Smallest population of countries. What is the smallest country in the world by area?

27.09.2019

China and India

Statistics regarding the planet's population state that approximately a third of all earthly inhabitants are found in only two powers - China and India. It is unlikely that at least one of the other countries will be able to compete with them in this.

Moreover, there are many so-called “dwarf” states, which, in terms of the number of inhabitants and territory, are very significantly inferior to the rest of their neighbors on the planet, and therefore could claim primacy only in the opposite rating. If you try to determine what exactly the smallest country is, any of these powers will be in the first positions in such a Top List.

Of course, assessing states according to this indicator is a very difficult task. There are many difficulties here - first of all, the fact that population censuses (which allow, first of all, to estimate the number of people living in a specific territory) do not happen in all countries in the same year.

In addition, this parameter is generally a special value that is subject to permanent changes. Births, migrations, deaths and other events that affect demographic statistics happen every day. However, even if the corresponding calculations could be made every second, it is unlikely that their results would radically change the situation with the country’s smallest population. At most, they would lead to minor changes in the ranking.

Judging by statistical information, the Vatican unconditionally wins in these types of issues. This enclave (i.e., a power completely surrounded by the territory of another country - in this case, an entire microstate is located inside one city - Rome) has a historically established special status. It gained independent existence in 1929, and its sovereignty stems not from political reasons, but from the authority of the power of the main Catholic on the planet - the Pope.

This is emphasized and international status of this power. It is considered an auxiliary territory of the Roman Catholic Holy See. Accordingly, even foreign diplomatic missions are accredited by the latter. By the way, due to the small size of the Vatican (it is the smallest in area - it is only 0.4 square kilometers - of the internationally recognized states), all embassies and consulates of other powers, without exception, are located in Rome itself. According to 2012 data, 836 people live permanently on the territory of the “papal” country.

Vatican Security

Interestingly, the name “Vatican” comes from one of the many Roman hills - Mons Vaticanus - and translated from Latin means “place of fortune telling”. Of course, no one in the power of the Holy See is engaged in such un-Godly deeds. In addition to their duties dictated by duty to the flock, Vatican leaders cooperate with the largest supranational formations. Thus, since August 2008, the Vatican announced the beginning of support for Interpol in the main aspects of its activities, and the Holy See, more than four decades earlier - since 1964 - began to be considered a permanent observer at the UN.

The smallest country in terms of numbers is protected by the Swiss Guard. This smallest army on the planet was formed at the dawn of the sixteenth century by merchants from this Alpine power. Now there are only about a hundred people in this guard. The main requirements for the Swiss who want to serve in it are belonging to the Catholic faith and the absence of a wife. At the same time, such young people do not give celibacy. Upon returning to their homeland, they can start families if they wish.

The Vatican has a special status in everything - including economically. It exists not through economic activity, but thanks to donations from Catholics, and does not collect taxes. In this regard, he is a dream for many!

10

Square: 181 km 2
Population: 53,158 people
Density: 293.7 people/km 2
Motto:"Achievement through common effort, Marshallese"
Form of government: Republic
Capital: Majuro

Micronesian state Marshall Islands is a cluster of atolls and islands located in Pacific Ocean a little north of the equator.

The Marshall Islands are named after British Captain John Marshall (also known as William Marshall), who, along with fellow Captain Thomas Gilbert, for whom the neighboring Gilbert Islands are named, explored the archipelago in 1788 while transporting prisoners to New South Wales.

The land area of the Marshall Islands is only 181.3 km2, while the area occupied by lagoons is 11,673 km2. The country is located on 29 atolls and 5 outlying islands, which are divided into two groups: 18 islands in the Ralik chain (translated from Marshallese as “sunset”) and 16 islands in the Ratak chain (or Radak; translated from Marshallese as “sunrise”). . Both chains are approximately 250 km apart and stretch from northwest to southeast for approximately 1200 km. The most important islands are the Kwajalein and Majuro atolls. Largest island Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, is also an atoll with the largest lagoon in the world.

9

Square: 3900 km 2
Population: 51,547 people
Density: 13.73 people/km 2
Form of government: presidential republic
Capital: Tskhinvali

Partially recognized state in Transcaucasia. Landlocked. The issue of the international legal status of South Ossetia is controversial: the independence of the republic is recognized by four UN member states (Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru), partially recognized by Abkhazia and unrecognized PMR, NKR, DPR and LPR.

