TINIEST COUNTRIES
These specks on the map are among the world’s most interesting and exotic locations.
Vatican City: The world’s smallest country with the an area of just 108.7 acres and a population of under 1000. Latin is the official language.
Monaco- second San Marino-third, Nauru-Fourth and Tuvalu-Fifth.
Andorra: Located in the Pyrenees mountains, this scenic, tiny country is bordered by France on the North and Spain on the South. Catalan is the official language. Its capital Andorra La Vella is the highest capital city in Europe.
Marking the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the lesser Antilles are a string of islands making up several small nations. The tiniest among them is St Kitts and Nevis. Unlike most countries in this region the country is supported more by agriculture than by tourism.
Tuvalu: This South Pacific island nation, in 2000, made tech world headlines for leasing its domain name for US $ 50 million. It has a land mass of just 26 sq km. Its capital is Funafuti and the official language is Tuvaluan.
Monaco: Located on the Mediterranean, bordered by France is totally dependent on tourism. With an area of just 2 sq km and a population of about 38,000- it is one of the most expensive and wealthiest nations in the world. The common languages spoken here are French, Monegasque, Italian, Occitan and Provencal.
Liechtenstein: is situated on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria. It’s breath taking views and ski resorts make it a popular tourist destination. Due to low taxes, many international organizations are head quartered here. Expats comprise 60% of the work force.
Lesotho: Once called Basutoland, this country id completely surrounded by South Africa although the two are separated by mountain ranges. Its capital is Maseru. The official languages are English and Sesotho.
Nauru: At 21 sq kms this South Pacific island does not have an official capital. Its largest city in population is Yaren. The official languages are Nauruan and English. Japanese troops occupied Nauru on 25th August 1942. They built an airport which was bombed by US Air Force preventing food supplies from being flown to Nauru.
Tonga: This South Pacific island nation is the first country to issue self adhesive postage stamp. They first issued it in 1963. The official languages are English and Tongan.
Luxembourg: is one of the most prosperous European nation in terms of per capita. It is bordered by Germany, France and Belgium. It boast a flourishing economy mainly in Banking and Insurance.
Solomon Islands: are located in South Pacific, east of Papua New Guinea and just across Coral Sea from Australia. In history they are best known as the site of the Battle of Gudalcanal.