Whatever they call them - "state within a state", tiny countries, remnants of the past, dwarfs of Europe ... The past century, despite its fatality, not only kept these toy states "alive", but also chose them as an oasis for the soul ...

18:02 15.03.2013

Indeed, both in San Marino, praised and "poeticized" by the genius Frederico Fellini, and in the watercolor tender Luxembourg, where it smells of flowers all year round, not to mention the radiance of Monaco and Liechtenstein, you can taste all the sweets of life.

Contrary to popular belief, not only aristocrats and crown princes come here, but also the common people, regardless of the contents of the wallet. Because in this corner of Europe, called by its brilliant façade like nowhere else, dazzling days and intriguing nights.

Monaco - an image of happiness

At the junction of French French Riviera and the Italian Riviera stretches 150 hectares of the smallest monarchy in the world - the Principality of Monaco. The legendary casino city, the capital of the world beau monde and ... tax haven. After the Vatican, this is the second tiny state, which is unparalleled in terms of attendance by tourists of all categories, regardless of the season! And if the first is heard by everyone as a stronghold of holiness and the Catholic faith, then the second is its complete antipode, deserving the unconditional prefix "mega". For in the principality of Monaco, the best of the Cote d'Azur resorts, everything is grandiose: luxury, comfort and prices.

Here champagne flows like a river, unthinkable deals are made, old grievances and troubles dissolve, depression and extra pounds evaporate like smoke, and mind-blowing romances are twisted. And here in Monte Carlo celebrities from all over Europe and titled persons, rich bums and snobs, who want to join the lifestyle that they call "the modest charm of the bourgeoisie", and just people with a high level of adrenaline in their blood, who love excitement and risk, aspire to ... Some - in pursuit of easy money, others, eager to experience the favor of His Majesty Chance.

Curious but local residents playing roulette is strictly prohibited. And at the same time, all 32 thousand Monegasques (this is how the indigenous population of Monaco is called), headed by Prince Rainier II, rightfully consider the famous casino to be their contribution to world civilization. And it's hard to disagree with this.

The Principality of Monaco has lived happily and carelessly for almost half a century, receiving taxes from a gambling house in Europe, and its main shareholder is, by the way, the Vatican. What a paradox!

Liechtenstein - postal office

The inhabitants of another tiny principality of Liechtenstein are simply swollen with pride. Still would! There are such respectable neighbors around - Austria on the right, Switzerland on the left, and between them their lovely little country. From a bird's eye view, toy Liechtenstein is dotted with bright houses and resembles a beautiful postage stamp. And she, by the way, is by no means a random associative image, but an official source of state income and a visiting card of the principality of Liechtenstein, famous throughout the world for its unique brands. Several years ago, the post office of this country issued an interesting stamp for collectors-philatelists with a portrait of the Russian commander Alexander Suvorov - he freed Liechtenstein from Napoleonic troops.

A wreck of the Roman Empire, Liechtenstein rose to the rank of a principality in 1719. And since then it has flourished. And all because here, as in Monaco, for many - a tax haven. So the Liechtensteiners themselves do not get tired of repeating "good for the world - good for us."

If you consider yourself to be a business person who, even while traveling, are accustomed to combine business with pleasure, then while walking along the quiet streets of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, linger for a short time at the front entrance of the state bank - perhaps you will have a rare opportunity to greet His Majesty Prince Hans Adam II ... After all, he, in addition to royal affairs, and the chief banker.

Luxembourg - a fairytale city

You will discover another proud minority by becoming a guest of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a while. The landscape here is very similar to its neighboring Belgium: the same ideal quality private roads, densely lined with trees, changing hilly landscapes, the same patchwork-like fields, the same picturesque neat villages, neat towns and romantic castles. Only Luxembourgers, in contrast to the Belgians, communicate with visiting tourists in German and French, and among themselves - in the local dialect. To an unaccustomed ear, this unfamiliar language sounds like German, spoken in the French manner.

The capital of the Grand Duchy is the beautiful quiet city of Luxembourg. In fact, it is connected with him Long story of this small state. And it is presented in a very homely way. Take, for example, North Dame Cathedral, a majestic 17th century temple. On sightseeing tour You will be told that there is an image of the Mother of God, the patroness of Luxembourg, especially revered by the Luxembourgers - (the comforter of the mourners) here in the crypt, the tomb of the Great Dukes, their rest is guarded by two bronze lions.

