{"product_id":"the-atlas-of-microstates","title":"The Atlas of Microstates","description":"An ideal gift for anyone with an intrigue for geographical curiosities.\u003cp\u003eDefined 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder 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\u003cp\u003eFrom modern day city-states, island countries as well as 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\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\u003cp\u003e- 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\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- 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\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- 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\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese along with many more examples are captured in this engaging atlas full of geographical intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50306998272357,"sku":"9780008703493","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/0538\/5573\/files\/imageloader_e36875d5-ae55-4034-b447-13ff4ec89b95.jpg?v=1786474896","url":"https:\/\/paralleluniversebooks.com\/products\/the-atlas-of-microstates","provider":"Parallel Universe Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}