Microstate

Mini-state (also mini-or micro- state, historically also Duodezstaat ) is a term for a state with extremely small land area.

Term

The term dwarf state is out of focus and was also subject to changes over time. Whether a State is to be regarded as a dwarf or small state, therefore, can not be clearly distinguished. For the partly extremely small principalities of German history, the terms small states and micro-states are still used as synonyms ( cf. particularism ).

In the 18th century small principalities were ironically referred to as Duodezfürstentümer, or Duodezstaaten. Duodecimo is the name of an outdated book format, which means something insignificant Small in a figurative use.

Dwarf States

European micro-states

→ Main article: European micro-states

In Europe there are six generally referred to as mini-states countries: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican. It is small principalities and republics that have maintained their independence until today, and to the special case of reaching back to the former Papal States claim of the Pope to an enclave in the center of Rome.

Non-European micro-states

The non-European micro-states are islands or island groups.

List of very small states

From the United Nations recognized sovereign states with a fixed land mass of less than 1,000 km ² (excluding maritime territories ).