Today, there are about 250 recognized independent states. Among them, there are both giant states, such as Russia, the USA and Canada, as well as very small countries, comparable in size to large cities. Despite their "miniature", in some cases they play a huge role in the global political arena.
You'll like it: the very best countries in the world according to various criteria.
Selend
- Area: 0,004 km²
- Population: 1
- Capital: Sealand
In 1967, the virtual state “Principality of Sealand” appeared, with a population of 1 person and an area of 0.004 square meters. km². Unofficially, Sealand is the smallest state in the world in terms of area and population, located above the territory of the offshore platform in the North Sea and claiming sovereignty. The only inhabitant of the platform, he is the ruler - Prince Michael I Bates.
10. Grenada
- Area: 344 km²
- Population: 107,317
- Capital: St. George
Grenada is an island state with a constitutional monarchy. This marvelous land is located in the Caribbean, and it was discovered by Columbus in the 14th century. Agriculture specializes in growing vegetables and fruits, which are subsequently exported. Since Grenada is located in the offshore zone, its treasury is replenished annually by more than $ 7 million due to offshore financial services.
9. Maldives
- Area: 298 km²
- Population: 427,756
- Capital: Male
Maldives is rightfully considered one of the best tourist resorts in the world. It has everything: the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, pristine nature, rich in a wide variety of plants and animals, mysterious underwater caves and much more. The tourism sector annually brings about 30 percent of revenues to the state budget of the Maldives. Interesting fact: The Republic of Maldives consists of more than 1,100 islets.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Area: 261 km²
- Population: 54,821
- Capital: Buster
This country is located on two islands of the same name and has a federal government. Agriculture here is very poorly developed (mainly sugarcane is grown), despite the favorable climate. But the tourism sector is developed. Travelers are attracted by the diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the mild tropical climate. It is worth noting that the citizenship of this country has Pavel Durov himself (the creator of VKontakte).
7. Marshall Islands
- Area: 181 km²
- Population: 53,263
- Capital: Majuro
The Marshall Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are distinguished by their specific natural conditions. The fact is that the American nuclear tests of 1954 greatly changed the biological environment of this country, therefore, there are almost no species of plants and animals that are characteristic of such an area. Therefore, others were bred there. The islands have a very undeveloped infrastructure, so many economic spheres are in the development phase.
6. Liechtenstein
- Area: 160 km²
- Population: 37,468
- Capital: Vaduz
Despite its small area, Liechtenstein is one of the most beautiful and richest countries in the world. The country borders on Austria and Switzerland, is located in the Alpine mountains, which provides it with high tourist attractiveness. Liechtenstein is a global financial center with a highly developed banking system. It is also worth noting that the state takes the second place in the world in terms of GDP, immediately after Qatar.
5. San Marino
- Area: 61 km²
- Population: 33,029
- Capital: San Marino
This small country is located on the hillside of Monte Titano and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is the oldest state in Western Europe, it was formed in the 3rd century. Many attractions, including Mount Monte Titano itself, are included in the UNESCO list of natural heritage sites.
4. Tuvalu
- Area: 26 km²
- Population: 9,876
- Capital: Funafuti
Tuvalu is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, which, in fact, is understandable. The country has an extremely unfavorable climate - here heavy rains give way to droughts. From this, the nature of Tuvalu is very scarce, which affected the development of agriculture.
3. Nauru
- Area: 21 km²
- Population: 10,084
- Capital: no
The Pacific state of Nauru is unique in many ways. This is the only country where there is no capital. This is the smallest republic in the world, and the smallest state, if you do not take into account the European continent. Nauru’s budget is replenished mainly through the extraction of phosphates, which, in turn, cause great damage to the ecosystem of the island, which makes the development of agriculture and tourism practically impossible.
2. Monaco
- Area: 2.02 km²
- Population: 37,863
- Capital: Monaco
Of course, everyone has heard of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the famous casino in Monte Carlo. Yes, all this is in this small state on the border with France. Logically, tourism is one of the country's main sources of income. Also, the richest people in the world keep their savings here, because in Monaco there is a guarantee of bank secrecy.
1. The Vatican
- Area: 0.44 km²
- Population: 1,000
- Capital: Vatican
The smallest state in the world, paradoxically, is the most powerful, or at least “one of ...”. The Vatican has the residence of the Pope, and the citizens of the country are called subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has a great influence in the military-political sphere, often urging the warring countries to conclude peace.
Size does not matter - that’s what you need to say in conclusion of this article. Even the smallest country, although it will not amaze the imagination with its army of many thousands, cities with millionaires and megacities, will be definitely remembered for its unique nature, sights and unique history.
