The smallest states by territory. The smallest countries in the world by area. Rating of the smallest countries in the world

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. Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, residence of the Pope - Apostolic Palace etc. - far from it 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 densely populated countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income for residents comes from tourism.

3. Nauru
Nauru is located in the south Pacific Ocean in Micronesia. The area of ​​the state is 21.3 square meters. kilometer The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It gained independence in 1968, although the island was home to the Aboriginal people for 3 thousand years. Today the country's population is approximately 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.

4. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, its area is 26 square meters. kilometers. The country also includes several coral islands. Previously, these islands belonged to the British Crown and were called the Ellis Islands, but in 1978 they gained independence from the British. The country's population is 10.5 thousand people. Due to lack natural resources Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries.

5. San Marino
The Republic of San Marino covers an area of ​​61 square meters. kilometer and has the smallest population among the member states of the European Council. 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
Republic of Maldives- island country. It is located in Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area Asian country. The area of ​​the country is 298 square meters. km., population - 396 thousand. Two-thirds of the population lives in the country's capital, Male. Previously the country developed thanks to the export of dried tuna, cowrie shellfish and coconut ropes, now the main income comes from tourism.

10. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Located in the West Indies - between North and South America on islands Atlantic Ocean. The state consists of two islands with 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.

It's hard to believe that something like this big world There are entire countries so small that they could easily fit in one of the districts of Moscow. People living in such countries are no different from those who inhabit countries with large cities and villages; they do not feel that they are somehow different from the rest. But for residents of countries with large territories, they are considered as exotic as any plant. If you ask the question what is the smallest country or state in the world, only a person with a broad outlook, one who is interested in the unusual and surprising, will answer correctly.

Considering the smallest countries, it is worth saying that there are also very small states in the world. In order not to confuse them, you need to know how a country differs from a state. So, a country is a community with its own culture, history, and land. At the same time, a country is considered a state if it has sovereignty, so to speak, political freedom.

Some may think: what could be interesting in a country with such a tiny territory? But it turns out that they are quite interesting not only for their exotic nature, but also for their history, picturesque landscapes, etc. So let's get to know smallest countries and states on our planet.

Maldives

Among the blue expanses of the Indian Ocean is the Republic of Maldives, which is considered the smallest country in Asia.

She is known to many as Maldives or Maldives. It consists of many tiny islands. The area does not exceed 298 square meters. km. The Republic is home to 396 thousand people. The capital is Male, where approximately two-thirds of the inhabitants live. It gained its independence in 1965, and a couple of years later the Maldives became a republic.

If not so long ago the residents were more engaged in the export of dried tuna and other gifts, coconut ropes, but today the main profit of the islanders is tourism.

Video about the Maldives:

Seychelles

The smallest state in the world, namely in Africa, is the Seychelles.

A couple of decades ago, the islands were completely subordinate to Great Britain; they became independent in 1976. To ensure a decent life, residents exported vanilla, cinnamon and coconut, and with independence, tourists began to come here. Thus, today the main income of local residents is tourism. The Seychelles can be found on the map north of Madagascar and consists of 115 small islands in the Indian Ocean. According to the data, the archipelago has an area of ​​455 square meters. km, where 84 thousand people live.

Video about Seychelles:

Liechtenstein

A tiny state located next to Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a real find for businessmen.

The low tax rates in force in the state attract many businessmen from all over the world who are registered in it. At the same time, wealthy businessmen are not embarrassed by the fact that the state does not even have its own, and the nearest one is in Zurich.

In terms of area, Liechtenstein occupies about 160 square meters. km, population approximately 29 thousand people. The country thrives mainly on the export of food, dental instruments, microchips and postage stamps. It is also visited by many tourists, who bring additional income to residents. The state is inhabited by Austrians, Germans and Swiss. The main language is German, but you can find residents speaking several dialects. The city of Vaduz is the capital of the tiny state.

Video about the state of Liechtenstein:

Nauru

If you travel the Pacific Ocean, then know that in the south in Micronesia is the Republic of Nauru - a tiny island nation of the world. On an area of ​​21 sq. km is home to approximately 9 thousand people.

