The European country that is the world’s second-smallest sovereign state by area is Monaco.
Monaco is a sovereign city-state and principality on the French Riviera, covering roughly 2.08 square kilometres. Only Vatican City is smaller by area, making Monaco the world’s second-smallest sovereign state. Its compact territory lies between France and the Mediterranean Sea, close to the Italian border.
The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco, with interruptions, since 1297, when Francesco Grimaldi seized the Rock of Monaco. The principality’s sovereignty was formally recognised in its modern relationship with France by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. Monaco became a full United Nations member in 1993.
Monaco is often confused with Monte Carlo, but Monte Carlo is only one of Monaco’s administrative quarters, not a separate country. Despite its tiny area, Monaco is exceptionally urban and is the world’s most densely populated sovereign state. It is also known for the Grimaldi dynasty, the Monte Carlo Casino, luxury tourism, and the Monaco Grand Prix.