More than 89.3% of the territory of South Ossetia is located at an altitude of 1000 meters or more above sea level. The relief is mountainous.

The highest point of the republic is Mount Halatsa, 3938 m.

In the republic, only two settlements have city status - Tskhinvali and Kvaisa. Three settlements have the status of urban-type settlements - Dzau, Znaur and Leningor. Other settlements have the status of villages.

8

Square: 261 km 2
Population: 51,538 people
Density: 164 people/km 2
Motto:“The state comes before personal interests”
Form of government: Parliamentary monarchy
Capital: Buster

Island state in the Caribbean Sea. Includes 2 islands - Saint Christopher, also known as Saint Kitts (Saint Kitts, St. Kitts), and Nevis, from the ridge of the Lesser Antilles. Both islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous. Total length coastline- 135 km.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of area and population.

It is a member of the British Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain.

The two traditional industries of St. Kitts and Nevis are agriculture and tourism. The main agricultural crop is sugar cane (one third of cultivated land). On the island of Nevis, cotton, coconut palms, and pineapples are grown. Coffee trees, bananas, peanuts, yams, and rice are also cultivated. Livestock farming is developed - goats and sheep are raised. Fishing is also one of the traditional industries. However, agricultural production provides no more than half of domestic food needs.

7

Square: 160 km 2
Population: 37,313 people
Density: person/km 2
Motto:"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
Form of government: nominally constitutional monarchy
Capital: Vaduz

Principality of Liechtenstein - dwarf state in Central Europe. Liechtenstein borders Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west, its territory is completely surrounded by the territories of these states.

The Principality is located in the spurs of the Alps, the most high point- Mount Grauspitz (2,599 m). One of the rivers flows through the western part of the country. largest rivers Western Europe- Rain.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince. Legislative power belongs to the prince and the Landtag (parliament), Executive power is vested in the government, which is elected by the Landtag for the term of its powers and approved by the prince. The majority of the population speaks the Alemannic dialect of German.

This beautiful Dreamland, despite its very small size, is famous for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Picturesque natural landscapes, magnificent medieval architecture and, of course, fashionable ski resort famous all over the world.

The heart of Liechtenstein and its “pearl” is the capital Vaduz. This is where most of the country's attractions are concentrated. The visiting card of not only the city, but the entire state is the magnificent princely castle of Vaduz. Beautiful architectural structure rises on a hill and can be seen from anywhere in the city.

6

Square: 61 km 2
Population: 32,742 people
Density: 520 people/km 2
Motto:"Freedom"
Form of government: parliamentary republic
Capital:

San Marino is located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. Within its current borders, San Marino is the oldest state in Europe. The country is located on the southwestern slope of the triceps mountain range Monte Titano (738 m above sea level), rising above the hilly plain of the Apennine foothills.

The legendary foundation of San Marino dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities from the island of Rab in the Adriatic Sea (the territory of modern Croatia), stonecutter Marino and his friends found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Monte Titano. He opened quarries in the mountain, and then, seeking solitude, built himself a small cell on its top and retired from the world. The glory of his holy life attracted crowds of pilgrims to him, and soon a small monastery was formed near his cell. This monastery, named after its founder, Saint Marinus, undoubtedly existed already at the end of the 6th century and lived an independent life, not politically dependent on any of its neighbors.

San Marino has a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Great General Council.

Inbound tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy; up to 2 million people are involved in the tourism industry in the state every year, and more than 3 million tourists visit the country every year.

5

Square: 2.02 km 2
Population: 30,508 people
Density: 18,679 people/km 2
Motto:"God willing"
Form of government: dualistic constitutional monarchy
Capital:

A dwarf state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur 20 km northeast of Nice; on land it borders with France. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is widely known for its casino in Monte Carlo and the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here - the Monaco Grand Prix. Coastline length - 4.1 km, length land borders- 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas.

The first people built their settlements on the territory of Monaco in the 10th century BC. e., they were Phoenicians. Much later the Greeks and Monoiki joined.

The history of modern Monaco begins in 1215 with the founding of a colony of the Genoese Republic on the territory of the principality and the construction of a fortress.

As of 2014, the population of Monaco is 37,800 people, but it is worth noting that most of the full citizens of the state are Monegasques. They are exempt from taxes and have the right to settle in the area of the old city.

Monaco's economy is developing mainly due to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences, as well as due to media coverage of the life of the princely family.

