What is the smallest country in the world by area? The smallest countries in the world (by area and population) Smallest countries in Asia by area.
There are 194 countries in the world, and when I think about each of them, we, as a rule, represent a large territory and a population of many millions. But some states are several times smaller in area than modern megacities. We've collected ten of the tiniest ones.
No. 10 Grenada: 344 km²
This Island state in the Caribbean Sea, located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, so it is not surprising that it is also called the “Spice Island”. From 1649 to 1763 it was a French colony. The strong influence of French tradition and culture in the country is still felt today - from architecture and art to cricket, which is the most popular sport on the island.
No. 9 Malta: 316 km²
Malta is another tiny island state. 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 approximately 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most populous countries in the world. Most tourists come to Malta for beach holiday, intriguing history and vibrant nightlife.
No. 8 Maldives: 300 km²
The smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population, the Maldives is nevertheless one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean. Snow-white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters have given the country a reputation as a paradise. Some 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 own plus: there is always room for just the two of you.
Formerly part of the West Indies, these two islands in the Caribbean were among the first lands settled by Europeans and were major exporters of sugar for many centuries. 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. St. Kitts and Nevis is home to fantastic dive sites and rich marine life.
No. 6 Liechtenstein: 160 km²
Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that lies entirely 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%). True, getting to Liechtenstein is a little problematic, because there is not a single airport here. The closest one is in Zurich.
No. 5 San Marino: 61 km²
San Marino is an enclave: its territory is completely surrounded by Italian lands. The country claims to be the oldest sovereign state in the world. San Marino ranks third on the list of smallest countries in Europe and has a population of only 30,000 people, but boasts one of the highest GDP per capita and low unemployment rates.
No. 4 Tuvalu: 26 km²
Formerly known as Ellis, the state of 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. It was once a British territory but became independent in 1978. Due to the fact that getting here is quite problematic, tourism in Tuvalu is underdeveloped, although the landscapes here are truly heavenly.
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 significantly when local phosphate mines were depleted. Unemployment reached 90%. The Republic is also known as home to the world's 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: it has the largest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world. Thanks to the luxurious casinos and wide choice exclusive services, the country has become a favorite holiday destination powerful of the world this. One of the most popular and spectacular events of the year is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, during which 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 this is where the largest Christian church in the world is located - St. Peter's Basilica. In addition, in the Vatican you can see valuable works of art from the Renaissance. The main source of income in the country is voluntary contributions from Catholics from all over the world (more than 1 billion people). The rest of the profit comes from the sale of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs and entrance tickets to museums.
“I and the World” welcomes everyone who is now reading this article. Today we would like to present you with a ranking of small countries. And what is the most small state in the world, you will find out by reading this article to the end.
When we hear about a country, for example, in the news, we imagine a large territory with a population of several million people. But there are countries that can be compared in area to 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 the lands of Italy 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 to be 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 canonized as a Christian saint.
Only 30,000 people live here. But there is almost no unemployment, and the GDP per capita is one of the highest, thanks to the tourism business.
In 4th place is Tuvalu - 26 square meters. km
This pacific territory in Polynesia consists of nine small coral islets. The population is about 11,000 people.
In such a small area 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 Tuvalu Islands were discovered by the British Alvaro Mendaña de Neira in 1568 and were a British colony for a long time until they gained independence in the mid-20th century. The capital of the country is a city with a name similar to candy - Funafuti.
Interestingly, the lands often changed their names. 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 quite similar, right? It is the smallest of the island states. 
Just over 10,000 people live here. But they do not have an official capital.
Recently, the country's economy has been suffering greatly due to the depletion of phosphate mines.
There was nothing left to mine, so unemployment reached 90%. Maybe that's why there are too many obese people here - 97% of men and 93% of women - because there is nothing better to do? Yes, diabetes mellitus is also added to this problem.
2nd place – 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. About 40,000 people live here.
Many people know this state as the most gambling one, 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.
Profit to the treasury comes from the tourism business and the sale of real estate.
The Vatican closes the top five with 0.44 sq. km – 1st place
Which independent state in the world is the 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 houses very valuable works of the Renaissance. How does this small state live? Voluntary contributions from a huge number of Catholics living around the world - more than 1 billion people. There is also a small part of the profit: income from the sale of souvenirs and entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums.
The Pope is recognized as head 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 ancient 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 do this not in order to live there, but to travel freely around the world and actively engage in business. The possibilities of this country’s passport are simply golden - its presence allows you to visit up to 130 countries of the world, and low taxes allow you to successfully conduct business.
On an area of 260 sq. km perfectly live 50,000 people. But the country is still ruled by the Queen of England, because... The territory is part of the British Commonwealth. The tourism business is well developed here, and there is also income from the import of sugar cane, coffee, and cotton.
Do you want to get citizenship here? Then you have two options:
- Make a charitable contribution of US$250,000 to US$350,000 towards the development of the country's sugar industry.
- Buy a property for $400,000.
