Another diminutive country in Europe, Luxembourg may be small in size but it is big in stature. Consistently sitting at the top of the world rankings in wealth and consumption of wine, Luxembourg country is a beguiling mix of tradition and modernity. It holds the distinction of being the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy, a…
Liechtenstein is a country in the Alps that is such a tiny dot on the map that one can easily overlook it. This German-speaking microstate is the sixth smallest country in the world. Hardly surprising, since it covers an area of only 160 square kilometers, an area eight times smaller than Los Angeles! Nestled between…
Slovenia abounds in natural riches with its green forest cover, snow-capped peaks, mesmerizing rivers, and a welcoming coastline. Slovenia’s outdoors is undoubtedly a huge drawcard for visitors with skiing, hiking, and river rafting ranking high on the list of activities. However, its cities are also as noteworthy. Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana with its hilltop castle and…
Serbia is another country in the Balkans that received its independence only in 1991 after a bitter struggle to break free from Yugoslavia. The country was one of six other republics that became part of Yugoslavia after World War II. All these countries eventually got their independence to form a large part of Eastern Europe.…
San Marino, sitting inside Italy, with a land area of just 61 square kilometers is the fifth smallest country in the world. Completely surrounded by Italy, it’s quite surprising how the country has managed to remain independent for so long. In fact, San Marino boasts of being the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic…
North Macedonia gained its independence from Yugoslavia only in 1991, but the country’s history dates back to antiquity. Its geographical location corresponds to the ancient kingdom of Paeonia. From the Persians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, many great powers staked their claim to the land, leaving behind an intriguing heritage. North Macedonia may not be a…
Montenegro only became an independent nation in 2006, so it comes as no surprise that many ask the question ‘is Montenegro a country?’ This tiny nation is fast earning the reputation of being the ‘go-to’ destination in Europe, and with good reason too. From the stunning waters of the Adriatic Sea to lofty mountains and…
Malta is as much about the glorious sand and sea as it is about its rich and varied past. Strategically positioned in the center of the Mediterranean, the tiny island country of Malta was a prime target for many with an eye on a bigger prize. From the Phoenicians and Romans to the Greeks, Arabs,…
By definition, Gibraltar is not really a country as it does not have complete independence. It has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713 but has almost complete autonomy of its governance. Located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar’s strategic position at the western gateway to the Mediterranean has earned it the…
Is Cyprus a country and is it a part of Europe, are questions that are often asked of the island nation located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Officially known as the Republic of Cyprus, the strategic location of the third most populous island in the Mediterranean has resulted in it being in the eye of the…
Although the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina appears to be landlocked on the map, it has a narrow 20 kilometers coastline on the Adriatic Sea. This, however, is just a tiny part of what makes this country so appealing. Apart from its natural surroundings, a rich complex history, spanning six historical civilizations, has given the…
Covering an area of just 468 square kilometers, the tiny microstate of Andorra is the sixth smallest nation in Europe. It’s no wonder then that people often want to know ‘is Andorra a country?’ The 16th smallest country in the world by land, Andorra punches far above its weight when it comes to stunning locales…
For much of the 20th century, the country of Albania and the Albanian people remained an enigma due to the complicated politics of the region. However, ever since the doors of this magical region in the Balkans, opened to the world with the end of communism in 1991, travelers realize that there is much to…
Lithuania may not rank very high on people’s bucket lists of places to visit but this small Baltic nation is well worth your time. The largest of the three Baltic States, Lithuania is a country that basks in culture and beautiful spaces. Although the country has mainly been a day stop for cruises, there are…
Latvia may be a tiny country in terms of land area but don’t let its size fool you into believing there’s nothing to see or do here. For a country, this small, Latvia is huge on natural attractions and has a history to match. It’s a beautiful ensemble of lakes, woods, and the sea with…
While many may associate this island nation with the Isle of Man race, there is more to the small country of the Isle of Man than a world-renowned motorcycle race. Home to the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world, Tynwald, the Isle of Man is a fascinating mix of some spectacular geography and fascinating…
Finland may carry the moniker of being a ‘winter wonderland’ but there is much more to this country than frosty subzero temperatures and large expanses of white. Although many people flock to this part of the world to experience the Northern Lights and the midnight sun, you’ll find plenty of other things to do in…
You could be fooled into thinking you’ve stepped into an enchanted land when you visit Estonia. This former Soviet state with its UNESCO protected sites, gorgeous outdoors and distinct culture is Europe’s burgeoning love affair. It’s a welcome break from the crowded spaces and bustle that defines most of Europe’s popular destinations. Even though the…
Nepal is a trekker’s haven, the land of the Annapurna mountain and Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Not surprisingly, one of the top things to do in Nepal is to trek through stunning mountain scenery. Besides trekking, Nepal also offers up a plate of outdoor activities for the adrenaline junkie. White water…
People are often confused as to where Vietnam is located and about the things to do in Vietnam. While most people do know that the country is in Asia, Vietnam’s exact location is sometimes quite confusing. However, it’s not just the location of the country that is a puzzle. The cultural complexities of this land…