4

Square: 458 km 2
Population: 21,186 people
Density: 43 people/km 2
Form of government: presidential republic
Capital: Ngerulmudya

An island nation associated with the United States in the Philippine Pacific Sea, located 800 km east of the Philippines and north of Indonesia.

It consists of 328 islands with a total area of 458 km 2 and belongs to Micronesia. The Palau archipelago is the western part of the Caroline Islands. It consists of many small atolls formed on the tops of underwater volcanoes. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to November.

Palau is a republic. The head of state and government is the president, elected by the population for a 4-year term (re-election for a second consecutive term is acceptable).

Parliament is a bicameral State Congress, consisting of the Senate (9 members elected by the population for 4 years) and the House of Delegates (16 members elected by the population for 4 years).

There are no political parties, just like armed forces.

The basis of Palau's economy is tourism (85 thousand tourists in 2007), fishing, and artistic crafts. In agriculture, coconut palm and tapioca are cultivated. Export goods - shellfish, fish, copra. Currency unit- U.S. dollar.

3

Square: 26 km 2
Population: 10,782 people
Density: 431.00 people/km 2
Motto:"Tuvalu - for Almighty God"
Form of government: monarchy
Capital: Funafuti

Tuvalu is a tiny state in Oceania with a population of about 11,000 people. Planes from Fiji fly here twice a week and almost certainly, in 50 years, this state will be under water, and now there is a targeted resettlement of local residents to other states, such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

This Pacific nation is located in Polynesia and was called Ellis Islands until 1975. Modern name translated from the Tuvaluan language means “eight standing together” (referring to the eight traditionally inhabited islands of Tuvalu; the ninth - Niulakita - was settled relatively recently). The European discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named the archipelago the "Lagoon Islands", and in 1819 they received the name "Ellis Islands", which was used throughout almost the entire colonial era

Tuvalu is a collection of atolls and islands located in the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator. The land area of Tuvalu is only 26 km 2, while the area occupied by lagoons is more than 494 km 2. The country is located on 5 atolls (Nanumea, Nui, Nukulaelae, Nukufetau, Funafuti), 3 low-lying coral islands (Nanumanga, Niulakita, Niutao) and one atoll/reef island (Vaitupu), stretching from northwest to southeast for 595 km .

A significant part of the population of Tuvalu lives in the capital and only city of the country, Funafuti - 47%.

2

Square: 21 km 2
Population: 9,488 people
Density: 473.43 people/km 2
Motto:"God's will comes first"
Form of government: parliamentary republic
Capital: There is no official capital; unofficial - the city of Yaren.

The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word "Nauru" is unknown. As now, the Nauruans in the distant past called the island "Naoero".

There is no official capital or cities on the island. The presidential residence is located in Meneng District, while government offices and parliament are located in Yaren District. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.

1

Square: 0.44 km 2
Population: 842 people
Density: 1900 people/km 2
Form of government: absolute theocratic monarchy
Capital:

And, undoubtedly, the title of the smallest state in the world belongs to the Vatican. Vatican City is a dwarf enclave state (the smallest officially recognized state in the world) within the territory of Rome, associated with Italy. The Vatican's status in international law is an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See, the seat of the highest spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

Diplomatic missions of foreign countries are accredited to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City State. Foreign embassies and missions accredited to the Holy See, due to the small territory of the Vatican, are located in Rome (including the Italian embassy, which is thus located in its own capital.

In antiquity, the territory of the Vatican (lat. ager vaticanus) was not inhabited, since in Ancient Rome this place was considered holy. Emperor Claudius held circus games at this place. In 326, after the advent of Christianity, the Basilica of Constantine was erected over the supposed tomb of St. Peter, and from then on the site began to be inhabited.

The Vatican is a theocratic state ruled by the Holy See. The sovereign of the Holy See, in whose hands the absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers are concentrated, is the Pope, elected by the cardinals for a life term. After the death or abdication of the Pope and during the conclave until the enthronement of the new Pope, his duties (with significant restrictions) are performed by the Camerlengo.

The Vatican has a non-profit planned economy. Sources of income are primarily donations from Catholics around the world. Part of the funds comes from tourism (sale of postage stamps, Vatican euro coins, souvenirs, fees for visiting museums). The majority of the workforce (museum staff, gardeners, janitors, etc.) are Italian citizens.

The Vatican budget is US$310 million.

The Vatican has its own bank, better known as the Institute of Religious Affairs.

