One of the smallest states in the world. The smallest country in the world in terms of area and population. I would like to tell you about another interesting country in South America - Saint Kitts and Nevis

10

Square: 316 km 2
Population: 429,344 people
Density: 1432 people/km 2
Motto:"Valor and constancy"
Form of government: Parliamentary republic, democracy
Capital: Valletta

The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The name comes from the ancient Phoenician malat (“harbour”, “shelter”).

In 1964, Malta gained independence from Great Britain, and in 1974 a republic was proclaimed, but until 1979, when the last British naval base in Malta was liquidated, the British Queen was still considered the head of state.

The territory of Malta is represented by the Maltese archipelago, consisting mainly of the islands of Malta and Gozo. It also includes the uninhabited islands of St. Paul and Filfla, the sparsely inhabited island of Comino, and tiny Cominotto and Filfoletta. Malta is 27 km long and 15 km wide (less than the diameter of the Moscow Ring Road). Gozo is half the size, and Comino is only 2 km long. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have permanent rivers or natural lakes.

9

Square: 300 km 2
Population: 341,256 people
Density: 1,359 people/km 2
Form of government: Presidential republic
Capital: Male

The Republic of Maldives is a South Asian country and is located on a group of atolls consisting of 1,192 coral islets in the Indian Ocean south of India.

The islands do not rise much above sea level: the highest point of the archipelago is on the southern Addu (Sienu) atoll - 2.4 m. Due to this, the Maldives is known as the lowest located state.

The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km 2. The capital Male, the only city and port of the archipelago, is located on the atoll of the same name.

As for tourism, it is worth noting that all the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level, but there are no special attractions on land. There is an unremarkable capital, Male, many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics, as well as a kind of “action” - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable overwater excursion is the “Photo Flight”, a seaplane flight over the islands. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise or a submarine dive. The most common way of spending time among tourists in the Maldives is diving, since there are coral reefs near every island. Also popular are windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, tennis, billiards, squash and darts.

8

Square: 261 km 2
Population: 51,538 people
Density: 164 people/km 2
Motto:“The state comes before personal interests”
Form of government: Parliamentary monarchy
Capital: Buster

Island state in the Caribbean Sea. Includes 2 islands - Saint Christopher, also known as Saint Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis, from the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. The total length of the coastline is 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

The two traditional industries of St. Kitts and Nevis are agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugar cane (one third of cultivated land). On the island of Nevis, cotton, coconut palms, and pineapples are grown. Coffee trees, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Livestock farming is developed - goats and sheep are raised. Fishing is also one of the traditional industries. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.

7

Square: 181 km 2
Population: 53,158 people
Density: 293.7 people/km 2
Motto:"Achievement through common effort, Marshallese"
Form of government: Republic
Capital: Majuro

The Micronesian nation of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after British Captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow Captain Thomas Gilbert, for whom the neighboring Gilbert Islands are named, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km2, while the area occupied by lagoons is 11,673 km2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from Marshallese as “sunset”) and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from Marshallese as “sunrise”). . Both chains are approximately 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for approximately 1200 km. The most important islands are the Kwajalein and Majuro atolls. The largest island of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kwajalein is also the atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

6

Square: 160 km 2
Population: 37,313 people
Density: 229.56 people/km 2
Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
Capital: Vaduz

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Grauspitz (2,599 m). One of the largest rivers in Western Europe, the Rhine, flows through the western part of the country.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the Landtag (parliament), Executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the Landtag for the term of its powers and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks the Alemannic dialect of German.

This beautiful fairy-tale country, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Picturesque natural landscapes, magnificent medieval architecture and, of course, the fashionable ski resort are famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its “pearl” is the capital Vaduz. This is where most of the country's attractions are concentrated. The visiting card of not only the city, but the entire state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. The beautiful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

5

Square: 61 km 2
Population: 32,742 people
Density: 520 people/km 2
Motto:"Freedom"
Form of government: parliamentary republic
Capital:

San Marino is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The country is located on the southwestern slope of the three-domed Monte Titano mountain range (738 m above sea level), rising above the hilly plain of the Apennine foothills.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), stonecutter Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Monte Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, built himself a small cell on its top and retired from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, Saint Marinus, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, not politically dependent on any of its neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Great General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy; up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry in the state every year, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

4

Square: 26 km 2
Population: 10,782 people
Density: 431.00 people/km 2
Motto:"Tuvalu - for Almighty God"
Form of government: monarchy
Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000 people. Planes from Fiji fly here twice a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a targeted resettlement of local residents to other states, such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific nation is located in Polynesia and was called Ellis Islands until 1975. The modern name translated from the Tuvaluan language means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was settled relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 they received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used throughout almost the entire colonial era

Tuvalu is a collection of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. The land area of Tuvalu is only 26 km 2, while the area occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll/reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km .