And here is the gorgeous Palace of the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, built according to the date stamped on the portal in 1572.

On close acquaintance, Luxembourg literally bewitches - you don't think about anything else, while you are here, while you see a fairy-tale city on the rocks and walk on its ancient pavements. In the center, winding fishing rods often lead to a dead end or end with steep steps, and since there are practically no cars and not crowded at all, at some point the feeling of the city disappears. Visibly present only the aromas of antiquity, and countless fountains dear to the heart. Be sure to throw a coin for luck - everything is coming true on the land of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

San Marino - the swallow's nest

Now get to know the inhabitants of the "swallow's nests", which are stuck on the steep ledges of the Apennine Mountains. Unlike all other inhabitants of sunny Italy, practical and forward-looking San Mariners were in the most advantageous position. The independence of their tiny country is reliably protected not only by the freedom-loving spirit of its inhabitants, but also by powerful, impregnable defensive structures.

After all, the unique Republic of San Marino is located on the edges of Mount Titano, hiding behind the fortress walls of three citadels - Guaita, Chesta and Montale, connected by walls. However, the city of San Marino itself is not just surrounded by fortress walls, they intertwine it like the roots of trees. Houses are glued to these walls, and the walls themselves are as if glued to the rocks. The fortresses growing out of the rocks are the main attraction of San Marino, and hiking resemble a lightweight version of mountaineering, because it is impossible to just walk around the city, which has grown to a rock. You have to either climb up or go down. And there are no streets as such - they always strive to go into stairs. And what looks like a miniature courtyard, upon close acquaintance, turns out to be a terrace entwined with flowers or a balcony.

However, a walk through San Marino, the oldest independent mini-state, founded according to legend back in 305 AD. an enjoyable and unforgettable adventure that you don't want to interrupt. And yet, tourists from Europe, accustomed to other scales, should be especially careful: this tiny state seems too fragile, this toy beauty would not be damaged by accident!

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a landlocked dwarf state located in the heart of Europe between Switzerland and Austria.

In the world, the country has long been known as a tax haven, very popular among financiers.

In addition to the policy of non-disclosure of banking secrecy, Liechtenstein stands out against the background of other European states for the liberality of its tax system.

BRIEF OUTLINE

Liechtenstein's status as a tax haven attracted widespread attention in 2000, when a group of international experts in their reports criticized the country for the lack of an effective financial control system. According to these reports, Liechtenstein created an environment for free money laundering for Russian, Italian and Colombian criminal groups.

In this regard, the state has revised a number of laws, and now the likelihood that the personal data of depositors will remain anonymous has significantly decreased.

In 2008, Liechtenstein became one of three countries (along with Andorra and Monaco), which the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) included in the list of countries where tax havens and financial structures are not transparent.

Liechtenstein maintained neutrality throughout World War II. A 2001 government report refuted claims that Liechtenstein's state-owned banks aided the Nazis during the war.

In addition, the report assigned the principality the role of an observer, not an accomplice, in the fact of the use of slave labor from German concentration camps on the royal estates of Austria.

Over the years, the country has been the center of numerous political divisions over the role and power of the hereditary monarchy.

After another similar campaign in March 2003 at a constitutional referendum aimed at expanding princely powers, Prince Hans-Adam II was elected by a majority vote to the post of ruler.

In fact, the outcome of the referendum made Liechtenstein the only state in Europe with an absolute monarchy. Thus, Prince Hans-Adam received the right to independently appoint and remove members of the government, despite general fears about the possible transformation of such a regime into a dictatorship.

Historically, the Catholic Church enjoys great authority in Liechtenstein. Women who decided to have an abortion were threatened with imprisonment for a period of 1 year until the end of 2005, when premature termination of pregnancy was legalized.

FACTS

• Official name: Principality of Liechtenstein
• Population: 35,000 (UN data, 2009)
• Capital: Vaduz
• Square: 160 sq. Km
• Primary language: German
• Main religion: Christianity
• 75/82 years (UN data)
• Currency unit: 1 Swiss franc = 100 raps
• Main export items: mechanical engineering, food, postage stamps, dental care products
• Internet domain:.li
• +423

Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican.