Even in the last century, the inhabitants of the island were considered the richest in the whole world. They made huge fortunes from phosphate mining. The authorities of the Republic employed almost all the inhabitants of the island, made education and medicine free. Is it true, high school few people appreciated it; only some children visited it.

Over time, the phosphate deposits ran out and almost the entire territory of the island ceased to be useful. Today, the only reminders of the residents’ former prosperity are the exhausted and abandoned mines. But that's not all: there is no island in the world where people suffer from obesity as much as Nauru. Most residents lead a sedentary lifestyle, consume very fatty foods and a lot of alcohol, the result is obvious - they suffer from diabetes. The state cannot protect itself because it does not have armed forces, but in 1999 the UN took him under its wing.

Video about the Republic of Nauru:

Vatican

If you want to know which is the smallest country in the world, then you should visit the Vatican.

The most beautiful buildings in the world, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace, and St. Peter's Basilica, are located in the small but powerful Vatican. It is located in one of the Roman districts. 770 people live on 44 hectares and work there. The Vatican is the residence of the Pope.

The Swiss Guard maintains order and... The Guard consists of one hundred people, but to join it, a person must be a single Catholic and a resident of Switzerland. The main income of the Vatican consists of donations that flow into the treasury from all over the world; additional income is also brought in by the sale of books and visits to the country by tourists.

Video about the Vatican:

Monaco

Among the smallest countries in the world, Monaco takes second place.

On an area of ​​2 sq. km there are about 24 thousand inhabitants. More recently, the Grimaldi family, which originated from Genoa, was considered the rightful ruler here. Today their place has been taken by the Prince and the National Council. Monaco is located next to France and is located on the shores of the beautiful Ligurian Sea.

The country is very attractive to the world's richest people as it offers them attractive tax incentives. Despite the fact that tourism is very developed in the country, many residents are successfully engaged in agriculture and offshore banking.

The small country became famous thanks to the world famous casino, which is located in Monte Carlo. The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco was held here. The capital of the country is called Monaco.

Video about Monaco:

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

On the islands in the Atlantic between North and South America there is a tiny state - the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which has an area of ​​261 square meters. km and inhabitants 50 thousand.

In addition to tourism, they are engaged in the electrical industry, the export of sugar and shellfish, which brings good profits.

Video about the state - Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis:

Marshall Islands

The smallest state in Europe is the Marshall Islands, which consist of many coral islands, tiny in size, and reefs. State of 180 sq. km is inhabited by 52 thousand inhabitants.

Most people speak here English language. The islands are known for their turbulent history, having been under the governments of Germany, the Japanese Empire and Spain. As a result of the events of World War II, the United States liberated the island from the Japanese government, but residents received final freedom only in 1986. Thanks to the support, the island is still thriving today, despite the fact that it does not have its own resources and well-established exports. Residents of the Marshall Islands sell fish and copra. Additionally, the treasury is replenished thanks to developed tourism.

Video about the Marshall Islands:

San Marino

In the heart of Italy, on the slope of Mount Titan, rises the miniature state of San Marino.

On an area of ​​61 sq. km is home to approximately 28 thousand people. The spoken language of the residents is Italian. The state has its own ancient history, which all residents are proud of. They tell about the mason Marinus, who came to these lands back in 301, fleeing the Christian hater and persecutor Emperor Diocletian. To prevent the emperor from finding him, the mason hid in the Titan Mountains, where he later created his own Christianity. The owner of the mountain registered it in the name of the Christian community, so the territory was first known as the “Land of St. Marinus”, and later as San Marino.

This tiny state, at the end of the war, was also considered the poorest, thanks to which it was able to maintain its independence.

After millions of tourists began to visit the country every year, San Marino's treasury began to rapidly replenish. In addition to tourism, the state exports quality goods, including wine, ceramics, stone for construction and chemicals. Today, the inhabitants of the tiny country can safely be called the richest residents of Europe.

Video about San Marino:

Tuvalu

Although the sea level is constantly rising, residents of the tiny state of Tuvalu are in no hurry to leave it.

