Greetings, dear guys! And to you, dear parents, a big hello!
On the political map In the world, you can easily find at least 250 independent states, among which there are mighty powers like our Russia. And there are those who are very tiny, but also defend their right to exist. And if the school has a topic about the 5 smallest countries in the world, then you are here today.
Lesson plan:
Vatican
The honorable first place in the top five mini-countries is occupied by a tiny state within another state.
Countries surrounded by the territory of other states are called enclaves.
The independent Vatican is located inside the Italian Rome. Officially, it is called the sovereign territory of the Holy See. Less than half a square kilometer (0.44 square kilometers to be exact) is home to a population of just 840 people.
The Vatican is governed by the Pope, who is elected for life.
This dwarf state is one of the most famous open-air museums, where great works of art and architecture are collected.
Although the area of the Vatican is no larger than a golf course, however, its influence on world civilization is such that not every country can boast of such. Billions of believers bow before the Vatican Catholic Church, it always stands up for peace and tries to prevent military conflicts.
But what is interesting about the meager Vatican.
Principality of Monaco
Second place among the smallest! The mini-state is located on two and a tail of square kilometers (2.02 sq. km) not far from France on the Ligurian coast. Among the small states, Monaco is one of the most densely populated. 38,400 people live on the territory comparable to the Moscow VDNKh.
The Principality does not live in poverty at all, earning money from visiting rich people who come here on their beautiful yachts to play at the world-famous casino in Monte Carlo. The Monaco Grand Prix is also held here - one of the stages of the Formula 1 world car race.
A lot of money is brought to the treasury by tourism and banks, which store the capital of the world's most famous billionaires.
What do they write about the Principality of Monaco?
Nauru
The republic is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a coral island and, in terms of an area of 21 sq. km, ranks third among the five small countries. 10800 people live here.
This unique country just over fifteen years ago was one of the rich. All thanks to the reserves of phosphorites available there. Merciless mining has disrupted the ecosystem of the island and led Nauru to a number of undeveloped third world countries. Environmental pollution after the development of phosphorite deposits has deprived the country of attractiveness for tourists.
How is Nauru different?
Tuvalu
In fourth place is the dwarf Tuvalu - a state located on nine atolls and islands in the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the poorest countries in the world. And she also has a very funny name for us, Russians, the name of the capital - Funafuti.
10,700 people live on an area of 26 sq. km. The islands of Tuvalu were discovered by the Spanish navigator Alvaro de Neira in the 16th century. Until the 20th century, the dwarf state was a colony of Britain.
The island baby received its modern name only in 1975, and it means “8 standing together” - according to the number of islands inhabited at first, the inhabitants settled on the ninth later.
The country was originally called the Lagoon Islands.
How different is Tuvalu?
San Marino
Our top five of the smallest republics in terms of area in the southern part of Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italy, completes our list. 80% of the tiny country, whose total territory is 61 square kilometers, huddles on the western mountain slopes of Monte Titano.
The oldest European state, which appeared in 301, is home to 33,000 inhabitants. According to legend, the name of the dwarf republic was named after St. Marino, an ordinary Christian - a bricklayer, who, in salvation from the Roman emperor, found shelter at an altitude of 700 meters and created a community.
At first it was one of the poorest European countries, which did not attract attention, and was also inconveniently located. This helped San Marino maintain its independence. Today, the small state, which exports ceramics, building materials and wine, is visited by millions of tourists. The locals are now one of the richest in Europe.
Success in your studies!
Evgenia Klimkovich.
There are 194 independent countries in the world, and only 24 of them have an area of less than 1000 square meters. km. Some states are much smaller than cities. The smallest in area are mainly the dwarf states of Europe, which is due to their geographical boundaries and international agreements, and island states in Oceania, limited by a natural coastal strip.
These tiny countries, with their own history, culture, government, are some of the richest, most remote and spectacular places on Earth. Find out which 5 countries are on the list of the smallest countries in the world in terms of area.
Fifth place - San Marino
San Marino (full name - the Republic of San Marino), covering an area of 61 sq. km, - 3rd in the list of the smallest European countries; a dwarf sovereign state located at the foot of Monte Titano and surrounded by Italy. San Marino, founded in 301 by the Christian Saint Marin, it is the oldest republic in Europe. San Marino has a capital of the same name and a population of 33 thousand people. Despite the small area, this state is listed as one of the most developed and richest in the world.
Fourth place - Tuvalu
Tuvalu (formerly known as the Ellis Islands) is a Polynesian state (in the South Pacific), consisting of 5 atolls and 4 reef islands. The area of this constitutionally monarchical country is estimated at 26 square meters. km and is gradually decreasing due to rising sea levels. Tuvalu, with highest point 4.5 m above sea level, belongs to the lowest states in the world.
11 thousand people live in Tuvalu, the first settlers (Polynesians) lived here in the 1st century. In 1978, the country became independent from Britain, previously being its colony. The capital of this state is the atoll city of Funafuti, famous for its vast lagoon off the coast.
