There are 194 countries in the world, and I think about each of them, we, as a rule, represent a solid territory and a population of many millions. But some states are several times smaller in area than modern megacities. We've rounded up ten of the tiniest ones.

No. 10 Grenada: 344 km²

It is an island nation in the Caribbean, located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is the world's largest producer of nutmeg, so it's no surprise that it is also called the "Isle of Spice". From 1649 to 1763 it was a French colony. The strong influence of French traditions and culture in the country is felt today - from architecture and art to cricket, which is the most popular sport on the island.

No. 9 Malta: 316 km²

Malta is another tiny island nation. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The three main islands of the Republic are Gozo (Gozo), Comino and the largest of them, Malta. The country has a population of about 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Most tourists come to Malta for beach holiday, intriguing history and up to a vibrant nightlife.

#8 Maldives: 300 km²

The smallest country in Asia by area and population, the Maldives is nonetheless one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean. snow white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters have given the country its reputation as a paradise. About 1,192 coral islands are scattered over an area of ​​90,000 km², making the Republic one of the most dispersed countries in the world. Although this has its own plus: there is always a place here just for the two of you.

Formerly part of the West Indies, these two islands in the Caribbean were among the first lands inhabited by Europeans and were a major exporter of sugar for centuries. Today, only colonial estates converted into hotels remind of the former plantations. The modern economy of the country is built around tourism, agriculture and small manufacturing enterprises. Saint Kitts and Nevis is famous for its fantastic diving sites and rich marine life.

No. 6 Liechtenstein: 160 km²

Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that is entirely in the Alps. It is located between Switzerland and Austria. It is one of the richest countries with an incredibly low unemployment rate (1.5%). True, getting to Liechtenstein is a little problematic, because there is not a single airport here. The closest one is in Zurich.

No. 5 San Marino: 61 km²

San Marino is an enclave: its territory is completely surrounded by the lands of Italy. The country claims to be the oldest sovereign state in the world. San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe with a population of just 30,000, but boasts one of the highest GDP per capita and low unemployment.

No. 4 Tuvalu: 26 km²

Formerly known as Ellis, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. Its population is about 10,000 inhabitants, and the total length of roads is only 8 km. It was once a British territory, but became independent in 1978. Due to the fact that it is quite problematic to get here, tourism in Tuvalu is underdeveloped, although the landscapes here are truly heavenly.

No. 3 Nauru: 21 km²

Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It is located to the east of Australia. The country's economy suffered greatly when the local phosphate mines were depleted. Unemployment has reached 90%. The republic is also known as the place of residence of the most obese people: 97% of men and 93% of women are obese or overweight.

No. 2 Monaco: 2 km²

Monaco is the epitome of luxury and wealth: here is the largest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world. Thanks to chic casinos and a wide range of exclusive services, the country has become a favorite vacation spot for the powerful. One of the most popular and spectacular events of the year is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, during which cars drive along ordinary city streets. With over 36,000 inhabitants, Monaco is the most populous country in the world.

#1 Vatican: 0.44 km²

The smallest country in the world is the Vatican. It is located in the Italian capital and is the center of the Catholic Church. Not surprisingly, this is where the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, is located. In addition, valuable works of Renaissance art can be seen in the Vatican. The main source of income in the country is the voluntary contributions of Catholics from all over the world (more than 1 billion people). The rest of the profits come from the sale of postage stamps, tourist souvenirs and museum entrance fees.

It is customary to pay more attention to large states, but small states are no less interesting. Especially if these countries have unique sights or are known all over the world. And they really do exist.

Small states can be divided into two main groups: by population and by territory. After all, it happens that few people live in a relatively small area and vice versa. After reading this article, you will know the answer to the question: what is the smallest country in the world?

Top 10 small countries by territory

Top 10 Smallest Countries by Population

This list will list not just small countries, but the most sparsely populated capitals in the world. There are also 10 of them, but they are listed from largest to smallest:

The state is located in Rome in its northwestern part, on the Vatican Hill. Despite the fact that the Vatican is the smallest state, it houses the largest Catholic church in the world - St. Peter's Basilica. The city also has its own coat of arms, flag and constitution. It has its own radio station and a daily newspaper. Passes through the Vatican Railway, its length is 700 meters.

