International audienceThe chapter proposes a multidimensional approach to small island States through the systematic study of their economic, social and environmental characteristics. From recent databases, significant typologies are apparent. These are used to compare on the one hand the small island States selected with other homogeneous groups of countries, and on the other hand the small island States with each other. We tested in particular the discriminating and explanatory role of the insularity and of the level of development, but also of the governance and socio-cultural characteristics in the vulnerability and economic performances of these small island States.Ce chapitre propose une approche multidimensionnelle de Petits états in...