Today there are about 250 recognized independent states. Among them there are both giant states such as Russia, the United States and Canada, and very small countries, comparable in area to large cities. Despite their "diminutiveness", in some cases they play a huge role in the world political arena.
You'll like it: the most-most countries in the world according to various criteria.
Sealand
- 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 an offshore platform in the North Sea and claiming sovereignty. The only inhabitant of the platform, he is also the ruler, is Prince Michael I Bates.
10. Grenada
- Area: 344 km²
- Population: 107,317
- Capital: Saint Georges
Grenada is an island state with a constitutional monarchy. This marvelous land is located in the Caribbean Sea, and it was discovered by Columbus in the 14th century. Agriculture specializes in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, which are subsequently exported. Since Grenada is located in an offshore zone, its treasury is replenished annually by more than $ 7 million from offshore financial services.
9. Maldives
- Area: 298 km²
- Population: 427,756
- Capital: Male
The Maldives are considered to be one of the best tourist resorts in the world. There is everything here: the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, virgin nature, rich in a wide variety of plant and animal species, mysterious underwater caves and much more. The tourism sector annually brings about 30 percent of the revenues to the state budget of the Maldives. Fun Fact: The Republic of Maldives consists of over 1,100 islets.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Area: 261 km²
- Population: 54,821
- Capital: Basseterre
This country is located on two islands of the same name and has a federal state structure. Agriculture is very poorly developed here (mainly sugarcane is grown), despite the favorable climate. But the tourism sector is well developed. Travelers are attracted by the diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the mild tropical climate. It is worth noting that Pavel Durov himself (the creator of VKontakte) has the citizenship of this country.
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, so there are almost no species of plants and animals that are characteristic of such an area. Therefore, others were brought out there. The islands have a very undeveloped infrastructure, so many economic areas 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 makes it highly attractive for tourists. Liechtenstein is a world financial center with a highly developed banking system. It is also worth noting that in terms of GDP, the state ranks second in the world, right after Qatar.
5. San Marino
- Area: 61 km²
- Population: 33,029
- Capital: San Marino
This small country is located on the mountainside of Monte Titano and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is the most ancient state in Western Europe, it was formed back in the 3rd century. Many attractions, including Mount Titano itself, are on 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 quite understandable. The country is distinguished by an extremely unfavorable climate - here powerful downpours give way to droughts. Because of 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. It 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 from the extraction of phosphates, which, in turn, cause great damage to the ecosystem of the island, which makes it almost impossible to develop agriculture and tourism.
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. It is logical that 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. 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 is the seat of the Pope, and the citizens of the country are called subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has great influence in the military-political sphere, often calling on the warring countries to conclude peace.
Size doesn't matter - that's what needs to be said at the conclusion of this article. Even the smallest country, although it will not amaze the imagination with its army of many thousands, million-plus cities and megalopolises, will definitely be remembered for its unique nature, sights and unique history.