Mikrostate

Mikrostate, often anglicized as microstate, is a term used in political science and international law to describe a sovereign state with a very small land area and population. There is no universally fixed threshold, but common definitions place microstates at areas of a few hundred square kilometers or less and populations of only tens to hundreds of thousands. The label emphasizes scale rather than a distinct legal category.

Well-known examples typically cited include Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Andorra. Some lists also include Malta or Singapore, depending on the criteria used; Singapore is frequently described as a city-state rather than a classic microstate due to its large population and highly urbanized economy.

Microstates maintain full sovereignty but operate under intensified constraints related to size. They depend heavily on foreign trade, external security guarantees, and international cooperation. Their economies often rely on niches such as finance, tourism, and specialized services, and their political systems are shaped by small populations and limited natural resources. Close ties with larger neighboring states and with international institutions help mitigate vulnerabilities and amplify diplomatic reach.

Internationally, mikrostates pursue tailored arrangements to manage monetary policy, defense, and trade. Monetary and currency regimes vary: Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc; Monaco, San Marino, and Andorra use the euro under special agreements; Vatican City likewise interacts with euro arrangements. Despite their small size, mikrostates participate in international organizations and maintain diplomatic relations, illustrating how sovereignty can persist with scale-constrained governance.

In sum, mikrostates exemplify how exceptionally small states adapt governance, economy, and diplomacy to sustain independence within a complex global system.