The capital of the state, in the opinion of the majority, is a large metropolis with a huge population, occupying kilometers of the area. However, there are countries that are quite modest in size, and even their capitals are not large at all.
The smallest capitals in the world presented in today's selection. Despite their modest size and population, these cities often play an important role, both on the national stage and internationally.
10. La Valletta
On the site of the modern capital of Malta, the first settlements arose 3 thousand years ago. Today about 9 thousand people live here permanently. It is noteworthy that, like on the whole island, there are no rivers in the city. The residents of the capital receive fresh water from desalination plants, as well as by collecting rainwater.
9. Lobamba
The unique city of Lobamba is one of the two capitals of the state of Swaziland. The first capital of Mbabane is home to about 100 thousand inhabitants. Lobamba has only 5,800 people. But here are collected cultural attractions of Swaziland - the National Museum and the Royal Palace.
8. Vaduz
The population of the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein is 5,300 people. The city was founded in the XIII century. The capital is interesting for the castle of the same name, town hall, government house. There are several museums here, but there is no train station or airport.
7. Funafuti
This city is the capital of the state of the same name, located on an isolated atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The population of the capital is 5,070 people. There are traditional buildings with roofs made of palm leaves and modern buildings made of glass and concrete. The main attractions of the city are the Tuvalu Church and the remains of an American plane that crashed here during the Second World War.
6. San Marino
The settlement on the site of the city was founded in 302 AD. Today, the area of the capital of the dwarf state is 7 square meters. km. The population of San Marino is 4,600 people, which is about 15% of the population of the entire state. The city is picturesquely located on the natural terraces of the Monte Titano mountain.
5. Stanley
The state of the Falkland Islands has one and only city - the capital Stanley. Less than 2,500 people live here. The city is interesting for its distinctive architecture, a museum and an Anglican cathedral.
4. Monaco (Monaco-Ville)
The entire principality of Monaco is divided into 10 administrative territories. One of them is the capital with a population of 1,034 people. The main attractions of the capital are the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, as well as the Oceanographic Museum, which was once headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
3. Vatican
This city - the smallest state... It is inhabited by 836 people, and its area is only 0.44 sq. km. With such a modest size, the influence of the Catholic capital is enormous. In addition to the clergy, the Vatican is inhabited by about 40 lay people, as well as employees of the Swiss Guard, which protects the Pope. About three thousand people come to the Vatican to work every day, but they are not residents.
2. Ngerulmud
The capital of the island state of Palau is inhabited by 270 people. Strictly speaking, Ngerulmud is more of a village than a city. Most of the residents are engaged in agriculture, tourism and fishing.
1. Adamstown
The capital of the state, Pitcairn, is the only settlement in this tiny island country.The city has only 69 inhabitants; there is a central square and a church with a bell tower. Despite its remoteness, Adamstown's schoolchildren receive advanced education using the Internet, and residents have the opportunity to use satellite television and cellular communications.