A significant part of the population of Tuvalu lives in the capital and only city of the country, Funafuti - 47%.

3

Square: 21 km 2
Population: 9,488 people
Density: 473.43 people/km 2
Motto:"God's will comes first"
Form of government: parliamentary republic
Capital: There is no official capital; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is unknown. As now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital or cities on the island. The presidential residence is located in Meneng District, while government offices and parliament are located in Yaren District. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

2

Square: 2.02 km 2
Population: 30,508 people
Density: 18,679 people/km 2
Motto:"God willing"
Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur, 20 km northeast of Nice; on land it borders with France. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is widely known for its casino in Monte Carlo and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length of land borders is 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the 10th century BC. e., they were Phoenicians. Much later the Greeks and Monoiki joined.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Genoese Republic on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

As of 2014, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of the old city.

Monaco's economy is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as due to media coverage of the life of the princely family.

1

Square: 0.44 km 2
Population: 842 people
Density: 1900 people/km 2
Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
Capital:

And, undoubtedly, the title of the smallest state in the world belongs to the Vatican. Vatican City is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) within the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The Vatican's status in international law is an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the seat of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Diplomatic missions of foreign countries are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City State. Foreign embassies and missions accredited to the Holy See, due to the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the Italian embassy, which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (lat. ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the advent of Christianity, the Basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and since then the place has been inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands the absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers are concentrated, is the Pope, elected by the cardinals for a life term. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camerlengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. Sources of income are primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Part of the funds comes from tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, fees for visiting museums). The majority of the workforce (museum staff, gardeners, janitors, etc.) are Italian citizens.

The Vatican budget is US$310 million.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute of Religious Affairs.

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. They are of volcanic origin. The length of the coastline is 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. The official language is 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 in the Indian Ocean 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 there is enough knowledge of English.

Conclusion

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

The smallest countries in the world 🗺

You and I live in huge countries. But there are also small countries on earth. Moreover, although they are small in size, some of them are quite significant and authoritative.

Of the 10 smallest countries, two are located in the Caribbean, four are in Europe, one is in Asia and three are in Oceania. There are four more countries on the continent, 3 of which do not even have access to the sea, and six tiny countries are located on islands. For such countries, livelihoods are vital.

Country Vatican

The smallest state is with an area of 0.44 square kilometers, located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. Population - 836 people. The Vatican employs the strongest apparatus of the entire Roman Catholic Church with a large number of followers around the world. He receives all his finances from donations from Catholics on a voluntary basis. He also sells stamps, books and part of the money comes from tourists. There is no tax in the Vatican.

Country Monaco

The second smallest country is considered to be with an area of 1.96 km². Moreover, there are 23,660 inhabitants per square kilometer. The country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and has about 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income for residents comes from tourism. Monaco is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Country Nauru

Nauru- a state located on a 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. The state of Nauru does not have an army.

Country Tuvalu

A Pacific country located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10,544 people. Due to the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to rely on help from other countries. This country is one of the poorest countries in the world and would have been even poorer if the country’s leadership had not thought of putting the national domain zone .tv up 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

Country San Marino

A state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Its area is 61 km², population - 32,075 people. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture, growing grapes, fruits, corn and livestock. But the main source of income is tourism. San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.

Country Liechtenstein

A state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people. has no access to the sea. One of the richest countries in the world, the main income comes from a large flow of tourists.

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.

- an archipelago consisting of 15 islands. The State of the Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people, of which almost 80% are on the island of Rarotonga. The basis of the economy is tourism.

A state in the eastern Caribbean, between North and South America. Consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis, with a total 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.

Country Maldives

The island country is located in the Indian Ocean and is the smallest Asian country in terms of area. Includes approximately 1190 coral islands with a total area of 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.

State of Sealand

All these countries are recognized by the international community, but there is a state that, in terms of area and population, can rightfully be considered the smallest in the world. This state is ( Sealand), with an area of 500 square meters. It is a concrete platform with dimensions of 30 by 10 meters. The platform is located outside the three-mile zone in the North Sea, which means it is in neutral waters.

Roy Bates took advantage of this in the 70s and officially occupied this area. Roy proclaimed himself king, his wife queen, and the state proclaimed a monarchy and settled down with all his loyal subjects in his state. But he did not think to stop there; in 1975, Roy issued a constitution and a national currency.