Third place - Nauru
Nauru (full name - the Republic of Nauru), formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an island country in Micronesia (in the central Pacific Ocean). With a population of 10.1 thousand inhabitants and an area of 21.3 sq. km, Nauru is the 3rd smallest country in the world. The independence of this state was declared in 1968.
The Republic of Nauru is the smallest state in Oceania, smallest island country in the world, as well as the only country without a capital (the unofficial capital is the city of Yaren). The island is famous for the deposits of phosphate rocks near the surface, which allows this resource to be mined. Coral reefs, azure waters and white sandy beaches are the main natural resources of the country.
Second place - Monaco
Monaco (full name - Principality of Monaco) - microstate, semi-enclave in the south of France on the coast mediterranean sea, which ranks 2nd among the smallest countries in the world with with an area of only 2.02 sq. km. (over the past 20 years, the size of the land has expanded by 0.4 sq. km due to the drying of the sea). Monaco, with a population of 38,000, is the most populous country. The most populated quarter of Monaco Monte Carlo is a popular game center.
The sovereignty of Monaco is officially recognized after the signing of the Franco-Monegasque Treaty in 1861 between France and the Principality of Monaco. Monaco is a principality that governs under the form of a constitutional monarchy. Monaco is the richest country, a place of residence and recreation for millionaires and billionaires. Among the main attractions of this microstate is also the Monaco Grand Prix - the Formula 1 race.
The smallest country in the world
Vatican City (Vatican City State, Holy See) is the smallest country in the world, which covers area less than 1 sq. km- 0.44 sq. km. The Vatican is also the least populated country in the world with 850 inhabitants, but has the 3rd highest population density (after Monaco and Singapore).
The Vatican is located on the west bank of the Tiber River inside the Italian capital of Rome (landlocked) and is the center of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican officially became a sovereign state after the signing of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy in 1929. It is a monarchical state headed by the Bishop of Rome. Here is the largest Catholic church - St. Peter's Cathedral, which preserves the great works of art of the Renaissance ("The Creation of Adam", "Lamentation of Christ" by M. Buonarroti). About 75% of the citizens of the Vatican are members of the clergy.
There is a state even smaller than the Vatican. This is the Principality of Sealand - the smallest state on Earth, with an area of \u200b\u200b0.004 square meters. km. It is an offshore platform in the North Sea (12 km from the coast of England), built by the British Army during the Second World War as an air defense.
In 1975, the country adopted a constitution. However The Principality of Sealand is not officially recognized by the international community as a sovereign state., so the country is not included in the list.
Thus, the list of TOP 5 smallest officially recognized countries in the world includes the old European republic of San Marino, which is surrounded by Italy; the Pacific island nations of Tuvalu and Nauru; Principality of Monaco, located along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast; and the center of the Roman Catholic Church Vatican, occupying an area of less than 1 sq. km. km and heading this rating.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
© instagram.com/earthconic/We provide you with a ranking of the 10 smallest countries in the world. The main criterion for the distribution of places in the ranking is the area of the territory occupied by the country. Small countries are just as beautiful and significant as big ones. And here are the countries:
Vatican: 0.44 sq. km
Vatican © instagram.com/gabbuino/
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world. This city-state is located inside Rome. It is the seat of the highest leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. The citizens of this state are subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has a non-profit economy. Donations make up the bulk of the budget. Also, cash receipts to the treasury come from the tourism sector: payment for visiting museums, selling souvenirs, etc. The Vatican plays a significant role in the settlement of military conflicts, calling for the preservation of peace.
- Monaco: 2.02 sq. km
Monaco © instagram.com/gulshatmonaco/
Principality of Monaco. Surely, many have heard about this state thanks to the city of Monte Carlo and its famous casinos. Monaco is located next to France. Also, this country is known because of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the state, along with the construction and sale of real estate.
- Nauru: 21.3 sq. km
Nauru © instagram.com/camropes/
The Republic of Nauru is located on a coral island in the Pacific Ocean. This country does not have a capital, which makes it unique. One of the main problems of this country is the lack of fresh water. Flora and fauna are very scarce. The main source of replenishment of the treasury for a long time was the extraction of phosphorites, but since the 90s, the level of production began to decline, and with it the well-being of the population. Tourism is not developed here due to the severe pollution of the country.
- Tuvalu: 26 sq. km
Tuvalu © instagram.com/missfree365/
The state of Tuvalu is located on a cluster of atolls and islands and is located in the Pacific Ocean. Often, destructive cyclones pass through the islands. The flora and fauna of this state is quite scarce and is represented mainly by animals brought to the islands - pigs, cats, dogs, and plants. The economy of Tuvalu, like other countries in Oceania, is mainly made up of the public sector, and to a small extent agriculture and fishing.
- San Marino: 61 sq. km
San Marino © instagram.com/__giulyb/
The Republic of San Marino is located in the southern part of Europe and borders Italy on all sides. San Marino is not only one of the smallest countries in the world, but also the oldest European state, formed back in the 3rd century. This country is located in a mountainous area. The basis of the economy is production, which gives 34% of GDP, and the service sector and tourism also play an important role.
