COLEGIO SIERRA MORENA CURVA IED

ACTIVIDAD ACADÉMICA

FECHA 10-08-2020 DESEMPEÑO: ÁREA: Inglés

The Smallest
countries in
Europe

The total number of countries in Europe currently stands at 50, with some countries like Russia
spreading across several time zones. Others, however, are so small it would be possible to
walk or cycle along their borders in less than a day. In spite of their size, each of these
countries has something very special to offer to the curious tourists.

Vatican City
In Latin, Vatica or Vaticum means "garden", and this country got its name from the general area
where it is located, which the Romans called "garden territory".

Located in the heart of Rome, Vatican is the smallest country in the world. This city-state, also
known as the Holy See, is the Pope's home and the center of the Catholic Church. Although it
occupies only 0.17 square miles (0.44 km2), Vatican City is densely populated with its 1,000
residents.

The biggest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, holding important Christian art works, is
also located there. Because the country has no industry, the economy of Vatican City is
supported by selling post stamps, souvenirs and publications, and charging admission fees to
enter museums.

Monaco
The Greek word monoikos means "single house", a term used to described a Greek colony which
lived nearby in the 6th century BC. It is believed that Hercules had passed through the Monaco
area, and due to this, a temple called Hercules Monoikos was built. Since then, the whole city
became known as Monoikos, or Monaco.

Lying on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Monaco is one the richest countries in the world, known
for its luxury hotels and casinos. With the area of merely 0.78 square miles (2.02 km2), Monaco
is also one of the most culturally diverse countries, since 125 nationalities live there.

San Marino
This country takes its name from a stonemason called San Marinus (meaning Saint Marinus),
who worked in the city of Rimini in modern-day Italy, but went on to create an independent
community which is today San Marino. (A stonemason is someone who makes things from
stone.)

Spreading across 24 square miles (61 km2), San Marino is another country existing within the
borders of Italy.

Having gained independence from the Roman Empire in 301 AD, San Marino is one of the oldest
sovereign nations in the world, and is governed by the Constitution of San Marino, a compilation
of six books in Latin written in the 16th century.

San Marino has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, no national debt, and more
vehicles than people

Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is named after the Liechtenstein family. The family owned the Castle Liechtenstein
in Austria. The name of the castle means "bright stone", composed of the German words licht,
meaning "light" and stein, meaning "stone".

The richest country in the world based on GDP per capita (person), Liechtenstein is a monarchy
bordering Switzerland and Austria. Being located in the Alps, this is a popular winter sport
destination, although getting in is made more complicated by the fact that there are no airports
in the country.

The 62 square miles (160 km2) big territory got its name from the Liechtenstein dynasty, formed
in 1699, and it is in fact still ruled by one of the Liechtenstein princes. Their art collections are
on exhibit at the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna.
Malta
It is believed that the ancient Greeks called this island Melite, meaning "honey-sweet", probably
because Malta is home to special bees which produce unique honey.

Located south of Italy, Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. This European Union
country covers only 122 square miles (316 km2) and hosts some 450,000 people. Because of its
favorable location, historically Malta was a naval base with great strategic importance.

Twelve different nations had ruled this island before its independence. Malta's beaches, history
and nature attract tourists in large numbers. One of the main attractions was the Azure Window,
a 92 feet (28m) tall natural arch on the island of Gozo; however, due to very stormy weather in
March, 2017, both the slab and the pillar collapsed

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does "constitution" mean?

A. set of political and legal principles by which a state is governed

B. all international laws compiled in one document

C. series of books written by the ruling royal family

2. What does "lenient" mean?

A. strictly prohibited

B. organized during Lent

C. tolerant, not so strict

2. What does "mediate" mean?

A. intervene in a dispute to reach agreement

B. stand exactly half way between

C. support both sides in war

2. What does "dynasty" mean?

A. the richest residents of a country

B. hereditary line of rulers of a country

C. group of clergymen

2. What does "slab" mean?

A. metal construction

B. wooden bridge

C. large piece of stone

3. Make a presentation (you can do it in Power point, powtoon or any web page) explaining differences
about our country in Latin America)