City-state
A city-state is a city that has its own sovereignty, meaning that it is its own country. There were many important city-states in ancient Greece. Nowadays, cities may have differing degrees of self-governance. In order to be considered a city-state, a city must govern itself independently, by regulating its own taxes, or having independent representation at the United Nations.
Antiquity
Modern city states
Sorted in order of area size.
Singapore was a British colony till 1959. In 1959, it achieved autonomy in internal matters. Between 1963 and 1965, it was part of Malaysia. Singapore was removed from Malaysia on 9 August 1965 and became independent.
The second smallest country in the world, Monaco is entirely urban, because all its territory of only 2 square kilometers is built-up.
City-state Media
The Republic of Ragusa, a maritime city-state, was based in the walled city of Dubrovnik
The Free imperial cities as of 1792.
Italy in 1494, after the Peace of Lodi
- Tangier
Vatican City, a city-state well known for being the smallest country in the world
The city of Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy, and is sometimes considered a city-state.
The city of Basel, located on the Rhine, is a historic city-state and a Swiss canton.
The smallest country in the world was created in 1929. The Vatican City is an enclave completely surrounded by the city of Rome, Italy, and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.