We present the Top smallest countries in the world, both by area and population.

Smallest countries by area:

Only independent states recognized by other states are included. Also included are associated states (a form of confederation of unequal states united on a bilateral basis, in which the smaller state, while formally maintaining sovereignty and independence, entrusts a significant part of its power to the larger state).

10th place:- state in the eastern part Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 49,898 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.

The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

9th place: Cook Islands- an archipelago and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 236 km², population - 19,569 people.

8th place:- a Pacific state associated with the United States. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is located on 29 atolls and 5 islands, with a total area of 181 km² and a population of 68,000 people.

7th place: Liechtenstein- a state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. Area - 160.4 km², population - 35,870 people.

6th place:- a state surrounded on all sides by Italy. Area - 61 km², population - 32,075 people.

5th place:- a Pacific country located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10,544 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country would have been even poorer if the country’s leadership had not thought of putting up the national domain zone .tv for auction and a buyer was quickly found, because zone.tv is a tasty morsel for television companies and video sites. Now Tuvalu receives $1 million every quarter in exchange for the right to use the domain zone.tv

4th place:- a state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 9,322 people. Nauru is the smallest independent republic in the world, the smallest Island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside of Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.

3rd place: Monaco- a principality associated with France. Monaco is located in southern Europe on the coast Mediterranean Sea. Area - 2.02 km², population - 35,986 people.

2nd place: Vatican, located inside the territory of Rome. The Vatican is a state associated with Italy. The area of the Vatican is 0.44 km². Population - 836 people.

The smallest state in Europe and the whole world - Order of Malta(not to be confused with the state of Malta), the full name is "Sovereign Military Hospitable Order of St. John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta." Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located within the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort Sant'Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of the territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and car plate numbers, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.

Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

The smallest states by area by continent and part of the world:

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).
The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).
The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).
The smallest country in Africa is Seychelles(area - 455 km²).
Smallest country North America- Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).
Smallest country South America- Suriname (area 163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population:

Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 49,898 people.
9th place: Liechtenstein(about this country, see above). Population - 35,870 people.
8th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 32,075 people.
7th place: Palau- an island state in the Pacific Ocean. Is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20,842 people.
6th place: Cook Islands(about this country, see above). Population - 19,569 people.
5th place: Order of Malta(see above for more details). The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.
4th place: (about this country, see above). Population - 10,544 people.
3rd place: (about this country, see above). Population - 9,322 people.
2nd place: Niue- an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.
The smallest state in the world by population (about this country, see above). Population - 836 people.

The smallest states by population by continent and part of the world:

The smallest country in Asia is South Ossetia(population - 72,000 people) - partially recognized state: was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).
The smallest country in Oceania is Niue (population - 1,398 people)
The smallest country in Europe is Vatican City (population - 836 people)
The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (population - 87,476 people)
The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (population - 49,898 people)
The smallest country in South America is Suriname (population - 472,000 people)

All of the above countries and dependent territories are recognized by the international community or at least by several states, but there is a state not recognized by any country, which is smaller in area than the Order of Malta and smaller in population than the Vatican.
The Principality of Sealand, located on an offshore platform in the North Sea 10 kilometers off the coast of Great Britain, has an area of only 0.00055 km² (550 m²). Regarding the population, in 2002 the Sealand authorities stated that the population of the state was 27 people. However, only a guard permanently lives on the territory of Sealand.

The physical territory of Sealand emerged during the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built several platforms on the approaches to the coast. One of them was Rafs Tower. During the war, the platforms housed anti-aircraft guns and were garrisoned by 200 people. After the end of hostilities, most of the towers were destroyed, but the Rafs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained untouched. In 1967, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates announced the creation of the sovereign state of Sealand on the territory of the Rafs Tower platform and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. In 1972, Sealand began minting coins. In 1975, Sealand's first constitution came into force. A flag and coat of arms appeared.
In 1997, it became clear that without the knowledge of the leadership of Sealand, passports of this state were being distributed illegally. In total, more than 150 thousand passports were sold, after which Sealand was forced to cancel the passports. In January 2007, the country's owners announced their intention to sell it. Immediately after this, the torrent site The Pirate Bay began collecting funds for the acquisition of Sealand in order to achieve independence from the authorities of other states, but the deal did not take place.
Sealand official website - sealandgov.org

