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Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Smallest Countries in the World You Never Knew Existed

Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World You Never Knew Existed

There are more than 200 countries in the world, and we’re sure you’ve heard of each of them at least once. But there are states and territories on our planet we never knew existed. They occupy a super small area, and some of them are inhabited by just a couple of families.

Bright Side has decided to make a list of the top ten tiniest countries with a population smaller than that of a medium-sized city or even a small village.

Palau

The Republic of Palau is an island country which consists of more than 300 islands of different sizes. Palau is one of the most amazing places on Earth: its rain forests are full of unique plants and birds, and its territorial waters are inhabited by 130 threatened species of shark. But the most remarkable sight in the country is the lake, with over 2 million jellyfish in it. But don’t worry: over time they’ve completely lost their ability to sting.

Niue

Niue is a tiny island state in Oceania. Despite the truly amazing views, tourism is not popular there. Therefore, the country depends greatly on foreign aid, especially from New Zealand. The capital city is just a small village with a population of fewer than 600 people. But the island has its own airport and a real supermarket — the one and only in the whole state.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The state consists of two islands: Saint Kitts and Nevis. One of the main sources of income is the economic citizenship program that allows anyone who has at least $250,000 to invest in the local sugar industry and thus obtain the status of a citizen of St. Kitts. Another way of obtaining citizenship is to purchase a property worth no less than $400,000 on either of the two islands.

The Principality of Hutt River

The Principality of Hutt River is a micronation located in the province of the same name in Australia. It was founded by Leonard Casley, who declared his farm to be a new and independent state. Although the country isn’t recognized by any state, it still has its own currency, stamps, and passports. In different parts of the principality, tourists can see the busts of His Royal Highness Prince Leonard I of Hutt.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world. The economic situation of the tiny state could be even more disastrous if Tuvalu hadn’t been given the Internet domain .tv, which annually brings millions of dollars to the country’s budget.

Nauru

Nauru is the smallest independent republic and the smallest island state on our planet. Nauru has neither an official capital nor public transportation system, and 25 miles of its roads are used by locals driving their private vehicles. Environmental problems make the republic very unpopular among tourists. Another "record" of Nauru is the number of obese people: the obesity rate in the country is more than 70%.

The Principality of Seborga

This micronation on the territory of Italy is ruled by His Tremendousness Marcello I. The Principality of Seborga is actually a village of the same name near the French border. The unrecognized state has an army that consists of 3 people: the Minister of Defense and two border guards.

The Republic of Molossia

The self-proclaimed Republic of Molossia is a micronation founded by Kevin Baugh, located in Nevada, USA. Its population consists of Mr. Baugh himself, his family, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 rabbit. Molossia has its own national anthem, national emblem, and national flag. They even have the death penalty for particularly serious crimes. It issues its own passports and even has a space program. In May 2017, the Republic turned 40.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Apart from Vatican City, there is another tiny state on the territory of Rome, which is called the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Its area is 0.012 sq. km., and it occupies three buildings, two of which are located in Rome and the third one on the island of Malta. The country has its own currency, stamps, website, car numbers, and passports. Its citizens have the right to visa-free entry to several countries around the world. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is the only country in the world where Latin is the official language.

The Principality of Sealand

The unrecognized state of Sealand is a sea platform located 6 miles away from the coast of Great Britain. Sealand is governed by a self-proclaimed Prince Regent, and anyone can become a count, baron, or even a duke: one can buy a noble title for a few hundred British pounds on the state’s website.

Preview photo credit Ryan Lackey/flickr

Sunday, 19 February 2017

10 Heavenly Places Where You Can Easily Start a New Life

Do you have little attachment to where you live and work? Then why not move somewhere new — somewhere where the climate or culture better fits your tastes and personality?

There are some corners of the world which for some reason very few people ever think of moving to, despite their desire for a change of scenery. It’s there loss, because some of these places are truly incredible. All they really need to do is pack their suitcase, and they could find themselves in heaven on Earth.