And what’s interesting is that you don’t need to go to St. Kitts and Nevis to get a passport; it will be given to you in your country without the cost of a flight.
And one more interesting fact: Many consider it 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 square meters. km, and in terms of population - 576,000 people.
The Duchy is one of the richest in the world, with a high standard of living. People from different countries They keep their savings here thanks to 1000 investment funds and banks, of which there are more than 200.
We described amazing countries, so small, but so interesting and unusual. With its own special history and modern life. If you find the information interesting, share this article with your friends. Travel the world and all the best to you!
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. The 1,192 coral islets located near Sri Lanka are distinguished by beautiful scenery and provide all the necessary attributes of relaxation. 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 Knowledge of English is enough.
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.
There are a huge number of countries on our beautiful planet, with different cultures, religions, climates, and of course different sizes of territory.
There are countries on Earth that are so small that they could fit, for example, on the area of one of the districts of the city of Moscow.
Despite their size, these are still states, with their own history, flags, government, and people. Such countries are usually very exotic and very different from large states in their way of life. Let's look at 10 smallest countries in the world.
So, the 10 smallest countries on the planet
1. Maldives
The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia
Island country Republic of Maldives located in the Indian Ocean and its area is the smallest Asian country . The area of the country is 298 square meters. km. with a population of 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.
2. Seychelles
Seychelles - heaven on earth
The islands managed to develop thanks to the export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. In 1976, when the country gained independence, tourism became the main source of income.
3. Liechtenstein
This state has no access to the sea. The area of the country is 160.4 square meters. kilometer Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and is one of the richest countries. Registered here more companies than residents.
4. Nauru
Nauru is located in the south Pacific Ocean in Micronesia. The area of the state is 21.3 square meters. kilometer
They gained independence in 1968, but the island was home to the Aboriginal people for 3 thousand years. Today the country's population is approximately 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.
5. Vatican
The Vatican is a city-state located in the very center of Rome.
The Vatican is a closed city-state located in one of the districts of Rome and covering an area of 44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 and is governed by the Pope.
The Vatican boasts the most beautiful buildings in the world - The Sistine Chapel, Saint Paul's Cathedral, residence of the Pope - Apostolic Palace etc. In addition, half of the country’s territory is occupied by the Vatican Gardens. Official Approximately 800 people are citizens of the Vatican, and several thousand Italians travel here to work every day.
6. Monaco
The second smallest country in the world is Monaco. Over the past 20 years, thanks to the draining of the sea, the area of the country has increased and now covers an area 2.02 sq. kilometer Monaco is the second smallest monarchical state.
The country is one of the most populous countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income for residents comes from tourism.
7. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
This dwarf state located in the West Indies - between North and South America on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean.
The state is located on two islands with an area of 261 square meters. km.
These were the first islands settled by Europeans. Main source income, of course, tourism, but here are also developed Agriculture and offshore banking.
8. Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands is White sand, blue skies and small paradise islands
This state in the center of the Pacific Ocean consists mainly of coral islands. The area of the country is 181 square meters. kilometer, population 62 thousand.
In 1986, the Islands gained independence from the United States, but until now only American help helps them “keep afloat.” The country does not have natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports.
9. San Marino
San Marino is the oldest independent country in the world.
San Marino covers an area of 61 square meters. kilometer and has the smallest population of the member states of the European Council. It is the oldest independent country in the world, it was founded on September 3, 301. In addition, San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.
10. Tuvalu
Previously, these islands belonged to the British Crown and were called the Ellis Islands. Tuvalu gained independence from the British in 1978. The country's population is 10.5 thousand people. Due to the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to rely on help from other countries.
This is a list of the 15 smallest countries in the world. Countries that can be compared in size to small town. You can walk from end to end of almost every one of these countries in less than a day.
The smallest state on earth. The Vatican is located on the territory Eternal City Rome, on the hill of Monte Vaticano and has a state border length of only 3.2 km. In a few hours you can easily walk around the entire country. According to official data, the population of the Vatican is just over 800 people. Another 3,000 people are not citizens of the country, but come here to work every day.
The Vatican is one of the largest museums under open air. Here is a real treasury of works of art and architectural monuments, relics of Christianity and unique creations of great masters. A huge number of believers and tourists visit the Vatican territory every day.
The second place in the list of micro states is occupied by the Principality of Monaco. Its territory is 1.95 square meters. km. The length of the state border with France is 4.4 km. The population density in Monaco, unlike the Vatican, is very high - the country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Locals They are mainly engaged in servicing tourists, who are attracted here by magnificent beaches and a huge number of gaming establishments.
The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21.3 km² and a population of 12 thousand people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.
Tuvalu is a dwarf Pacific state in Polynesia. The length of the coastal strip is 21 km. The state is located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The total land area is 26 km². The country's population is 14 thousand people. The islands gained independence in 1978 (before that the archipelago was a British colony).
The name of the country, translated from the Tuvaluan language, means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu. The main problem of the islands is rising sea levels, which threatens the flooding of many of the islands, most of which are located no higher than 5 meters above sea level The country lives on the help of other countries, because it does not have its own natural resources.
