It is often customary to consider the fact of the existence of several microscopic states on the territory of the European continent as nothing more than a historical misunderstanding. Many call micro-states of Europe fake and operetka. But is such neglect of small state formations always justified? Let's take a closer look at them.
Where did they come from? A brief excursion into history
States are like people — they are born, live and die. But the micro-states of Europe include both those that exist for centuries and even millennia, as well as random geopolitical entities such as Kosovo, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. According to the school course of geography, the European continent extends from the Atlantic to the Urals, and these newborn formations, of course, are included in it. These are also micro-states of Europe. It is even possible that a great future awaits them, but we still do not know this. Therefore, let us focus on the phenomenon that micro-states of foreign Europe represent.
They arose even in the era of the early Middle Ages, which was characterized by feudal fragmentation. And some of them have survived to the present day.
What is the reason for their longevity
Microstates of foreign Europe, the list of which is by no means so long, owes the fact of their existence, first of all, to their neighbors. Near and slightly more distant. There is no doubt that if strong neighboring states needed to absorb these dwarfs, they would have found a reason to do this for several centuries. But this still has not happened. And if micro-states of Europe, known to all, exist and flourish, geography is the reason. More precisely, their favorable geographical location at the crossroads of traditional trade routes. And those preferences that they are able to offer their neighbors precisely as independent states.
What is their economy based on?
Micro-states of Europe, the list of which consists of six units, flourish mainly due to trade. It is either not taxed at all in them, or tax rates are low. Moreover, five micro-states of Europe are located in its continental part. These are Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra and the Vatican. The sixth state is Malta, located on the island of the same name in the Mediterranean Sea. Good income for some of them comes from gambling and offshore financial rules. But the basis of the economy is tourism. All over the world there are many who wish to visit the microstates of Western Europe and leave there a part of their savings. Traditional countries such as agriculture and winemaking also bring good income to these countries.
Liechtenstein
Microstates of Foreign Europe are usually proud of their ancient origin and eventful history. And they have every reason for that. The sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein, located on the picturesque alpine slopes between Austria and Switzerland, originates in 1507.
It is customary to take care of historical and architectural monuments that attract tourists to a small country. But the basis of its well-being is industry - metalworking, the manufacture of precision mechanics, medical equipment and medicines. Micro-states of Europe, the list of which does not contain poor countries, are justifiably proud of their high standard of living. But subjects of the Principality of Liechtenstein earned a level of prosperity with their own hands. The country's economy is largely integrated with the Swiss.
San marino
Micro-states of Europe include countries with different forms of government, from the monarchy to democracy. The small country of San Marino, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy, is one of the oldest parliamentary republics on the continent. Moreover, it is the oldest country in Europe, the borders of which remained unchanged. Its history began in ancient times.
And today it is one big tourist attraction. Tourism is the basis of its economy. For a significant portion of tourists traveling to Italy, a visit to the Republic of San Marino is a must-see item on the program.
Monaco
The Principality of Monaco, located on the Ligurian coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has a very peculiar reputation. For many residents of the European continent, this country is associated primarily with casinos and gambling houses. It is this circumstance that provides a stream of tourists on this coast who want to part with their money. The subjects of the Principality of Monaco are completely satisfied with this situation. European sovereign microstates rarely have economic independence.
And the financial well-being of Monaco is provided by fans to play roulette. They are sent in large numbers here from Europe and other continents. They can be understood - it is more pleasant to part with money on the picturesque Ligurian coast, in the luxurious interiors of casinos and restaurants, the walls of which are remembered by many prominent people, from royal figures to the uncrowned kings of the criminal world, inclusive. Moreover, in other European countries such games, at least, are not welcome.
Andorra
The secluded position of the Principality of Andorra, located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, for many centuries provided him with peace and stability. The conquerors showed no interest in him and avoided. The country was closed and its population led a patriarchal way of life, limited to agriculture, viticulture and winemaking. The situation changed only in the second half of the twentieth century. The Principality has opened its borders, and today tourism is the absolute foundation of the economy of this microstate.
His natural conditions completely dispose of this. In recent decades, world-class tourism infrastructure has been built on the picturesque slopes of the eastern Pyrenees. The Principality is pleased to stop tourists heading to the resorts of the Golden Coast of Spain. Only one and a half hundred kilometers separate the country from the Mediterranean coast, which takes about an hour to drive along a modern highway.
Vatican
When micro-states of Europe are listed, this country is not always remembered. And this is not a matter of neglect, the value of the Vatican in the history of Europe and of all mankind cannot be denied, just the territory of the country is scanty and not visible on every map. But the Vatican is visible in the world for its spiritual greatness. Located a few blocks of the Italian capital, the country officially recognized as a UN member is the smallest state in the world by territory.
The city-state of the Vatican is the seat of the supreme leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. On a very small territory there is a prohibitively large number of monuments of history, religion, culture and architecture. Many artists, sculptors and architects recognized as titans of the Renaissance lived and worked here. The most striking embodiment of their work was the grandiose Cathedral of St. Peter. This provides the Vatican with an endless stream of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. In its state system, the Vatican is an absolute
theocratic monarchy. The head of the Vatican is the Pope. It is pointless to talk about the country's economy, for its complete absence.
Malta
The Republic of Malta is the only island country among the small states of Europe. It is located on the archipelago, consisting of the title island and several small islands in the immediate vicinity of it. Since ancient times, this place was located at a busy intersection of trade routes. In the port of Malta, ships of merchant caravans, sailing from the African coast to Europe and from west to east, moored. The successful geographical position, in the very center of the Mediterranean Sea, for many centuries provided the island with economic prosperity through trade, and the constant attention of various conquerors. But since 1530, Malta has been considered a sovereign state, even though later in its history there were periods of occupation by Napoleon Bonaparte and Great Britain. English rule lasted until the seventies of the twentieth century, but it was mostly formal in nature. Malta is currently a prosperous country with a high standard of living.
The basis of its economy is tourism. The Maltese coast today is a luxury world-class beach resorts, equipped with all the tourist infrastructure necessary for a comfortable stay. In addition to beaches, tourists are attracted by the numerous historical, cultural and architectural monuments accumulated on the island for its long and eventful history. The state pays considerable attention to the preservation of historical and cultural heritage.