There are countries that are comparable in size to a 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 walked from edge to edge in one day. The list of microstates 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 questions like "5 microstates of the world and their capitals." It is worth mentioning right away that such countries do not always have capitals. Usually a country is its own capital.
Vatican
Opens our list of 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 more people come here to work every day, but they are not citizens of the country. On the one hand, the Vatican is the smallest state, and on the other hand, one of the largest museumsopen air. Here you can admire works of art, architectural monuments, Christian relics and unique creations of local craftsmen. Every year the country is visited by many tourists from all over the world.
Monaco
The second place in our review of the "Microstates of the World" is the Principality of Monaco. The total territory of this country is 1.95 km2, 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 picturesque beaches and visit gambling establishments. The lion's share of the local population is engaged in servicing 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 km2, and the population is 12 thousand people. Nauru is the smallest country among the independent republics and among the 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 km2, and the population is 14 thousand people. The state became independent in 1978. Prior to that, it was considered a British colony. Translated from the local language, the name of the country means "eight adjacent" and symbolizes the eight islandsstates that are traditionally inhabited. The main problem in this country is the tides, which sometimes flood most of the islands. Since the country has practically no natural resources, it lives at the expense of 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 km2 and its population is 33 thousand people. The economic position of this country can be the envy of many major powers. The fact is that San Marino's income exceeds its 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 moving on.
Liechtenstein
Another dwarf state located in Europe. The name of the state was given in honor of the ruling dynasty. The area of the country is 160 km2, and the population is 38 thousand people. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps. The highest point in the country is Mount Grauspitz, 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 prosperous industrial country with a highly developed banking system. 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 located in Micronesia and consists of 29 atolls and 5 archipelagos. The coastline of the Marshall Islands is 370.4 kilometers long. The total land area is 181.3 km2, another 11673 km2 is occupied by lagoons. The population of the country is 65 thousand people. The maximum height of land in the Marshall Islands does not exceed ten meters. Thus, in the event of a significant increase in the water level in the world's oceans or with global climate change, serious cataclysms are possible on many islands of the country. From outside threats, the country and its citizens, according to the agreement, are protected by America. Having considered 7 microstates of the world, we continue our review.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The state consists of the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis and is located in the east of the Caribbean Sea. The area of the state is 261 km2, 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 for a long time was fought between France and Great Britain. In 1983, the islands united into one state and gained independence.
Despite their volcanic origin, the islands are rich in tropical vegetation. The mountainous regions are covered with dense orchards and forests. Fruits such as mango, avocado, breadfruit and cinnamon, banana, papaya and others grow here. The meadows that replace the forest on the top of the mountains are also very rich in vegetation. The island is home to many animals, and the 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 1192 coral islands. The Maldives are located south of India in the Indian Ocean. The total area of the state is 90,000 km2, of which only 298 km2 is 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. At the same time, more than 30% of the country's population lives here. The money earned from serving tourists is the basis of the country's budget. Fishing is in second place. Thanks to a comfortable climate (24-30 degrees throughout the year), beach holidays are common here all year round.
M alta
If we considered 10 microstates of the world by area, then this country would become the end point of our route. M alta is an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of many islands, among which only three are inhabited: M alta, Comino and Gozo. The country covers an area of 316 km2. Its population is 420 thousand people. It is the most sparsely populated state in the European Union. In M alta, they earn mainly on tourism. With a wide variety of natural and urban landscapes, M alta is often the location for filming. BUTit is also the only European country that does not have rivers, lakes and its own sources of fresh water. We have already considered 10 microstates of the world, it's time to get acquainted with the last five.
Grenada
The list of the last 5 microstates in the world starts with Grenada, an island country located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. The state consists of the island of Grenada and some of the islands of the Grenadines. The total area of the country is 344 km2, 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 enough rivers here, but there are enough streams and springs. 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
While looking at the microstates of the world, one can also stumble upon neighbors. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as you might guess from the name, is also located in the Caribbean Sea. It consists of the large island of St. Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines. The area of the country is 389 km2, and the population is 105 thousand people. Soufrière is an active volcano on Saint Vincent. It has erupted at least 160 times over the past 2,000 years. The last eruption occurred in 1979. The beaches of the island are mostly covered with black sand, but there are also white beaches.
Barbados
Thisthe 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 km2. The main part of the territory is a plain, and only in the middle part there are small hills. This state occupies one of the leading positions in terms of living standards and literacy of the local population. Tourism is the main source of income here. Most of the monuments are related to the theme of piracy. The country is also famous for the pirated rum that is produced here. Severe hurricanes hit Barbados approximately every three years.
Antigua and Barbuda
Our Microstates of the World ranking is coming to an end and there are only two countries left. 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 km2, 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 here. The main source of income for the local population is tourism.
Seychelles
Here it is, the largest of the microstates, at least of the 15 that we met as part of the "Microstates of the World" review. 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 km22, the population is 90 thousand people.
For a long time, locals made money on the export of coconut, cinnamon and vanilla, but after the country gained independence, they began to earn money mainly from tourism. By the way, the fruit of the Seychelles palm, which weighs up to 20 kilograms, is considered the largest vegetable fruit in the world.
Conclusion
Today we reviewed the main microstates of the world by area. They are all different, and each is interesting in its own way. It should be noted that with a small area, many microstates are very developed and prosperous. Moreover, this very well-being is far from always due to the we alth of natural resources.
