{"product_id":"9780008711078_the-atlas-of-microstates","title":"The Atlas of Microstates","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe perfect Christmas gift for geography-lovers.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDefined 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA beautifully-designed collection ideal for those with an interest in geopolitics and cartographic curiosities, some of the microstates explored in this book include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eLiechtenstein \u003c\/strong\u003eone 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\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eCocos (Keeling) Islands \u003c\/strong\u003econsisting of two coral atolls with a total area of 14m2, where fewer than 600 people live and the majority of the population is Muslim\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eCouto Misto\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese along with many more examples are captured in this engaging atlas full of geographical intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Zoran Nikolic and Collins Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47285702492309,"sku":"9780008711078","price":9.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0484\/3175\/9509\/files\/9780008711078.jpg?v=1776992120","url":"https:\/\/harpercollins.com.au\/products\/9780008711078_the-atlas-of-microstates","provider":"HarperCollins AU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}