The Answer:

At .17 square miles, Vatican City (an independent and sovereign state located in the heart of Rome) is by far the smallest European State. It has a yearly budget of about $175.5 million, and a permanent population of only 850. On the other hand, one of those residents happens to be the Pope, so they don't get pushed around too much.

Also in Italy is San Marino, which at 23.6 square miles isn't exactly gigantic, either. It is, on the other hand, the oldest republic in the world, and has taken an active role in international diplomacy in the 1990s.

Next in line would be Liechtenstein (61 square miles), then Andorra (175 square miles). Monaco, at .73 square miles, is another tiny European state, but as a French principality might not fit your definition of a country.

More detailed information on the nations of the Europe (and other continents) can be found in our Countries of the World section. Or for some comparative national statistics, check out our Country Statistics at a Glance.

—The Editors