by area, known to everyone, is the Vatican. A small but incredibly powerful state is located in the western part of Rome. Since the residence of the Pope is located in the Vatican, this mini-country is the spiritual center of the entire Catholic world.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis are a pair of islands in the Caribbean that are united into one republic. Have volcanic origin. Length coastline- 135 km. The islands are separated by the Narrows Strait and surrounded by coral reefs.

Power here belongs to the British monarch, who is represented on the island by the Governor-General. Official language- English. Total area - 261 sq. km.

Population - more than 50,000 people. Blacks dominate, whose descendants were brought as slaves to the islands. The indigenous inhabitants of the republic were Caribbean Indians, but in the 17th century they were ousted by the British. The latter soon had to cede rights to the islands to the French. In the 80s, Saint Kitts and Nevis gained internal self-government. Status - “state associated with Great Britain”.

Maldives - a piece of paradise

This paradise V Indian Ocean It is also one of the 10 smallest countries in the world by area. 1192 coral islets located near Sri Lanka are distinguished by beautiful scenery and provide all the necessary attributes of a holiday. Today, a tour to the Maldives is not that expensive - about $1,000.

The islands are grouped into a target of 26 atolls. Area - only 300 sq. m, which housed about 400,000 residents. Religion - Islam. It is noteworthy that out of 1192 islets, only 202 of them are inhabited. The rest are incredibly beautiful, uninhabited corners of the tropics. Scientists suggest that they are all of volcanic origin. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by area.

The indigenous people are the Dravidians (immigrants from India). In the 5th-7th centuries, Persians and Arabs appeared on the islands.

The official language is Dikhevi. However, in tourist centers Knowledge of English is enough.

Conclusion

So, we found out which country has the smallest area and which powers are among the ten smallest in size. The rest of the small states of the world, including island ones, have an area of 400 square meters. km or more.

7th place: Liechtenstein- a state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people.

6th place: - a state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Area - 61 km², population - 32,075 people.

5th place: - Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10,544 people. Tuvalu is one of them, and this country would have been even poorer if the country’s leadership had not thought of putting up the national domain zone .tv for auction and a buyer was quickly found, because zone.tv is a tasty morsel for television companies and video sites. Now Tuvalu receives $1 million every quarter in exchange for the right to use the domain zone.tv

4th place: - a state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 9,322 people. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic, the smallest island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside Europe, and the world's only republic without an official capital.

3rd place: - principality associated with France. Monaco is located in southern Europe on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Area - 2.02 km², population - 35,986 people.

2nd place: located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. The area of the Vatican is 0.44 km². Population - 836 people.

The smallest state in Europe and the whole world - Order of Malta(not to be confused with the state of Malta), the full name is "Sovereign Military Hospitable Order of St. John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta." Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located within the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort Sant'Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of the territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and license plates, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.

Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

The smallest states by area by continent and part of the world

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).

The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).

The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).

The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (area 163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population

Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: Saint Kitts and Nevis(about this country, see above). Population - 49,898 people.

9th place: Liechtenstein(about this country, see above). Population - 35,870 people.

8th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 32,075 people.

7th place: Palau- an island state in the Pacific Ocean. Is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20,842 people.

6th place: Cook Islands(about this country, see above). Population - 19,569 people.

5th place: Order of Malta(see above for more details). The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.

4th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 10,544 people.

3rd place: (about this country, see above). Population - 9,322 people.

2nd place: Niue- an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.

The smallest state in the world by population (about this country, see above). Population - 836 people.

The smallest states by population by continent and part of the world

The smallest country in Asia - South Ossetia (population - 72,000 people) - is a partially recognized state: it was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).

The smallest country in Oceania is Niue (population - 1,398 people)

The smallest country in Europe is Vatican City (population - 836 people)

The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (population - 87,476 people)

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (population - 49,898 people)

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (population - 472,000 people)

The physical territory of Sealand emerged during the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast. One of them was Rafs Tower. During the war, the platforms housed anti-aircraft guns and were garrisoned by 200 people. After the end of hostilities, most of the towers were destroyed, but the Rafs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained untouched. In 1967, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates announced the creation of the sovereign state of Sealand on the territory of the Rafs Tower platform and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. In 1972, Sealand began minting coins. In 1975, Sealand's first constitution came into force. A flag and coat of arms appeared.
In 1997, it became clear that without the knowledge of the leadership of Sealand, passports of this state were being distributed illegally. In total, more than 150 thousand passports were sold, after which Sealand was forced to cancel the passports. In January 2007, the country's owners announced their intention to sell it. Immediately after this, the torrent site The Pirate Bay began collecting funds for the acquisition of Sealand in order to achieve independence from the authorities of other states, but the deal did not take place.
Sealand official website - sealandgov.org