The smallest countries in Europe & nbsp. Europe's miniature states The smallest country in Europe by area

There are 252 countries on different continents on our planet. Many of them are found across most of the globe, such as the Russian Federation, which occupies half of Eurasia.

But in addition to large states, there are also so-called dwarf countries, which are very difficult to consider even on a world map.

The Vatican is a dwarf and the smallest state in the world with an area of ​​​​only 0.44 square meters. km. This is an independent city-state, which has its own symbols, flag, coat of arms, mail, railway line and government staff, headed by the well-known Pope.

This small country serves as the main residence of the Pope. The state got its name in the distant past because of the similarity with the name of the Monte Vaticano hill, on which it is located. In ancient times, the territory of the Vatican belonged to Italy, but in the XIII century, the French monarch Pepin the Short presented this territory as a gift to Stephen II.

The Vatican is located on the territory of Rome in Italy

This act marked the beginning of disagreements regarding the belonging of the Vatican to Italy, but already in 1929 an agreement was concluded between these two countries and territorial boundaries were defined.

The state has two official national languages: Latin and Italian.

Despite the small area, famous sights are located on the territory of this country:

1. St. Peter's Square.
2. Apostolic Palace, which serves as the residence of the Pope. This is a complex of buildings, which include palaces, galleries and halls, united by passages.
3. Pinakothek. This is an art gallery, which was founded in the XVIII century. The gallery includes 18 rooms. It exhibits more than 400 paintings by various world artists.
4. The Vatican Museums, which houses paintings by famous Italian and foreign artists.

Monaco is the second smallest country in the ranking. In appearance, the state resembles a strip, which is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This dwarf principality occupied only 1.9 square meters. km. But thanks to the draining of the sea, the country's area has grown to 2.02 square kilometers.

The country is located at the junction of the Italian and French borders, and it is French that is recognized as the official national language.

Monaco is a unique state. It is the only one in the world with such a small area that has such a huge influx of tourists. Everyone knows this country for the legendary gambling city of Monte Carlo and the holding of the Formula 1 racing stage. In addition, the state attracts a flow of tourists with its nature and resorts.

Monaco has very low tax rates and an impeccable banking system, so the fortunes of many wealthy people in the world lie in the banks of this country.

This state “distinguished itself” by the fact that its army consists of 82 people, while there are 85 playing in the military band.

3. Nauru

Nauru is a small state located in the Pacific Ocean on a small coral island. The country occupies only 21.3 square kilometers. km and does not have a capital.

Previously, Nauru was popular because of the mining of phosphorites. But over time, mining ceased, and the welfare of the country began to decline sharply. Nauru is a very attractive island, but the tourism sector is not developed on it due to problems with fresh water.

Only 10,000 people live on the island, most of whom live in the city of Yaren. This city can hardly be called beautiful, favorable and well-groomed. Of the sights in Yaren, only the museum of Japanese military equipment and the bunkers that remained after the Second World War can be noted.

The only state in the world that does not have a capital and an army. Nauru is the smallest country in Oceania with an area of ​​21 square kilometers.

Tuvalu is a 26 sq. km, located in the southwestern direction of the Pacific Ocean. The state consists of 9 islands, 8 of which no one lives. The inhabited island is called Funafuti.

The name of this country has a very interesting history. According to historical data, in ancient times, a tribe called themselves Tuvalu lived on the territory of this land.

The capital of this small country is the city of Funafuti. The island is home to only 11,000 people who are subject to the rule of a constitutional monarchy. According to the regulations, the head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, whose interests on the island are represented by the Governor General.

In Tuvalu, the majority of the population professes congregationalism. The indigenous people are mostly Polynesians. The national currency is the Australian dollar. Tuvalu has a hot and humid climate that rarely changes with the seasons.

There are few animals on the island. Mostly birds and various insects predominate here.

The main attraction of the island is the marine park, which serves as a reserve and occupies only 32 square meters.

Tuvalu is not in demand among tourists. There are often storms and destructive cyclones. Due to the scarcity of minerals and wildlife, this country is one of.

It is difficult for her to exist, because there are no minerals here. In order to somehow stay afloat, it accepts help from other states.

However, there was an unexpected solution. The national domain zone was put up for auction. Now such a measure replenishes the state budget.

San Marino is a dwarf state in Southern Europe. The country got its name in honor of its founder in the III century. The state occupies an area of ​​61 sq. km, which is home to about 32,000 people. However, this did not stop her from flourishing and becoming one of the richest. San Marino thrives on the tourism business.

castles in san marino

San Marino is a country within Italy. The state is ruled by two equal captains with the powers of a regent. They are elected annually 2 times: from 1.04 to 30.09 and from 1.10 to 31.11. In addition to the captains, the government includes 10 people. On the territory of San Marino, people communicate in Italian and profess Catholicism. The national currency is the euro.

The most famous sights of San Marino are:

1. Freedom Square, which in this country symbolizes independence. It is also worth noting that San Marino is one of the first countries that have managed to maintain independence for 17 centuries.
2. The Basilica Temple is the main temple in this country. It is dedicated to Saint Marin, the founder of San Marino.

