{"product_id":"9780008703493","title":"The Atlas of Microstates by Collins Books","description":"An ideal gift for anyone with an intrigue for geographical curiosities.             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, aspirant states and micronations, 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.\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback \/ softback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44583204356274,"sku":"9780008703493","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780008703493.jpg?v=1720959733","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/9780008703493","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}