10 smallest countries in the world you never knew about

There are more than 200 countries in the world, and we are sure that you have heard about each of them at least once. But there are states on our planet that we never knew about. They cover a very small area, and some of them are inhabited by only a few families.

Pictolic decided to compile a list of the ten smallest countries with populations less than the population of an average city or even a small village.

10 PHOTOS

1. Palau. Population: 21,291.

The Republic of Palau is an island country that consists of more than 300 islands of different sizes. Palau is one of the most amazing places on Earth: its rainforests are full of unique plants and birds, and 130 endangered animal species live in its territorial waters. But the most remarkable in the country is the lake, which is home to 2 million jellyfish.

2. Niue. Population: 1,612.

Niue is a tiny island nation in Oceania. Despite the truly amazing nature, tourism is not popular there. Therefore, the country is highly dependent on foreign aid, especially from New Zealand. The capital is a small village with a population of fewer than 600 people. But the island has its own airport and a real supermarket - the only one.

3. Saint Kitts and Nevis. Population: 55,572.

The state consists of two islands: Saint Kitts and Nevis. One of the main sources of income is the Economic Citizenship Program, which allows anyone with at least US $ 250,000 to invest in the local sugar industry and thus become a citizen of St. Kitts. Another way to obtain citizenship is to purchase real estate worth at least US $ 400,000 on either of the two islands.

4. Principality of Hutt River. Population: 30.

The Hutt River Principality is a country located in the province of the same name in Australia. It was founded by Leonard Casley, who declared his farm a new and independent state. Although the country is not recognized by any state, it still has its own currency, stamps, and passports. In different parts of the principality, tourists can see busts of His Royal Highness Prince Leonard I of the Hutt.

5. Tuvalu. Population: 9,916.

Tuvalu is one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world.

6. Nauru. Population: 10,084.

Nauru is the smallest independent republic and the smallest island nation on our planet. Nauru has neither an official capital nor a public transportation system, and 40 km of its roads are used by locals driving their private vehicles. Environmental problems make the republic very unpopular with tourists. Another Nauru record is the number of obese people: the country's obesity rate is over 70%.

7. Principality of Seborga. Population: 312.

This virtual state in Italy is ruled by His Excellency Marcello I. The Principality of Seborga is a village of the same name near the French border. The unrecognized state has an army consisting of 3 people: the Minister of Defense and two border guards.

8. Molossia. Population: 7.

The self-proclaimed Republic of Molossia is a virtual state founded by Kevin Baugh, located in the state of Nevada, USA. Its population consists of Mr. Baugh himself, his family, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 rabbit. Molossia has its own national anthem, national emblem, and national flag. They even have the death penalty for, particularly serious crimes. The republic issues its own passports and even has a space program. In May 2017, the Republic celebrated its 40th anniversary.

9. Order of Malta. Population: 113,500.

In addition to the Vatican, there is another tiny state on the territory of Rome called the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Its area is 0.012 sq. km. It occupies three buildings, two of which are located in Rome and the third on the island of Malta. The country has its own currency, brands, website, car numbers, and passports. Its citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to several countries around the world. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is the only country in the world where Latin is the official language.

10. Principality of Sealand. Population: 27.

The unrecognized state of Sealand is an offshore platform located 9 km off the coast of Great Britain. Sealand is ruled by a self-proclaimed prince regent, and anyone can become an earl, baron, or even a duke: the noble title can be bought on the state website for a few hundred British pounds.