The area of the smallest country. Ranking of the smallest countries

There are 194 countries in the world, and I think about each of them, we, as a rule, represent a solid territory and a multimillion population. But some states are several times smaller in area than modern megalopolises. We have collected ten of the tiniest ones.

# 10 Grenada: 344 km²

It is an island nation in the Caribbean, located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, so it comes as no surprise that it is also referred to as the "Spice Island". From 1649 to 1763 it was a French colony. The strong influence of French traditions and culture in the country is felt today - from architecture and art to cricket, which is the most popular sport on the island.

# 9 Malta: 316 km²

Malta is another tiny island nation. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The three main islands of the Republic are Gozo (Gozo), Comino and the largest of them Malta. The country has a population of about 450,000, making it one of the most populous countries in the world. Most tourists come to Malta for the sake of beach holiday, an intriguing story and a tumultuous nightlife.

# 8 Maldives: 300 km²

The smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population, the Maldives is nevertheless one of the most popular places rest in Indian Ocean... Snow white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters have given the country a reputation heavenly place... C. 1192 coral islands scattered over an area of 90,000 km², making the Republic one of the most dispersed countries in the world. Although this has its plus: there is always a place for just the two of you.

In the past part of the West Indies, these two islands in the Caribbean were among the first lands inhabited by Europeans and for centuries were the main sugar exporters. Today, only colonial estates converted into hotels remind of the former plantations. The country's modern economy is built around tourism, agriculture and small manufacturing enterprises. Saint Kitts and Nevis is renowned for its fantastic diving sites and rich marine life.

# 6 Liechtenstein: 160 km²

Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that is completely located in the Alps. It is located between Switzerland and Austria. It is one of the richest countries with an incredibly low unemployment rate (1.5%). It is true that getting to Liechtenstein is a bit problematic, because there is not a single airport here. The closest is in Zurich.

# 5 San Marino: 61 km²

San Marino is an enclave: its territory is completely surrounded by the lands of Italy. The country claims to be the oldest sovereign state in the world. San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe with a population of only 30,000, but it boasts one of the highest per capita GDP and low unemployment rates.

No.4 Tuvalu: 26 km²

Formerly known as Ellis, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. Its population is about 10,000 inhabitants, and the total length of roads is only 8 km. Once upon a time it was British territory but in 1978 it became independent. Due to the fact that it is rather problematic to get here, tourism in Tuvalu is underdeveloped, although the landscapes are truly paradise.

No. 3 Nauru: 21 km²

Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It is located east of Australia. The country's economy suffered greatly when the local phosphate mines were depleted. Unemployment has reached 90%. The republic is also known as the home of the most obese people: 97% of men and 93% of women are obese or overweight.

No. 2 Monaco: 2 km²

Monaco is the epitome of luxury and wealth, with the largest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world. The country has become a favorite holiday destination thanks to its luxurious casinos and a wide range of exclusive services. the mighty of the world this. One of the most popular and spectacular events of the year is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, during which race cars drive along ordinary city streets. With a population of over 36,000 inhabitants, Monaco is the most populous country in the world.

No. 1 Vatican: 0.44 km²

The smallest country in the world is the Vatican. It is located in the Italian capital and is the center catholic church... It is not surprising that it is here that the largest Christian church in the world is located - St. Peter's Basilica. In addition, the Vatican houses valuable works of Renaissance art. The main source of income in the country is the voluntary contributions of Catholics from all over the world (over 1 billion people). The remainder of the profits comes from the sale of postage stamps, travel souvenirs and entrance tickets to museums.

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

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

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

5th place: - Pacific state located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. Tuvalu is one of those and this country would have been even poorer if the country's leadership had not guessed to auction the national domain zone.tv and a buyer was quickly found, because zona.tv is a tidbit for TV companies and video sites. Tuvalu now receives $ 1 million each quarter in exchange for the right to use the.tv domain zone.

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

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

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

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

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

The smallest states in terms of area by continents and parts of the world

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

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

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

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

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

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

The smallest countries in the world by population

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

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

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

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

7th place: Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the United States. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20 842 people.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The smallest countries in the world 🗺

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

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

Vatican country

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 strongest apparatus of the entire Roman Catholic Church works for the Vatican, with a large number of followers around the world. All finances he receives from donations of 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 of Monaco

The second smallest country is considered to have an area of 1.96 km². Moreover, on square kilometer accounts for 23660 inhabitants. 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 of Nauru

Nauru- a state located on a coral island in the western part of the Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 9 322 people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital. There is no army in the state of Nauru.

Tuvalu country

Pacific state located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. For lack of natural resources Tuvalu has to live off the help of 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 guessed to auction the national domain zone.tv and a buyer was quickly found, because zona.tv is a tidbit for TV companies and video sites. Tuvalu now receives $ 1 million each quarter in exchange for the right to use the.tv domain zone.

Country of 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 animal husbandry. But the main source of income is tourism. San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, with incomes exceeding expenses.

Liechtenstein country

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 is due to the 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.

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

State in the eastern part Caribbean, between the north and South America... Consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis, with a total area of 261 sq. km. These were the first islands inhabited by Europeans. Main source income, of course, tourism, but there are also developed Agriculture and offshore banking.