Every year Monaco attracts a huge number of tourists and business owners: the former - by the luxurious climate and beauty of the landscapes, the latter - by the liberalization of the tax system.

The principality stretches in a narrow strip along Mediterranean Sea and by and large is one bay hidden among the high Alps.

BRIEF OUTLINE

In the world, Monaco has developed a reputation as a "gambling paradise" and fashionable resort... Hundreds of gamblers flock to the Casino Square in Monte Carlo. It is in this city that the Monaco Grand Prix is ​​held annually, which is considered one of the most prestigious races of the Formula 1 championship.

Monaco is one of the world's leading financial centers, local banks maintain the confidentiality of their clients under all circumstances. An interesting fact is that the residents of Monaco themselves are not taxed.

Monaco's favorable tax regime has long been a concern for France, which simply refers to the principality as a money-laundering site. The Monaco authorities strongly deny such allegations.

In 2007, Monaco became one of the three countries that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) included in the list of “tax havens” with non-transparency of financial structures, along with Andorra and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

According to the form of government, Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. Today, the country is headed by the Grimaldi dynasty, whose members ruled the Republic of Genoa for five centuries and settled in Monaco in the 14th century. Their names were full of headlines in 1956, when Prince Rainier III married the famous American actress Grace Kelly. However, about personal life the royal couple's daughters, Princess Caroline and Stephanie, are less favorably received by the press.

The head of government is the Minister of State, who is appointed by the monarch from a list of candidates proposed by the President of France.

The Minister of State directs the Government Council, which is the legislative body and consists of 24 members, elected for a term of five years.

FACTS

• Official name: Principality of Monaco
• Population: 32,000 people (UN data, 2009)
• Capital: Monaco
• Square: 1.95 sq. Km
• Primary language: French
• Main religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy (male / female): 75 years old / 83 years old (UN data)
• Currency unit: 1 euro = 100 cents
• Main export items: pharmaceuticals, perfumery, textiles
• Internet domain:.mc
• International dialing code:+377

San Marino

Like Liechtenstein, Monaco and the Vatican, San Marino is a dwarf country. Surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy, San Marino serves as a kind of symbol of the era when city-states flourished in Europe.

The basis of the natural landscape of San Marino is part of the Apennine mountain range Mount Monte Titano, which rises 750 meters above sea level and is the most high point country.

BRIEF OUTLINE

San Marino is often referred to as the oldest republic on Earth. It is believed that around the 4th century AD it was founded by a simple bricklayer named Mirinus, who took refuge there and later founded a small commune. Over time, the enclave developed and in the 9th century proclaimed its independence.

Over the centuries of its history, San Marino has gone through all the devastating and bloody wars on the Italian Peninsula. In 1862, a treaty of friendship and trade was concluded between the two countries, which recognized and guaranteed the full independence of San Marino.

The backbone of the country's economy, with an area of ​​only 61 sq. km is tourism. Luxurious nature and magnificent architecture attract more than three million tourists from all over the world every year.

Postage stamps and coins, for which avid collectors are willing to shell out a fortune, are also a major source of income.

Today the state consists of eight suburbs around the famous San Marino castles, administered by eight Soviets. The already tiny territory of the country is divided into nine administrative districts. The highest legislative body is the Grand General Council, from which members are elected every six months, two equal captain-regents, who are at the head of the state.

As one of Europe's tax havens, San Marino serves as a safe deposit box for a large number of international investors. However, in the context of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, its status as a tax haven was threatened, and the republic began to take measures in an attempt to make its financial system more transparent.

FACTS

• Official name: Republic of San Marino
• Population: 31 400 people (UN data, 2009)
• Capital: San Marino
• Square: 61.2 sq. Km
• Primary language: Italian
• Main religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy (male / female): 77 years old / 84 years old (UN data)
• Currency unit: 1 euro = 100 cents
• The mainarticlesexport: wine, ceramics, furniture, postage stamps, collectibles
• Average annual income per capita:$ 46,770 (World Bank data, 2008)
• Internet domain:.sm
• International dialing code:+378

Vatican

Vatican, the mostsmallstate in the world. It is located onthe territory of Rome, however, is completely independent from Italy.

The Vatican is home to the Holy See - the leadership of the Catholic Church.

