The city-state is a form of localized government which has been used around the world for centuries It involves a single city having its own set of rules and laws independent of those of its surrounding region or country. In most cases, the city-state is sovereign, meaning that it is only governed by the laws of the land within its boundaries. This allows city-states to act autonomously, making their own decisions about issues such as taxation, immigration, currency, and development.
The five best city-state examples that are still in existence today are:
1. Monaco: Monaco is a well-known principality located in the Mediterranean Sea on the French Riviera. It is the world’s second-smallest independent country and is also the most densely populated. Although it is part of France, Monaco is a sovereign state with its own laws and economy. Monaco is known for its high-end luxury resorts, casinos, and wealth.
2. Singapore: Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, located in Southeast Asia. Singapore is one of the world's most prosperous and developed nations, and one of its most powerful city-state economies. Singapore is a major global hub for finance, business, technology, and logistics.
3. Vatican City: Vatican City is a small city-state located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is ruled by the Pope. Vatican City is its own independent sovereign state and is the smallest country in the world. It is mainly visited by religious tourists and has many important churches, museums, and other attractions.
4. Hong Kong: Hong Kong is a vibrant city-state located on the Pearl River Delta of China. It is an autonomous region of China and is known for its busy, modern cityscape and unique culture. Hong Kong has a distinct economy and legal system, separate from China's.
5. Dubai: Dubai is a sprawling city-state located in the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its impressive skyline, luxury lifestyle, and vast wealth. Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. It is a global hub for finance, tourism, and commerce.
Each of these city-states have their own unique histories, cultures, and economies. They all demonstrate the potential of a city-state by thriving, and each serve as an example of what is possible. Although city-states are often small, their influence can be large and far-reaching.