Liechtenstein

The capital is the city of Vaduz. The country is home to 33,000 people, of whom 95% are Alemanni. The official language of the Principality is German. But in a conversation with the citizens of Liechtenstein, one can understand that they have an Alemannic dialect. Most of the population professes Catholicism.

The country's currency is the Swiss franc. The Principality of Liechtenstein is a member of the UN, as well as the European Trade Association.

Liechtenstein is a highly developed country in terms of tourism. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its ski resorts and attractions:

1. Vaduz castle. It was built during the Middle Ages. According to historical data, the castle was owned by the Werdenberg-Sargans family. Today, the attraction is the residence of the ruling prince, but tourists are also allowed to enter there. But tours of the castle begin only from 15.08.
2. The government house is located in the capital of the principality. This is the calling card of the country.

They are known and recognized for their beauty, scenery, architecture and traditions. But even so, they are among the smallest capitals in the world. Here they are listed in order of size.

The Vatican is an independent state that covers an area of ​​0.44 square kilometers and has only about 800 inhabitants. The Vatican has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984.

San Marino is the capital of San Marino and has an area of ​​about 7 square kilometers. About 4,500 inhabitants live in the city, and the old center is also listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

The capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Vaduz is the third smallest capital in Europe with an area of ​​17.3 square kilometers. It has about 5300 inhabitants.

One of the features of the city is the lack of railway stations. Meanwhile, Vaduz does not have an airport either, but nevertheless it is not a very active city in terms of tourism.

Valletta is the capital of Malta and has an area of ​​no more than 0.8 square kilometers. However, about 8,000 people live in the city, which is part of the UNESCO heritage.

Although the city has an area of ​​30 square kilometers and 22,000 inhabitants, Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, is one of the smallest capitals in Europe.

Andorra la Vella is developing with the help of the tourism industry, and although the city does not have a train station and the nearest airport is about 3 hours away, it is connected by bus route to L'Hospitalet-pré-l'Andorre train station.

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with an area of ​​1.98 square kilometers. Despite this, about 36,000 inhabitants live here.

Although Monaco is not part of the European Union, the Principality is closely linked to the EU through agreements with France.

What is a dwarf state

Usually, a dwarf state is called a country that is distinguished by a small area or population. Most often, their measure is Luxembourg: if the country's area is less than the area of ​​Luxembourg, then it is dwarf. Well, with the population here, the concepts diverge: for example, the UN considers dwarf states in which less than a million people live, and the Commonwealth of Nations - countries where the number of inhabitants does not exceed 1.5 million people.

The smallest states in Europe have a very small territory, a small number of inhabitants, and their resources are limited. Therefore, special economic conditions are created here: low taxes are introduced, foreign investment is limited, and many of the countries enter into a customs or monetary union with their large neighbors.

Of course, in a broad sense, some of these countries do not make social sense, that is, they do not rule society. So, for example, the Vatican has the status of a state, but it is the administrative center of the Catholic Church.

Order of Malta (0.012 sq km)

It is the smallest country in Europe. True, not all states consider it a country. But, despite this, she maintains diplomatic relations with 104 countries (including Russia), they print their own currency and stamps, issue passports and even license plates. Moreover, the Order of Malta has the status of an observer organization at the Council of Europe and the UN. We talked about this country in more detail.

Members of the Order of Malta are considered the population, there are about 13 thousand of them. The dwarf state owns several mansions in Rome, as well as Fort Sant'Angelo in Malta.

Vatican City (0.44 sq km)

The Vatican is essentially close to the Order of Malta and has the status of a sovereign city-state. It is ruled by the Pope and has a population of just over 800. This is the smallest country officially recognized by all states.

Despite the fact that half of the territory of the Vatican is occupied by a garden, there is something to admire here, because the world's masterpieces of culture are collected here: St. Peter's Basilica, museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Library, which contains the largest collection of manuscripts of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Principality of Monaco (2.02 sq km)

Monaco also has the status of a city-state. It is surrounded by the sea on one side and France on the other. More than 37 thousand people live here, which makes the state the country with the highest population density. And here is the lowest unemployment rate in the world, moreover, there are about 45 thousand jobs in the country, which is more than the inhabitants themselves.

The country is ruled by Prince Albert II. Monaco is very famous for its casinos and attracts wealthy people. The principality has the most expensive real estate in the world (only Hong Kong has surpassed it in this parameter), and tourism has an elite specialization.

Republic of San Marino (61 sq. km)

San Marino is the only Italian commune that has been sovereign since the Middle Ages. Therefore, it is one of the oldest constitutional monarchies in the world. Just imagine, San Marino was founded in 301! The country is located in the Apennine mountains, it was because of its remoteness that it was not annexed to Italy.

32 thousand people live in the country. It is visited annually by about 3 million tourists, it is easy to make a day trip here from Italy.

Principality of Liechtenstein (160 sq. km)

Liechtenstein is located in the Alps. This is the only surviving state that was part of the Holy Roman Empire. It is located between Austria and Switzerland, it was the location of the principality that contributed to the fact that the country was not absorbed by the German Empire.