Smallest countries by area

10th place: St. Kitts and Nevis

A state in the eastern Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. The area of the country is 261 km². Population - 55214 people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in Latin America in terms of area and population.
The southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, with the island of Nevis in the background

5th place: Tuvalu

A Pacific country located on 5 atolls and 4 islands. The total area is 26 km². Population - 10,116 people. Tuvalu is one of the poorest countries in the world and this country would have been even poorer if the country’s leadership had not thought of putting up the national domain zone .tv for auction and a buyer was quickly found, because zone.tv is a tasty morsel for television companies and video sites. Now Tuvalu receives $1 million every quarter in exchange for the right to use the domain zone.tv

4th place: Nauru

A state on the coral island of the same name in the western Pacific Ocean with an area of 21 km². Population - 10478 people. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic, the smallest island state, the smallest state in Oceania, the smallest state outside Europe, and the world's only republic without an official capital.

The smallest state in Europe and the whole world is the Order of Malta (not to be confused with the state of Malta))

full name "Sovereign Military Hospitable Order of St. John, Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta." Like the Vatican, the Order of Malta is located within the territory of Rome. Since 1998, the Order has also owned Fort Sant'Angelo on the island of Malta. The area of the territories controlled by the Order of Malta is 0.012 km². The order consists of 12.5 thousand people who can be considered citizens of this state. Not everyone recognizes the Order of Malta as a state, but the order has diplomatic relations with 104 states and is a permanent observer at the UN. The Order of Malta issues its own passports and license plates, prints its own currency and stamps, i.e. has almost all the signs of a full-fledged state.
Palace of Malta in Rome - the actual capital of the Order of Malta

The smallest states by area by continent and part of the world

The smallest country in Asia is the Maldives (area - 298 km²).

The smallest country in Oceania is Nauru (area - 21 km²).

The smallest country in Europe is the Order of Malta (area - 0.012 km²).

The smallest country in Africa is the Seychelles (area - 455 km²).

The smallest country in North America is Saint Kitts and Nevis (area - 261 km²).

The smallest country in South America is Suriname (area 163,270 km²).

The smallest countries in the world by population. Only independent (including associated) states recognized by other states are included.

10th place: St. Kitts and Nevis. Population - 55214 people.

9th place: Liechtenstein. Population - 37540 people.

8th place: San Marino. Population - 32,455 people.

7th place: Palau is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. Is in association with the USA. Consists of 328 islands, with a total area of 458 km². Population - 20,842 people.

6th place: Cook Islands. Population - 13340 people.

5th place: Order of Malta. The order consists of 12.5 thousand people.

4th place: Nauru. Population - 10478 people.

3rd place: Tuvalu. Population - 10,116 people.

2nd place: Niue is an island and self-governing state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Area - 261.46 km², population - 1,398 people.

The smallest country in the world by population is the Vatican. Population - 842 people.

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 have never known about. They occupy a very small area and some of them are inhabited by only a few families.

Fullpicture decided to compile a list of the ten smallest countries with a population smaller than that of an average city or even a small village.

10 PHOTOS

1. Palau. Population: 21,291.

Republic of Palau - island country, which consists of more than 300 islands of varying sizes. Palau is one of the most amazing places on Earth: its rainforests are full unique plants and birds, and in his territorial waters There are 130 endangered species of animals. But the most remarkable thing in the country is the lake, where 2 million jellyfish live.

2. Niue. Population: 1,612.

Niue is a tiny island state in Oceania. Despite truly amazing nature, tourism is not popular there. The country is therefore heavily dependent on foreign aid, especially from New Zealand. The capital is a small village with a population of less 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.

Hutt River Principality is a country located in the province of the same name in Australia. It was founded by Leonard Castley, who declared his farm 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 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 state on our planet. Nauru has neither an official capital nor a system public transport, and 40 km of its roads are in use local residents, managing their private vehicles. Ecological problems make the republic very unpopular among tourists. Another Nauru record is the number of obese people: the country's obesity rate is more than 70%.

7. Principality of Seborga. Population: 312.

This virtual state on Italian territory 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 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 coat of arms and national flag. They even have the death penalty for especially serious crimes. The republic issues its own passports and even has a space program. In May 2017, the Republic turned 40 years old.

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 square meters. 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, stamps, website, car license plates and passports. Its citizens have the right to visa-free entry 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 governed by a self-proclaimed prince regent, and anyone can become an earl, baron or even duke: a noble title can be purchased on the government website for a few hundred British pounds.