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…
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…
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…
How big is Russia? That’s not the only question that people ask about the largest country in the world. This vast land is often a puzzle to people as many not only want to know just how big it is but in which continent is Russia. Is Russia in Asia or Europe? The country is…
Uninhabited until it was discovered in the 15th century by the Portuguese, the stunning archipelago that makes up Cape Verde was the first European settlement in the tropics. The Republic of Cabo Verde as it is officially known comprises ten islands and eight islets that lie about 500km from the west coast of Africa. Santiago,…
Stunning beaches, vibrant towns, and a welcoming vibe are the hallmarks of gay friendly islands all over the world. Are you dreaming about idyllic trysts on a white stretch of sand? Many gay islands in Greece have you covered. Do testing out unusual delicacies and strolling along colorful streets sound appealing? Then the numerous gay-friendly…
Spain has some of the top gay destinations in Europe such as Madrid, Sitges, and Ibiza but Barcelona is not far behind. With its gay friendly spaces, Barcelona is also a popular destination for the gay community. Eixample fondly referred to as Gaixample or Gayxample is where most of the LGBT community head to in…
Jolly old’ London is one of the world’s most gay-friendly cities and has been a haven for the members of the LGBT community for more than a hundred years. In the last two decades, the city has become extremely gay-friendly, with LGBT clubs and bars popping up in tourist areas. London has been home to…