The smallest countries in the world (by area and population). The smallest country in the world The smallest country in Asia

"Me and the World" welcomes everyone who is now reading this article. Today we want to present you a rating of small countries. And what is the smallest state in the world, you will find out by reading this article to the end.

When we hear about a country, for example, in the news, we imagine a large territory with a population of several million people. But there are countries that can be compared in area with one modern metropolis.

And let's start with San Marino - 61 sq. km

We can say that this is a state within a state. San Marino is surrounded by the lands of Italy in a circle and is considered the oldest in Europe. It is noteworthy that it is located on one of the slopes of Mount Titan.

According to legend, the founder of San Marino is considered to be a stonemason named Marinus, who made the main castle of the future country in the rock, where he created his community. Subsequently, the stonemason was canonized as a Christian saint.

Only 30,000 people live here. But on the other hand, there is almost no unemployment, and the GDP per capita is one of the highest, thanks to the tourism business.

On the 4th place is Tuvalu - 26 sq. km

This Pacific area in Polynesia consists of nine small coral islands. The population is about 11,000 people.

In such a small area, there are only 8 km of roads, so it is difficult to get to different parts of the country and tourists rarely visit these islands, although the places here are very beautiful. The biggest problem is the gradual flooding of the territory, i.e. the islands are slowly sinking.

The islands of Tuvalu were discovered by the British Alvaro Mendanya de Neira in 1568 and for a long time were an English colony until they gained independence in the middle of the 20th century. The capital of the country is a city with a candy-like name - Funafuti.

Interestingly, the lands often changed their name. The discoverer called them the Lagoon Islands, then the archipelago was called the Ellis Islands, and now this is the state of Tuvalu, which means “eight standing together”.

3rd place - Nauru - 21 sq. km

Nauru is also an island nation, but even smaller in area than Tuvalu and also in the Pacific Ocean. Although the names are quite consonant, right? It is the smallest of the island states.

A little over 10,000 people live here. But they do not have an official capital.

Recently, the country's economy has suffered greatly due to the depletion of phosphate mines.

There was nothing to mine, so unemployment reached 90%. Maybe that's why there are too many obese people here - 97% of men and 93% of women - from nothing to do? Yes, diabetes mellitus is added to this problem.

2nd place - Principality of Monaco - 2.02 sq. km

The territory is located next to France on the Mediterranean coast. The warm climate and beautiful places attract many travelers. About 40,000 people live here.

Many people know this state as the most gambling, thanks to the famous casinos in the city of Monte Carlo.

The country is also known for hosting the Formula 1 championship, the Monaco Grand Prix, every year.

Profit to the treasury comes from the tourism business and the sale of real estate.

The Vatican closes the top five - 0.44 sq. km - 1st place

Which of the independent states of the world is the smallest? This is the Vatican, and it is located not only on the territory of another state, but also in the center of another city -.

The Vatican is the religious center of the Catholic Church. Therefore, here is the richest and largest church in the world - St. Peter's Cathedral.

The Vatican houses very valuable works of the Renaissance. What does this small state live on? On voluntary contributions of a huge number of Catholics living around the world - more than 1 billion people. There is still a small part of the profit: income from the sale of souvenirs and entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums.

The Pope is recognized as head for life.

Basically, the population (about 840 people) is the clergy, and those who serve the entire holy center (janitors, gardeners and others) are the population of Italy.

It has its own army - the ancient Swiss Guard.

I would like to tell you about another interesting state of South America -Saint Kitts and Nevis

Many wealthy people try to get citizenship here. And do it not in order to live there, but to travel freely around the world and actively engage in business. The possibilities of the passport of this country are simply golden - its presence allows you to visit up to 130 countries of the world, and small taxes allow you to successfully conduct business.

On an area of 260 sq. km beautifully home to 50,000 people. But the country is still ruled by the Queen of England, because. The territory is part of the British Commonwealth. The tourism business is well developed here, there is still income from the import of sugar cane, coffee, and cotton.

Do you want to apply for citizenship here? Then you have two ways:

Make a charitable contribution of $250-350,000 to the development of the country's sugar industry.
Buy a property worth $400,000.

And interestingly, to obtain a passport, you do not need to go to St. Kitts and Nevis, it will be given to you in your country without the cost of a flight.

