Let's set off on a journey to countries where the borders are narrow but the richness is immense. These nations are the tiniest in Europe which have been granted the status of countries. These countries have a lot in store for you within their small confines. Let's take a look at which are these mini nations in Europe and what makes them unique.
Andorra is very much a hidden treasure of Europe. This small country located between France and Spain is little known to many. Surprisingly, the official language of Andorra is neither French nor Spanish, but Catalan, due to its proximity to Catalonia, which is the north-eastern region of Spain. Andorra is a popular winter destination because of its ski slopes in the Pyrenees mountains and its numerous wonderful winter markets. Nevertheless, Andorra can be visited all year round and has a pleasant climate all year round. With a surface area of only 468 km² and a population of 77,000 inhabitants, Andorra is one of the micro-nations of Europe that has yet to be fully explored.
Malta is the only island nation that is part of the European Union. Officially called the Republic of Malta, it is one of the destinations you should not miss. Its uniqueness in terms of geography, architecture and culture makes it a destination simply unavoidable. Malta is quite overpopulated with its 4,93,559 inhabitants within its small area of 316 km². With its history of invasion by numerous empires, including the Arabs, the Normans, the Phoenicians and many others, Malta has a thriving and diverse historical heritage. The capital, Valletta, is known to be one of the earliest planned cities in Europe. Malta is also the best choice for those who like to walk, as every corner of the island is less than 30 minutes away. It is also one of the countries in Europe with a large English-speaking population, along with its local language, Maltese, due to its links with England from its colonial past.
Monaco, officially known as the Principality of Monaco, is an extraordinary nation-state. With a surface area of only 2.1 km2, Monaco is the second smallest country in Europe and the world. France borders Monaco to the east, west and north, and to the south it has the Mediterranean Sea. Situated on the coast of the French Riviera, Monaco is also one of the richest and most expensive nations in the world where 32% of the population are millionaires with a total population of 38,600. Monaco is known for its Formula 1 Grand Prix which has been held every year since 1929. Monaco is located only 18 km from France.
As a country, San Marino is completely surrounded by Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region. San Marino covers an area of just over 61 km2 and has a population of 33,562 inhabitants. It is known as the oldest sovereign republic in the world. Although San Marino is not a member of the European Union, the country's currency is the euro. Apart from this, the small country has a collection of museums, including a wax museum, a vampire museum and a museum of ancient weapons. San Marino is a must-see destination, especially if you're in Italy.
The Vatican City, which has the title of the smallest country in the world, is also very popular as the residence of the pope. With an area of just 0.2 square miles, Vatican City has a population of just under 1000. The Vatican is a walled city, i.e., a country within Rome, but has been granted the status of a country conferring independence on the Catholic Church and its head of state is the pope. From the moment you enter St. Peter's Square, you enter Vatican City. The city has its own charm and incredible art and architecture.