The platform was originally created during the Second World War as a base for the British Army, but was subsequently abandoned, which was used by British Army Major Roy Bates to host a pirate radio station and, to avoid trial, officially declared the independence of Sealand.

Two years later, Britain attempted to occupy the state, but Roy fired several warning shots into the air. A lawsuit was brought against Roy, as an English citizen. But justice triumphed, the court delivered a historically important verdict, it recognized that the case was outside the jurisdiction of Great Britain. In 2002, the population of Sealand was 27 people. However, only a guard permanently lives on the territory of Sealand.

Ever since school, everyone remembers perfectly what the political map of the world looks like. This is a lot of states, some of which can be called real “giants”, while others are so small that their names are located below, in the footnotes. And if each of us can find large countries, such as Russia, the USA, Canada, China, without error on a globe or map, then we will have to work hard to find small ones. In this article we will talk about which of all is the smallest country in the world, and we will also make a kind of rating of small states by territory (area) and by population, so that you can confidently answer the question that interests many about the smallest of them.

The world map shows about 250 countries that are officially recognized and independent. Among them there are real “giants” that occupy vast territories, as well as “tiny” ones in area. Below we will look at the smallest countries by area, compiling a kind of TOP 10 small lands, starting with the largest of them.

10th place - Grenada

The area of this island state is 344 sq. km, and the population is just under 90 thousand people. Discovered for the first time by the notorious Columbus, this country is famous for growing nutmegs, bananas and citrus fruits on its territory. A significant amount of government income, in addition to fruit exports, comes from the provision of offshore services.

9th place – Maldives

For many people, this place is associated with heaven on earth. The area of this “paradise” is only 298 sq. km, the population is about 390 thousand people. Consisting of more than 1,000 islands, this archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean and is recognized as one of the best resort areas in the world. The mild climate, unusual beaches, clear water - all this attracts tourists from all over the world, and the territory contains the best places for a beach holiday.

8th place – Saint Kitts and Nevis

The total area is 261 sq. km, the population is about 50 thousand people. The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the Caribbean Sea on two islands that bear the country's name. In the Western Hemisphere, this federation is considered the smallest both in terms of territory (area) and population. The main income comes from tourism, since all other industries are not very developed.

By the way, to attract investment in the agricultural sector, a special program was developed that allows you to obtain citizenship by investing about 300 thousand dollars in the development of this area.

7th place – Marshall Islands

The area of the islands in the Pacific Ocean is 181 sq. km, the population is just over 52 thousand people. This republic is known for America’s nuclear tests conducted in the middle of the last century, which significantly changed the flora and fauna of the islands. That is why now the plants characteristic of this zone are quite rare, although others have been planted instead. Tourism on the islands is just beginning to develop, but in the future this area may become one of the most beloved by tourists.

6th place – Liechtenstein

The Western European principality covers an area of 160 sq. km. with a population of 37 thousand people. Beautiful and picturesque, this country borders Austria and Switzerland, and the official language is German. Despite its tiny size, the principality is a developed state with a high standard of living for its people. The country is famous for its precision instrumentation and the flowing Rhine River.

If we look at it from a tourist point of view, guests will be pleased with the beautiful scenery and clean air, and the trip will be remembered for a long time.

5th place – San Marino

Bordering exclusively with Italy, San Marino occupies 61 sq. km., population – 32 thousand people. This state is recognized as one of the oldest in Europe, the date of its formation is the 3rd century. Picturesque landscapes, ancient buildings and a developed service sector - all this will delight the guests of San Marino.

4th place – Tuvalu

Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean and occupies only 26 sq. km. with a population of about 11 thousand people. The climate in the country is tropical, with pronounced periods of rain and drought. This state is one of the poorest countries in the world due to its poorly developed economy.

3rd place – Nauru

Nauru is located in the Pacific Ocean. Area – 21.3 sq. km., population – about 10 thousand people. The most amazing thing about this country is that it does not have a capital.

The climate can be described in two words: hot and humid. Flora and fauna are not very diverse.

2nd place – Monaco

It is difficult to imagine a person who has never heard of the country of casinos - Monaco. The area of the state is 2.02 sq. km, the population is about 30 thousand people. The main source of income for this country can be called tourism. The construction and sale of real estate is also developed, since becoming the happy owner of an apartment in this zone is either expensive or very expensive.

1st place - Vatican

The smallest state in the world is the Vatican. Its area is 0.44 sq. km., and its population is 836 people.

