A city with an area the size of a small country. The smallest countries in the world. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, also known as the Holy See. This country has borders in the Italian capital Rome. Only 0.44 sq. km in size.

The Vatican is the center of the Catholic Church and has some of the most significant works of art of the Renaissance. Income comes from the voluntary contributions of more than 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church around the world. The rest of its economy comes from the sale of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs, and museum admission tickets.

Monaco – 2 km²
On French Riviera, in Monaco, lives the most a large number of millionaires and billionaires - per capita in the world. Famous gambling business and luxury goods. Monaco - favorite place holidays for the rich and famous. It borders with France on 3 sides and is washed by waters on one side Mediterranean Sea. The inhabitants of Monaco are mainly French-speaking. With a population of over 36,000, Monaco is the most populous country in the world. And the most popular event in the country is the annual Formula 1 race, which takes place through the streets of the city.

Nauru – 21 km²
3rd smallest country in the world and 1st smallest in the world island country. An island state located east of Australia. The country experienced a booming phosphate mining industry in the 1980s, but phosphate resources are now depleted. This has led to a national unemployment rate of 90%, with the remaining 10% coming from the country's government itself. Nauru was previously known as the Pleasant Island, and as the country with the most obese people in the world - 97% of men and 93% of women are obese.

Tuvalu - 26 sq. km.
4th smallest country in the world. Formerly known as Ellis Island, Tuvalu is located in Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. There are about 10,000 inhabitants, 8 km of roads and only 1 hospital. The country was once a British territory and became independent in 1978. Tourism is a major part of the country's income, but a very small one. In 2010, fewer than 2,000 tourists visited Tuvalu.

San Marino – 61 km²
San Marino is also known as the Serene Republic of San Marino and is completely surrounded by Italy. It is the oldest sovereign state in the world, and is one of the richest countries in the world, in terms of GDP per capita. 3rd smallest country in Europe. Population: 30,000, and the lowest unemployment rate in the world.

Liechtenstein – 160 km²
The smallest German-speaking country in the world, and the only country that lies entirely in the Alps. It is located between Switzerland and Austria. Liechtenstein is the most rich country in the world by GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a little difficult, without an airport. Visitors must pass through Zurich Airport in Switzerland to reach this Alpine country, which is still ruled by a prince.

Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 sq. km.
Former West Indian colonies. These 2 islands in the Caribbean Sea were among the first to be occupied by Europeans. The country's economy depends on tourism, agriculture and sugar exports. The islands provide fantastic diving sites, and once large plantations have now been transformed into beautiful estates, hotels and resorts.

Maldives – 300 km²
Maldives - popular place holidays in Indian Ocean. It is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. There are more than 1,192 coral islands spread over 90,000 sq km, making the Maldives the most dispersed country in the world. The country was a colony of the Portuguese, Dutch and British - it became independent in 1965. Economy Maldives is tourism, due to its famous white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.

Malta - 316 sq. km.
Malta is an island and country in the Mediterranean Sea. Three main islands make up the Republic of Malta: Gozo, Comino, and big Island) Malta. With a population of over 450,000 inhabitants, Malta is one of the most populous countries in the world. Foreigners come to Malta from all over the world. They are drawn to the country's sunny weather, beaches, vibrant nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history.

Grenada - 344 sq. km.
An island nation in the Caribbean Sea, also known as the "Spice Island". Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. This people is located in the north-west of Trinidad and Tobago, and was once colonized by the French, which explains the very strong manifestation of French tradition and culture in the country. Cricket is the most popular look sports.

Some countries are so small that their area is less than 400 square kilometers. However, they have their own governments. Mainly, small countries are located in Europe and the Pacific Ocean.

