{"product_id":"the-atlas-of-microstates-by-collins-books-9780008703493","title":"The Atlas of Microstates","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Atlas of Microstates\u003c\/em\u003e by Collins Books, authored by Zoran Nikolic, makes an ideal gift for anyone intrigued by geographical curiosities. Defined as sovereign states with a very small population, land area, or both, microstates serve as fascinating case studies of geopolitical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom modern-day city-states, island countries, and 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA beautifully designed collection, ideal for those with an interest in geopolitics and cartographic curiosities. Some of the microstates explored in this book include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eLiechtenstein\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eCocos (Keeling) Islands\u003c\/strong\u003e, consisting of two coral atolls with a total area of 14m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c\/sup\u003e, where fewer than 600 people live and the majority of the population is Muslim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eCouto Misto\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese, along with many more examples, are captured in this engaging atlas full of geographical intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46093861454060,"sku":"9780008703493","price":31.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008703493.jpg?v=1736718815","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/products\/the-atlas-of-microstates-by-collins-books-9780008703493","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}