There are 194 independent countries in the world and only 24 of them have an area of less than 1000 square meters. The smallest areas are mainly the dwarf states of Europe, due to their geographical borders and international agreements, and island states in Oceania, limited by the natural coastal strip.
These tiny countries with their own history, culture, government are some of the richest, most remote and impressive places on Earth. Find out which 5 countries are on the list of the smallest in the world in terms of size of territory.
Fifth Place - San Marino
San Marino (full name - Republic of San Marino), covering the territory of 61 square meters. km, - 3rd in the list of the smallest largest European countries; a dwarf sovereign state located at the foot of Monte Titano and surrounded by Italy. San Marino, founded in 301 by Christian Saint Marin, - it is the oldest republic in Europe. San Marino has a capital with 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 referred to 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 reduced due to rising sea levels.Tuvalu, with the highest point of 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, formerly being its colony. The capital of this state is the city-atoll of Funafuti, known for its vast lagoon off the coast.
Third Place - Nauru
Nauru (full name - 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 square meters. km, Nauru is the 3rd among the smallest countries 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, and also the only country without a capital (the unofficial capital is Yaren). The island is famous for deposits of phosphate rocks near the surface, which allows this resource to be mined. Coral reefs, azure waters and white sandy beaches are the country's main natural resources.
Second Place - Monaco
Monaco (full name - Principality of Monaco) is a microstate, a semi-enclave in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast, which ranks 2nd among the smallest countries in the world with an area of only 2.02 square meters. Km. (over the past 20 years, the land size has expanded due to the drainage of the sea by 0.4 sq. km). Monaco, with a population of 38 thousand people, is the most densely populated country. Monaco's most populated quarter Monte Carlo is a popular gaming center.
The sovereignty of Monaco was officially recognized after the signing of the Franco-Monegasque Treaty in 1861 between France and the Principality of Monaco. Monaco is a principality that rules in 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) - the smallest country in the worldwhich covers area less than 1 sq. Km - 0.44 sq. The Vatican is also the least populated country in the world with 850 inhabitants, but has the 3rd largest population density (after Monaco and Singapore).
The Vatican City is located on the western bank of the Tiber River inside the Italian capital of Rome (without access to the sea) 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 led by the Bishop of Rome. Here is the largest Catholic church - St. Peter's Basilica, which preserves the great works of art of the Renaissance (“Creation of Adam”, “Mourning of Christ” by M. Buonarroti). About 75% of Vatican citizens are members of the clergy.
There is a state, even smaller than the Vatican. This Principality of Sealand is the smallest state on Earth with an area of 0.004 square meters. It is an offshore platform in the North Sea (12 km from the coast of England), built by the British army during World War II as 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 statetherefore the country is not on the list.
Thus, the list of the TOP 5 smallest officially recognized countries in the world includes the old European republic of San Marino, which is surrounded by Italy; Pacific island states of Tuvalu and Nauru; Principality of Monaco, located along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast; and the center of the Roman Catholic Church of the Vatican, occupying an area of less than 1 square. km and heading this rating.
