The smallest country in. The smallest countries in the world. Video about the state - Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
About one third of the population is concentrated there. They contain many attractions, and the features of culture, history and art are studied even at school. However, there are microstates that few people know anything about, although they have no less interesting life, natural and historical features. So, which countries are the smallest in terms of population, what are their characteristics?
About a hundred states do not have a population of even a million people. These include such well-known countries as Cyprus, Montenegro, Luxembourg, Iceland and many other territories. Despite the fact that their area is small, and people can be accommodated on a large football stadium, not all of them are representatives of microstates. Here is a list of the smallest countries by population.
Pitcairn Island
This island state is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Pitcairn is the only British territory that is located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest country in terms of population, with only 49 people living here. There is even a capital on the island - Adamstown, but, however, this is just one locality Pitcairn.
Vatican
Many people think that the Vatican is the smallest country in terms of population, but this state is home to 842 people, and Pitcairn Island has almost 800 fewer people. The Vatican, or, as it is otherwise called, the city-state, is located on the territory of Rome. The country of the Vatican is the center of leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. As before, as now, the territory of the state is considered a holy place, but in ancient times no one lived here. Basically, the entire population living in the Vatican are representatives of the clergy. It is noteworthy that citizenship here cannot be obtained by inheritance.
Tokelau
This territory is administered by New Zealand. The state consists of three islands in the Pacific Ocean, and people live on each of them. The population of Tokelau is 1,383 people. The inhabitants of the islands live from fishing. Also, some income comes from the production of souvenirs, stamps and coins. Some agricultural crops are also grown here and cattle are raised.
Niue
This state is located on an island in the Pacific Ocean, and the capital is the village of Alofi. The population of Niue is 1612 people. This island was discovered at the beginning of the 18th century by Europeans, at which time Niue was inhabited by savages, so it was called “the island of savages,” but was later renamed. The territory has a rich geological basis, so quite a lot of people come here a large number of tourists, as well as scientists. Niue has 14 villages and is divided into two regions, Motu and Tafiti.
Falkland Islands
The archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean and is an important point, one might say, a transit point for Atlantic Ocean in Quiet. Basically, all residents of the territory speak English language, and the population is 2912 people. The main activities of residents Falkland Islands are sheep farming, fishing and tourism.
Saint Helena
A more complete name looks like this: Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. This territory volcanic origin, and many scientists visit it, which has a positive effect on the country's economy. The total population is 3956 people.
Montserrat
Another British overseas territory with a population of 5,154. At the end of the 20th century, there were almost ten thousand more people in Montserrat. The decline in numbers is due to volcanic activity in the area, and the southern part of Montserrat is now closed to the public. The island was discovered in the 15th century by the great traveler and explorer Columbus, and in the 17th century it began to be populated.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
The island community of France is located in the Atlantic Ocean. The population lives on two islands, but the larger one is Miquelon, and accordingly more people live there. The population is 6301 people. Fishing is mainly developed in the area.
Saint Barthelemy
Another overseas province of France, with a population of only 9,417 people. Open this island was again Columbus. This area is popular among tourists, and this is where the residents of this community live.
Tuvalu
The state of Tuvalu is located in the vast Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. The island of Tuvalu was inhabited back in 300-500 by immigrants from the island of Samoa. The population is 9,943 people; the country's entire economy is mainly based on agriculture and fishing. Tourism could develop in Tuvalu, there are all the factors for this, but due to poor transport connections with this state, the tourist flow is quite small.
Nauru
The Republic of Nauru is an island state located in the Pacific Ocean; it gained independence in 1968. The country's population is 10,263 people. Agriculture, fishing and, to some extent, tourism are most developed here, but its expansion is hampered by the pollution of the territory, which, of course, scares off many travelers.
The smallest countries in the world by population change frequently; in general, on average, the list is reformatted every 4 years. Only the position of the Vatican remains unchanged: it has always been on the list of the smallest countries, both in terms of number of inhabitants and area. It is noteworthy that basically all the smallest countries in terms of population are located on islands or archipelagos. Their economy is mainly based on fishing and agriculture, but tourism is also developed in some.
This is a list of the 15 smallest countries in the world. Countries that can be compared in size to small town. You can walk from end to end of almost every one of these countries in less than a day.
The most small state on the ground. The Vatican is located on the territory Eternal City Rome, on the hill of Monte Vaticano and has a state border length of only 3.2 km. In a few hours you can easily walk around the entire country. According to official data, the population of the Vatican is just over 800 people. Another 3,000 people are not citizens of the country, but come here to work every day.
The Vatican is one of the largest museums under open air. Here it is a real treasure trove works of art and architectural monuments, relics of Christianity and unique creations of great masters are stored. A huge number of believers and tourists visit the Vatican territory every day.
Second place in the list of micro states is occupied by the Principality of Monaco. Its territory is 1.95 square meters. km. The length of the state border with France is 4.4 km. The population density in Monaco, unlike the Vatican, is very high - the country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Locals They are mainly engaged in servicing tourists, who are attracted here by magnificent beaches and a huge number of gaming establishments.
Republic of Nauru - dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21.3 km² and a population of 12 thousand people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.
Tuvalu is a dwarf Pacific state in Polynesia. The length of the coastal strip is 21 km. The state is located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The total land area is 26 km². The country's population is 14 thousand people. The islands gained independence in 1978 (before that the archipelago was a British colony).
The name of the country, translated from the Tuvaluan language, means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu. The main problem of the islands is rising sea levels, which threatens to flood many of the islands, most of which are located no higher than 5 meters above sea level The country lives on the help of other countries, because it does not have its own. natural resources.
