There are 193 states in the world – all recognized by the United Nations and members. Together comprise the ten smallest countries of this world so much that their surface area if put together is still smaller than Mexico City, which covers 1,499 square kilometers of urban area. Here, below are 10 of the world’s smallest states, some of these has no armed forces at all.
1. Vatican City State
Sacred football field.
The sovereign city center of Rome does not belong to the United Nations, however, is recognized as an independent state internationally. Between 800 and 900 people living on an area that covers 0.44 square kilometers. 572 of them have a Vatican citizenship. This will only be awarded in connection with certain functions in the state. All the others are something like immigrants. In order to supply the tiny area as environmentally friendly as possible with energy, there is a solar power plant the size of a football field for additional alternative energy.
The Vatican City covers approximately 50 streets, one’s own train station and a heliport. There is even a football team that plays for the Vatican.
2. Principality of Monaco
Tax haven.
Greek settlers founded in the 5th century, the foundation for today’s tax haven on the coast of France. Since February 25, 1489, the state is independent and attracts a lot of people. The principality is overall abounding on the 2.02-square-kilometer area with 17,889 inhabitants per square kilometer footprint. It’s amongst the most scenic places of Europe and way to Formula One Racing.
The fact that they are doing very well despite the social density, based on the control system of Monaco, exists no direct tax liability for individuals. Neither the income tax nor an inheritance tax is levied here. No wonder that this Manhattan is booming on the Mediterranean and still always attracts rich from around the world.
3. Republic of Nauru
Pleasant Island.
Deiboe, Eamwidamit, Eamwidara, Eamwit, Eamgum, Eano, EMEO, Eoraru, Irutsi, Iruwa, Iwi and Ranibok were the names of the twelve tribes, who lived one day at the coral island in the Pacific Ocean. It reminds of the twelve-pointed star on the national flag of Nauru. Here is 10 tribes that avoided globalized civilization.
Today, the 21-square-mile kingdom is divided into 14 districts, in which around 10,175 people live. By the year 2001, it was revealed in such a high standard of living that the island was partly explained as the real paradise. The economy was based at that time on the phosphate mining.
Since 2001, when the phosphate reserves were exhausted, the situation and the standard of living extremely changed. Since then, the nation’s finances are moving more to the brink of bankruptcy and the state budget is dependent on Australian grants.
4. Tuvalu
Ellice Islands.
Dismissed from the British Commonwealth in 1974. At that time the island was called Ellice Islands. In 1978 it was renamed Tuvalu and recorded as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations.
25 square kilometers accommodate approximately 10,500 inhabitants. The highest point of the island is five meters above sea level. Most of the inhabitants live on agriculture and fisheries.
5. Republic of San Marino
State veteran.
San Marino is not only one of the five smallest states in the world, but it is also the oldest republic. In the year 301 to Marinus, a Christian stonemason from Croatia, have fled to Mount Titano.
Today, about 32,500 people possess the citizenship of 60.57 square meter state in the middle of Italy. Around 12,800 of them are living abroad.
6. Principality of Liechtenstein
Hard-fought.
The 160.47 square meter territory got its political independence in 1806. Until then, it was incessantly occupied repeatedly by different forces; Germans and French namely.
The Principality is the only state that lies entirely in the Alps. The highest point is Mount Liechtenstein Front Grauspitz with a height of 2,599 meters, the deepest the Ruggeller Riet at 430 meters above sea level. Eleven communities exist in Liechtenstein. Approximately 36 942 people live there, around 12,000 of them are foreigners.
7. Republic of the Marshall Islands
Island Puzzle.
Two meter high towers, the highest point of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The land area of the islands comprises 181.3 square kilometers. They are divided into two almost parallel island or atoll chains, focusing on an area of almost two million square kilometers that extends in the ocean.
Existing since 1986 Republic became known for its 54,600 residents by the atomic bomb tests in the 50s. They took place just 160 kilometers from Bikini Atoll. One amongst the most romantic places worldwide.
8. Cook Islands
Special.
In international law, the Cook Islands are a special feature. Although the 240-square-kilometer territory in the South Pacific is considered as an independent country. However, it has the status “in free association with New Zealand “. Nearly 18,600 residents but have no own nationality, they are officially New Zealanders.
State is divided in eleven island councils. The largest island covers 65 square kilometers and is inhabited by almost 15,000 inhabitants. The smallest is the island Palmerston live on about 50 people on an area of 2.1 square kilometers. These Islands are considered one of the best honeymoon locations.
9. Niue
Lonely Paradise.
Similar to the Cook Islands, the 261.4 square kilometers in size Niue island is considered as an independent state. It also does not have its own citizenship and is associated with New Zealand.
With a population density of 5.2 people per square kilometer, it is one of the loneliest countries in the world .The approximately 1,300 inhabitants are spread across 13 villages and several small settlements.
Niue has an airport, but does not have a port. Goods arriving by sea are transshipped by barge. There are only 900 internet users on Niue and nearly 400,000 nu country domains.
10. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
A double-edged destination.
The two islands of St. Kitts and Nevis were discovered in the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus in 1493, but got settled in the early 17th century. 269 square miles of territory was incorporated as an independent state to the British Empire. Today 50, 314 inhabitants live on the two islands.
It was revealed in 2008 that St. Kitts had one of the highest murder rates per capita. Nevertheless, the two islands are popular tourist destinations especially for tourists from the United States.