Smallest countries: ranking of small states in the world.

In the world, among more than two hundred countries, there are those that amaze with their culture or, for example, sizes. There are giant countries that occupy entire continents, but there are also the smallest countries. They are also bright and can surprise with architecture or culture.

Interestingly, the smallest countries are quite prosperous, and their economy can even surprise. After all, small means little and poor. At the same Time, the smallest countries are mainly located in Europe.

TOP smallest countries in the world

Despite their size, the smallest countries in the world are quite popular. It is difficult in the world to find a person who has never heard of the Vatican or Monaco. For example, Cyprus is one of the most favorite vacation spots for tourists.

Which countries are the smallest in the world:

1. Vatican — 0.44 km².

2. Monaco — 1.95 km².

3. San Marino — 61 km².

4. Liechtenstein — 62 km².

5. Malta — 316 km².

Each of these countries is distinguished by a rich culture and a thousand-year history.

Vatican

Vatican is, of course, in the first place. Vatican is a small sovereign territory located inside Italy. It is the center of the Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. That is why the Vatican became a country within a country.

In the IV century, under the rule of Emperor Constantine the Great, Christianity became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire. During this period, the Basilica of St. Peter was built on the Vatican Hill. Later, the Vatican became the center of the Catholic Church in 1929 when the Lateran Treaty was concluded between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. This treaty led to the formation of the independent state of the Vatican. It is still in force.

The Vatican is one of the smallest countries in the world. Its area is only about 44 hectares. Everyone can walk through it from end to end in a day. At the same time, territorially the Vatican borders on Italy and is a sovereign state with its own jurisdiction.

The Vatican has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks, such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and museums that house the richest art collections. However, it is practically impossible to settle in this country. The population of the Vatican consists mainly of clergy, the Pope, the post, and other employees of the Holy See, as well as civil servants.

Monaco

Monaco is another small sovereign state located in Western Europe, on the shores of the French Riviera. In the XIII century, Monaco became an important point on trade routes. In 1297, Francois Grimaldi captured the Monaco castle, and since then the Grimaldi dynasty has ruled Monaco. In 1861, Monaco became part of France, but in 1869 it received the status of an independent state under the protection of France.

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of area. Its area is only about 2 square kilometers. Monaco borders only with France and is completely surrounded by French territory. Monaco is known for its high-rise buildings, beautiful gardens, and yacht ports. The population of Monaco is small, about 38 thousand people, which makes it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Monaco is known for its casinos, Formula 1 races, and luxury yachts.

San Marino

San Marino is another small sovereign state located in Northern Italy. San Marino is considered one of the oldest existing states in the world. The country is a republic with democratic governance. It has its own constitution, an elected parliament, and the head of state - the Captain Regent.

The economy of San Marino largely depends on tourism.

The area of San Marino is only about 61 square kilometers.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a small sovereign principality located in Europe, between Switzerland and Austria.

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy with a limited monarchy. The Prince of Liechtenstein is the head of state, and the country is governed by the elected parliament Landtag.

Liechtenstein is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, such as old castles, museums, and galleries. The area of Liechtenstein is only about 160 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world.

Malta

Malta is an island state located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy). Malta is a parliamentary republic with democratic governance. The head of state is the president, and the executive power belongs to the prime minister.

Malta consists of three main islands - Malta (where the capital Valletta is located), Gozo, and Comino. The islands have a characteristic Mediterranean landscape with beautiful beaches, cliffs, and coastal caves. The population of Malta is about 500 thousand people, which makes it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.