There are countries that are comparable in size to the city, and some even to a small town. They are called microstates. It's hard to believe, but almost every one of these countries can be passed from edge to edge within one day. The list of micro-states of the world by area may include a different number of countries. Someone considers 5, someone 10 or 20, and so on. Today we will get acquainted with 15 interesting microstates. Many are interested in issues such as “5 microstates of the world and their capital”. It’s worth mentioning right away that such countries do not always have capitals. Usually a country is its own capital.
Vatican
Our list opens with the smallest state on Earth. The Vatican stands on the hill of Monte Vaticano in the Italian city of Rome. Just imagine, the length of the state border of the Vatican is only 3.2 km. Thus, the whole country can be covered in a few hours. The population of the Vatican, according to official figures, is a little over 800 people. About 3 thousand people come here to work every day, but are not citizens of the country. On the one hand, the Vatican is the smallest state, and on the other, one of the largest open-air museums. Here you can admire works of art, architectural monuments, Christian relics and unique creations of local artists. Every year the country is visited by many tourists from all over the world.
Monaco
The second place in our review of “Microstates of the World” is the Principality of Monaco. The total territory of this country is 1.95 km 2 , and the length of the state border is 4.4 km. Unlike the Vatican, Monaco is considered one of the most densely populated states in the world. A huge number of tourists come here to relax on the beautiful beaches and visit the gaming establishments. The lion's share of the local population is serving tourists.
Nauru
This is a dwarf state, which is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. The area of the country is 21.3 km 2 , and the population is 12 thousand people. Nauru is the smallest country among independent republics and among island states, as well as the only republic that does not have an official capital.
Tuvalu
This microstate is located in Polynesia. The coastal strip of Tuvalu is 21 km long. The state consists of 5 atolls and 4 archipelagos. The total area of the country is 26 km 2 , and the population is 14 thousand people. The state became independent in 1978. Before that, it was considered a British colony. Translated from the local language, the name of the country means “eight adjacent” and symbolizes the eight islands of the state that are traditionally populated. The main problem in this country is the tides that sometimes flood most of the islands. Since the country has virtually no natural resources, it lives off its neighbors.
San marino
Another state located in Italy. The name of the country is given in honor of the Christian saint who founded it. San Marino is one of the oldest states in Europe. Its area is 60.57 km 2 , and the population is 33 thousand people. The economic situation of this country can be envied by many major powers. The fact is that San Marino’s income exceeds expenses, and the country has no external debts. We have already considered 5 microstates of the world. This famous five is mentioned in many sources. We are going further.
Liechtenstein
Another dwarf state located in Europe. The name of the state is given in honor of the ruling dynasty. The area of the country is 160 km 2 , and the population is 38 thousand people. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps. The highest point of the country is Mount Grauschitz, its height is 2599 meters. In the western part of the dwarf state flows one of the largest rivers in all of Western Europe - the Rhine. Liechtenstein, despite its size, is a thriving industrial country in which the banking system is highly developed. In addition, the country is included in the so-called "black list of tax havens" - countries in which residents of other states are hiding from taxation.
Marshall Islands
This is a Pacific country, which is located in Micronesia and consists of 29 atolls and 5 archipelagos. The coastal strip of the Marshall Islands has a length of 370.4 kilometers. The total land area is 181.3 km 2 , lagoons occupy another 11673 km 2 . The population of the country is 65 thousand people. The maximum land height on the Marshall Islands does not exceed ten meters. Thus, in the event of a significant increase in water levels in the oceans or with global climate changes, serious disasters are possible on many islands of the country. According to the treaty, America protects the country and its citizens from external threats. Having considered 7 microstates of the world, we continue our review.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The state consists of the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis and is located in the east of the Caribbean. The area of the state is 261 km 2 , the population is 53 thousand people. The coastline has a length of 135 kilometers. The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not colonize them. The struggle for possession of the islands has long been fought between France and Great Britain. In 1983, the islands merged into one state and gained independence.
