Which state is the smallest monaco or the vatican. What is the smallest country in the world by area? Saint Helena

The smallest countries in the world 🗺

We live in huge countries. But there are also small countries on earth. And although they are small in size, some of them are quite significant and authoritative.

Of the 10 smallest countries, two are in the Caribbean, four in Europe, one in Asia, and three in Oceania. There are four more countries on the continent, and 3 of them do not even have access to the sea, and six tiny countries are located on islands. For such countries, livelihoods are vital.

Country Vatican

The smallest state is with an area of ​​0.44 square kilometers, located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. Population - 836 people. The strongest apparatus of the entire Roman Catholic Church with a large number of followers around the world is working at the Vatican. He receives all finances from the donations of Catholics on a voluntary basis. He also sells stamps, books and part of the money comes from tourists. There is no tax in the Vatican.

Country Monaco

The second smallest country is considered with an area of ​​1.96 km². Moreover, there are 23,660 inhabitants per square kilometer. The country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with about 30,000 inhabitants. The main source of income for the residents is tourism. Monaco is located on the Mediterranean coast.

Country Nauru

Nauru- a state located on a coral island in the western part of the Pacific Ocean with an area of ​​​​21 km². Population - 9 322 people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest island nation, the smallest nation in Oceania, the smallest nation outside of Europe, and the only republic in the world without an official capital. The state of Nauru does not have an army.

Country Tuvalu

Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. Due to the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries. This country is one of the poorest countries in the world and would be even poorer if the country's leadership had not guessed to put up for auction the national domain zone.tv and the buyer was quickly found, because. zone.tv is a tidbit for TV companies and video sites. Tuvalu now receives $1 million quarterly in exchange for the right to use the .tv domain zone

Country San Marino

A country surrounded on all sides by Italy. Its area is 61 km², the population is 32,075 people. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture, growing grapes, fruits, corn and animal husbandry. But the main source of income is tourism. San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.

Country Liechtenstein

State in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people. has no access to the sea. One of the richest countries in the world, the main income is due to the large flow of tourists.

Pacific state associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands, the total area of ​​​​which is 181 km², the population is 68,000 people.

is an archipelago of 15 islands. The State of the Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific. The area is 236 km², the population is 19,569 people, of which almost 80% are on the island of Rarotonga. The basis of the economy is tourism.

A country in the eastern Caribbean between North and South America. It consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis, with a total area of ​​261 sq. km. These were the first islands inhabited by Europeans. The main source of income is, of course, tourism, but agriculture and offshore banking are also developed here.

Country Maldives

The island country is located in the Indian Ocean and is the smallest Asian country in terms of area. Includes approximately 1190 coral islands with a total area of ​​298 sq. km, the population is 396 thousand. Two-thirds of the population lives in the country's capital, Male. Previously, the country developed thanks to the export of dried tuna, kauri clams and coconut cables, now the main income comes from tourism.

State of Sealand

All these countries are recognized by the international community, but there is a state that, in terms of area and population, can rightfully be considered the smallest in the world. This state- Sealand), with an area of ​​500 square meters. It is a concrete platform with dimensions of 30 by 10 meters. The platform is located outside the three-mile zone in the North Sea, which means it is in neutral waters.

Roy Bates took advantage of this in the 70s and officially occupied this zone. Roy proclaimed himself king, his wife queen, and the state proclaimed a monarchy and with all his loyal subjects settled in his state. But he did not think to stop there, in 1975 Roy issued a constitution, a national currency.

Initially, the platform was created during the Second World War, as a base for the British Army, but was subsequently abandoned, which was used by British Army Major Roy Bates to host a pirate radio station and, in order to avoid trial, officially declared the independence of Sealand.

After 2 years, Britain tried to occupy the state, but Roy fired several warning shots into the air. Against Roy, as a citizen of England, a court case was initiated. But justice prevailed, the court issued a historically important verdict, he recognized that the case is outside the jurisdiction of the UK. In 2002, the population of the state of Sealand was 27 people. However, at the same time, only a guard constantly lives on the territory of Sealand.

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© 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 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.

Our top 10 smallest countries in the world by population will tell you about sparsely populated states, the territory of which covers only small "pieces of land". But this does not prevent them from being beautiful and cozy.

10 Andorra

The state is located in the Pyrenees between Spain and France. Andorra area 468 sq. km. The relief is dominated by high rocky mountains. The country has deposits of iron ore and lead. Agricultural development is limited, as there is only 2% of cultivated land on which tobacco, potatoes, barley and rye are grown. Tourism is the backbone of the economy. Population 72344 people.