TOP 50 smallest countries:

in ascending order

Marshall Islands
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados
Antigua and Barbuda
Seychelles
Palau
Andorra
St. Lucia
Singapore
Micronesia! Federated States Micronesia
Tonga
Dominica
Bahrain
Kiribati
Sao Tome! SÃ £ o Toma © and PrÃncipe
Comoros
Mauritius
Luxembourg
Samoa
Cape Verde
Trinidad and Tobago
Brunei
State of Palestine
Gambia
Bahamas! Bahamas
Lebanon
Jamaica
Qatar
Vanuatu
Montenegro
East Timor
Swaziland
Kuwait
Fiji
Slovenia
Israel
Salvador
Belize
Djibouti

Residents of Russia, who at best have only seen a few percent of their country's territory, often forget that not everyone is so lucky. There are small countries, such as Holland, Sweden or the Netherlands, and there are also very tiny ones, such that you can not only travel around them, but also walk around them in a day. But the most small state has quite a serious political weight in the world.

Vatican

This is not just a country within a country – it is a country within a city. Actually, it resembles a nesting doll: in the state of Italy there is the city of Rome, and in the city of Rome there is the state of the Vatican. True, the Vatican does not have a capital; it simply does not fit there. But it has an incredible number of temples, cultural and art monuments. But the main thing is that it is the seat of the Holy See - the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are 557 citizens registered in this state. All of them are men. Most of them are priests, some are military, and only 43 are laymen. Of course, there are not enough of them to service all the museums, churches and other institutions, so the Vatican employs guest workers - residents of another state, in this case, Italy.

As for the territory of the Vatican, it is the smallest recognized state in the world. Its area is about 0.44 square kilometers, and the length of the border is only 3 kilometers.

This state is the second largest in area, it occupies a little more than two square kilometers. If it were presented in the form of a regular figure, it would occupy a rectangle with sides of 1 by 2 kilometers.

But, unlike the Vatican, where he lives less than a thousand man, Monaco is a fairly densely populated state. Its population is about 36 thousand inhabitants. Another significant difference is the housekeeper. It is clear that industry cannot be built on such territory, but this is not required. Tourists bring money to the Vatican, and most importantly, donations from believers. Monaco was able to build a completely viable and efficient economy. Monte Carlo is one of largest cities The country is the gaming capital of the world, which, if inferior to Las Vegas, is not too much.

The country even has an armed force - 82 people. It’s interesting that there are 85 of them in a standard military band. This completely characterizes Monaco - this country has everything, but it’s miniature. Besides the budget. He's quite impressive.

The Vatican and Monaco are small states, but quite prosperous, with a high standard of living. But Nauru, unfortunately, is not one of them. Or rather, in the seventies, the economy of this island state flourished. Phosphates were mined and exported on the island, but when the deposit was depleted, it turned out that the island had nothing more to boast of. And in parallel with the development of resources, there was also ecological catastrophy: the territory was polluted, natural biodiversity was almost destroyed.

Not good picturesque island

Then the country tried to sell its citizenship, but not for too long and without success. Next came the era of offshores, which brought significant profits, but international groups quickly closed this shop. Tourism is undeveloped, there is no industry, there are no resources, there are no minerals, there is no (fresh) water. The territory is inhabited not by robots, but by ten thousand people, who are evenly distributed over an area of 21 square kilometers. They live mainly thanks to the help of nearby Australia.

The third and fourth states from the end are largely similar in territory - island states with a population of predominantly indigenous origin and a catastrophically underdeveloped economy. Tuvalu is classified not even as a third world country, but as a fourth world country, i.e., the poorest of all existing states.

There is little land, but there is a lot of water

Tuvalu receives income by selling the right to fish in its waters to ships of other states. But recently another good source has appeared - the sale of national top-level domain names. It is quite aptly called .tv, which determines good demand.

But even this does not make the life of 11 thousand residents of this state more prosperous. And the tiny territory, 21 square kilometers of land and the adjacent water area do not imply any special prospects.

It so happens that most of the dwarf states are located in Europe. And San Marino is no exception. This little one is another of the independent dwarf states located in Italy. Fortunately, Italy can afford to host more than one such country. Considering that San Marino is only 61 square kilometers in size, this is not difficult. True, it is quite densely populated - about 32 thousand people live in it.

