microstate

[ mahy-kroh-steyt ]

noun

1. ministate.

microstate

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌsteɪt /

noun

1. a very small nation that is an internationally-recognized sovereign state Also calledmini-state

Word History and Origins

Origin of microstate¹

First recorded in 1965–70; micro- + state

Example Sentences

Though the company is headquartered in Vancouver, its application is sponsored by the Pacific microstate of Nauru, via a wholly owned subsidiary in that country — an arrangement that allows it to take advantage of the ISA’s policy of holding surveyed areas in trust for developing nations.

From Salon

Its gravity creates a microstate for the black hole.

From Science Magazine

The call for Russian protection by Transnistria, a self-declared but internationally unrecognized microstate on the eastern bank of the Dniester River, escalated tensions that date to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

From New York Times

San Marino, a microstate of 34,000 in central Italy, elected openly gay Paolo Rondelli to be one of its two heads of state, or captains regent, in 2022.

From Seattle Times

With six casinos dotted across the country that is a tenth of the size of London, the microstate has been dubbed the "Las Vegas of the Alps" among punters.

From Reuters