And one more interesting fact: many consider it a city or a small state. But in fact, this is not the case, since the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg occupies 2,500 square meters. km, and in terms of population - 576,000 people.

The duchy is one of the richest in the world, with a high standard of living. People from different countries keep their savings here thanks to 1000 investment funds and more than 200 banks.

We have described amazing countries, so small, but so interesting and unusual. With its own special history and modern life. If the information became interesting to you, share this article with your friends. Travel the world and all the best to you!

Introducing the Top smallest countries in the world, both in terms of area and population.

The smallest countries by area:

Only independent states recognized by other states are included. Also included are associated states (a form of confederation of unequal states united on a bilateral basis, in which a smaller state, while formally maintaining sovereignty and independence, entrusts a significant part of its power to a larger state).

10th place:- a state in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 49 898 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.

The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

9th place: Cook Islands- an archipelago and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people.

8th place:- 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.

7th place: Liechtenstein- a state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people.

6th place:- a state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Area - 61 km², population - 32,075 people.

5th place:- Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country 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

4th place:- a state on the coral island of the same name 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 state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe, and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

3rd place: Monaco principality associated with France. Monaco is located in southern Europe on the Mediterranean coast. Area - 2.02 km², population - 35,986 people.

2nd place: Vatican located within the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. The area of the Vatican is 0.44 km². Population - 836 people.

The smallest country in Europe and the whole world - Order of Malta(not to be confused with the state of Malta), the full name is "The Sovereign Military Hospice Order of Saint John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta". Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located inside the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort St. Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and license plates, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.

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

The smallest states by area by continents and parts of the world:

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).
The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).
The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).
The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).
The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).
The smallest country in South America is Suriname (163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population:

Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 49 898 people.
9th place: Liechtenstein(for this country, see above). Population - 35 870 people.
8th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 32,075 people.
7th place: Palau is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the USA. It consists of 328 islands with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20 842 people.
6th place: Cook Islands(for this country, see above). Population - 19 569 people.
5th place: Order of Malta(See above for more details). The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.
4th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 10 544 people.
3rd place: (for this country, see above). Population - 9 322 people.
2nd place: Niue- an island and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.
The smallest state in the world in terms of population - (see above about this country). Population - 836 people.

The smallest states in terms of population by continents and parts of the world:

The smallest country in Asia - South Ossetia (population - 72,000 people) - is a partially recognized state: it was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).
The smallest country in Oceania is Niue (pop. 1,398)
The smallest country in Europe - the Vatican (population - 836 people)
The smallest country in Africa - Seychelles (population - 87,476 people)
The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (pop. 49,898)
The smallest country in South America is Suriname (pop. 472,000)

All of the above countries and dependent territories are recognized by the international community or at least several states, however, there is a state not recognized by any country, which is smaller in area than the Order of Malta and in population less than the Vatican.
The Principality of Sealand, located on an offshore platform in the North Sea, 10 kilometers from the coast of Great Britain, has an area of only 0.00055 km² (550 m²). As for the population, in 2002 the authorities of Sealand stated that the population of the state was 27 people. However, at the same time, only a guard constantly lives on the territory of Sealand.

Physically, the territory of Sealand arose during the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast. One of them was Roughs Tower. During the war, the platforms housed anti-aircraft guns and had a garrison of 200 men. After the end of hostilities, most of the towers were destroyed, but Roughs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained intact. In 1967, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates announced the creation of the sovereign state of Sealand on the Roughs Tower platform and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. In 1972, Sealand began minting a coin. In 1975, Sealand's first constitution went into effect. There was a flag and coat of arms.
In 1997, it turned out that without the knowledge of the leadership of Sealand, the passports of this state were illegally distributed. In total, more than 150 thousand passports were sold, after which Sealand was forced to cancel the passports. In January 2007, the owners of the country announced their intention to sell it. Immediately after that, the torrent site The Pirate Bay began raising funds for the acquisition of Sealand in order to achieve independence from the authorities of other states, but the deal did not take place.
Sealand official website - sealandgov.org

This is a list of the 15 smallest countries in the world. Countries that can be compared in size to a small city. You can walk almost every one of these countries from end to end in less than a day.