The whole country on one mountainside

However, San Marino is unique in its own way. This is the oldest independent state. It declared its sovereignty on September 3, 301 (this is not a typo, really 301). Political map the world was redrawn dozens of times, countries changed names and territories, but little San Marino seemed to remain outside this carousel.

Add to this fact thousands of years of architecture and culture, an endless number of monuments, museums and castles, and you have a real tourist trap. It is not surprising that most travelers visiting Italy spend 1-2 days to get to know this unique country.

Now you know which is the smallest state in the world in terms of area. However, its significance is enormous, because all Catholics in the world listen to the opinion of the Vatican, San Marno is a unique ancient state, Monaco is the gambling capital... In politics, size is really not the most important indicator.

It is customary to pay more attention to large states, but small states are no less interesting. Especially if these countries have unique attractions or are known throughout the world. And such people really exist.

Small states can be divided into two main groups: by population and by territory. After all, it happens that few people live in a relatively small area and vice versa. After reading this article, you will know the answer to the question: what is the smallest country in the world?

Top 10 small countries by territory

Top 10 small countries by population

This list will not just list small countries, but the most sparsely populated capitals in the world. There are also 10 of them, but they are listed from largest to smallest:

The state is located in Rome in its northwestern part, on Vatican Hill. Despite the fact that the Vatican is the smallest state, it is home to the largest Catholic church in the world - St. Peter's Basilica. The city also has its own coat of arms, flag and constitution. It has its own radio station and a daily newspaper. Passes through the Vatican Railway, its length is 700 meters.

The Vatican's main income is tourism and donations

Monaco

The Principality is quite famous, despite its small size. Thanks to the Monaco Grand Prix - one of the stages of the Formula 1 race - and the casino in Monte Carlo, many people from all over the world want to visit this country.

On the southern side of the dwarf country there are beaches; the principality is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. On land, the border runs dividing Monaco and France. A 1.7 km long railway network stretches across a small area, and the total length of highways does not exceed 50 km. Despite its small size, public transport is popular. There are 7 in Monaco bus routes, and there are 143 bus stops.

At first glance, this is an ordinary village on a small island, but there is electricity and even the Internet, landline phones are also installed and there is a cellular connection. There is a school in Pitcairn where children are taught literacy and various sciences. What may surprise you is the presence of a church and a bar on the island. In general, this small island is full of mysteries and its main income is tourism. Residents provide a warm welcome to guests, and ATV excursions or cave visits are available upon request.

Descendants of the mutineers from the Bounty ship live on Pitcairn Island

Nauru

The dwarf state is located on the island of the same name in the Pacific Ocean. The capital of Nauru is the city of Yaren, but it has not yet received official status. The airport and the country's parliament are located here. The island's population lives mainly along the coast and near Lake Buada. The only railway goes deep into the island, to the very center of phosphorite mining; its length is 3.9 km, and the total length of roads does not exceed 40 km.

Phosphorite mining was previously carried out on the island, and for this reason the flora of Nauru was severely damaged. Residents of the state, whenever possible, replenish animal world islands, bringing small mammals from their travels - cats, dogs, pigs, and chickens.

The area of the city is 17,316 km2. Despite the small population, Vaduz is a tourist destination. Guests are presented with: the princely castle, which is visible from anywhere in the city; National Art Gallery and 4 museums. There is no airport in Vaduz and railway station, which creates slight inconvenience for travelers, but the sights seen allow you to forget about such an inconvenient moment. Moreover, the city is well developed bus service, and taxis are always ready for tourists, as in any other city.

The majority of the population is Catholic

European states

If we take into account Europe directly, then it also has sparsely populated countries. Some of them have already been mentioned above when talking about world states. These did not include Cyprus, Kosovo, Montenegro, Luxembourg and Andorra. The Vatican has already been mentioned several times - the most amazing and extraordinary state, which, among other things, heads the top “Smallest countries in Europe”. Yes, and here it comes first along with its other advantages.

It is very interesting to learn about the small states of the world, because they differ in many ways from the usual cities and countries in which thousands and millions of people live. But at the same time, their tiny territories have everything necessary for life, and often even more. And some are real paradise!