Avarua, Cook Islands

Located about 2,000 kilometres north east of New Zealand, the tropical beaches of Avarua are no less gorgeous than those of the Maldives or the Seychelles. But in contrast to the latter, you can rent an apartment here for just $130 a month. The island also attracts comparatively few tourists: around 100,000 foreigners visit every year, compared to the eight million who go to Hawaii. So you won’t have crowds of people spoiling your enjoyment of Avarua’s attractions — which include observing the population of whales, going for long relaxing walks, and enjoying the amazing scenery.

...So what’s the catch? Foreigners aren’t allowed to buy property on the island, although they can rent it for 60 years.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

A fairy-tale town located in the Czech region of Bohemia. The entire place is like one big castle from the Middle Ages. All the streets are made of cobble stones. Regular trade fairs are held identical to the ones which took place during the Renaissance period, whilst there is also the incomparable Rose Festival once a year. Dinner for two will cost you just $20 here, whilst you can rent an apartment for $400 a month. The only challenge that will really confront you if you want to move here is the need to learn Czech!

Koh Thonsáy, Cambodia

This small island in southern Cambodia is a real paradise of jungles and beaches. Apart from a few fishermen and their families, practically no one lives here, so it’s possible to find accomodation for a ridiculously small amount of money. You can spend your time relaxing on the beach, or exploring the jungle caves. For $5, the fishermen will cook you a delicious meal made from freshly-caught crab. Other seafood products will cost you no more than $1-2 here. The one drawback is that the island’s beaches are not well-kept tourist spots, but essentially areas of wilderness infrequently taken over by wild dogs or other animals. A place for those who really want to get away from civilisation.

Guanajuato, Mexico

Located right in the heart of Mexico, Guanajuato is a hotbed of culture. It’s possible to rent a very good apartment here for just $150-200 a month; a drink will cost you less than $1, whilst a ticket to the cinema just $3. Guanajuato is also home to the famous Cervantino art festival.

The Pearl Islands, Panama

An amazing archipelago lying thirty kilometres to the west of mainland Panama. A huge number of pearls were once mined there; at another time pirates used it as their hiding place. Now, it’s become a haven full of wonderful resorts used by the local population. You can rent a small house here by the sea for around $300 a month. The Pearl Islands are ideal for those who want to escape from the world. In terms of the scenery, it’s probably one of the most impressive places on the planet.

Agonda Beach, Goa, India

The southern coast of Goa is a place where you can ride an elephant right by the beach. A bottle of wine costs around 50 cents; to get your haircut around 60, and to rent a holiday hut $120 a month. It’s also full of temples and great places to practice yoga. Seriously, what else do you need? This area of the country is fairly deserted, so the local inhabitants have no problem with tourists.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

This little place is nestled in a valley in northern Bulgaria. It’s as beautiful as France, but here a bottle of wine will cost you just 80 cents, whilst an apartment will cost $200 a month to rent. The population is just 70,000. The only downside is that the city’s infrastructure could do with some improvements.

Hồ Cốc, Vietnam

The south-east coast of Vietnam is famous for its 11,000 hectares of tropical forest. With its huge barrier reef, this is perhaps the best place in Asia to go diving. Even at the weekends it’s more or less free of tourists. You can find somewhere to live here for around $150-200 a month.

Ksamil Beach, Albania

The southern tip of Albania is an ideal place for those looking for the quiet life. It boasts a Mediterranean climate, a nearby national park, and local cuisine centred on olive oil, tangerines, and 30 different kinds of fish, whilst it’s cheaper to live here than in neigbouring Greece, Italy or even Croatia — a drink will cost you 90 cents, your average meal is around $6, whilst it’s around $100-120 a month to rent an apartment.

Las Trancas, Chile

In Las Trancas, you’ll find one of the most incredible mountain views in all of South America. You can go skiing here all year round, with accommodation costing around $300 a month. The richer tourists live on the mountain slopes themselves, whilst the more experienced visitors and locals prefer the countryside down below. The only potential downside (at least, for some) is that winter never gives way to another season.

Author Konnstantin Shiyan, Photo credit:, travels-journal