Top 5 smallest states. The smallest countries in the world
Greetings, dear guys! And to you, dear parents, a big hello!
On political map world you can easily find at least 250 independent states, among which there are powerful powers like our Russia. And there are those who are very tiny, but also defend their right to exist. And if the school has a topic about the 5 smallest countries in the world, then you are here today.
Lesson plan:
Vatican
The honorable first place in the top five mini-countries is occupied by a tiny state within another state.
Countries surrounded by the territory of other states are called enclaves.
The independent Vatican is located inside the Italian Rome. It is officially called the Sovereign Territory of the Holy See. On an area of less than half of one square kilometer (to be precise, 0.44 square kilometers), there is a population of only 840 people.
The Vatican is governed by the Pope, who is elected for life.
This dwarf state is one of the most famous museums located under open air where great works of art and architecture are collected.
Although the area of the Vatican is no larger than a golf course, its impact on world civilization is such that not every country can boast of it. The Vatican Catholic Church is worshiped by billions of believers, it always stands for the protection of peace and tries to prevent military conflicts.
But what is interesting about the scanty Vatican.
Principality of Monaco
Second place among the smallest! The mini-state is located on two with a tail square kilometers(2.02 sq. Km) near France on the Ligurian coast. Among the small states, Monaco is one of the most densely populated. They live in an area comparable to the Moscow Exhibition of Economic Achievements, 38,400 people.
The principality does not live in poverty at all, earning money from the visiting rich people who come here for their beautiful yachts to play the world famous casino in Monte Carlo. It also hosts the Monaco Grand Prix - one of the stages of the Formula 1 world auto race.
A lot of money is brought to the treasury by tourism and banks, which store the capitals of the world's most famous billionaires.
What do they write about the Principality of Monaco?
Nauru
The republic is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a coral island and occupies the third place in the five tiny countries in terms of an area of 21 square kilometers. It is home to 10,800 people.
This unique country just over fifteen years ago she was one of the wealthy. All thanks to the reserves of phosphorites available there. Merciless prey has disrupted the ecosystem of the island and brought Nauru into a number of undeveloped countries in the "third world". Environmental pollution after the development of phosphorite deposits deprived the country of its attractiveness for tourists.
How is Nauru different?
Tuvalu
In fourth place is the dwarf Tuvalu - a state located on nine atolls and islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. And she also has a very funny for us Russians, the name of the capital - Funafuti.
10,700 people live on an area of 26 sq. Km. The Tuvalu Islands were discovered by the Spanish navigator Alvaro de Neira in the 16th century. Until the 20th century, the dwarf state was a colony of Britain.
The island kid got its modern name only in 1975, and it means "8 standing together" - according to the number of islands inhabited at first, the inhabitants settled on the ninth later.
The country was originally named the Lagoon Islands.
What made Tuvalu different?
San Marino
Our top five smallest republic in the southern part of Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italy, completes our top five. 80% of the tiny country, whose total territory is 61 square kilometers, huddles on the western mountain slopes of Monte Titano.
In the oldest European state, which appeared in 301, has 33,000 inhabitants. According to legend, the dwarf republic was named after Saint Marino, an ordinary Christian - a bricklayer who, rescued from the Roman emperor, found shelter at an altitude of 700 meters and created a community.
At first it was one of the poor European countries, which did not attract attention to itself, and was also inconveniently located. This helped San Marino maintain its independence. Today, a small state exporting ceramics, Construction Materials and wine, visited by millions of tourists. Locals now - one of the richest in Europe.
Success in your studies!
Evgenia Klimkovich.
Living in large countries, not everyone and not always can travel to all corners of their homeland. However, there are states in the world, all the sights and attractions of which can be viewed 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 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, ruled by the Pope and a conclave of cardinals, has the status of an independent state and even has its own army. True, in spite of such a small territory, it will hardly be possible to inspect it in one day - so many architectural, sculptural and pictorial masterpieces are collected in it. Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Pope's residence - Apostolic palace and others - far from a complete list of 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 travel here to work every day.
2. Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country. Over the past 20 years, due to the drainage of the sea, the country's area has increased and now it is 20.2 square meters. kilometers. 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 sq. kilometers. The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It gained independence in 1968, although the island was home to the Aborigines for 3 thousand years. Today the population of the country is about 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 Ellis Islands, but in 1978 they gained independence from the British. The population of the country is 10.5 thousand people. For lack of 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 sq. kilometer and has the smallest population among the member states of the European Council. It is located in southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. It is the oldest independent country in the world and was founded on September 3, 301. In addition, San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, with incomes exceeding expenses.
6. Liechtenstein
The area of the country is 160.4 sq. kilometers. Liechtenstein borders with Switzerland and Austria and has no access to the sea. It is one of the richest countries. Registered here more companies 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 sq. kilometer, population 62 thousand. In 1986, the Islands gained independence from the United States, but the country does not have natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports, so so far only America's help has helped them "stay afloat."
8. Seychelles
Heaven on earth Seychelles occupy an area of 455 square kilometers, the population is 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands. The islands have developed thanks to the export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. But since independence in 1976, tourism has become the main source of income.
9. Maldives
Maldives - island country... It is located in Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area An Asian country... The area of the country is 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.
10. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Located in the West Indies - between the North and South America on islands Atlantic Ocean... The state consists of two islands with a total area of 261 sq. km. These were the first islands inhabited by Europeans. Main source income - tourism, agriculture and offshore banking are also developed.
"Me and the World" welcomes everyone who is now reading this article. Today we want to present you with a ranking of small countries. And what is the smallest state in the world, you will find out by reading this article to the end.
Hearing about a country, for example, in the news, we represent a large territory with a population of several million people. But there are countries that can be compared in area with one modern metropolis.
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 Lagoon Islands, then the archipelago was named - 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? It is the smallest of the island states. 
A little more than 10,000 people live here. And here official capital They dont have.
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 coast 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
What is the smallest independent state in the world? 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 a religious center 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 chapter for 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 the 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!
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 recreation in the Indian Ocean. Snow white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters have given the country a reputation heavenly place... About 1,192 coral islands are 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 of the 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, tourist souvenirs and museum entrance fees.
On our plan, there are many countries that, in addition to a large number of other characteristics, differ from each other in size. Some states have a large area, while others can easily fit into the territory of, for example, one region within Russia. Today we will talk about the smallest states in the world.
San Marino with an area of 61 km²
The dwarf state is located on one of the slopes of Mount Titan, located in the central part of Italy. In total, about 28,000 people live in the country, the official language of which is Italian. They are very proud that their state is one of the most ancient in the European region. According to some reports, the first settlement on the territory of modern San Marino appeared as early as 301.
Tuvalu with an area of 26 km²
An even smaller country sits on a chain of coral atolls in the western Pacific. In total, just over 10,000 people live here. Scientists note that due to the increase in the water level in the oceans, the territory of Tuvalu is shrinking every year. It is possible that in a few decades the country will cease to exist due to total flooding.
Nauru with an area of 21 km ²
Another state geographically located on a coral reef in the Pacific Ocean. Today it is home to about 13,000 inhabitants. It should be noted that Nauru is the only world state that does not have its own capital.
Monaco with an area of 1.96 km²
In the second position of a kind of rating of the most tiny countries Monaco is located on our planet. On the territory of this country, the total area of which does not exceed a couple square kilometers, is home to just over 38,000 inhabitants. There are many legends about the origin and time of the founding of the Principality of Monaco. Scientists cannot yet come to a consensus on these issues. It is worth noting that given the tiny size of Monaco and the number of permanent residents, this state can be called one of the most populated in the world.
Vatican with an area of 0.44 km²
The smallest state on our planet is the Vatican, which is geographically located inside the Italian capital. Despite its small size, the Vatican has a huge influence in the world, because it is here that the residence of the head of the Catholic Church is located. According to some reports, there are currently up to 1 billion Catholics around the world.
