Micro-states of Europe: list. Micro-states of foreign Europe: list, description and characteristics

It is often considered the very existence of several microscopic states on the territory of the European continent as nothing more than a historical misunderstanding. Many call the micro-states of Europe fake and operetta. But is it always justified such contempt for small state formations? Let's take a closer look at them.

Where did they come from? A short excursion into the history

States are like people - they are born, live and die. But the micro-states of Europe are those that exist for centuries and even millennia, as well as random geopolitical entities such as Kosovo, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. According to the school course of geography, the European continent extends on the territory from the Atlantic to the Urals, and these newborn formations in it, of course, are included. This is also a micro-state of Europe. It is even possible that a great future awaits them, but we do not know yet. Therefore, we will focus our attention on the phenomenon that microstates of foreign Europe represent. They arose in the era of the early Middle Ages, for which feudal fragmentation was characteristic. And some of them have safely lived to the present day.

What is the reason for their longevity

Micro-states of foreign Europe, whose list is by no means so long, the fact of its existence is due primarily to its neighbors. Nearer and slightly more distant. There is no doubt that if strong neighboring states had to absorb these dwarfs, they would have found an excuse for several centuries. But this has not happened yet. And if there exist and flourish the well-known microstate of Europe - geography is the reason. More precisely, their advantageous geographical location at the crossroads of traditional trade routes. And those preferences that they are able to offer their neighbors as independent states.

What is their economy based on?

The micro-states of Europe, the list of which consists of six units, thrive mainly through trade. It is in them or not taxed at all, or tax rates are low. At the same time, five micro-states of Europe are in its continental part. These are Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra and the Vatican. The sixth state is Malta, located on the same island in the Mediterranean Sea. Not a bad income for some of them bring gambling and offshore financial rules. But the basis of the economy is tourism. There are many who want to visit the micro-states of Western Europe all over the world and leave a part of their savings there. Not a bad income brings these countries and such traditional industries as agriculture and winemaking.

Liechtenstein

Micro-states of foreign Europe are usually proud of their ancient origin and eventful history. And they have every reason for that. The sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein, located on the picturesque alpine slopes between Austria and Switzerland, dates back to 1507. Here it is customary to treat carefully the monuments of history and architecture that attract tourists to a small country. But the basis of its welfare is the industry - metalworking, the production of precision mechanics, medical equipment and medicines. The micro-states of Europe, the list of which does not include poor countries, are fully justifiably proud of the high standard of living. But subjects of the Principality of Liechtenstein earned a level of prosperity with their own hands. The country's economy is largely integrated with the Swiss economy.

San marino

The micro-states of Europe are countries with different forms of government, from monarchy to democracy. A small country San Marino, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy, is one of the oldest parliamentary republics on the continent. Moreover, it is the oldest country in Europe, whose borders remained unchanged. Its history began back in ancient times. And today it is one big tourist attraction. It is tourism that is the basis of its economy. For a significant part of tourists traveling to Italy, a visit to the Republic of San Marino is a mandatory item of the program.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco, located on the Ligurian coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has a very peculiar reputation. For many residents of the European continent, this country is associated primarily with casinos and gambling houses. It is this circumstance that provides for this coast the flow of tourists who want to part with their money. Subjects of the Principality of Monaco are fully satisfied with this situation. Sovereign micro-states of Europe rarely have economic independence. And the financial well-being of Monaco is provided by lovers of playing roulette. They are sent in large numbers here from Europe and other continents. They can be understood - it's more pleasant to part with money on the picturesque Ligurian coast, in the luxurious interiors of casinos and restaurants, whose walls are remembered by many outstanding people, from monarchs to uncrowned kings of the criminal world. Moreover, in other European countries such games are at least not welcome.

Andorra

The secluded position of the principality of Andorra, located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, for many centuries provided him peace and stability. The conquerors did not show interest in him and avoided it. The country was closed and its population led a patriarchal way of life, limited to agriculture, viticulture and winemaking. The situation changed only in the second half of the twentieth century. The Principality has opened its borders, and today tourism is the unconditional basis of the economy of this microstate. Its natural conditions for this are quite reasonable. Over the past decade on the picturesque slopes of the eastern Pyrenees built a tourist infrastructure of world level. In the principality with pleasure stop tourists, bound for the resorts of the Gold Coast of Spain. From the Mediterranean coast the country separates only one and a half hundred kilometers, which takes about an hour's drive along the modern freeway.

Vatican

When the micro-states of Europe are listed, this country is not always remembered. And it's not a matter of neglect, the Vatican's significance in the history of Europe and the whole of mankind can not be denied, just the territory of the country is scanty and not on every map is noticeable. But the Vatican is noticeable in the world for its spiritual greatness. Situated in several blocks of the Italian capital, the country officially recognized as a member of the UN is the smallest state in the world on the territory. The city-state of the Vatican is the residence of the supreme leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. In a very small area, a vast number of monuments of history, religion, culture and architecture are concentrated here. Here lived and created many artists, sculptors and architects, recognized as the Titans of the Renaissance. The most vivid embodiment of their work was the grandiose St. Peter's Cathedral. This provides an endless stream of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to the Vatican. According to its state system, the Vatican is an absolute theocratic monarchy. The head of the Vatican is the Pope. It is senseless to talk about the economy of the country, for the complete absence of such.

Malta

The Republic of Malta is the only island country among the small states of Europe. It is located on the archipelago, consisting of the title island and several small islets in the immediate vicinity of it. This place since ancient times was on the busy intersection of trade routes. In the port of Malta, ships of merchant caravans, following from the African coast to Europe and from west to east, were moored. A successful geographical position, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, for many centuries provided the island and economic prosperity through trade, and the constant attention of different conquerors. But since 1530 Malta is considered a sovereign state, even though later in its history there were periods of occupation by Napoleon Bonaparte and Great Britain. English rule lasted until the seventies of the twentieth century, but it was mostly of a formal nature. Currently, Malta is a prosperous country with a high standard of living. The basis of its economy is tourism. The Maltese coast today is the fashionable beach resorts of the world level, equipped with all necessary for comfortable rest tourist infrastructure. In addition to beaches, tourists are also attracted by the numerous monuments of history, culture and architecture accumulated on the island for its long and eventful history. The state pays much attention to the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage.