Which Tiny European Country Should You Live In?

You want wealth and culture? You got it! Blending medieval culture and modern technology, Luxembourg is home to the European Court of Justice and has one of the world's highest GDP per capita. The fortified old city is one of the official capitals of the European Union, and it was the country's push for better relations between its neighbors Germany and France that was instrumental in the formation of the EU.

Searching for a holy home? With approximately 1,000 citizens and an area of only 110 acres (about 75 football fields), the Vatican City is the world's tiniest nation, but its small size doesn't affect its power and influence in the world. Vatican City has its own army and police force, has the wealth of the Catholic empire hidden away in its vaults, and is a major player in world politics.

You've found your secret hideout! The least known of all the hidden European countries, the Most Serene Republic of San Marino is only 24 square miles in the Northeast of Italy. Founded in 301 AD by the Roman stonemason Marinus, San Marino is both the oldest sovereign state and the longest lasting constitutional republic in the world. It has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, no national debt, and holds the dubious honor of having more cars than people!

Money, money, money! Billionaire haven Liechtenstein has one of the highest standards of living in the world and is known as a winter sport destination for the wealthy. Prince Hans-Adam II is rich even by royal standards, with approximately five billion US dollars in his bank account. What to do with all that money? Party of course! Every year, the generous Prince Hans invites the entire country to a shindig at his castle, where they mingle with the royal family and enjoy local drinks and food. The evening ends with a fantastic light show and fireworks display.

Rich, famous, and looking for somewhere to play? Forget LA or Vegas, baby--Monaco has bling with European class. The powerful House of Grimaldi has ruled since medieval times, and they have made their country inviting to the wealthy, with low taxes and a focus on the fast-and-furious lifestyle. Gambling, banking, and Formula One racing finance the healthy economy, and the mild climate and Mediterranean coastline are perfect for fun in the sun after a night in the casino. With a total area of less than one mile, Monaco is smaller than most cities. But how many cities can boast that 30 percent of their population are millionaires?

High in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, the tiny principality of Andorra has the unusual political situation of being jointly ruled by the seated bishop of Urgell in Spain and the president of France. That means left-wing French president Emmanuel Macron is an Andorran prince--now that's a weird trivia fact! Andorrans live longer than any other nationality in the world, perhaps because of the fresh mountain air and bracing alpine climate.