9 Saint Kitts and Nevis


The state consists of two islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The total land area is 261 sq. km. Both islands are of volcanic origin and therefore have a mountainous surface. On the slopes of the mountains there are plantations of sugar cane and cotton, rows of coconut palms. Agriculture is the main industry in the country. Tourism has developed rapidly in recent years. Population 56632 people.

8 Marshall Islands


This state in Micronesia unites 5 islands and 29 atolls in the Pacific Ocean. The total land area is slightly more than 181 sq. km. All islands are low. The highest point is 10 m above sea level. Throughout the year, the temperature is constant: between the warmest and coldest months, the difference is only 1-2 degrees at an average annual temperature of 27.8. The basis of the economy is the service sector, agriculture and developing tourism. Population 56111 people.

7 Liechtenstein


The state, located in Western Europe and bordering on Switzerland and Austria, has spread its territories in the spurs of the Alps. Liechtenstein is a prosperous country with a high standard of living. The country's economy is represented by manufacturing, food, ceramics, textile and pharmaceutical industries, as well as foreign tourism. Population 38145 people.

6 Monaco


The state is located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea and borders on France. The area of ​​the country is 2 sq. km. The basis of the country's economy is tourism, the construction of new residences and the mining business. The Alley of Football Stars, located on the embankment, keeps the footprints of many outstanding football players in the world. Population 37536 people.

5 San Marino


The state, located in Southern Europe and surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy, is located on one of the slopes of the Monte Titano mountain range. Therefore, about 80% of the territory is rocks, and only 16% of the area is arable land. At the same time, agriculture is one of the main sectors of the country's economy. Tourism plays a huge role in the economy. Population 32690 people.

4 Palau


It is an island nation located in the Philippine Sea. Palau is made up of 328 islands. The total land area is 458 sq. km. The islands have a very rich flora and fauna. In 1995, Palau was declared an "underwater wonder of the world." Jellyfish Lake is home to millions of non-stinging jellyfish. Palau's economy is based on tourism, fishing and arts and crafts. Population 21425 people.

3 Nauru


This state is located on the island of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean. The area of ​​the island is just over 21 sq. km. The highest point of the island is 65 m above sea level. The island is surrounded by a reef, which is exposed at low tide. For the passage of small boats to the shore of the island, 16 channels were dug in the reef. At one time, phosphorites were mined on the island, which affected the environment. In this regard, tourism is not particularly developed. The main problem is the lack of fresh water. Population 10387 people1 Vatican


The Vatican is recognized as a theocratic enclave mini-state located inside the territory of Rome. It is under the control of the Holy See, whose sovereign is the Pope. Almost the entire population consists of subjects of the Vatican, who are ministers of the Catholic Church and have a passport issued by the State Secretariat of the Vatican. Citizenship cannot be acquired in the Vatican by birth or inheritance. Citizenship can only be obtained by serving the Holy See. Population 839 people.

Such little corners of paradise annually attract a huge number of tourists, giving them what they are looking for - aesthetic pleasure for the soul and body.

We all know that Russia ranks first among the states of the world in terms of area and is in the top ten in terms of population. But there are many countries in the world that are so small in area that it is difficult to immediately find them on the map.


There are also states whose population is comparable to the number of inhabitants of a Russian regional center or even a small village. Meanwhile, they have all the attributes necessary for a sovereign state - the recognition of other states and international organizations, the monetary system, the government, etc.

The smallest countries in the world by area

The list of the smallest countries in the world is of interest not only from a geographical point of view, but also from the standpoint of the justification for the existence of these independent states for the rest of the world.

How did small states manage to maintain their sovereignty in the era of the most severe wars for territories and resources? Meanwhile, many so-called dwarf states have considerable weight in world politics.

1. The smallest officially recognized state in the world today is the residence of the Pope Vatican. It is located in the capital of Italy, Rome, and covers an area of ​​only 0.44 square kilometers with a population of about 900 people.


However, the influence of the Vatican on world politics is incommensurable with its area. In fact, it is the capital of the Catholic world, which includes more than a billion people from dozens of countries on all continents.

2. In second place in terms of area is the European Principality of Monaco, which occupies 2.02 square kilometers on the Cote d'Azur of the Mediterranean Sea - the most famous and fashionable resort area in the world. The state is governed by the Prince of Monaco, whose power is inherited.


