The microstates of Europe are the six smallest sovereign states of the continent: Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Malta. Together they cover less land than a single large city, yet each is fully independent, with its own government, laws and — in most cases — a history stretching back centuries. Here is who they are and how they survive.
1. Vatican City
The seat of the Catholic Church and the smallest state in the world (0.49 km²). An absolute elective monarchy headed by the Pope, created in its current form by the 1929 Lateran Treaty with Italy. It survives on donations, museum revenue and its unique spiritual role.
2. Monaco
A Mediterranean principality ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297. Around 2 km² and 36,000 people. It thrives on tourism, banking and its status as a low-tax haven, protected by a defence agreement with France.
3. San Marino
The oldest surviving republic in the world, traditionally founded in 301 and enclaved within Italy. About 61 km². It endures thanks to tourism, finance and a long tradition of neutrality that spared it from Italian unification.
4. Liechtenstein
A German-speaking Alpine principality between Switzerland and Austria, around 160 km². Extremely wealthy, it is closely tied to Switzerland through a customs and currency union, and specialises in finance and precision manufacturing.
5. Andorra
A Pyrenean co-principality jointly headed by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain. Around 468 km². Its economy runs on tourism, skiing and duty-free shopping.
6. Malta
The largest of the six (316 km²) and the only one that is a full member of the European Union. An archipelago south of Sicily, independent from Britain since 1964, with an economy built on tourism, shipping and financial services.
The microstates at a glance
| Microstate | Area (km²) | Government | Independent since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vatican City | 0.49 | Elective theocracy | 1929 |
| Monaco | 2.02 | Constitutional monarchy | 1297 |
| San Marino | 61 | Parliamentary republic | 301 (traditional) |
| Liechtenstein | 160 | Constitutional monarchy | 1806 |
| Andorra | 468 | Parliamentary co-principality | 1278 |
| Malta | 316 | Parliamentary republic | 1964 |
How do microstates survive?
Three factors explain their endurance. Protection: most rely on a larger neighbour for defence and, often, currency — France for Monaco, Switzerland for Liechtenstein, Italy for San Marino and the Vatican. Specialised economies: finance, tourism, low taxes and, for the Vatican, a spiritual monopoly. Historical luck: several slipped through the great unifications of the 19th century (Italy, Germany) and were simply never absorbed.
For the wider ranking, see the smallest countries in Europe and the smallest countries in the world.
Frequently asked questions
What is a microstate?
A microstate is a fully sovereign country with a very small territory and population. In Europe, the term usually refers to the six smallest states: Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Malta.
How many microstates are there in Europe?
There are six commonly recognised European microstates: Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Malta. Malta is sometimes excluded because it is significantly larger and an EU member.
How do microstates stay independent?
They survive through a mix of protection agreements with a larger neighbour, specialised economies (finance, tourism, low taxes), and historical luck that spared them from the national unifications of the 19th century.
Which European microstate is the largest?
Malta is the largest European microstate, at 316 km², and the only one that is a member of the European Union. The smallest is Vatican City, at 0.49 km².