The smallest state on earth. The Vatican is located on the territory of the Eternal City of Rome, on the hill of Monte Vaticano and has a length of the state border, only 3.2 km. In a few hours you can easily walk around the whole country. According to official figures, the population of the Vatican is just over 800 people. Another 3,000 people are not citizens of the country, but come here every day to work.

The Vatican is one of the largest open-air museums. Here is a real treasury of works of art and architectural monuments, relics of Christianity and unique creations of great masters. A huge number of believers and tourists visit the territory of the Vatican every day.

The second place in the list of microstates is occupied by the Principality of Monaco. Its territory is 1.95 sq. km. The length of the state border with France is 4.4 km. The population density in Monaco, unlike the Vatican, is very high - the country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Local residents are mainly engaged in serving tourists, who are attracted here by magnificent beaches and a huge number of gambling establishments.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the Western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21.3 km² and a population of 12 thousand people. 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.

Tuvalu is a dwarf Pacific state in Polynesia. The length of the coastal strip is 21 km. The state is located on 5 atolls and 4 islands of the Tuvalu archipelago. The total land area is 26 km². The population of the country is 14 thousand people. The islands gained independence in 1978 (before that, the archipelago was a British colony).

The name of the country, translated from the Tuvalu language, it means “eight standing together” (meaning the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu. The main problem of the islands is the rise in the level of the world ocean, which threatens to flood many of the islands, most of which are located no higher than 5 meters above sea level The country lives on the help of other countries, because it does not have its own natural resources.

5. San Marino

European state, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy. The name comes from the name of the Christian saint who founded the state. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe. The area of the state is 60.57 km². Almost 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains and rock massifs. The population is 33 thousand people. San Marino is one of the few modern countries with positive economic indicators. Government revenues exceed expenditures and the country has no external debt.

Another dwarf European state. The area of the country is 160 km². The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty of Liechtenstein. The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the highest point is Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the largest rivers in Western Europe, the Rhine, flows through the western part of the country. The population of the country is 38 thousand people.

Despite its size, Liechtenstein is a prosperous industrial country with a developed banking system. In addition, the Principality of Liechtenstein is included in the black list of "tax havens" - states where residents of other countries evade taxation.

The Marshall Islands is a Pacific state in Micronesia. The state is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands of the Marshall Islands archipelago. The length of the coastal strip is 370.4 km. The total land area is 181.3 km² and 11,673 km² are occupied by lagoons. The population of the Marshall Islands is 65 thousand people.

The maximum height above sea level is 10 meters. In the event of a significant rise in the level of the World Ocean or global climate change, serious environmental consequences are inevitable on individual islands.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have a permanent military force. According to the concluded agreement, the United States is responsible for the security and defense of the country. They have an obligation to protect the Republic of the Marshall Islands and its citizens from outside attacks and threats.

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a state in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. The area of the country is 261 km². The population is 53 thousand people. The total length of the coastline is 135 km.

The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but the Spaniards did not colonize them. Great Britain and France fought for the possession of the islands for a long time. In 1983, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence.

The islands have rich tropical vegetation. The mountainous regions are covered with dense tropical forests and orchards. Creepers, mangoes, breadfruit and cinnamon trees, tamarind, avocados, bananas, papaya grow here. On the tops of the mountains, forests give way to meadows, with no less abundant vegetation. Numerous tropical birds and butterflies live in the forests, as well as monkeys. Many seabirds nest on the coast, including pelicans. The waters abound with fish.

The Republic of Maldives or simply the Maldives is a state in South Asia, located on a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south of India. The state is a chain of 20 atolls, consisting of 1192 coral islands. The population is about 330 thousand people. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². The capital of Male - the only city and port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name and is the smallest capital in the world. Nevertheless, one third of the total population of the country lives in Male.

The basis of the economy is the service of tourists. Hot, but comfortable weather all year round (air temperature from 24 to 30 °) has made the Maldives a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Fishing is in second place.

The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino and many small and uninhabited ones. The territory of the state is 316 km². The population of Malta is 420 thousand people. The country bears the title of the least populated state of the European Union.

