Monaco, Vatican… Which are the smallest states in the world?
The Vatican
With an area of 0.44 km², the Vatican can claim first place in the list of the smallest states in the world. Seat of the Catholic Church, it brings together on its very small territory integrated within Rome itself many prestigious monuments such as Saint Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel, as well as museums where you can admire major works. This city-state has about 1,000 inhabitants.
monaco
Located in the south of France, monaco is one of the wealthiest states in the world. Over 2 km² there are casinos, hotels and luxury boutiques… It dresses the wealthiest personalities, and offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean. The rock of Monaco is famous for hosting the main residences, as well as the political institutions of the city-state and an internationally renowned oceanographic museum, which dominates the principality from the heights of a 65-meter cliff.
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Nauru
At 21.1 km², Nauru is the smallest island country in the world. It is located in the Australia sector, in Micronesia. The island has had a rapid period thanks to its very high quality phosphate deposits. Unique export product of the country which made it rich throughout the 20th century, the ore is now practically exhausted.
tuvalu
The 9 atolls that make up the state of tuvalu allows this country to reach 26 km², and offers a heavenly environment. Tuvalu is indeed located in Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. The country remains little touristy despite its bewitching waters, due to its difficulty of access. It could also be the first sovereign state to disappear as a result of the consequences of global warming.
San Marino
Located in the north of Italy, San Marino is a state of 61 km² as small as it is rich. It is one of the oldest republics. Indeed, its constitution was signed in 1569! Its three towers of the Republic, its basilica, the panorama from Mount Titan and the path of the Witches are all tourist attractions of this State which also benefits from its own guard, whose succession can be admired on the Place de la Liberté .
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Liechtenstein
In the heart of the Alps, between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a paradise for nature and mountain lovers. A hiking trail allows you to go around its 160 km². A sunrise at the top of Augstenberg, a night at the Pfälzerhütte refuge, a visit to the castle of Vaduz, the capital, or even the vertiginous route of the Three Sisters, leave lasting memories.
The Marshall Islands
State of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is made up of about thirty islands for an area of approximately 181 km². The volcanic and coralline origin of the atolls offers varied landscapes that saw the ravages of American nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Rich marine fauna, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, the Marshall Islands bring all the elements of tropical paradise. The art of tattooing and the traditional roro song are cultural specificities not to be missed.
The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands have been an independent state since 1965. The capital Avarua is located on the largest of the islands, Rarotonga. The country is famous for the observation of sea turtles and its crafts around black pearls. Inland, caves amaze the traveler, as much as the turquoise lagoons, and are home to an endemic bird: the kopeka.
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