The capital of the state, in the majority's view, is a large metropolis with a huge population, covering kilometers of area. However, there are countries that are quite modest in size, and even their capitals are quite small.
The smallest capitals of the world presented in today's selection. Despite their modest size and population, these cities often play an important role, both on the national stage and on the international one.
10. La Valletta
In place of the modern capital of Malta, the first settlements arose 3 thousand years ago. Today, about 9 thousand people live here permanently. It is noteworthy that, like on the whole island, there are no rivers in the city. Residents of the capital receive fresh water from desalination plants, as well as by collecting rainwater.
9. Lobamba
The unique city of Lobamba is one of the two capitals of the state of Swaziland. About 100 thousand inhabitants live in the first capital Mbabane. In Lobamba, there are only 5,800 people. But here are collected cultural attractions of Swaziland - the National Museum and the Royal Palace.
8. Vaduz
The population of the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein is 5,300. The city was founded in the 13th century. The capital is interesting with the castle of the same name, the town hall, the government house. There are several museums, but there is no train station and airport.
7. Funafuti
This city is the capital of the state of the same name, located on an isolated atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The population of the capital is 5,070 people. There are traditional buildings with palm leaf roofs and modern buildings made of glass and concrete. The main attractions of the city are the Tuvalu Church and the remains of an American plane that crashed here during the Second World War.
6. San Marino
The settlement on the site of the city was founded in 302 A.D. Today, the area of the capital of the dwarf state is 7 square meters. km The population of San Marino is 4,600, which is about 15% of the population of the entire state. The city is picturesquely located on the natural terraces of Monte Titano.
5. Stanley
The state of the Falkland Islands has one single city - the capital Stanley. Less than 2,500 people live here. The city is interesting for its original architecture, museum and Anglican Cathedral.
4. Monaco (Monaco-Ville)
The whole Principality of Monaco is divided into 10 administrative territories. One of them is the capital with a population of 1034 people. The main attractions of the capital are St. Nicholas Cathedral, as well as the Oceanographic Museum, which was once headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
3. The Vatican
This city is the smallest state. It is inhabited by 836 people, and its area is only 0.44 square meters. With such a modest size, the influence of the Catholic capital is enormous. In addition to the clergy, the Vatican is inhabited by about 40 laity, as well as employees of the Swiss Guard guarding the Pope. About three thousand people come to the Vatican every day to work, but they are not residents.
2. Ngerulmud
The capital of the island nation of Palau is inhabited by 270 people. Strictly speaking, Ngerulmud is more a village than a city. The bulk of the inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, tourism and fishing.
1. Adamstown
The capital of the state of Pitcairn is the only settlement in this tiny island country. The city has only 69 inhabitants, there is a central square and a church with a bell tower. Despite their remoteness, Adamstown schoolchildren receive advanced education using the Internet, and residents have the opportunity to use satellite television and cellular communications.