The main income of the Vatican is tourism and donations

Monaco

The Principality is quite famous, despite its small size. Thanks to the Monaco Grand Prix - one of the Formula 1 races - and the casino in Monte Carlo, many people from all over the world want to visit this country.

On the south side of the dwarf country - beaches, the principality is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. On land, the border runs, dividing Monaco and France. A 1.7 km long railway network is stretched over a small area, and the total length of motorways does not exceed 50 km. Despite the small size, public transport is popular. Monaco operates 7 bus routes, and bus stops - 143.

At first glance, this is an ordinary village on a small island, but electricity and even the Internet are provided here, landline phones are also installed and there is a cellular connection. There is a school in Pitcairn where children are taught literacy and various sciences. What may surprise you is the presence of a church and a bar on the island. In general, this small island is full of mysteries, and its main income is tourism. For guests, residents arrange a warm welcome, optional excursions on ATVs or visits to the cave.

Descendants of the Bounty rebels live on Pitcairn Island

Nauru

The dwarf state is located on the island of the same name in the Pacific Ocean. The capital of Nauru is the city of Yaren, but it has not yet received official status. The airport and the country's parliament are located here. The population of the island lives mainly along the coast and near Lake Buada. Inland, to the very center of phosphorite mining, the only railway goes, its length is 3.9 km, and the total length of roads does not exceed 40 km.

Previously, phosphorite mining was carried out on the island, and for this reason, the flora of Nauru was greatly affected. Residents of the state, if possible, replenish animal world islands, bringing from travel small mammals - cats, dogs, pigs, and chickens.

The area of ​​the city is 17.316 km2. Despite its small population, Vaduz is a tourist destination. The guests are presented with: the prince's castle, which is visible from anywhere in the city; National Art Gallery and 4 museums. There is no airport or railway station on the territory of Vaduz, which creates a slight inconvenience for travelers, but the sights seen make it possible to forget about such an inconvenient moment. Moreover, the bus service is well developed in the city, and taxis are always ready to serve tourists, as in any other city.

The majority of the population is Catholic

European states

If we take into account directly Europe, then it also has sparsely populated countries. Some of them have already been mentioned above when talking about world states. They did not include Cyprus, Kosovo, Montenegro, Luxembourg and Andorra. The Vatican has already been repeatedly mentioned - the most amazing and unusual state, which, among other things, leads the top “The smallest countries in Europe”. Yes, and here he is in the first place along with his other virtues.

It is very interesting to learn about the small states of the world, because they differ in many ways from the usual cities and countries in which thousands and millions of people live. But at the same time, their tiny territories have everything necessary for life, and often even more. And some - a real paradise!

10

• Square: 181 km 2
• Population: 53,158 people
• Density: 293.7 people/km2
• Motto:"Achievement through common effort, marshall"
• Form of government: Republic
• Capital: Majuro

The Micronesian state of the Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after the British captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow captain Thomas Gilbert, are named after neighboring islands Gilbert, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of ​​the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km 2, while the area of ​​​​the territory occupied by lagoons is 11,673 km 2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from the Marshallese language "sunset") and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from the Marshallese language "sunrise") . Both chains are about 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for about 1200 km. The most important islands are the atolls of Kwajalein and Majuro. largest island Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kwajalein is also an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

9

• Square: 3900 km 2
• Population: 51,547 people
• Density: 13.73 people/km2
• Form of government: presidential republic
• Capital: Tskhinvali

Partially recognized state in Transcaucasia. Has no access to the sea. The issue of the international legal status of South Ossetia is controversial: the independence of the republic is recognized by four UN member states (Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru), partially recognized by Abkhazia and the unrecognized TMR, NKR, DPR and LPR.

More than 89.3% of the territory of South Ossetia is located at an altitude of 1000 meters or more above sea level. The relief is mountainous.

The highest point of the republic is Mount Halaca, 3938 m.

In the republic, only two settlements have the status of a city - Tskhinval and Kvaisa. Three settlements have the status of urban-type settlements - Dzau, Znaur and Leningor. Other settlements have the status of villages.

