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What is a microstate? -

There is no definitive definition of a microstate, besides a sovereign state with a "very small" population or land area. While there isn't an international consensus as to what constitutes "very small," there are six nations in Europe that are generally considered microstates: Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, Malta, and Vatican City.

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Liechtenstein -

Liechtenstein is a tiny country nestled between Switzerland and Austria. From north to south, Liechtenstein only stretches 15.5 miles (25 km). It is home to about 38,000 people.

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An alpine paradise -

Liechtenstein is located within the breathtaking beauty of the Alps, and with very few metropolitan areas, this beauty is enjoyable from everywhere in the country. The largest town, the national capital of Vaduz, has a population of less than 6,000.

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One of the richest countries in the world -

Despite its modest size, Liechtenstein boasts some impressive superlatives. The German-speaking country, eight times smaller than Los Angeles, has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, second only to its fellow microstate Monaco.

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Thank your local dentist -

Half of the total GDP of Liechtenstein comes from one single individual, Christoph Zeller, the country's only billionaire, who made his fortune off of dental products. Liechtenstein has virtually zero national debt, bringing in far more money per year than it takes to run the country.

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Liechtenstein, the least visited -

Despite its pristine alpine landscape and quiet, sparse cities, Liechtenstein is one of the least visited countries in Europe. In 2018, there were only 85,000 visitors.

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San Marino -

San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is a tiny city-state surrounded by Italy on all sides. Covering an area of just 24 square miles (61 square km), San Marino is the third-smallest sovereign state in Europe.

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An enduring republic -

Despite its tiny size, San Marino has proven throughout the centuries and even the millennia to be strong and resilient. San Marino is the oldest republic in the world, and has maintained its sovereignty since 301 CE. Since that ancient date, it has never once been successfully invaded, although many have tried.

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Keeping language alive -

The mountainside republic is home to just under 34,000 people, most of whom speak Italian. But a great number of residents also keep the old Romagnol dialect alive, which was historically spoken in the region.

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An open door policy -

Although San Marino has always been steadfastly dedicated to their sovereignty, they aren't a hermit kingdom. During World War II, the republic opened their doors to 100,000 refugees. Additionally, legend has it that they have never refused a request of political asylum.

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The oldest practiced constitution in the world -

As the oldest nation in the world, it's only fitting that San Marino might have the oldest constitution in the world. The Statutes of 1600 are still the foundations of the law of the land, including San Marino's peculiar habit of electing two captains regent to run the country every six months.

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Monaco -

Perhaps the most famous of the European microstates because of its idyllic location on the French Riviera and its annual hosting of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco is also the richest country in the world per capita.

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The Billionaire's Playground -

Nicknamed the Billionaire's Playground, an estimated 30% of Monaco's residents are at least millionaires. Other extravagant annual events in the luxurious city-state include the Monaco Yacht Show, tickets for which are US$536 per day.

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Prohibitive costs of living -

Monaco attracts the wealthiest of the world by design. With real estate costing US$4,500 per square foot (.09 square m), it has one of the highest costs of living in the world. An interesting byproduct of these prohibitive expenses is that Monaco has become one of the only countries in the world without a single resident living below the poverty line. Almost all workers in the service sector choose to live in neighboring France or Italy and commute into Monaco every day.

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A densely populated paradise -

For all of its glitz and glamour, it might come as a surprise to learn that Monaco is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The city-state is only 202 hectares large, less than the size of New York City's Central Park, and houses more than 38,000 people.

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A surveillance state -

As a country with some of the wealthiest residents in the world, it has naturally become one of the most closely surveilled and policed countries in the world. Monaco boasts one police officer for every 100 residents, and the entire city-state is constantly monitored by a comprehensive 24-hour video surveillance system.

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Andorra -

Situated between France and Spain in the midst of the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is the 17th smallest nation in the world. In fact, the entire country could fit inside the city limits of London more than three times over.

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Capital in high places -

The capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, rests 3,356 feet (1,023 m) above sea level, making it the highest capital in Europe. Andorra la Vella is also a bustling center for retail, and in many ways resembles a giant shopping mall.

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Keeping Catalan alive -

Andorra, which has a population of just over 77,000, is the only country in the world whose one and only official language is Catalan. But while Catalan is the official language, most citizens speak either French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

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Gorgeous views galore -

Outside of the gray and business-oriented capital of Andorra la Vella, Andorra has no shortage of incredible mountain scenery to enjoy. Nearly 9% of Andorra has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, and belongs to the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley National Park.

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Amicable Andorra -

Andorra boasts some of the happiest residents in the world. With an impressive life expectancy in the eighties, practically no pollution due to the total absence of factories, and a reputation as one of the safest countries in the world, it's easy to understand why.

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Malta -

The island nation of Malta lies in the Mediterranean Sea, between Tunisia and Italy. While signs of inhabitance date back to the Neolithic era, the modern republic of Malta gained independence from England in 1963.

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Malta -

The Maltese capital of Valletta is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, only covering 0.3 square miles (0.8 square km). The fortress city was built in the 1500s by the Knights of Saint John.

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Two national languages -

A remnant from English rule, Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Both are widely spoken by the 525,000 residents who call the seven-island nation home.

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The ideal getaway -

All of the Maltese islands are home to some of the most beautiful coastlines and beach communities in Europe, as well as some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, causing it to quickly become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations.

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Rich in history and culture -

Malta's long and storied history also makes it one of the most culturally rich countries in Europe, despite its tiny size. The entire capital city of Valletta is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are over 350 churches from all eras of Christian history to visit across the seven islands.

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Vatican City -

Vatican City, the famous home of the Catholic pope surrounded by Italy on all sides, holds the official title of the smallest country in the world, with a total area of only 44 hectares.

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The home of the pope -

While Vatican City has only officially been a sovereign state since it reached an agreement with the Kingdom of Italy in 1929, it has been the center of the Catholic world and the official home of the pope since the 14th century.

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The tax-free Holy See -

One peculiar thing about Vatican City is the complete absence of taxes within its borders. Revenues from museum tickets, souvenir sales, and donations cover all of the sovereign city-state's expenses.

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The Sistine Chapel -

As the center of Catholicism, some of the greatest works of art from history, so much of which was religiously inspired, rest within its walls. The Sistine Chapel, with its famous ceiling painted by the Renaissance master Michelangelo, is connected to the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope.

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The Swiss Guard -

A common site unique to the Holy See are the colorfully clad Swiss Guardsmen, the official protectors of the pope and the Vatican. Employed by the papacy since the 1500s, the Swiss Guard are technically a mercenary force. All of the soldiers are, in fact, Swiss citizens, and although they're known for their ceremonial dress, they are all highly trained soldiers.

Sources: (Culture Trip) (Slate) (Insider)

See also: Micronations around the world you had no idea existed

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