The number of subjects is a little over 30 thousand people. Monaco is famous for its gambling houses and international banks, which bring the main income to the treasury.

3. Nauru- the third largest officially recognized state. This is an island lost in the Pacific Ocean, with an area of ​​21.3 square kilometers, on which about 10 thousand people live. Nauru does not even have its own capital, as its territory can be explored on foot in a few hours.


Until the 80s, the main income of Nauru was the extraction of phosphorus minerals, because of which the ecology of the island was seriously disturbed. In the 90s, the state became an offshore banking zone and actively traded in its passports. Today, Nauru's economy is supported primarily by aid.

4. Tuvalu- Another Pacific island state, uniting 9 coral islands with a total area of ​​​​about 26 square kilometers, where a little less than 10 thousand people live. This is one of the poorest countries in the world, the main income of which is generated by issuing licenses to fish in its territorial waters.


The population is mainly engaged in agriculture, growing vegetables for their own subsistence and coconut palm for the production of copra for export.

5. San Marino- the fifth largest state, occupying 61 square kilometers in the northern part of the Apennines and surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy.


This oldest republic in Europe has all the hallmarks of a real state: a developed and diversified economy, a multi-party system, its own university and research center.

The smallest countries in the world by population

The list of independent countries with the smallest population is practically the same as the territorial list.

1. Vatican - 793 people.

2. Tuvalu - 9916 people.

3. Nauru - 10,222 people.

4. Palau - 21,291 people.

5. San Marino - 31,781 people.

If we take into account the dependent territories under the protectorate of larger states, then the list will look like this.

1. Pitcairn Islands (British protectorate) - 56 people.

2. Cocos Islands (territory of Australia) - 550 people.

3. Vatican - 793 people.

4. Tokelau (New Zealand protectorate) - 1383 people.

5. Niue (New Zealand protectorate) - 1610 people.

Principality of Sealand - the unrecognized leader of the dwarf states

Not far from the coast of Britain, in the waters of the North Sea, there is the Principality of Sealand, which has existed since 1967. This is the Roughs Tower platform, left over from the fortifications of the British army during the Second World War. Retired Major Roy Bates declared her his principality, and himself, respectively, Prince Roy I.


Today, there are 27 people in the world who have Sealand passports and are formally its citizens. However, there is only a shift guard on the 550 square meter platform at all times. The State of Sealand is not recognized by any officially existing state in the world.

10th place. Maldives- a state in South Asia, located on 20 atolls consisting of 1192 coral islands 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 of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Geographically, the country is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. The capital city of Baster is located on the island of Saint 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 a 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. - Pacific state in Micronesia, associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the Marshall Islands archipelago. The capital is the city of Majuro, built on the 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. - 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. - Pacific state in Polynesia, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The capital is Funafuti.

Total land area - 26 km²
The population of the country 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, “changed its mind” and withdrew the act of recognizing 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 nation, the smallest nation outside of Europe, and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

Total land area - 21.3 km²
The population of the country - 10.084 people (2011)

2nd place. Principality of Monaco- a dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast 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 casinos 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) inside 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 Rhodes and Malta) is a chivalric religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. The oldest order of chivalry in the world.

The Order of Malta has the status of an observer organization at the UN. It has diplomatic relations with 104 states, 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 the sovereignty of the state. Sometimes considered as a dwarf state.

Total land area - 0.012 km²
Country population - 13.000 members (2013)

The Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

State proclaimed in 1967 by British retired Major Paddy Roy Bates. Claims sovereignty over the territory of an offshore platform in the North Sea, 10 kilometers from the coast of Great Britain.

Total land area - 0.00055 km² (550 m²)
Country population - 27 (2002)

The appearance of the Sealand territory 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 Roughs 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 now abandoned Roughs Tower platform to build an amusement park. However, after a while 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 a platform to base his pirate radio station, Britain's Better Music Station, but this 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 continent 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 in terms of population. Breakdown by continent 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

  1. - 836 people;
  2. 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. Area - 261.46 km²;
  3. - 9.322 people;
  4. - 10.544 people;
  5. Cook Islands- 19.569 people;
  6. Palau- 20.842 people
    Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of ​​458 km²;
  7. - 32.075 people;
  8. Liechtenstein- 35.870 people;
  9. Saint Kitts and Nevis- 49.898 people;
  10. Dominica- 72.000 people
    Dominica is a state on the island of the same name from the Lesser Antilles (Windward) Islands group in the Caribbean Sea. Area - 754 km².
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