Smallest countries by area
Only independent states recognized by other states are included. Also included are associated states (a form of confederation of unequal states united on a bilateral basis, in which the smaller state, while formally maintaining sovereignty and independence, entrusts a significant part of its power to the larger state).
10th place: St. Kitts and Nevis
A state in the eastern Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 55214 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.
The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background
5th place: Tuvalu
A Pacific country located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10,116 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country would have been even poorer if the country’s leadership had not thought of putting up the national domain zone .tv for auction and a buyer was quickly found, because zone.tv is a tasty morsel for television companies and video sites. Now Tuvalu receives $1 million every quarter in exchange for the right to use the domain zone.tv
4th place: Nauru
A state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 10478 people. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic, the smallest island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside Europe, and the world's only republic without an official capital.
The smallest state in Europe and the whole world is the Order of Malta (not to be confused with the state of Malta))
full name "Sovereign Military Hospitable Order of St. John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta." Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located within the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort Sant'Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of the territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and license plates, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.
Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta
The smallest states by area by continent and part of the world
The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).
The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).
The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).
The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).
The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).
The smallest country in South America is Suriname (area 163,270 km²).
The smallest countries in the world by population. Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.
10th place: St. Kitts and Nevis. Population - 55214 people.
9th place: Liechtenstein. Population - 37540 people.
8th place: San Marino. Population - 32,455 people.
7th place: Palau is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. Is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20,842 people.
6th place: Cook Islands. Population - 13340 people.
5th place: Order of Malta. The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.
4th place: Nauru. Population - 10478 people.
3rd place: Tuvalu. Population - 10,116 people.
2nd place: Niue is an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.
The smallest country in the world by population is the Vatican. Population - 842 people.
10th place. Maldives- a state in South Asia, located on 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islets in the Indian Ocean. The capital is Male.
Land area - 298 km²
Population - 393,000 people. (2013)
The capital of the Maldives is Male. Photo by Shahee Ilyas
9th place. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis- consists of 2 islands Saint Kitts and Nevis. Geographically, the country is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. The capital Basseterre is located on the island of St. Kitts. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.
Land area - 261 km²
Population - 49,898 people (2010)
The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background
8th place. Cook Islands- an archipelago and state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean in Polynesia. The territory includes 15 islands, 3 of which are uninhabited. The capital is the city of Avarua on the island of Rarotonga.
Land area - 236.7 km²
Population - 14,974 people (2011)
Thor Heyerdahl's expedition contacted a radio amateur from the island of Rarotonga while traveling on the Kon-Tiki raft.
Cook Islands - Rarotonga Island
7th place. - a Pacific state in Micronesia, associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands in the Marshall Islands archipelago. The capital is the city of Majuro, built on an atoll of the same name, consisting of 64 islands.
Land area - 181.3 km²
Population - 53,158 people (2011)
6th place. Principality of Liechtenstein- a dwarf state in Central Europe, associated with Switzerland. The capital of the principality is Vaduz.
Area – 160.4 km²
population - 35,870 people.
5th place. - is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The capital is San Marino.
Area – 61 km²
population - 32,075 people. (2011)
4th place. is a Pacific country in Polynesia, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The capital is Funafuti.
Total land area - 26 km²
The country's population is 11,206 people. (2011)
Tuvalu is notable for the fact that in 2011 it recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and 2.5 years later, for some reason, it “changed its mind” and revoked the act of recognition of the independence of these two states.
3rd place. Republic of Nauru- a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. Nauru is the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island state, the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.
Total land area - 21.3 km²
Country population - 10,084 people (2011)
2nd place. Principality of Monaco- a dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is widely known for its casino in Monte Carlo, and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. The capital is Monaco.
Total land area - 2.02 km²
Country population - 35,986 (2011)
1st place. - a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) within the territory of Rome, associated with Italy
Total land area - 0.44 km²
Country population - 836 (2012)
Order of Malta(Sovereign Military Order of Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta) is a knightly religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. The world's oldest order of knighthood.
The Order of Malta has observer status at the UN. It has diplomatic relations with 104 countries, supported by a large number of ambassadors. According to international law, the Order of Malta is a state-like entity, while the order itself positions itself as a state. The sovereignty of the Order of Malta is considered at the level of diplomatic missions, but not as state sovereignty. Sometimes viewed as a dwarf state.