- Liechtenstein: 160 sq. km
Liechtenstein © instagram.com/chocochilli_pl/
The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in Western Europe, bordering Switzerland and Austria. Although this state occupies a small area, it is very beautiful: mountain landscapes, and the largest river in Europe, the Rhine, flows in the western part. Liechtenstein is one of the largest financial centers in the world with a highly developed banking sector. The country has a very high standard of living and well-being. Liechtenstein is an example of the fact that even one of the smallest countries in the world can occupy a significant place in world politics and economics.
- Marshall Islands: 181 sq. km
Marshall Islands © instagram.com/earthconic/
The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located in the Pacific Ocean. Flora and fauna have been significantly altered by man, including the 1954 nuclear tests conducted by the United States. Therefore, on the islands, plant species characteristic of this area are practically not found; others were planted instead. The main sector of the economy is the service sector. Due to undeveloped infrastructure and high prices for transport (flight to the islands), tourism is at an early stage of development.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: 261 sq. km
Saint Kitts and Nevis © instagram.com/elizehrd/
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federation located in the east caribbean. In terms of territory and population, this state is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere. The main industry that provides most of the revenue to the treasury is tourism. Agriculture is poorly developed, mainly sugarcane is grown.
September 19 marks the 30th anniversary of independence of the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere - Saint Kitts and Nevis. By this date, we have compiled a selection of five tiny island states that, despite their size, have something to show tourists.
This is a state of only 261 square kilometers, which supports itself through the cultivation of sugar cane and tourism. Every year, about 250 thousand tourists step on the shores of the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. Despite the fact that only about 50 thousand people live in the country. Mostly citizens of the United States go to the islands, but during the holiday season you can meet Europeans and even Russians here. Most of the population of this tiny state works in the service sector.
A small island nation with an area of 316 square kilometers is comfortably located in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Translated from the ancient Phoenician dialect, the name Malta means nothing more than a refuge or harbor. The island received such a name for the reason that it was at the crossroads of trade routes from Asia to European countries, carrying an important function of a transit point for sea caravans. Today, about half a million people live in Malta, it is a highly developed country, a member of the EU. Interesting architecture, many ancient monuments and a high level of service annually attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to Malta.
The Republic of Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. The area of this island state in the Indian Ocean is about 300 square kilometers, the population is just over half a million inhabitants. The most important economic sectors of the Maldives are tourism and the service sector. This has a stunning beauty of nature, amazing wildlife, sandy beaches and the best hotels. It is a favorite summer holiday destination for millions of tourists every year.
The area of the state of Tuvalu in Oceania is only about 26 square kilometers. This country is at the top of the list of not only the smallest, but also the poorest countries in the world. First of all, such a sad economic situation has developed due to unprofitable geographical location. The country's economy is poorly developed, mainly the population lives off agriculture and fishing. Tuvalu is visited by several thousand tourists annually, although this figure, with proper financing of the tourism sector, could be increased by an order of magnitude.
The smallest independent state on Earth and the smallest state outside the borders of Europe. Its area is only 21 square kilometers. Nauru in the eighties was the richest state due to the fact that there was an active development of phosphates. But this also turned a beautiful coral island into a desert scorched, like the surface of Mars. After the depletion of the mines, times of political instability began, and at the moment the state lives solely on Australian aid and on the maintenance of refugees who want to move to Australia (this is sponsored by Australia itself). Of course, this place deserves the attention of tourists, only it is rather difficult to obtain a visa, due to environmental problems associated with the extraction of phosphates in the past.
Incredibly varied. Each of them is unique in its own way. However, we are used to the fact that the word "country" implies a vast territory, hundreds of cities and villages. Nevertheless, there are powers with a record small area in the world. Today we will find out which countries are the smallest in area and what features they have.
Heart of Catholicism
The smallest country in the world in terms of area, known to everyone, is the Vatican. A small but incredibly strong 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 is 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 and surrounded by coral reefs.
Power here belongs to the monarch of Great Britain, who is represented on the island by the Governor-General. The official language is English. total area- 261 sq. km.
The population is over 50,000 people. Negroes dominate, whose descendants were brought as slaves to the islands. The original inhabitants of the republic were Caribbean Indians, but in the 17th century they were forced out by the British. The latter soon had to cede the rights to the islands to the French. In the 1980s, Saint Kitts and Nevis gained the possibility of internal self-government. Status - "state associated with Great Britain".
Maldives - paradise
This paradise in the Indian Ocean is also among the 10 smallest countries in the world in terms of area. 1192 coral islands, located near Sri Lanka, are distinguished by beautiful scenery and provide all the necessary attributes of a holiday. Today, a tour to the Maldives is not so expensive - about $ 1,000.
The islands are grouped into a goal of 26 atolls. The area is only 300 sq. m, which housed about 400,000 inhabitants. 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 in terms of area.
The indigenous people are Dravidians (immigrants from India). In the 5th-7th centuries, Persians and Arabs appeared on the islands.
The official language is Dihevi. However, in tourist centers there is also enough knowledge of English.
Conclusion
So, we found out which country has the smallest area and which powers are among the ten most modest in size. The rest of the small states of the world, including the island ones, have an area of 400 sq. km or more.