Most of the population of this dwarf country is made up of priests and nuns who are ministers of the Catholic Church.

After the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005, who presided over the Holy See for just over a quarter of a century, Pope Benedict XIV became the head of all Catholics.

BRIEF OUTLINE

Today the Vatican is the administrative and ideological center of the Roman Catholic Church. It houses a large number of Catholic educational institutions, as well as the main organs of the Catholic press, radio and television.

The time of John Paul II as pontiff fell on the era of the collapse of communism in Western Europe, including in his native Poland.

During this difficult period, he called on the countries of the world for political dialogue, and the warring parties - for reconciliation, paying special attention to religious freedom. During a historic visit to Israel in 2000, the Pope publicly denounced anti-Semitism as a “crime against God and man” and called on the Catholic community to repentance.

Another priority for the pontiff was to eliminate friction between Christian churches around the world.

The new Pope, Benedict XVI, has to deal with numerous scandals involving Catholic priests, from denial of the Holocaust to accusations of sexual harassment.

The Vatican capital is legally absent. In fact, the capital is the country itself, whose majestic buildings have to huddle in an extremely small area.

In the heart of the Vatican is located main temple of the Catholic world, St. Peter's Cathedral, which until recently was considered the largest Christian church on Earth. Numerous museums and art galleries of the country keep antique collections collected by its rulers.

FACTS

• Official name:Vatican City State
• Population: 800 people (UN data, 2009)
• Capital: Vatican
• Square: 0.44 sq. Km
• Main languages: latin, italian
• Main religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy (male / female): 74/81 (UN data)
• Currency unit: 1 Vatican lira = 100 centimos, 1 euro = 100 cents
• The mainarticlesexport: postage stamps, souvenirs, periodicals
• Internet domain:.va
• International dialing code:+39

Many people dream of moving to a country with a higher standard of living. The dwarf states of Europe have a very favorable economic climate, low taxes and various types of incentives for all categories of citizens.

The most popular dwarf countries for emigration are Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein.

However, obtain a residence permit in Monaco, Liechtenstein or another dwarf European state extremely difficult. The authorities of these countries carefully monitor this process and strictly select candidates for residents.

A huge number of businessmen and ordinary people all over the world. After all, residents are offered some significant benefits:

1. No taxes on income.
2. Providing medical care and education in prestigious educational institutions.
3. Possibility of visa-free travel to all countries of the Schengen area.

In addition, the principality is located in a picturesque location on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. There are many buildings of historical value in the state. Every year, Monaco hosts high-profile festivals and events, including the famous Formula 1 race.

Who is eligible to obtain a residence permit? Monaco accepts emigrants who are ready to open or buy an enterprise in the state, or citizens who have proven their worth to the authorities.

The authorities of the dwarf state carefully check the applicants for residents. In order to obtain a residence permit in the framework of business emigration, it is necessary to present to the authorities a detailed business plan and justification for their commercial activities.

The rest of those wishing to move to Monaco must be provided to the French Embassy:

• international passport;
• a questionnaire from the website of the Representative Office of France. It must be completed in French;
• a document confirming the absence of a criminal record;
• Marriage certificate;
• birth certificates of children, if any;
• a document stating the availability of rented or own housing in Monaco, or confirmation that a Russian citizen stayed with third parties for free;
• color photographs that must be pasted into the completed application forms;
• proof of financial solvency.

Financial independence can be proved by presenting a certificate of employment in the Principality, a bank statement or a document confirming the opening of a business in the territory of the state.

Important! Only a statement from a bank located in Monaco is valid. The resident candidate's account must have at least EUR 500,000. In addition, it is necessary to explain how the funds were received. To do this, in Russia, you need to take a certificate from the place of work or a bank statement.

Another confirmation of financial solvency is real estate in Monaco. It can be rented or owned.

Procedure for consideration

The submitted documents can be considered by the state authorities from 3-6 months. After that, a decision is made to grant the citizen of the Russian Federation a residence permit. Monaco opens its possibilities only to persons without a criminal record, who provide reliable information about their income.

If the answer is yes, the resident candidate needs to get in order to visit the dwarf state. This is necessary in order to pass a personal interview with representatives of the Principality. You must take your passport and documents confirming the availability of a place of residence. The prospective resident is given a questionnaire to fill out for the second interview.