Total land area - 0.012 km²
Country population - 13,000 members (2013)
Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta
A state proclaimed in 1967 by retired British Major Paddy Roy Bates. Claims sovereignty over the territory of an offshore platform in the North Sea, 10 kilometers off the coast of Great Britain.
Total land area - 0.00055 km² (550 m²)
Country population - 27 (2002)
The appearance of the territory of Sealand is due to Great Britain and the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast, which housed anti-aircraft guns and a garrison of 200 people. After the war, most of these towers were destroyed, but the Rafs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained intact.
In 1966, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates and his friend Ronan O'Reilly chose the Roughs Tower platform, by then long abandoned, to build an amusement park. However, after some time they quarreled, and Bates became the sole owner of the island. In 1967, O'Reilly tried to take over the island and used force to do so, but Bates defended himself with rifles, shotguns, Molotov cocktails and flamethrowers, and O'Reilly's attack was repulsed.
Roy did not build an amusement park, but chose the platform to base his pirate radio station, Britain's Better Music Station, but the radio station never broadcast from the platform. On September 2, 1967, he announced the creation of a sovereign state and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. This day is celebrated as the main public holiday.
The smallest countries in the world by area. Breakdown by continents and parts of the world
- Asia - Maldives(area - 298 km²);
- Africa - Seychelles(area - 455 km²);
- Europe - (area - 0.44 km²);
- Oceania - (area - 21 km²);
- North America - Saint Kitts and Nevis(area - 261 km²);
- South America - Suriname(area - 163.270 km²).
The smallest countries in the world by population. Breakdown by continents and parts of the world
- Asia - South Ossetia(population - 72,000 people);
- Africa - Seychelles(population - 87,476 people);
- Europe - (population - 836 people);
- Oceania - Niue(population - 1,398 people);
- North America - Saint Kitts and Nevis(population - 49,898 people);
- South America - Suriname(population - 472,000 people).
The smallest countries in the world by population
- - 836 people;
- Niue- 1,398 people
Niue is an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km²; - - 9,322 people;
- - 10,544 people;
- Cook Islands- 19,569 people;
- Palau- 20,842 people
Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. Is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km²; - - 32,075 people;
- Liechtenstein- 35,870 people;
- Saint Kitts and Nevis- 49,898 people;
- Dominica- 72,000 people
Dominica is a state on the island of the same name from the group of Lesser Antilles (Windward) Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Area - 754 km².
Even the smallest countries in the world can occupy a significant place in global politics and economics
© 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 territory that a country occupies. Small countries are just as beautiful and significant as big ones. And this is what these countries are:
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. Citizens of this state are subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has a non-profit economy. The bulk of the budget comes from donations. Also, cash receipts to the treasury come from the tourism sector: payment for visits to museums, sale of souvenirs, etc. The Vatican plays a significant role in resolving 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. This country is also known for the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. Tourism is one of the main sources of government income, 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 shortage of fresh water. Flora and fauna are very scarce. The main source of replenishment of the treasury for a long time was the mining 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. Destructive cyclones often 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 minor 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 in the 3rd century. This country is located in a mountainous area. The basis of the economy is manufacturing, which accounts for 34% of GDP; 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: mountainous landscapes, and also 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 services sector. The country has a very high standard of living and well-being. Liechtenstein is an example of how 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. The flora and fauna have been significantly changed by humans, including the nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1954. Therefore, plant species characteristic of this area are practically not found on the islands; others were planted instead. The main sector of the economy is the service sector. Due to undeveloped infrastructure and high prices for transport (flights 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 eastern Caribbean Sea. In terms of territory and population, this state is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere. The main industry that provides the majority of treasury revenue is tourism. Agriculture is poorly developed, mainly sugar cane is grown.
Incredibly varied. Each of them is unique in its own way. However, we are accustomed to the fact that the word “country” implies a vast territory, hundreds of cities and villages. Nevertheless, there are powers in the world with a record small area. Today we will find out which countries are the smallest in area and what features they have.
The Heart of Catholicism
The smallest country in the world by area, known to everyone, is the Vatican. A small but incredibly powerful 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 are 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 Strait and surrounded by coral reefs.
Power here belongs to the British monarch, who is represented on the island by the Governor-General. The official language is English. Total area - 261 sq. km.