The country is located in the Pacific Basin and consists of four islands and five atolls. At 26 sq. km live 10.5 thousand people. It became independent relatively recently - in 1978. Previously, the British crown ruled here and were known as the Ellis Islands.

To survive, residents fish and farm, but this is not enough, so they receive great support from Australia, Japan, the USA, and New Zealand.

Video about the state of Tuvalu:

So you got acquainted with the smallest countries and states.

The size of the country was of decisive importance in Ancient world and the Middle Ages. More citizens and more territory - more warriors, peasants, workers, arable land. Nowadays, developed tourism, investments, good diplomatic relations with all countries for selling passports to rich people, and business opportunities to work with low taxes are of great importance.

Currently, small countries usually originate from former appanage principalities or island colonies of Great Britain, Spain and France. Some preferred association, union, and other forms of subordination to independence over their former mother countries. This article will help you find out which is the smallest country today.

20 smallest countries in the world

The list does not include former colony territories associated with large countries and in any way dependent on them. Only sovereign and separate.

1. Order of Malta (not Malta). The area is 120 square meters. On this territory is located the palace-headquarters of the order, located in Rome. This building is essentially the state. They issue their own brands, car numbers, and passports. It is the smallest country in Europe and it is also the smallest country in the world in terms of territory.
2. Vatican. 0.44 km². This is the official location of the center of the Catholic Church. About a thousand people have citizenship, mostly priests, cardinals, archive workers, and papal representatives (legates).
3. Monaco. 2 km². Former principality, currently associated with France. Here are expensive casinos, Formula 1 venues and other entertainment for the rich. The most populous state in Europe.
4. Nauru. 21 km². A small island located in the Pacific Ocean. It had large deposits of phosphorites, thanks to which its inhabitants were among the richest people on earth. However, they soon ran out and the economy collapsed sharply, plunging the country, unprepared for such a scenario, into poverty.
5. Tuvalu. 26 km². Everyone is accustomed to considering the poorest countries in Africa. However, this island-state is located in the Pacific Ocean. It makes money by reselling the .TV domain, which is purchased by TV channels around the world.
6. San Marino. 61 km². According to legend, it was founded by a mason named Marino, who founded a Christian community on the mountain. Even Napoleon did not touch the small but proud state when he captured Italy.
7. Liechtenstein. 160 km². In the gorge between Switzerland and Italy, a separate modern state grew from a medieval city, and a rich one at that. So named because of the name of the ruling dynasty.
8. Cook Islands. 236 km². They receive help from New Zealand and earn money from tourism and marine fishing. It received this name in the 19th century from the Russian navigator Ivan Krusenstern. James Cook himself once called them differently.
9. Saint Kitts and Nevis. 261 km². State of two islands in the water area Caribbean Sea. They export tobacco, sugar, oils, and fruits. And quite successfully: in terms of GDP - 74th place in the world. The smallest country in South America.
10. Maldives. 298 km². It is an archipelago, a chain of small 26 atolls consisting of coral reefs, a total of 1192. It is located in the Indian Ocean.
11. Malta. 316 km². The name comes from the words sweet honey. Such a small territory in the Mediterranean could belong to Russia, because... Emperor Paul was chosen as head of the Order of the Johannites (who had inhabited the island since its discovery) and ruler. However, his death and the policy of the new sovereign Alexander of a commonwealth with England disrupted all plans. So the British made theirs there military base, and in the 60s of the last century it gave independence.
12. Grenada. 344 km². The country interesting story. First there were plantations with slaves, then there was a revolution and the power of the communists, and then a new coup and the power of conservative supporters of the Western economic model.
13. Barbados. 431 km². It was a colony of the Portuguese, then an independent territory after the slave revolt.
14. Antigua and Barbuda. 440 km². The name translates as ancient and bearded. Classically originated from a former colony.
15. Seychelles. 455 km². Successful compared to other African powers due to its offshore economy and highly developed tourism industry.
16. Andorra. One of the richest (minimum salary 1000 euros) and ancient (mentioned in 778) states in Europe. At the same time, it is small - 468 km². The economy is independent from the government, the budget is filled from tourism and banking services.
17. Saint Lucia. 616 km². Discovered by Columbus on the feast of St. Lucia. Later it became a possession of England.
18. Micronesia 702 km². The name comes from the word small, which is confirmed in practice. Consists of 116 islands. Depends on US assistance, providing them with a base for the fleet in return. Dogs are bred for meat for export.
19. Bahrain. 766 km². Exports gas, oil, pearls, offshore zones. Located in Persian Gulf. One of the few places on the planet where there are more men than women.
20. Karibati. 812 km². Consists of atolls (coral reefs that have become dry land). It was first occupied by Japan, then gained independence. The country is threatened by flooding, overpopulation, and climate change, which the president (who is also the minister of foreign affairs and head of government) often declares from the UN rostrum. US nuclear and hydrogen bomb tests took place on one of the islands.

