10 smallest countries in the world
7 Jun 1929 according to the Lateran agreements was established by the Vatican state. About it and 9 the smallest countries in the world can learn from our today's collection
1. The Maldives
The island country Republic of Maldives located in the Indian ocean and by land area is the smallest Asian country. The area of the country is 298 sq. km with total population of 396 thousand. In the capital – male living two-thirds of the inhabitants. Earlier the country developed by exporting dried tuna fish, molluscs and cowrie coconut ropes, now the main income brings tourism.
2. Seychelles
Seychelles occupy an area of 455 square kilometers, with a population of 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located to the North of Madagascar and consists of 115 Islands in the Indian ocean. The Islands have managed to develop thanks to export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. But since 1976, when the country gained independence, the main source of income is tourism.
3. Liechtenstein
This state has no outlets to the sea. The country area 160.4 square kilometers. Liechtenstein shares borders with Switzerland and Austria and is one of the richest States. Here was more companies than residents.
4. Nauru
Nauru is located in the South Pacific in Micronesia. The area of the state is 21.3 square kilometers. The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. They gained independence in 1968, but home to aboriginal people, the island was over 3 thousand years. Today the population is about 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.
5. The Vatican
The Vatican is the closed city-state located in one of the districts of Rome and covering an area of 44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 and managed by the Pope. The Vatican boasts the most beautiful buildings in the world – the Sistine chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral, residence of the Pope – Apostolic Palace, etc. in addition half of the country is Vatican gardens. Official citizens of Vatican are about 800 people, and a few thousand Italians daily commute here to work.
6. Monaco
The second smallest country is Monaco. Over the last 20 years due to the draining of the sea area of the country has increased and now it covers an area of 2.02 square kilometers. Monaco is the second smallest monarchical state. The country is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income of the inhabitants tourism brings.
7. The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
This is a microstate located in the West Indies – between North and South America on the Islands of the Atlantic ocean. The state is I on two Islands area of 261 sq. km. It was the first island settled by Europeans. The main source of income, of course, tourism, but here as well-developed agriculture and offshore banking.
8. Marshall Islands
It is a state in the middle of the Pacific ocean consists mainly of coral Islands. The country area – 181 square kilometers, a population of 62 thousand. In 1986 the Islands gained independence from the United States, but so far, only America is helping them "stay afloat". The country has no natural resources and imports far exceed exports.
9. San Marino
San Marino covers an area of 61 square kilometer and has the smallest population of the countries members of the European Council. It is the oldest independent country in the world, it was founded on 3 September 301. Besides San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, her income exceeds expenses.
10. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is also located in the South Pacific ocean and covers an area of 26 square kilometers. The country also consists of several coral Islands. Previously, these Islands belonged to the British crown and were called Ellis Island. Tuvalu gained independence from the British in 1978. The country's population – 10.5 million people. Due to the lack of natural resources Tuvalu have to live through the help of other countries.