The perfect Christmas gift for geography-lovers.

Defined as sovereign states with a very small population, land area, or both, microstates serve as fascinating case studies of geopolitical significance. This atlas explores the unique history, politics, and self-determination of the world's smallest states.

Under what conditions do microstates form in the first place? Is there a correlation between the size of a political unit and its relative sovereignty? What contributes to the success of ministates, or, in certain cases, their failure?

From modern day city-states, island countries as well as sparsely populated territories, to historical anomalies, tax havens, aspirant states and micronations, this atlas considers a wide range of countries largely defined by their relative smallness.

A beautifully-designed collection ideal for those with an interest in geopolitics and cartographic curiosities, some of the microstates explored in this book include:

• Liechtenstein one of the smallest countries in the world today – and also one of the wealthiest – with a territory that covers approximately 25km from north to south, the only country located entirely in the Alps

• Cocos (Keeling) Islands consisting of two coral atolls with a total area of 14m2, where fewer than 600 people live and the majority of the population is Muslim

• Couto Misto a de-facto semi-independent state which many believe had special sovereign rights granted to it by a 12th century princess, later disputed by Spain and Portugal and eventually partitioned in 1864

These along with many more examples are captured in this engaging atlas full of geographical intrigue.

The Atlas of Microstates

The Atlas of Microstates