TOP 10 smallest countries by population

1. Vatican. The smallest country by area, it also has the smallest population. About a thousand people have citizenship. Basically it is temporary, for those who work under a contract in the Vatican. Priest monks and the apparatus of the Roman Catholic Church have life sentences.
2. Tuvalu. 10,000 people. A small territory and an equally small number of people on it. 94% this indigenous people- Indians.
3. Nauru. 10,500 people. IN Good times the population was many times larger, and foreigners among them accounted for 70%. Now there are about 10% of them.
4. Cook Islands. 17,500 people. The population mixed with New Zealand citizens. This is where it mainly flows from the island due to unemployment.
5. San Marino. 30,000 people. It is almost impossible for foreigners to obtain citizenship: you need to be born in San Marino, or have been married for 15 years, or simply live in the territory for 30 years.
6. Liechtenstein. 37,000. People from German-speaking peoples live in the country. At the same time, Liechtenstein has a fairly high birth rate, and not due to migrants.
7. Monaco. 37,800. Very high population density due to small area. The average life expectancy is 90 years, more than in Japan.
8. South Ossetia . 50,000. This little-recognized state, which broke away from Georgia along with Abkhazia in 2008, is doing quite well: schools and its own university are operating, trade and tourism are developed. Ossetians consider themselves part of Russia and strive to unite with it.
9. Saint Kitts and Nevis. Approximately 50 thousand people. The territory was used for plantations, and African black slaves were brought there. Now 94% are their descendants. Only 1.5% are white.
10. Dominica. 73,000. Located in Latin America. There is a high percentage of emigration from Dominica. At the same time, life expectancy is quite high (77 years).

The smallest state in the world (photos below) is the Vatican. It is the smallest on the planet both in terms of area occupied and in the number of citizens. It should be noted that in in this case Only officially recognized countries are taken into account. The residence of the Pope is located here, which is why this miniature city-power is considered the center of the entire Catholic world.

general description

The smallest state in the world by area occupies a territory whose size is only 0.45 km 2. It is located in the heart of the Italian capital - Rome. The total length of the Vatican border is 3200 meters. The state is surrounded on all sides by high walls. On its territory there is its own post office, police station, train station, publishing house and even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the nineteenth century, it also had its own currency unit- the lira of the Papal State, however, after the introduction of the euro in Italy in 2002, this currency began to be used in the Vatican.

Short story

The country has been small throughout the history of its existence. In ancient times, no one lived on the territory of the modern Vatican. The point is that in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. It began to be inhabited in 326, after the construction of the Basilica of Constantine over the supposed burial site of St. Peter. In the period from 752 to 1870, the smallest state in the world by population occupied an area of ​​​​about 41 km 2. At this time it was called the Papal States. The country was captured by a united Italian army in the mid-nineteenth century.

The current situation was resolved in 1929. It was then that the Lateran Treaty was signed, according to which the independence of the state was proclaimed, and Pope Pius XI in return recognized the Kingdom of Italy.

