The Atlas of Microstates

The Atlas of Microstates by Collins Books, authored by Zoran Nikolic, makes an ideal gift for anyone intrigued by geographical curiosities. 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, and sparsely populated territories, to historical anomalies, tax havens, and aspirant states, 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.