The Vatican is located inside the eternal city of Rome and is subordinate to the Pope. His income comes from donations and tourism (entrance to museums, sale of souvenirs). The smallest state plays a big role in resolving military conflicts and is the center of Catholicism.

If you are interested in the smallest state in terms of territory, then now you know for sure that this country is the Vatican, one of the independent and recognized ones. Some also mention the Order of Malta, its territory covers 0.012 sq. km., but although this country is recognized as independent, for our rating of states it lacks its own currency and a citizen’s passport. Therefore, the Vatican remains the smallest in terms of territory.

5 smallest countries (population)

It just so happens, but in the largest countries in terms of population - China and India - a third of the total population of our planet lives. Compared to these “giants”, small countries seem even smaller. Below we will look at the smallest of them in terms of population and answer the question of which country is the smallest in terms of population.

5th place – Niue

In fifth place is the island and the state entity of the same name - Niue, with a population of 1,611 people. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, east of the island of Tonga.

4th place – Tokelau

Tokelau is part of New Zealand, but after referendums in 2006 and 2007, the state ceased to be associated with New Zealand. Population – 1383 people.

3rd place - Vatican

The Catholic center has a population of 836 people. The state located in Rome is governed by the Pope.

2nd place – Cocos Islands

The second smallest state in terms of population is the Cocos Islands or Keeling, with a population of 550 people.

1st place Pitcairn Islands

The smallest country by population is the Pitcairn Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean. Number of employees: 56 people.

Knowing the data from this article, you can say with confidence which state is the smallest both in terms of territory and population.

Even the smallest countries in the world can occupy a significant place in global politics and economics

We provide you with a ranking of the 10 smallest countries in the world. The main criterion for the distribution of places in the ranking is the area of territory that a country occupies. Small countries are just as beautiful and significant as big ones. And this is what these countries are:

Vatican: 0.44 sq. km

The Vatican is the smallest country in the world. This city-state is located inside Rome. It is the seat of the highest leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. Citizens of this state are subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has a non-profit economy. The bulk of the budget comes from donations. Also, cash receipts to the treasury come from the tourism sector: payment for visits to museums, sale of souvenirs, etc. The Vatican plays a significant role in resolving military conflicts, calling for the preservation of peace.

Monaco: 2.02 sq. km

Principality of Monaco. Surely, many have heard about this state thanks to the city of Monte Carlo and its famous casinos. Monaco is located next to France. This country is also known for the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. Tourism is one of the main sources of government income, along with the construction and sale of real estate.

Nauru: 21.3 sq. km

The Republic of Nauru is located on a coral island in the Pacific Ocean. This country does not have a capital, which makes it unique. One of the main problems of this country is the shortage of fresh water. Flora and fauna are very scarce. The main source of replenishment of the treasury for a long time was the mining of phosphorites, but since the 90s the level of production began to decline, and with it the well-being of the population. Tourism is not developed here due to the severe pollution of the country.

Tuvalu: 26 sq. km

The state of Tuvalu is located on a cluster of atolls and islands and is located in the Pacific Ocean. Destructive cyclones often pass through the islands. The flora and fauna of this state is quite scarce and is represented mainly by animals brought to the islands - pigs, cats, dogs, and plants. The economy of Tuvalu, like other countries in Oceania, is mainly made up of the public sector, and to a minor extent agriculture and fishing.

San Marino: 61 sq. km

The Republic of San Marino is located in the southern part of Europe and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is not only one of the smallest countries in the world, but also the oldest European state, formed in the 3rd century. This country is located in a mountainous area. The basis of the economy is manufacturing, which accounts for 34% of GDP; the service sector and tourism also play an important role.

Liechtenstein: 160 sq. km

The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in Western Europe, bordering Switzerland and Austria. Although this state occupies a small area, it is very beautiful: mountainous landscapes, and also the largest river in Europe, the Rhine, flows in the western part. Liechtenstein is one of the largest financial centers in the world with a highly developed banking services sector. The country has a very high standard of living and well-being. Liechtenstein is an example of how even one of the smallest countries in the world can occupy a significant place in world politics and economics.

Marshall Islands: 181 sq. km

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located in the Pacific Ocean. The flora and fauna have been significantly changed by humans, including the nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1954. Therefore, plant species characteristic of this area are practically not found on the islands; others were planted instead. The main sector of the economy is the service sector. Due to undeveloped infrastructure and high prices for transport (flights to the islands), tourism is at an early stage of development.

Saint Kitts and Nevis: 261 sq. km

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. In terms of territory and population, this state is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere. The main industry that provides the majority of treasury revenue is tourism. Agriculture is poorly developed, mainly sugar cane is grown.