Population

As noted above, the Vatican is the smallest state in the world in terms of population. About 850 people who are citizens of this country permanently live on its territory. All of them have the status of servants of the Holy See. Vatican citizenship can only be obtained in this way. Once this work is completed, it is instantly cancelled. The local army numbers one hundred people.

During the daytime, there are about three thousand hired workers in the country, who are mainly engaged in menial labor. They are not subjects of the Vatican and live outside it. The vast majority of these people are Italians.

Political system and language

Based on international law, the smallest state in the world is an absolute theocratic monarchy, governed by the Holy See. In other words, all executive, legislative and judicial power here is concentrated in the hands of the Pope, who is elected for life by the cardinals. He governs, in fact, only the Holy See, while the country is governed by the governor of the Pontifical Commission appointed by him.

All legislative acts issued by the Vatican come into force only after they are published in Italian and Latin. Thus, we can say that both of them have official status in the country. At the same time, work in any world language is allowed here, which is due to the presence of representatives of many nationalities among church ministers.

Financial policy

There are no industrial enterprises in the Vatican, and therefore the smallest state in the world receives almost all its financial income from investments, donations and tourism. This money is mainly used for ordinary expenses, including salaries, reconstruction of buildings, maintenance of the Holy See, and so on. The annual state budget of a country whose economy is of a planned type averages 310 million US dollars. At the same time, the state is known for the charitable activities of the pontiff. In particular, funds are allocated to support people affected by natural disasters, as well as to build churches in all corners of the planet.

Social politics

To ensure close contact and dialogue with Catholics, as well as disseminate the teachings of the Church, the Vatican has created its own television channel. It hosts live broadcasts of state celebrations and services of the Pope, and also produces documentaries. In addition, it has its own radio. It is available not only on shortwave AM and FM, but also via the Internet. Recently, the social policy pursued by the smallest state in the world has been criticized by parishioners. In particular, many of them do not like conservative teachings, which do not correspond to the realities of our time.

Tourist attraction

As previously noted, tourism is considered one of the main sources of income for the Vatican. This is not surprising, since millions of people come here every year who want to see the ancient architectural ensembles and world-famous works of art created by great masters. The most popular among them are the Cathedral and St. Peter's Square, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum and Library, as well as the gardens, which occupy most of the country.

Status official residence The Vatican received a pope back in 1377.

Any visitor to the country has the opportunity to use the local postal services, in particular, send memorable postcards with unique stamps to their relatives and friends anywhere in the world.

Local museums are the third most popular on Earth, behind only the Louvre and the British Museum.

There is no airport on Vatican territory. At the same time, the smallest state in the world can boast of having helipad, operating since 1976. From here the pontiff usually flies to Roman airports or to his residence Castel Gandolfo.

The country has its own railway with the station. Its length is 700 meters.

The Vatican is characterized by an extremely high crime rate. There is an average of one crime per year per local resident. As a rule, these are thefts. However, it should be taken into account that they are mainly committed by service personnel or tourists.

Marriages and children are almost never born in the state.

The literacy rate of local residents is 100%.

Other tiny countries

As a rule, the smallest states in the world have very rich history and are highly attractive for tourists. Below, in descending order, are the five tiniest countries on the planet.

In fourth place on the list is the Pacific island country of Tuvalu. It gained its independence from England in 1978. Number local population is about 10 thousand people. The country is located on 4 islands and 5 atolls with a total area of ​​26 km 2.

The third position belongs to Nauru - island state, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It has the status of an independent republic and is distinguished by the absence of a capital. The area of ​​Nauru is 21.3 km 2, and the population is about 9.5 thousand people.

Monaco ranks second in the ranking of “The smallest states in the world.” The Principality borders France and is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. The area of ​​the country, which is home to about 36 thousand permanent residents, is 2.02 km 2 . Thanks to tax incentives, the capital of the richest people on Earth is attracted here. The capital has a similar name.

The world's smallest state is the Vatican, which was discussed in more detail earlier in this article.

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

9 Saint Kitts and Nevis

8 Marshall Islands

7 Liechtenstein

6 San Marino

5 Tuvalu

4 Nauru

3 Monaco

2 Vatican

1 Order of Malta

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.