How do mini-countries get created?
 

In Europe there is Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City.

Usually when there is something desirable a larger entity will claim it.

Most modern countries are amalgamations of many other small countries or principalities. France, Spain, Italy, Germany are all made up of regions once separate, but joined.
To not get swallowed up, you need geography, undesirability or enough clout to resist.

Best
Les

Likely it is the universal solvent, MONEY.

Monaco is on a path to be absorbed by France.

All grand kids are via annulled marriages, and are not eligible to take over.

With no heir, it goes to France.

How can a Catholic marriage be annulled if there are children?

There's an old oil rig about 40 miles offshore from here. Anybody want to go in on a group buy? I get to be king.

Yep, the better question is how did the small countries become larger countries. Try going to Spain these days. They're ready to split now.

A little poking around, and it seems Monaco and France made a few changes that resolved the loss of heir situation. That resolution happened about three months after my last visit, I wasn't aware.

Andorra was disputed by Spain and France. The solution was to make it independent so neither country got it.

Monaco is the result of a similar situation between France and Italy.

Vatican city is the result of the Papal States being reduced by war afer war until it got reduced to rhe smallest possible size.

Not sure about the rest but I can guess there were similar situations.

I thought redbeard gets to be the next president?

Living in Ireland, I'd wager a bet the answer is money or religion, or both !

You're going to make me king of the Oil Rig?

Sure, why not. What's the salary? Oh and I will be enforcing Prima Nocta! :p

I think they get created with a lot of foreign aid from another country. Usually one who gives them money so they don't side with China or Russia. New Zealand gives a whole lot of money to pacific island countries that I couldn't even find on an unmarked map :(

Superior firepower. Someone had the biggest stick and got off on using it.

I always that mini-countries started with a group of guys in a bar getting drunk.

Created because of religion and war. In the Dolomites, you can tell which country used to rule a small town by the design of the old churches.

Been to all on your list except Andorra, will hit it next Oct. San Marino is my Fav...

Why is San Marino your fav?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1487649258.jpg

Old world charm. On a mountaintop. Can sit in an outdoor cafe, have a beer and look over the Italian countryside & Adriatic Sea. From Wikipedia:

San Marino is a mountainous microstate surrounded by north-central Italy. Among the world’s oldest republics, it retains much of its historic architecture. On the slopes of Monte Titano sits the capital, also called San Marino, known for its medieval walled old town and narrow cobblestone streets. The Three Towers, castlelike citadels dating to the 11th century, sit atop Titano’s neighboring peaks.

You forgot to mention The Duchy of Grand Fenwick located in the Alps between Switzerland and France. Their main export is wine, Pinot Grand Fenwick. Great stuff if you can get it.

Looks fantastic. Have been to many places in Europe but haven't made it there. Thanks for the tip.