8

• Square: 261 km 2
• Population: 51,538 people
• Density: 164 people/km2
• Motto:"The state is above personal interests"
• Form of government: parliamentary monarchy
• Capital: Buster

Island nation in the Caribbean. Includes 2 islands - St. Christopher, aka St. Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis (Nevis), from the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. Total length coastline- 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

The two traditional sectors of the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis are agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugarcane (a third of cultivated land). Cotton, coconut palm, pineapples are grown on the island of Nevis. The coffee tree, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Animal husbandry is developed - goats and sheep are bred. Fishing is also a traditional occupation. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.

7

• Square: 160 km 2
• Population: 37,313 people
• Density: person/km 2
• Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
• Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
• Capital: Vaduz

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders on Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the most high point- Mount Grauspitz (2599 m). One of the largest rivers Western Europe - Rhine.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the landtag (parliament), executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the landtag for its term of office and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks Alemannic German.

This beautiful Dreamland, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Picturesque natural landscapes, magnificent medieval architecture and, of course, fashionable ski resort famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its "pearl" is the capital Vaduz. It is here that most of the sights of the country are concentrated. calling card not only the city, but the whole state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. A beautiful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

6

• Square: 61 km 2
• Population: 32,742 people
• Density: 520 people/km2
• Motto:"Freedom"
• Form of government: parliamentary republic
• Capital:

San Marino is 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 country is located on the southwestern slope of the three-headed mountain range Monte Titano (738 m above sea level), rising above the hilly plain of the foothills of the Apennines.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), the stonemason Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Mount Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, he built himself a small cell on its top and retired from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, St. Marin, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, not politically dependent on any of the neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Great General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy, up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry on the territory of the state annually, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

5

• Square: 2.02 km2
• Population: 30,508 people
• Density: 18 679 people/km2
• Motto:"God willing"
• Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
• Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur, 20 km northeast of Nice; on land borders with France. 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 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco held here. The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length of land borders is 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the X century BC. e., they were the Phoenicians. Much later, the Greeks and Monoiki joined.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Republic of Genoa on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

According to 2014 data, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of ​​the old city.

The economy of Monaco is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as through the media covering the life of the princely family.

4

• Square: 458 km 2
• Population: 21,186 people
• Density: 43 people/km2
• Form of government: presidential republic
• Capital: Ngerulmudya

An island state associated with the United States in the Philippine Sea of ​​the Pacific Ocean, located 800 km east of the Philippines and north of Indonesia.

Consists of 328 islands with a total area of ​​458 km 2, belongs to Micronesia. The Palau archipelago is the western part of the Caroline Islands. It consists of many small atolls formed on the tops of underwater volcanoes. The climate is tropical, the rainy season is from May to November.

Palau is a republic. The head of state and government is the president, elected by the population for a 4-year term (re-election for a second consecutive term is acceptable).

Parliament - bicameral State Congress, consists of the Senate (9 members elected by the population for 4 years) and the House of Delegates (16 members elected by the population for 4 years).

There are no political parties, just like there are no armed forces.

Palau's economy is based on tourism (85,000 tourists in 2007), fishing, and arts and crafts. In agriculture, coconut palm and tapioca are cultivated. Export goods - shellfish, fish, copra. Monetary unit - US dollar.

3

• Square: 26 km 2
• Population: 10,782 people
• Density: 431.00 people/km2
• Motto:"Tuvalu - for Almighty God"
• Form of government: monarchy
• Capital: funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000 people. Airplanes from Fiji arrive here 2 times a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a purposeful resettlement local residents to other states such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific state is located in Polynesia and until 1975 was called the Ellis Islands. The modern name translated from the Tuvalu language means "eight standing together" (meaning the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was settled relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 it received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used for almost the entire colonial era.

Tuvalu is a cluster of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. The land area of ​​Tuvalu is only 26 km 2, while the area of ​​​​the territory occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll / reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km .

A significant part of the population of Tuvalu lives in the capital and the only city of the country, Funafuti - 47%.