At the second meeting, the final decision is made. You should take with you:

1. Completed application form. Information is entered in French.
2. Information about housing (rental agreement, certificate of ownership).
3. Proof of financial solvency (same as originally presented).
4. Certificate of no criminal record (issued by the police).
5. Certificates of marriage, birth of children.

Attention! When submitting information about housing, it is necessary to take into account the fact that each person must have at least 16 sq. m. It does not matter what kind of housing it is: rented or owned.

The possibility of granting a residence permit is considered within 10 days. In case of a positive answer, the emigrant must receive a special card confirming the residence permit.

This card is issued to a person for 1 year. After 183 days of residence in the state, there is the possibility of extending the residence permit. After 10 years of residence in the Principality, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. However, citizenship will not be granted to a resident.

Residence permit in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is considered to be the country with the most favorable financial climate. Economic development this dwarf state is much higher than in some large European countries... Emigration to Luxembourg is especially attractive for businessmen.

After opening, tourists can stay in this country for no more than 3 months; for a longer stay, you can apply for a residence permit. Luxembourg provides its residents with great opportunities and freedom.

However, obtaining a residence permit is associated with huge costs:

1. For the services of qualified lawyers.
2. For the annual maintenance of the business, if the resident is an entrepreneur.

In addition, a residence permit can be obtained by a student studying in Luxembourg and a person who officially works in this country. The documents for obtaining a residence permit in the Duchy are the same as for obtaining a residence permit in Monaco.

Citizenship can be obtained if you have lived in the territory of the Duchy for 8 years. Additionally, you need to provide:

• test results in the Luxembourgish language;
• certificate of completion of courses of citizenship.

The candidate must have a good reputation.

The possibility of granting a residence permit is being considered in a short time. Typically within 1-2 weeks. Granting citizenship is a longer procedure - its consideration may take six months.

Emigration to Liechtenstein

Obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in Liechtenstein is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, a large number of people tend to live in the country. First you need to get it.

In Liechtenstein, just like in other dwarf countries, taxes are low and there are practically no laws regulating the activities of offshore companies. Every citizen of the country is obliged to pay taxes.

You can get a residence permit:

• owners of real estate registered in Liechtenstein;
• persons working in organizations in that country.

Citizenship in Liechtenstein is almost impossible for residents of Russia. To grant the right to permanent residence, you need to live and work in a dwarf country for more than 10 years. At the same time, the candidacy of such a resident will still be carefully considered.

Emigration to Andorra

In Andorra, there is a negative attitude towards the increase in the population due to migrants. Therefore, obtaining a residence permit or citizenship is as difficult as in Liechtenstein.

The Andorran authorities distinguish 2 types of residence permit:

1. With the right to live and work.
2. Without the right to work.

Obtaining the first type of residence permit is almost impossible. There are not many free jobs in the country, and the priority always remains on the side of the citizens of the dwarf state.

To obtain a residence permit without the right to work, you must provide a standard package of documents, the same as for obtaining a residence permit in Monaco. The only difference is in the amount that must be in the bank account to confirm financial solvency. A migrant must have at least 2 thousand euros for each month of stay in Andorra.

As you can see, there are many benefits to emigrating to dwarf states. However, the procedures are very complicated. Therefore, most of the population of these countries are businessmen and wealthy people.

Liechtenstein is one of the dwarf states of Europe, or rather a principality located on the border of Austria and Switzerland. It is a small enclave of prosperity, stability and a high standard of living. There are about 40 thousand people throughout the country, in the very big city 6 thousand inhabitants. There are only 120 employees in law enforcement.

Liechtenstein is located among the picturesque Alps. Against the backdrop of the quiet and well-groomed streets of Chana and Vaduz, mountain peaks sparkle, alpine meadows and forests stretch out. Fans will be interested in visiting the principality alpine skiing, cyclists and just fans of outdoor activities.

In a short period of time in Liechtenstein, you can do a lot: see castles scattered among the mountains, sunbathe on comfortable beaches on the banks of the Rhine, enjoy the luxury of hotels and impeccable service.

The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles / day

What to see in Liechtenstein?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.