The size of the country was of decisive importance in Ancient world and the Middle Ages. More citizens and the size of the 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 their former mother countries over independence. 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 major countries and being in any way dependent on them. Only sovereign and separate.

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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Liechtenstein. 160 km². In the gorge between Switzerland and Italy grew from medieval city a separate modern state, and a rich one at that. So named because of the name of the ruling dynasty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barbados. 431 km². It was a colony of the Portuguese, then an independent territory after the slave revolt.
Antigua and Barbuda. 440 km². The name translates as ancient and bearded. Classically originated from a former colony.
Seychelles. 455 km². Successful compared to other African powers due to its offshore economy and highly developed tourism industry.
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.
Saint Lucia. 616 km². Discovered by Columbus on the feast of St. Lucia. Later it became a possession of England.
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.
Bahrain. 766 km². Exports gas, oil, pearls, offshore zone. Located in Persian Gulf. One of the few places on the planet where there are more men than women.
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 foreign minister 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

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.
Tuvalu. 10,000 people. A small territory and an equally small number of people on it. 94% are indigenous people - Indians.
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.
Cook Islands. 17,500 people. The population mixed with New Zealand citizens. This is where it mainly flows from the island due to unemployment.
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.
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.
Monaco. 37,800. Very high population density due to small area. The average life expectancy is 90 years, more than in Japan.
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.
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.
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).

Some countries in the world are quite small in size and occupy less area than megacities. But this does not prevent them from playing a significant role in the world. For example, the Vatican is considered a religious center, Monaco is recognized as a place of luxury, and Liechtenstein has gained fame as a prosperous country. The following are smallest countries in the world by area - top 10 rating.

10. Grenada (334 km²)

The list of the smallest countries in the world opens with Grenada, with an area of 334 sq. km and a population of about 100 thousand inhabitants. This volcanic island in the Caribbean was discovered by Columbus. The territory was first settled by French colonists, then it was transferred to Great Britain according to the Treaty of Versailles. The spirit of France is felt in the country today – in architecture, art and even sports. Local people love to play cricket. Tropical evergreen forests, hills, mountains, beaches - this place could be called paradise, if not for hurricanes. Cocoa, bananas, citrus fruits, cloves and vanilla are grown on the fertile volcanic soils. Grenada is also called the “Spice Island” for its nutmeg production.

9. Malta (316 km²)

One of the smallest countries in Europe by area is Malta (316 sq. km). It is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its leisurely life. The state unites six islands. Of the 360 thousand people, 80% live in Malta, and in Gozo local residents buy summer houses. Despite its modest size, Malta is visited by more than a million tourists a year. Attracted by ancient temples, nature, rocky and sandy beaches, crystal clear water and a rich underwater world. The Maltese are a cheerful people. Holidays, festivals, theatrical performances and fireworks - there is a lot of entertainment. Crime on the island is almost zero.

8. Maldives (300 km²)

The Maldives also occupy a modest territory - 300 square meters. kilometers. This is the smallest country in Asia - both in terms of territory and population (about 393 thousand). The state is one of the most dispersed in the world, as it consists of thousands of coral islands. Of these, only 200 are inhabited, and a hundred were given to tourists. They move between the islands by boats and local dhonis. There is one city - the capital Male, with an area of less than three square meters. kilometers. There is not even room for an airport - planes arrive at neighboring island. Until recently, the residents of the Maldives were mainly engaged in fishing, but today their source of income is serving tourists. The island economy is aimed at it. Guests love it here, because 80% of the territory is golden beaches. Entertainment includes scuba diving and attractions. Nightlife almost no, because Republic of Maldives belongs to Muslim countries.