The main branch of Malta's economy is tourism. Most of the cultural and historical sites are associated with the Knights of the Order of St. John (Order of Malta). Due to the wide variety of urban and natural landscapes, Malta is a popular filming location for feature films. Malta is the only country in Europe that does not have rivers, lakes or its own sources of fresh water.

Grenada is an island state in the southeast Caribbean Sea, occupies the island of Grenada and the southern part of the Grenadines. The total area is 344 sq. km. The population is 110 thousand people.

The island of Grenada is of volcanic origin. In the center of the island there is a forested mountain range, above which Mount St. Catherine (840 m), the highest point in the country, rises. There are few rivers on the island, but there are many streams and springs. Grenada's economy is based on tourism as well as offshore financial business.

The song "Grenada", written by M. Svetlov in 1926, as it turned out, has nothing to do with the state of Grenada.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state in the Caribbean. The territory consists of the island of St. Vincent and 32 small islands of the Grenadines. Area - 389 km². The population is 105 thousand people.

Soufrière is an active volcano on the island of Saint Vincent. In our era alone, it has erupted at least 160 times already. The last eruption was in 1979. The beaches of the island are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is the white sandy beaches at the southern tip of the island.

Barbados is a small state in the West Indies, located on the island of the same name, resembling a pear in shape. The island has an area of 431 km² and is mostly flat with some hills in the middle. The population is 290 thousand people. Barbados is one of the leading developing countries in terms of living standards and literacy.

The basis of the economy is tourism. Many historical monuments are associated with the rise of piracy in the Caribbean. Barbados is also famous for the production of the famous pirate rum. Approximately every 3 years, the island is in the zone of passage of hurricanes and suffers greatly from the elements.

Antigua and Barbuda is a state in the West Indies, located on three islands - Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. The total area is 442 km². The population is 90 thousand people.

The main source of income is tourism. Antigua and Barbuda is ready to receive tourists 365 days a year. The coastline of Antigua forms many bays (in fact, these are relic volcanic craters) and a long strip of first-class beaches (it is believed that there are exactly 365 of them on the islands). There are both beaches with developed infrastructure and completely wild, secluded corners.

The Republic of Seychelles is an island nation in East Africa. It is located in the western part of the Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator. The republic consists of 115 islands, only 33 of them are inhabited. The islands cover an area of 455 square kilometers. The population of the country is about 90 thousand people.

The main source of income for the Seychelles for a long time was the export of cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Since 1976, when Great Britain granted independence to the Seychelles, tourism has become the main source of income (up to 75% of foreign exchange earnings).

The fruit of the Seychelles palm, which grows only in the Seychelles, weighs 20 kg and is considered the largest fruit in the plant world.

10th place: - a state in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - St. Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 49 898 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.

The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

9th place: Cook Islands- an archipelago and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people.

8th place: - 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.

7th place: Liechtenstein- a state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people.

6th place: - a state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Area - 61 km², population - 32,075 people.

5th place: - Pacific state, located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10 544 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country 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

4th place: - a state on the coral island of the same name 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 state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe, and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

3rd place: - Principality associated with France. Monaco is located in southern Europe on the Mediterranean coast. Area - 2.02 km², population - 35,986 people.

2nd place: located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. The area of the Vatican is 0.44 km². Population - 836 people.

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

The smallest states by area by continents and parts of the world

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).

The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).

The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).

The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population

Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 49 898 people.

9th place: Liechtenstein(for this country, see above). Population - 35 870 people.

8th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 32,075 people.

7th place: Palau is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. It is in association with the USA. It consists of 328 islands with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20 842 people.

6th place: Cook Islands(for this country, see above). Population - 19 569 people.

5th place: Order of Malta(See above for more details). The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.

4th place: (for this country, see above). Population - 10 544 people.

3rd place: (for this country, see above). Population - 9 322 people.

2nd place: Niue- an island and a self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.

The smallest state in the world in terms of population - (see above about this country). Population - 836 people.

The smallest states in terms of population by continent and parts of the world

The smallest country in Asia - South Ossetia (population - 72,000 people) - is a partially recognized state: it was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).

The smallest country in Oceania is Niue (pop. 1,398)

The smallest country in Europe - the Vatican (population - 836 people)

The smallest country in Africa - Seychelles (population - 87,476 people)

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (pop. 49,898)

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (pop. 472,000)

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 state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state 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 court, 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.