2

• Square: 21 km 2
• Population: 9 488 people
• Density: 473.43 people/km2
• Motto:"God's will comes first"
• Form of government: parliamentary republic
• Capital: There is no official capital; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is not exactly known. As now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital and cities on the island. The President's residence is located in Meneng District, while government offices and Parliament are located in Yaren District. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

1

• Square: 0.44 km2
• Population: 842 people
• Density: 1900 people/km2
• Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
• Capital:

And, of course, the title of small state in the world belongs to the Vatican. The Vatican is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) inside the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The status of the Vatican in international law is an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the seat of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Foreign diplomatic missions are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City State. Foreign embassies and representations accredited to the Holy See, in view of the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the embassy of Italy, which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (Latin ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the advent of Christianity, a basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and since then this place has been inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The Sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands absolute legislative, executive and judicial power is concentrated, is the Pope, who is elected by the cardinals for life. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camerlengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. Sources of income - primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Part of the funds is tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, fees for visiting museums). Most of the workforce (museum attendants, gardeners, janitors, and so on) are Italian citizens.

The budget of the Vatican is 310 million US dollars.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute of Religious Affairs.

On June 7, 1929, the State of Vatican City was established in accordance with the Lateran Accords. You can learn about it and 9 other smallest countries in the world from our today's selection.

1. Maldives

island country Republic of Maldives located in the Indian Ocean and by area is the smallest Asian country. The area of ​​the country is 298 sq. km. with a population of 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.

2. Seychelles

Seychelles covers an area of ​​455 square kilometers, with a population of 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located north of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands were able to develop thanks to the export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. But since 1976, when the country gained independence, tourism has become the main source of income.

3. Liechtenstein

This state has no access to the sea. The area of ​​the country is 160.4 sq. kilometers. Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and Austria and is one of the richest states. There are more companies registered here than residents.

Nauru is located in the South Pacific Ocean in Micronesia. The area of ​​the state is 21.3 sq. kilometers. The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. They gained independence in 1968, but the island has been home to the natives for 3,000 years. To date, the population of the country is about 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.

5. Vatican

The Vatican is a closed city-state located in one of the districts of Rome and covers an area of ​​44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 and is run by the Pope. The Vatican boasts the most beautiful buildings in the world - the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral, the residence of the Pope - the Apostolic Palace, etc. In addition, half of the country's territory is occupied by the Vatican Gardens. Approximately 800 people are official citizens of the Vatican, and several thousand Italians travel here every day to work.

The second smallest country is Monaco. Over the past 20 years, due to the drying of the sea, the area of ​​​​the country has increased and now it occupies an area of ​​2.02 square meters. kilometers. Monaco is the second smallest monarchical state. The country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 30,000 inhabitants. The main source of income for the residents is tourism.

7. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

This dwarf state is located in the West Indies - between North and South America on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean. The state is located on two islands with an 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.

8. Marshall Islands

This state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean consists mainly of coral islands. The area of ​​the country is 181 sq. kilometer, population 62 thousand. In 1986, the Islands gained independence from the United States, but so far only America's help helps them "keep afloat". The country has no natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports.

9. San Marino

San Marino covers an area of ​​61 sq. kilometer and has the smallest population of the member countries of the European Council. It is the oldest independent country in the world and was founded on September 3, 301. In addition, San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.

10. Tuvalu

Tuvalu is also located in the South Pacific Ocean and covers an area of ​​26 square kilometers. kilometers. The country also includes several coral islands. Previously, these islands belonged to the British crown and were called the Ellis Islands. Tuvalu gained independence from the British in 1978. The population of the country is 10.5 thousand people. Due to the lack of natural resources, Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries.

There are many dwarf states in the world. Most of the small countries are located in Europe or on the islands. Often they are located inside other large states. You can see the sights of mini-countries in one day. However, some of them play an important role in the international political arena. This article provides a list and short description the smallest countries in the world in descending order of their area.

10. Malta

The area is 316 km². The capital of the archipelago is the city of Valletta. The island state is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The population is represented by Maltese, Arabs, British and Italians. Picturesque places attract tourists. The main component of the economy of Malta is the tourism business. The country is famous for its cliffs, forts, cathedrals and temples.

