[MR] Ministates in Europe

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Europe is home to a number of fascinating ministates, that is, extremely
small sovereign nations, most being holdovers from the middle ages. This
post offers Wikipedia links to explore some of the most charming, and
quirky, places in Europe.

A ministate is defined by Wikipedia as "a soverign state [independent and
self-governing] having a very small population or very small land area, and
usually both. For more on ministates you can read their article at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministate .

Note that Wikipedia excludes "micronations" such as Sealand or the Conch
Republic, which are not recognized internationally, and are often the
ego-driven creations of their founders. (My home of Mallard Lodge, which is
a real place, was almost an example, and I freely admit is ego-driven. My
sweetheart put her foot down on my declaring it an independent country over
an ongoing tiff with the Charlottesville garbage collectors). For more
about micronations go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micronation .

The largest European ministate by area is The Principality of the Valleys
of Andorra at 181 square miles. It lies between France and Spain in the
Pyrenees mountains. Andorra is known for having a “standing army” of just
12 soldiers, paid by voluntary contributions of the citizens (now there’s
an idea!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra .

The Republic of Malta is the next largest, at 122 square miles, but with
some 450,000 residents is the largest by population. In 1530 the Island was
presented to the Knights Hospitallier in exchange for the annual rent of a
Maltese Falcon (yes, this really happened, the Hollywood version not
withstanding). Here’s more on Malta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta .

The alpine Principality of Liechtenstein has one of the highest per capita
incomes in the modern world, and is today best known as a skiers’ paradise.
It covers only 62 square miles. Be sure to read the section on “Security
and Defense”, which has a delightful story of an international incident
settled with a case of wine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liechtenstein

Next comes The Most Serene Republic of San Marino, which is just 24 square
miles in area. It is completely surrounded by Italy, but has been an
independent republic since 301AD. Whew! San Marino is best known for its
crossbow corps, now just a ceremonial unit (and major tourist draw). Read
more about San Marino at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Marino .

Most of us know the Principality of Monaco for its famous casino, Grand
Prix races, and Grace Kelly. This country is just .78 square miles. Did I
mention they have no income tax? Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi
family since 1297: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monaco .

By far the smallest sovereign state in Europe is Vatican City State (.17
square miles). Some critics say it is just a corporate headquarters and not
a real country. Consider that the Vatican once ruled a big chunk of Italy
(the so-called Papal States), fielded vast armies, and that the Pope is
treated as head of state when he tours. One can thus allow that the Vatican
is a sovereign nation, though now just a shadow of its former secular
glory. Besides, it does have an army dressed in cool medieval-inspired
uniforms with halberds (plus modern weapons as well):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City .

While not exactly independent states, one could also contemplate the
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. These islands may look like they are
part of Great Britain, and financially and culturally are, they are
actually Crown Dependencies. This means they belong (more or less) to the
Queen who is their head of state, but have their own governing bodies and
laws separate from those of Great Britain. That's how they became tax
havens for Apple and other big corporations. The Channel Islands actually
have two separate governments—Jersey and Guernsey. Confused? Read more at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Islands and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man .

I'm sorry to disappoint, but the Duchy of Grand Fenwick does not exist,
though their famous wine "Pinot Grand Fenwick" has been offered from time
to time (made and bottled in California, which is usually a plus).

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge (or so it says on my Blue Card)