Population - more than 50,000 people. Blacks dominate, whose descendants were brought as slaves to the islands. The indigenous inhabitants of the republic were Caribbean Indians, but in the 17th century they were ousted by the British. The latter soon had to cede rights to the islands to the French. In the 80s, Saint Kitts and Nevis gained internal self-government. Status - “state associated with Great Britain”.
Maldives - a piece of paradise
This paradise in the Indian Ocean is also one of the 10 smallest countries in the world by area. 1192 coral islets 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 that expensive - about $1,000.
The islands are grouped into a target of 26 atolls. Area - only 300 sq. m, which housed about 400,000 residents. 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 by area.
The indigenous people are the Dravidians (immigrants from India). In the 5th-7th centuries, Persians and Arabs appeared on the islands.
The official language is Dikhevi. However, in tourist centers there is enough knowledge of English.
Conclusion
So, we found out which country has the smallest area and which powers are among the ten smallest in size. The remaining small states of the world, including island ones, have an area of 400 square meters. km or more.
Today there are about 250 recognized independent states. Among them there are both giant states, such as Russia, the USA and Canada, and very small countries, comparable in area to large cities. Despite their “miniature” nature, in some cases they play a huge role in the world political arena.
10 Grenada
Area: 344 km²Population: 107,317 people.
Capital: St. George's
Grenada is an island state with a constitutional monarchy. This wonderful land is located in the Caribbean Sea, and it was discovered by Columbus back in the 14th century. Agriculture specializes in growing vegetables and fruits, which are subsequently exported. Since Grenada is located in an offshore zone, its treasury is replenished with more than $7 million annually through offshore financial services.
9 Maldives
Area: 298 km²Population: 427,756 people
Capital: Male
The Maldives is rightfully considered one of the best tourist resorts in the world. It has everything: the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, pristine 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 revenue to the state budget of the Maldives. Interesting fact: The Republic of Maldives consists of more than 1,100 islands.
8 Saint Kitts and Nevis
Area: 261 km²Population: 54,821 people
Capital: Basseterre
This country is located on two islands of the same name and has a federal government system. Agriculture here is very poorly developed (mainly sugar cane is grown), despite the favorable climate. But the tourism sector is 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 citizenship of this country.
7 Marshall Islands
Area: 181 km²Population: 53,263 people.
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 those species of plants and animals that are characteristic of such an area are almost never found there. Therefore, others were brought out there. The islands have very underdeveloped infrastructure, so many economic areas are in a development phase.
6 Liechtenstein
Area: 160 km²Population: 37,468 people.
Capital: Vaduz
Despite its small area, Liechtenstein is one of the most beautiful and richest countries in the world. The country borders Austria and Switzerland and is located in the Alps, which makes it highly attractive for tourists. Liechtenstein is a global financial center with a highly developed banking system. It is also worth noting that the state ranks second in the world in terms of GDP, right after Qatar.
5 San Marino
Area: 61 km²Population: 33,029 people
Capital: San Marino
This small country is located on the mountain slope 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 Monte Titano itself, are included in the UNESCO list of natural heritage sites.
4 Tuvalu
Area: 26 km²Population: 9,876 people
Capital: Funafuti
Tuvalu is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, which, in fact, is understandable. The country has an extremely unfavorable climate - here heavy rains give way to droughts. As a result, the nature of Tuvalu is very poor, which affected the development of agriculture.
3 Nauru
Area: 21 km²Population: 10,084 people
Capital: no
The Pacific nation of Nauru is unique in many ways. This is the only country without a 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 by the extraction of phosphates, which, in turn, cause great damage to the island's ecosystem, making the development of agriculture and tourism almost impossible.
2 Monaco
Area: 2.02 km²Population: 37,863 people
Capital: Monaco
Of course, everyone has heard about the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the famous casino in Monte Carlo. Yes, all this is located in this small state on the border with France. It is logical that tourism is one of the country's main sources of income. The richest people in the world also keep their savings here, because in Monaco there is a guarantee of bank secrecy.
1 Vatican
Area: 0.44 km²Population: 1,000 people
Capital: Vatican
The smallest state in the world, paradoxically, is the most powerful, or at least “one of...”. The Vatican is the residence of the Pope, and the country's citizens are called subjects of the Holy See. The Vatican has great influence in the military-political sphere, often calling on warring countries to make peace.
Size doesn't matter - that's what needs to be said at the end of this article. Even the smallest country, although it will not amaze the imagination with its army of thousands, million-plus cities and megalopolises, will definitely be remembered for its unique nature, sights and unique history.