7. Saint Kitts and Nevis (269 km²)

Saint Kitts and Nevis - small gState in the eastern Caribbean Sea, with an area of 269 square meters. kilometers. It consists of two islands, Nevis and St. Kitts. Columbus discovered them, and two centuries later the British settled in the territory. The colonies developed quickly thanks to the export of sugar. Since the 90s, the federation has gained independence. Today, 50 thousand people call Saint Kitts and Nevis home, about 86% are of African descent. Tropical thickets, mountains and meadows, butterflies and exotic birds, Coral reefs and a strip of lagoons - local nature captivates. This gives a large influx of tourists, on whose services the country’s economy is built. Another area of earning money is agriculture. Residents raise goats and sheep, grow pineapples and coffee trees. The islands are suitable for life: there is a narrow-gauge road along the coast, car roads, ports and two airports.

6. Liechtenstein (160 km²)

Liechtenstein is a European dwarf state with an area of only 160 square meters. km. At the same time, the mountains occupy most area of the country. There are very few minerals - only limestone, white clay and alabaster. The country makes money from the manufacturing industry, producing canned food and wine. Liechtenstein is prosperous and has a high standard of living. The residents are also lucky with nature: alpine meadows, Mountain peaks, forests. The climate is mild and pleasant, because mountain ranges protect from evil winds. Liechtenstein is known for its abandonment of armed forces - the state has not had an army since the 19th century. And the police force is small - 120 employees.

5. San Marino (61 km²)

San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The dwarf country is called the “Land of Freedom”. San Marino is surrounded by Italy. Maybe that's why the country is crowded with tourists during the summer months. Moreover, thanks to reduced taxes, goods here are much cheaper than in Italy. Some residents live in Italian towns and commute to work in San Marino by car. The country's population is about 30 thousand, and it is difficult to obtain a residence permit. You need to live in the territory for 30 years or be married to a local resident for 15 years. San Marino is ruled not by one person, but by two – captains-regents. Almost the entire territory of the country (80%) is occupied by mountains.

4. Tuvalu (26 km²)

The tiny state of Tuvalu in Polynesia could not keep up with its “colleagues”. The country is considered one of the poorest. Even the nature here is sparse, consisting mainly of imported plants and animals. Plants include palm trees, bananas, and breadfruit. The weather here is not for everyone: long droughts give way to the rainy season. Sometimes destructive cyclones pass through Tuvalu. Because of one of them, houses were completely torn apart and 90% of trees were knocked down. Many benefits of civilization are still inaccessible to local residents - their way of life has hardly changed over many centuries.

3. Nauru (21 km²)

The island dwarf state of Nauru is located in the Pacific Ocean. Its outline resembles a rectangle. What makes Nauru unique is that it has no official capital. There are no rivers on the island, which is why one of the main problems local residents is water shortage. This is reflected in the flora and fauna - it is sparse, just like in Tuvalu. Nauru's treasury was replenished quickly when phosphate rocks were mined. The country was considered one of the richest in the world, but in the 90s reserves began to decline. The well-being of the population fell. Phosphorite mining has caused damage to the island. Due to the severe pollution of Nauru, tourism is not developed.

2. Monaco (2.02 km²)

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with an area of only 2.02 sq. km. The entire principality can be walked on foot in an hour. Some tourists even have a photograph where the country fits into one picture. Despite its miniature size, the state managed to announce itself to the world. The city of Monte Carlo and its legendary casino have been heard about in many countries. Formula 1 competitions are held in Monaco. The Principality neighbors France. The country makes money from tourists, and therefore carefully monitors its image. Monaco has been called "Europe's sanctuary for the rich." Blooming azaleas and rhododendrons, a princely court and temples, narrow streets and Mediterranean architecture, modern luxury real estate - walking around the country is a pleasure. The main bay of Monaco has the most parking luxury yachts peace.

1. Vatican (0.44 km²)

The Vatican is rightfully recognized as the smallest state in the world. The country, with an area of only 0.44 sq. km., is located inside Rome and is associated with Italy. In ancient times, the area was not inhabited - it was considered holy. In 326, a basilica was created, and the territory began to be developed. The Vatican is ruled by the Holy See. The main one is the Pope, who is elected for life. There is a government funding for donations from Catholics around the world and income from tourism (souvenirs, museum admission fees, sales of stamps and coins). Almost all citizens of the Vatican are ministers of the Catholic Church.