9. Maldives

The area is 298 km². The Maldives are located in the South, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. The capital of the archipelago is the city of Male, located on the island of the same name. Most of the population is made up of Maldivians and Indians. Sea around Maldives acquires a blue, transparent tint. The islands are considered a paradise for vacationers. Diving, yachting, trips on ships with a transparent bottom are especially popular.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The area is 261 km². The federation is located on two islands in the Caribbean. The capital is the city of Baster. Most of the inhabitants are of African origin, the rest of the population is represented by mulattos and whites. The federation has its own currency, the East Caribbean dollar. The US dollar is in free circulation. The islands are known for their beaches and bays. The average air temperature throughout the year is around +24°C. Tourists go for diving, traveling through the rainforest and horseback riding.

7. Marshall Islands

The area is 181 km². The Republic is located in the North Pacific Ocean. The capital is Majuro Atoll. The archipelago consists of 1152 islands. The population consists of Marshallese, Mestizos, Filipinos and Americans. The Republic is associated with the USA. In the last century, nuclear weapons were tested here. Most of unique nature was destroyed for the sake of plantations of coconut palms. There are few attractions in the archipelago. Due to the remoteness from tourism is poorly developed. The islands attract diving enthusiasts: sunken equipment from the Second World War lies in the depths.

6. Liechtenstein

The area is 160 km². The state is located in Central. It borders on Austria and Switzerland. The capital is the city of Vaduz. The population is represented by Liechtensteiners, Germans, Swiss, Italians. Despite the modest area of ​​the territory, the country was able to develop economically. In Liechtenstein, per capita income does not lag behind neighboring states. The cities of the principality are famous rich history They have many attractions. The country abounds gothic castles, chapels, authentic villages. Ski resorts are especially popular with tourists.

5. San Marino

The area is 61.2 km². The dwarf state is located on the Apennine Peninsula, it is surrounded on all sides by Italy. The capital has the same name, San Marino. The indigenous people are Sanmarinians and Italians. Despite the size of the country, agriculture is developed. People grow grapes, olives, wheat. San Marino is visited annually by more than three million tourists. The castle towns in which the population lives have retained their medieval appearance. In the historical part of the capital it is forbidden to travel by car.

4. Tuvalu

The area is 26 km². The country is located in . The capital of the islands is Funafuti Atoll. Tuvalu is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The population is represented by Polynesians, the number of foreigners does not exceed two hundred people. The governor-general of a dwarf state represents the interests of the Queen of Great Britain. The local currency, the Tuvaluan dollar, has an original design. All the islands are low-lying, the height does not exceed 5 m above sea level, so they suffer. Rising ocean levels are deteriorating groundwater quality. Because of this, agriculture is in decline, and the soil is eroded. If the situation worsens, the population will have to move to New Zealand or Fiji.

3. Nauru

The area is 21.3 km². The state is located on the island of the same name in pacific. There is no capital, the administrative center is the city of Yaren. Most of the inhabitants are Nauruans. The island was covered with tropical forests. In the 20th century, while developing mountains, people discovered huge deposits of phosphates and began to mine them. Forests in the places of extraction turned into rocks. It is impossible to build something here or plant new forests. Almost the entire territory of the island became a wasteland. Today there is a problem with fresh water, for its extraction, special tanks are installed on the roofs of houses. Tourist activity is limited. Basically Nauru attracts divers.

2. Monaco

Area 2.02 km². The country is located in the south of Europe, the capital is Monte Carlo. On land, Monaco shares a border with France. Ethnic composition diverse, the districts are inhabited by the French, Italians and Monegasques. The Principality can be crossed in just a few hours. Monaco has been a luxury resort for many centuries. The country is known for its casinos, beaches Cote d'Azur and magnificent. Tourists are recommended to visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Prince's Palace, the Oceanographic Museum.

1. Vatican

Area 0.44 km². The city-state is located in Europe, it is surrounded by Italy. A little over eight hundred people live here. The country is dominated by a theocratic monarchy. Most tour operators include a visit to the Vatican in their Italian itineraries. The city abounds with palace complexes and museums. An Egyptian obelisk rises in St. Peter's Square. Pilgrims from all over the world come here all year round. Tourists should definitely visit the Sistine Chapel, the Chiaramonti Museum, the Vatican Pinakothek, the Gregorian Etruscan Museum.