Despite the volcanic origin, the islands are rich in tropical vegetation. The mountainous areas are covered with dense orchards and forests. Here fruits such as mango, avocado, bread and cinnamon tree, banana, papaya and others grow. Meadows replacing the forest at the top of the mountains are also very rich in vegetation. The island is home to many animals, and coastal waters abound with fish.
Maldives
The next item in our ranking of “Microstates of the World” was the world-famous island state - the Republic of Maldives. The country consists of 20 atolls, which include as many as 1,192 coral islands. The Maldives is located in the south of India in the Indian Ocean. The total area of the state is 90,000 km 2 , of which only 298 km 2 is occupied by land. The population is about 330 thousand people. The capital of the country - the city of Male - is the only city and port of the archipelago and the smallest capital in the world. Moreover, more than 30% of the country's population lives here. Money earned from tourist services is the basis of the country's budget. Fishing is in second place. Due to the comfortable climate (24-30 degrees throughout the year), beach vacations are widespread here all year round.
Malta
If we considered 10 microstates of the world by area, then this country would become the endpoint of our route. Malta is an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of many islands, of which only three are populated: Malta, Comino and Gozo. The country covers an area of 316 km 2 . Its population is 420 thousand people. This is the most sparsely populated EU state. In Malta, they earn mainly on tourism. Due to the wide variety of natural and urban landscapes, Malta often becomes the venue for filming. And this is the only European country in which there are no rivers, lakes and its own sources of fresh water. We have already examined 10 microstates of the world, it's time to get acquainted with the last five.
Grenada
The list of the last 5 microstates of the world begins with Grenada, an island country located in the southeastern Caribbean. The state consists of the island of Grenada and some islands of the Grenadines. The total area of the country is 344 km 2 , the population is 110 thousand people. Mount St. Catherine (840 m) is located in the central part of the volcanic island of Grenada. There are not many rivers here, but streams and sources are enough. The country's budget is replenished by tourism and international offshore business. An interesting fact: M. Svetlov’s song “Grenada”, written in 1926, has absolutely nothing to do with the state of the same name.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Considering the micro-states of the world, one can stumble upon neighbors. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as the name suggests, is also located in the Caribbean. It consists of the large island of Saint Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines group. The area of the country is 389 km 2 , and the population is 105 thousand people. In Saint Vincent is the active volcano Soufriere. Over the past 2 thousand years, he erupted at least 160 times. The last time the eruption occurred in 1979. The beaches of the island are mostly covered with black sand, but there are also white beaches.
Barbados
This microstate is located in the western part of India, on the island of the same name, which is very similar in shape to a pear. The area of Barbados is 431 km 2 . The main part of the territory is a plain, and only in the middle part there are small hills. This state takes one of the leading positions in terms of living standards and literacy of the local population. The main source of income here is tourism. The main number of monuments is connected with the theme of piracy. The country is also famous for the pirated rum that is produced here. About every three years, severe hurricanes occur in Barbados.
Antigua and Barbuda
Our rating of “Microstates of the World” is coming to an end, and only two countries remain. In 14th place is a state called Antigua and Barbuda, which is located next to Barbados and consists of three islands: Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The area of the country is 442 km 2 , the population is 90 thousand people. On the coastline of the islands you can find many bays and first-class beaches. They say that there are exactly 365 of them. The main source of income for the local population is tourism.
Seychelles
Here it is, the largest of the microstates, of at least 15 of which we met in the framework of the review of “Microstates of the World”. The list of countries is completed by the Republic of Seychelles, which is located in East Africa and consists of 115 islands, 33 of which are inhabited. The area of the country is 455 km 2 , the population is 90 thousand people.
For a long time, local residents earned on the export of coconut, cinnamon and vanilla, but after the country gained independence, they began to earn mainly on tourism. By the way, the fruit of the Seychelles palm tree, whose weight reaches 20 kilograms, is considered the largest plant fruit in the world.
Conclusion
Today we examined the main micro-states of the world by area. They are all different, and each is interesting in its own way. It is worth noting that with a small area, many microstates are very developed and prosperous. Moreover, this very well-being is far from always due to the wealth of natural resources.