Europe is part of the largest continent, its population is 10% of the total population of the planet. The number of countries in Europe is 65, of which 9 are dependent territories, 6 are unrecognized republics. On the European territory there are also several so-called dwarf states. Having independence, they sometimes have neither hospitals, nor educational institutions, nor other infrastructure, but they are developing steadily, mainly due to tourism. How many countries in Europe have this status? At least six: Andorra, Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Monaco, M alta and San Marino. Sometimes Luxembourg is added to this list.
The Principality of Andorra is the largest of Europe's dwarf states, with an area of 465 square kilometers. It is located between Spain and France. These European countries control the economy of Andorra, and the influence of Spain is felt more strongly: most of the population of Andorra are Spaniards, and Spanish is almost equal to the official language. The capital of the principality - Andorra la Vella is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1029meters and is considered the highest mountain capital in Europe. The country has schools and one university. Transport - only by car, there are several helipads. Surrounded by the Pyrenees, Andorra attracts numerous lovers of skiing, and simply connoisseurs of mountain beauties.
The Republic of M alta covers an area of 316 sq. km. This island dwarf state is located in the Mediterranean Sea. And how many countries in Europe can compare with M alta in terms of the number of marriages with Russians? Illegal immigrants from Africa and people of retirement age from other European countries also rush here. The island is also popular for cinema: such films as The Da Vinci Code, Gladiator and many others were filmed here. M alta is the only one of the dwarf countries that is part of the European Union.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is hidden between Switzerland and Austria in the picturesque Alps. Its area is 160 sq. km. To get from Liechtenstein to the nearest sea, you need to cross two borders. How many countries in Europe can do the same? None. There is only one such country in the whole world - Uzbekistan. Liechtenstein is a cultural state. Despite the small territory, there are several museums, a theater, and many musical organizations. The official language is German, but the currency is the Swiss franc.
Republic of San Marino with an area of 61 sq. km is a complete enclave (locked state) inside Italy. Most of the Sanmarinians live on the territoryItaly. The economy of San Marino is closely linked to that of Italy and the official language is Italian. The Republic is often called the oldest country in the world, as its borders have never changed for a long time.
The Principality of Monaco is a state on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, bordering France and occupying an area of only 2 square kilometers! The prince rules the country, the official language is French, the population is mostly French. Unlike Andorra, Monaco has rail and sea transport. The Principality is a cultural and tourist center. Monaco is home to the famous Oceanographic Museum, whose director was the great explorer of the 20th century, Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Vatican. A unique state with practically no civilians (only the clergy). Citizenship is not inherited and is not assigned at birth. Citizenship in the Vatican can only be earned. The influence and role of the Vatican as a world power is supported by numerous Catholic believers: after all, it is known for certain how many countries in Europe are Catholic - more than 21, this is not counting the countries of America, Africa, Asia. The Vatican advocates the elimination of nuclear weapons and the protection of the environment. The area of the smallest state in the world is 0.44 sq. km.
