Did you know that there are countries so small, many of us have never heard of them? Five of the smallest countries in the world are in Europe, commonly known as the European microstates.

Andorra

This country is in the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates France and Spain. It is a small principality, which means it is ruled by a prince! It is about 470 square kilometers and has a population of about 70,000. While Andorrans make up only about one-third of the population, almost half are Spanish and the rest are Portuguese and French. The official language is Catalan.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is also a principality. It is the fourth smallest country in the world. Its area of 160 square kilometers is home to 33,000 people who speak mostly German. There is great skiing here.

San Marino

Founded in the year 301, San Marino is one of the world's oldest republics. It is the third smallest country in the world, with an area of 61 square kilometers and a population of about 28,000. Its people speak Italian and are very much like Italians themselves. Tourism is the main industry, but banking, ceramics, clothing, wine, and cheese are also important to the country's economy.

Monaco

As the second-smallest country in the world, Monaco is located on the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of France, not far from the Italian border. It has a population of 32,000 and is only 2 square kilometres! It is the world's most densely populated country! Many wealthy people choose to live here, most of them French or Italian.

Vatican City

Known as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City is the world's smallest country, measuring only 0.44 square kilometres. It is located in Rome, the capital city of Italy. Although it is home to only 890 citizens, 3,000 people commute from Rome to work here every day. Millions of tourists visit each year to see its buildings and famous artwork.

I. Word List

micro: very small

founded: began, started

densely populated: many people in a small area

wealthy: having lots of money, rich

commute: travel to and from work or school

II. Match the names with the deions.

1. San Marino one of the world's oldest republics

2. Vatican City official language of Andorra

3. Catalan capital city of Italy

4. the Pyrenees world's smallest country

5. Rome a mountain range

III. Answer the following questions.

1. What is a principality?

___________________________________________________________.

2. Where is Monaco?

___________________________________________________________.

3. What can we say about Monaco's population density?

___________________________________________________________.

4. Why do you think Monaco is popular for wealthy people?

___________________________________________________________.

5. Which microstate has great skiing?

___________________________________________________________.

IV. What's the word? Using the clues, find the correct words in the reading.

1. a group of mountains: r _ _ _ _

2. a kind of alcoholic drink: w _ _ _

3. the number of people who live in a country: p _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

4. the leader of a principality: p _ _ _ _ _

5. something that is true: f _ _ _

6. paintings and drawings: a _ _ _ _ _ _