5. San Marino
European state, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. The name comes from the name of the Christian saint who founded the state. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe. The area of the state is 60.57 km². Almost 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains and rock formations. Population: 33 thousand people. San Marino is one of the few modern countries with positive economic indicators. State revenues exceed expenses and the country has no external debt.
Another dwarf European state. The country's area is 160 km². The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the most high point- Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the rivers flows through the western part of the country. largest rivers Western Europe- Rhine. The country's population is 38 thousand people.
Despite its size, Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed banking system. In addition, the Principality of Liechtenstein is included in the black list of “tax havens” - states where residents of other countries avoid taxation.
The Marshall Islands are a Pacific nation in Micronesia. The state is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the Marshall Islands archipelago. The length of the coastal strip is 370.4 km. The total land area is 181.3 km² and 11,673 km² are occupied by lagoons. The population of the Marshall Islands is 65 thousand people.
The maximum height above sea level is 10 meters. In the event of a significant rise in sea levels or global climate change, serious environmental consequences are inevitable on individual islands.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have permanent armed forces. According to the agreement, the United States bears responsibility for the security and defense of the country. They have a responsibility to protect the Republic of the Marshall Islands and its citizens from outside attacks and threats.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis - a state in the eastern part Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both islands are of volcanic origin and mountainous. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 53 thousand people. The total length of the coastline is 135 km.
The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not colonize them. The struggle for possession of the islands was fought for a long time by Great Britain and France. In 1983, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence.
The islands have rich tropical vegetation. The mountainous areas are covered with dense tropical forests and orchards. Lianas, mangoes, breadfruit and cinnamon trees, tamarind, avocados, bananas, and papaya grow here. At the tops of the mountains, forests give way to meadows with equally abundant vegetation. The forests are home to numerous tropical birds and butterflies, and there are monkeys. Many seabirds, including pelicans, nest on the coast. The waters abound with fish.
The Republic of Maldives or simply the Maldives is a state in South Asia, located on a group of atolls in Indian Ocean, south of India. The state is a chain of 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islets. Population - about 330 thousand people. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². The capital Male - the only city and port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name and is the smallest capital in the world. However, Male is home to a third of the country's total population.
The basis of the economy is serving tourists. Hot but comfortable weather all year round (air temperature from 24 to 30°) made Maldives a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Fishing comes in second place.
The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino and many small and uninhabited ones. The territory of the state is 316 km². The population of Malta is 420 thousand people. The country bears the title of the least populated state in the European Union.
The main industry of Malta's economy is tourism. Most of the cultural and historical attractions are associated with the Knights of the Johannite Order (Order of Malta). Due to its wide variety of urban and natural landscapes, Malta is a popular location for feature film shoots. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have rivers, lakes or its own sources of fresh water.
Grenada is an island state in the southeast Caribbean Sea, occupies the island of Grenada and southern part islands of the Grenadines. Total area - 344 sq. km. Population: 110 thousand people.
The island of Grenada is of volcanic origin. In the center of the island there is a forested mountain range, overlooked by Mount St. Catherine (840 m), the highest point in the country. There are few rivers on the island, but there are many streams and springs. Grenada's economy is based on tourism as well as offshore financial businesses.
The song “Grenada”, written by M. Svetlov in 1926, as it turned out, has nothing to do with the state of Grenada.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state in the Caribbean. The territory consists of the island of Saint Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines group. Area - 389 km². Population - 105 thousand people.
On the island of St. Vincent there is active volcano Soufriere. During our era alone, it has erupted at least 160 times. Last eruption it was in 1979. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is whites sandy beaches on the southern tip of the island.
Barbados is a small state in the West Indies, located on the island of the same name, which is shaped like a pear. The island has an area of 431 km² and is mostly flat with small hills in the middle. Population: 290 thousand people. Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in terms of living standards and literacy.
The basis of the economy is tourism. Many historical monuments, are associated with the rise of piracy in the Caribbean. Barbados is also famous for the production of the famous pirate rum. Approximately every 3 years the island finds itself in the hurricane zone and suffers greatly from the elements.
Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the West Indies located on three islands- Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The total territory is 442 km². Population 90 thousand people.
The main source of income is tourism. Antigua and Barbuda is ready to welcome tourists 365 days a year. Coastline Antigua forms many bays (essentially relict volcanic craters) and an extended strip of first-class beaches (it is believed that there are exactly 365 of them on the islands). There are both beaches with developed infrastructure and completely wild, secluded corners.
Republic Seychelles- island state in East Africa. Located in the western Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator. The republic includes 115 islands, only 33 of them are inhabited. The islands cover an area of 455 square kilometers. The country's population is about 90 thousand people.
The main source of income for the Seychelles has long been the export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since 1976, when Great Britain granted independence to the Seychelles, tourism has become the main source of income (up to 75% of foreign exchange earnings).
The fruit of the Seychelles palm, which grows only in the Seychelles, weighs 20 kg and is considered the largest fruit in the plant world.
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
It is an island nation 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 view sports 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 holiday in the Indian Ocean. Snow-white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters have given the country a reputation as a paradise. Around 1192 coral islands 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 luxurious casinos and a wide range of exclusive services, the country has become favorite place recreation 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 of the 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.
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
Island country Republic of Maldives 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. There are more companies registered here 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 every day to work.
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. The main source of income is, of course, tourism, but agriculture and offshore banking are also developed here.
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 kilometers. 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.
Living in big 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, governed by the Pope and the conclave of cardinals, and has the status independent state and even your 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 every day to work.
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 the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to rely on help from 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. Is in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. 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 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
The Republic of Maldives is an 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 the islands of the Atlantic Ocean. The state consists of two islands with total area 261 sq. km. These were the first islands settled by Europeans. The main source of income is tourism, agriculture and offshore banking are also developed.