The building was built in the early Middle Ages. Its owners were people from the noble family of Werdenberg-Sargans. Later, the castle was restored, overgrown with new buildings. Today, Vaduz serves as the official residence of the reigning prince; access to tourists there is only open on August 15. This is a public holiday, in honor of which a festival is held on the territory of the castle.

Perfectly preserved medieval fortress in the south of the state, one of the most iconic landmarks. It is believed that it was erected in the XI-XII centuries. The castle rises 70 meters above the surrounding area, and there is a rose garden and a Gothic chapel in the courtyard. Festivals are often held here, theater troupes perform. Anyone can enter the territory only during the holiday.

Located in the capital city of Vaduz, it is architectural monument historical significance (came under protection in 1992). The building appeared at the beginning of the XX century, the architect Gustav von Neumann during the construction focused on the neo-baroque style. The building looks very neat, elegant and fully fits into the surrounding landscape. The Government House is a decoration and a visiting card of the capital.

The building is used for meetings and meetings of the city council of the capital. The architecture is sustained with German rigor and Swiss precision, characterized by laconic forms and functional elements. In the meeting room there is a gallery of portraits of the princes of Liechtenstein, as well as city burgomasters. The town hall appeared in 1932, the construction was carried out under the supervision of the architect F. Rekle.

A pedestrian street where the main sights of the capital are concentrated. Here, in cozy cafes, you can leisurely sip coffee with fresh pastries or visit numerous shops. Städl has a large number of interesting sculptures that create a special atmosphere in this place. It also houses the Post Office Museum, the English House and some administrative buildings.

Temple in the neo-Gothic style, erected in the 19th century on the site of the old medieval church... The cathedral is dedicated to one of the local saints and patrons Florin Remus. Despite the fact that the cathedral is Catholic, appearance and interior decoration correspond more to Protestant canons - modesty and restraint in the decoration of walls, statues, the absence of rich decoration and unnecessary splendor.

In this place you can get acquainted with the history of the country, learn Interesting Facts and comprehend the events that have taken place here over the centuries. The museum consists of two old and one modern buildings, there is also a small branch in the Schellenberg community. Here are collected collections of antiques, paintings, weapons, dishes, various items that once belonged to the princely family of Liechtenstein.

Run by State Museum, the date of foundation is considered to be 1930. It contains a large collection of stamps issued in the principality since 1912. The exposition also contains documents related to postal affairs, engraving tools, printing machines, sketches of stamps, and the uniform of postmen. Temporary exhibitions are regularly held in the museum, where expositions from other galleries are located.

Modern building opened in 2000. This is a museum of contemporary art, since most of the exposition is made up of fashion installations and interesting art objects, among which sculptures deserve special attention. The structure is a black cube, the walls are decorated with pebbles from the River Rhine. The museum also houses a huge private collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

Natural landmark on the border of Liechtenstein with Austria. At the foot there is a castle and a chapel of the 9th century, at the top are the ruins of another castle, which was once a prince's residence. Around the mountain there are several climbing routes of varying difficulty, a picturesque view of the valley opens from the top. The peaks rise above the capital of the principality - the city of Vaduz.

Andorra

Andorra has been a member of a customs union with the EU since 1991, although it is not an EU customs territory for agricultural production. Andorra retains customs control while remaining outside the Schengen area.

However, citizens with a Schengen visa can usually freely enter its territory.

Andorra is the only dwarf state that uses cash euro without a formal agreement with the EU. This happened due to the fact that before the introduction of the euro, Andorra did not have its own monetary unit, but the franc and peso were used.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is the only dwarf one that is part of the European Economic Area (since May 1, 1995), thus being part of the EU single market with partial application of EU laws. Liechtenstein does not have diplomatic ties with one of the EU member states - Slovakia.

Monaco

Monaco is already applying some of the EU's political principles through a special relationship with the EU member state France. Monaco is a full member of the European Customs Union and the VAT area, applying most of the EU principles regarding VAT and excise duties. Monaco is a de facto member of the Schengen area and the Eurozone.

San Marino

San Marino has an open border and a customs union with the EU. San Marino also uses the euro and is allowed to mint its own coins.

Vatican

The Vatican is the smallest state in the world. As a theocratic monarchy, it cannot join the EU, although it is the “heart” of Rome, the capital of a member country of Italy. The Vatican has open borders with Italy and intends to enter the Schengen information system.