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 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.