Country Maldives

The island country is located in the Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area An Asian country... Includes approximately 1,190 coral islands with a total area of 298 sq. km, the population is 396 thousand. The capital of the country, Male, is home to two-thirds of the population. 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 - ( Sealand), with an area of 500 square meters. It is a concrete platform measuring 30 meters 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 took over the area. Roy proclaimed himself king, his wife queen, and proclaimed the state a monarchy and with all his loyal subjects settled in his state. But he did not even think to stop there, in 1975 Roy issued a constitution, the national currency.

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

After 2 years, Britain tried to occupy the state, but Roy fired several warning shots into the air. Roy, as a citizen of England, was prosecuted. But justice prevailed, the court delivered a historically important verdict, it recognized that the case was outside the jurisdiction of Great Britain. In 2002, the population of the state of Sealand was 27 people. However, at the same time, only a guard constantly lives on the territory of Sealand.

And let's start with San Marino - 61 sq. km

We can say that this is a state within a state. San Marino is surrounded by Italian lands in a circle and is considered the oldest in Europe. It is noteworthy that it is located on one of the slopes of Mount Titan.

According to legend, the founder of San Marino is considered a stonecutter named Marinus, who made the main castle of the future country in the rock, where he created his community. Subsequently, the stonemason was ranked among the Christian saints.

It is home to only 30,000 people. But on the other hand, there is almost no unemployment, and the GDP per capita is one of the highest, thanks to the tourism business.

Tuvalu is in 4th place - 26 sq. km

This Pacific area in Polynesia is made up of nine small coral islands. The population is about 11,000 people.

On such a small territory, there are only 8 km of roads, so it is difficult to get to different parts of the country and tourists rarely visit these islands, although the places here are very beautiful. The biggest problem is the gradual flooding of the territory, i.e. the islands are slowly sinking.

The islands of Tuvalu were discovered by the British Alvaro Mendanya de Neira in 1568 and were an English colony for a long time until they gained independence in the middle of the 20th century. The capital of the country is a city with a name that looks like candy - Funafuti.

Interestingly, the land changed its name frequently. The discoverer named them the Lagoon Islands, then the archipelago was called the Ellis Islands and now this is the state of Tuvalu, which means “eight standing together”.

3rd place - Nauru - 21 sq. km

Nauru is also an island state, but even smaller in area than Tuvalu and also in the Pacific Ocean. Although the names are pretty consonant, right? From island states it is the smallest.

A little more than 10,000 people live here. But they have no official capital.

Recently, the country's economy has suffered greatly due to the depletion of phosphate mines.

There was nothing to extract, so unemployment reached 90%. Maybe that's why there are too many obese people - 97% of men and 93% of women - from nothing to do? Yes, diabetes mellitus is also added to this problem.

2nd place - the Principality of Monaco - 2.02 sq. km

The territory is located next to France on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Warm climate and Beautiful places attract many travelers. It is home to about 40,000 people.

Many people know this state as the most gambling state, thanks to the famous casinos in the city of Monte Carlo.

The country is also known for hosting the Formula 1 championship, the Monaco Grand Prix, every year.

Income to the treasury comes from the tourism business and the sale of real estate.

The Vatican closes the top five - 0.44 sq. km - 1 place

Which of independent states the world's smallest? This is the Vatican, and it is located not only on the territory of another state, but also in the center of another city -.

The Vatican is the religious center of the Catholic Church. Therefore, here is the richest and big church in the world - St. Peter's Cathedral.

The Vatican contains very valuable works of the Renaissance. What does this small state live on? The voluntary contributions of a huge number of Catholics living around the world - more than 1 billion people. There is also a small part of the profit: proceeds from the sale of souvenirs and entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums.

The Pope is recognized as a head of life.

Basically, the population (about 840 people) is the clergy, and those who serve this entire holy center (janitors, gardeners and others) are the population of Italy.

It has its own army - the oldest Swiss guard.

I would like to tell you about another interesting state in South America -Saint Kitts and Nevis

Many wealthy people are trying to obtain citizenship here. And to do this not in order to live there, but to travel freely around the world and be actively engaged in business. The possibilities of the passport of this country are simply golden - its availability allows you to visit up to 130 countries of the world, and small taxes allow you to successfully conduct business.

On an area of 260 sq. km 50,000 people live well. But the country is still ruled by the Queen of England, tk. the territory is part of the British Commonwealth. The tourist business is well developed here, there is still income from the import of sugar cane, coffee, and cotton.

Do you want to get citizenship here? Then you have two paths:

Make a charitable contribution of $ 250-350,000 to the development of the country's sugar industry.
Buy a $ 400,000 property.

And what is interesting, to obtain a passport you do not need to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis, it will be given to you in your country without the cost of a flight.

And one more interesting fact: many consider it to be a city or a small state. But in reality this is not the case, since the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg occupies 2,500 sq. km, and in terms of population - 576,000 people.

The duchy is one of the richest in the world, with high level life. People from different countries keep their savings here thanks to 1000 investment funds and banks, of which there are more than 200.

We have described amazing countries, so small, but so interesting and unusual. With its own special history and modern life. If the information became interesting to you, share this article with your friends. Travel the world and all the best to you!