The capital of Liechtenstein, the city of Vaduz, does not have an airport, but despite this, tourism is still very developed here.

Republic of Malta (316 sq. km)

Malta is an archipelago of several islands, the largest and most famous of which are Malta, Gozo and Comino. This territory was inhabited as early as the 8th century BC. : it has always attracted conquerors, since the islands were on the way from Europe to Asia and Africa.

Tourists come here all year round: it is warm and comfortable even in winter.

More than 400 thousand people live in the republic, which makes the country one of the most populated among the dwarf states.

Principality of Andorra (468 sq. km)

Andorra is located in the Pyrenees between Spain and France and attracts millions of travelers every year. Tourists in Spain and France do not even need a visa to visit the country. Moreover, tourism is the main income of the state.

Andorra gained independence in the 13th century. Today, 70 thousand people live on its territory.

Duchy of Luxembourg (2,586 sq km)

More than 570 thousand people live in Luxembourg. The duchy is adjacent to Germany, Belgium and France, and there are many attractions. And here is a high standard of living, the country is one of the richest in Europe.

1. Vatican (0.44 sq km)

Under the control of the Pope, this state became a separate part, a separate side, which is located inside Italy. And this state breaks records, both in terms of population and area, as the smallest state. And, in turn, it is independent with many attractive places and attractions.

2. Monaco (1.95 sq km)
European Las Vegas, this is how you can characterize this small state with the highest population density among European countries. And this little paradise borders on France. Residents of Monaco do not know what unemployment is. All around luxury, yachts, casinos.

3. San Marino (61 sq km)
This dwarf state also has its own record. San Marino was founded in 301 and is the first state with a form of government - a constitutional monarchy. The country is surrounded on all sides by Italy.

4. Liechtenstein (62 sq km)
Although the state is small, it has its own zest. Undoubtedly, these are the mountain peaks of the Alps, where many tourists come. And the external debt of this country is equal to zero, which can be envied by absolutely all countries of the world.

5. Malta (316 sq km)
Malta is a country of islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. The climate is very favorable, so you can visit this place all year round and admire all the delights of the country.

6. Andorra (468 sq km)
Another state with a mountainous area that borders France and Spain. Visitors love this country for loyal prices for alcohol and technology. And of course, for the Pyrenean mountain slopes.

7. Luxembourg (2586 sq km)
A small but sovereign state also deserves attention, although it is not a tourist center. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a very remarkable country thanks to its ancient places, castles and national dishes.

8. Cyprus (9251 sq. km)
Well, this is a very popular island state among European tourists. Cyprus is known for its sensational resorts and excellent services of diving centers. A real highlight for divers around the world is the sunken passenger ferry Zenobia.

9. Kosovo (10,887 sq km)
This state is considered self-proclaimed. According to the Serbian Constitution, Kosovo is part of Serbia. As a separate country, Kosovo appeared only in 2008. From a tourist point of view, here you will find many remarkable places and attractions. And of course, you can’t miss the fact that this country has excellent mountain tourism.

10. Montenegro (13812 sq. km)
A wonderful country with beautiful mountain landscapes. Fabulous slopes strewn with greenery, landscape sea coasts, mountain rivers, local residents and the sea air of the Adriatic. The summer season will give you a lot of emotions if you visit this country. But do not forget that even in winter Montenegro deserves attention thanks to winter resorts.

The smallest countries by area

Only independent states recognized by other states are included. Also included are associated states (a form of confederation of unequal states united on a bilateral basis, in which a smaller state, while formally maintaining sovereignty and independence, entrusts a significant part of its power to a larger state).

10th place: Saint Kitts and Nevis

A state in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of ​​the country is 261 km². Population - 55214 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.
The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

5th place: Tuvalu

Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 116 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country would be even poorer if the country's leadership had not guessed to put up for auction the national domain zone.tv and the buyer was quickly found, because. zone.tv is a tidbit for TV companies and video sites. Tuvalu now receives $1 million quarterly in exchange for the right to use the .tv domain zone

4th place: Nauru

The state on the coral island of the same name in the western part of the Pacific Ocean with an area of ​​​​21 km². Population - 10478 people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe, and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

The smallest state in Europe and the whole world is the Order of Malta (not to be confused with the state of Malta))

full name "Sovereign Military Hospice Order of Saint John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta". Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located inside the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort St. Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of ​​territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 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 license plates, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.
The Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

The smallest states by 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 is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (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. Population - 55214 people.

9th place: Liechtenstein. Population - 37540 people.

8th place: San Marino. Population - 32 455 people.

7th place: Palau is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the USA. It consists of 328 islands with a total area of ​​458 km². Population - 20 842 people.

6th place: Cook Islands. Population - 13340 people.

5th place: Order of Malta. The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.

4th place: Nauru. Population - 10478 people.

3rd place: Tuvalu. Population - 10 116 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 country in the world in terms of population is the Vatican. Population - 842 people.

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