Veedushi Bissessur

South Sudan is landlocked between Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic. Its capital is Juba, and the currency is the Sudanese pound. The Republic of South Sudan only obtained its independence in 2011, following Africa's longest civil war. Despite the separation from Sudan, conflict did not end after South Sudan obtained its independence.

Sudan is the third largest country in Africa, but it is far from being a popular or easily-accessible travel destination. Sharing its borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, and Libya, Sudan is not an easy country to get into but offers a memorable experience for those who do enter the country.

Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America, and is located in the northern part of South America. Covering an area of just 163,821 km2, Suriname is a space of rolling hills, mangrove swamps, lush rainforests, and rivers.

Swaziland is a monarchy in southern Africa bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Swaziland is one of the smallest countries in Africa and one of the last monarchies in the world. Even though the country has not entirely escaped the turbulence of the region, Swaziland is considered one of Africa’s most peaceful countries.

The Syrian Arab Republic is located in Western Asia, with Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon as neighbours. Damascus is its capital, and the Syrian Lira or Syrian pound is the currency. Syria has been suffering from conflict that started in 2011 as peaceful protests, eventually leading to an ongoing devastating civil war.

The island of Taiwan is located off the east coast of China, north of the Philippines. It has a developed economy based primarily on the science and engineering sectors. Expats living and working in Taiwan can enjoy the tropical landscape on the island as well as the surrounding region with its extensive transport network.

The Kingdom of Tonga is an independent state comprising over 170 islands affectionately referred to as “the Friendly Islands”. Tonga is not your typical tourist destination — far from it. What the region offers is a laid-back lifestyle, unspoilt natural wonders and unfailing authenticity, which make up for the lack of the modern tourist amenities.

Formerly known as Turkmenia, Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and borders Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. The country was once a desert republic filled with grandiose statues of its leader, but today, Turkmenistan is more open to visitors.

Tuvalu, a group of islands and atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, is the fourth smallest country in the world and one of the most remote island nations. Its miniature size and remote location have allowed Tuvalu to remain one of the most peaceful and unspoilt island groups in the Pacific, offering a real getaway for those willing to travel the distance. With so much stunning coastline surrounding you, snorkelling and scuba diving seem to be the best activities to indulge in.

Ukraine is Europe’s second largest country, after Russia, with seven UNESCO World Heritage sites on its 603,628 square kilometres land. Ukraine borders with Russia (east), Belarus (north), Poland (north-west), Slovakia, and Moldova (west). In the south of Ukraine is the Black Sea, which among other rivers is supplied by one of Europe’s longest rivers, Danube.

After Suriname, Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. But don’t let the size fool you. Translated from Guarani as the “river of colourful birds”, the country is a stunning mix of lush inland greenery and white sandy coastline. For its stable social development, an established democracy and a free education system, Uruguay has received another nickname — “the Switzerland of South America”.

Officially the smallest country in the world, by area as well as by population, Vatican City is a sovereign state located in Rome, Italy. It is ruled by the Pope, and is an independent city-state. It has a population of approximately 1,000 people, and an area of 110 acres (or 44 hectares). The Vatican's economy is maintained by the tourist industry, museum fees, and publication sales.

The Republic of Yemen is a Middle-eastern country located in Western Asia with an area of 527,970 km square and a population of about 28 million. Bordered by Saudia Arabia, Oman, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, Yemen was always an important crossroad connecting Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and has a long history of great kingdoms and ancient civilisations. In fact, Yemen was once home to the Sabaeans people, an ancient people related to the biblical Kingdom of Sheba from the 11th century BCE. Currently however, Yemen is a developing country suffering from the repercussions of a civil war.