5. San Marino
A European state surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. The name comes from the name of the Christian saint who founded the state. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe. The area of the state is 60.57 km². Almost 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains and rock formations. Population: 33 thousand people. San Marino is one of the few modern countries with positive economic indicators. State revenues exceed expenses and the country has no external debt.
Another dwarf European state. The country's area is 160 km². The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the most high point- Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the rivers flows through the western part of the country. largest rivers Western Europe- Rhine. The country's population is 38 thousand people.
Despite its size, Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed banking system. In addition, the Principality of Liechtenstein is included in the black list of “tax havens” - states where residents of other countries avoid taxation.
The Marshall Islands are a Pacific nation in Micronesia. The state is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the Marshall Islands archipelago. The length of the coastal strip is 370.4 km. The total land area is 181.3 km² and 11,673 km² are occupied by lagoons. The population of the Marshall Islands is 65 thousand people.
The maximum height above sea level is 10 meters. In the event of a significant rise in sea levels or global climate change, serious environmental consequences are inevitable on individual islands.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have a permanent armed force. According to the agreement, the United States bears responsibility for the security and defense of the country. They have a responsibility to protect the Republic of the Marshall Islands and its citizens from outside attacks and threats.
Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis - a state in the eastern part Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both islands are of volcanic origin and mountainous. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 53 thousand people. The total length of the coastline is 135 km.
The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not colonize them. The struggle for possession of the islands was fought for a long time by Great Britain and France. In 1983, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence.
The islands have rich tropical vegetation. Mountainous areas are covered with dense tropical forests and orchards. Lianas, mangoes, breadfruit and cinnamon trees, tamarind, avocados, bananas, and papaya grow here. At the tops of the mountains, forests give way to meadows with equally abundant vegetation. The forests are home to numerous tropical birds and butterflies, and there are monkeys. Many seabirds, including pelicans, nest on the coast. The waters abound with fish.
The Republic of Maldives, or simply the Maldives, is a state in South Asia, located on a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south of India. The state is a chain of 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islets. Population - about 330 thousand people. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². The capital Male - the only city and port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name and is the smallest capital in the world. However, Male is home to a third of the country's total population.
The basis of the economy is serving tourists. Hot but comfortable weather all year round (air temperature from 24 to 30°) made Maldives a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Fishing comes in second place.
The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino and many small and uninhabited ones. The territory of the state is 316 km². The population of Malta is 420 thousand people. The country bears the title of the least populated state in the European Union.
The main industry of Malta's economy is tourism. Most of the cultural and historical attractions are associated with the Knights of the Johannite Order (Order of Malta). Due to its wide variety of urban and natural landscapes, Malta is a popular location for feature film shoots. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have rivers, lakes or its own sources of fresh water.
Grenada is an island state in the southeast Caribbean Sea, occupies the island of Grenada and the southern part of the Grenadines. Total area - 344 sq. km. Population: 110 thousand people.
The island of Grenada is of volcanic origin. In the center of the island there is a forested mountain range, overlooked by Mount St. Catherine (840 m), the highest point in the country. There are few rivers on the island, but there are many streams and springs. Grenada's economy is based on tourism as well as offshore financial businesses.
The song “Grenada”, written by M. Svetlov in 1926, as it turned out, has nothing to do with the state of Grenada.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state in the Caribbean. The territory consists of the island of Saint Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines group. Area - 389 km². Population - 105 thousand people.
On the island of St. Vincent there is active volcano Soufriere. During our era alone, it has erupted at least 160 times. The last eruption was in 1979. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is the white sandy beaches on the southern tip of the island.
Barbados is a small state in the West Indies, located on the island of the same name, which is shaped like a pear. The island has an area of 431 km² and is mostly flat with small hills in the middle. Population: 290 thousand people. Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in terms of living standards and literacy of the population.
The basis of the economy is tourism. Many historical monuments, are associated with the rise of piracy in the Caribbean. Barbados is also famous for the production of the famous pirate rum. Approximately every 3 years the island finds itself in the hurricane zone and suffers greatly from the elements.
Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the West Indies, located on three islands - Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. General area- 442 km². Population 90 thousand people.
The main source of income is tourism. Antigua and Barbuda is ready to welcome tourists 365 days a year. Coastline Antigua forms many bays (essentially relict volcanic craters) and an extended strip of first-class beaches (it is believed that there are exactly 365 of them on the islands). There are both beaches with developed infrastructure and completely wild, secluded corners.
The Republic of Seychelles is an island state in East Africa. Located in the western part Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator. The republic includes 115 islands, only 33 of them are inhabited. The islands cover an area of 455 square kilometers. The country's population is about 90 thousand people.
Main source of income Seychelles For a long time there was an export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since 1976, when Great Britain granted independence to the Seychelles, tourism has become the main source of income (up to 75% of foreign exchange earnings).
The fruit of the Seychelles palm, which grows only in the Seychelles, weighs 20 kg and is considered the largest fruit in the plant world.
