All across the world there are unclaimed lands, disputed territories, regions under foreign occupation and so on. Each such piece of land often comes with a defined culture, history and a tremendous urge of the local populace to call themselves an independent republic. This often results in disputes and rebellions giving rise to many unrecognized nations in the world. So the question arises, how do you define a country? There isn’t enough space, nor the intention, to go into exploring into the debate. In this issue on micro-nations of the world we would like to give our readers information about the most prominent unrecognized countries and tips on how to visit them. The United Nations has 193 recognized countries, and three observer states, namely Palestine, the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. In 2011, South Sudan became the latest to join the list of recognized countries of the world. Similarly, Gibraltar and Kosovo gained partial recognition when they joined FIFA’s list for qualifying for a berth in the Football World Cup.
1.Abkhazia,
Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, this historical land is an unrecognized country in the Caucasian region. In the United Nations list of countries, Abkhazia is considered a part of Georgia. However de facto it is an autonomous region and is recognised as a country only by Russia, Syria, Nauru, Nicaragua, Venezuela and other unrecognized countries of the Caucasian region being Artsakh, South Ossetia and Transnistria. Abkhazia has its own flag, its currency (Abkhazian Apsar) and an elected President and Prime Minister. The form of government here is unitary semi-presidential republic. The capital city is Sukhumi (also spelt as Sukhoumi) and the national language is Abkhazian. Russian language is also spoken Photo: New Athos Monastery dating from 1875 in New Athos, Abkhazia and Russian rubles are also accepted in transactions. The population of this unrecognized country is about 2,50,000. Abkhazia can be entered from both its neighbours - Georgia and Russia. But whichever side one enters the country from, one must keep in mind, that it is mandatory to come out of the same side.
· Attractions
There are many places worth visiting in Abkhazia. Of them worth mentioning are the ancient military citadel called Anacopia Fortress, the New Athos caves in the Iverian Mountain, the Krubera Cave in Arabika Massif of Garga Range of Western Caucasus Mountains, the New Athos Monastery in New Athos and the Lake Ritsa.
· Visa
Citizens of countries that recognize Abkhazia can enter Visa-free. Others should obtain an e-visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abkhazia in advance. The visa application form is available online at mfaapsny.org. This is the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abkhazia.
· How to reach
For those entering from Russia, Sochi is the best place to start. One can take a minibus or shared car from Sochi or even a long distance train from Moscow. For those coming from Georgia, the best idea is to take a bus or shared car from Kutaisi or any other town near the border.
· Caution
For backpackers and travellers who plan to visit Abkhazia from Georgia, it is better not to inform the Georgian Embassy of the same while entering Georgia as this might lead to unnecessary hassles in entering Georgia.
2.The Republic of Artsakh
The Republic of Artsakh was previously called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (prior to 2017) and came into existence as an unrecognized nation after the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994. Located in between Armenia and Azerbaijan, internationally it is regarded as a part of Azerbaijan. But de-facto it is an autonomous region and Azerbaijan does not interfere in the governing of this unrecognized nation. It is recognized only by Armenia and other unrecognized states of the Caucasian region, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Historically, Artsakh has been part of Armenia. Its population comprises mainly of Armenian Christians, whereas Azerbaijan is a Muslim nation. In the early 19th century, it came under the rule of Imperial Russia and during the Soviet regime, the NagornoKarabakh Autonomous Oblast was part of Azerbaijan SSR. So when the country disintegrated, it was naturally made part of Azerbaijan. As a result of the NagornoKarabakh War, this region de-facto tore out of Azerbaijan and became autonomous. Artsakh has its own flag, but no currency. It uses the Armenian dram as its official currency. The capital is Stepanakert. The local population speaks a dialect of Armenian, called Karabakhi.
· Attractions
There are many important tourist attractions in the region starting from museums and memorials to ancient monasteries. In the capital city of Stepanakert there are a host of museums of visit and a few important monuments. In the nearby town of Shusha, which was the earlier capital during the Karabakh Khanate, the most important site is that of the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Panahabad Fortress and the Liberation Memorial. There are some ancient monasteries including the Gtichavank, Tzitzernavank, Dadivank, Gandzasar and so on. These are known for their unique architecture and history. Fortresses like Askeran, Myeraberd, Tigranakert and Handaberd are also famous.
· Visa
Visitors arriving by road from Armenia do not need a prior visa. At the border, there is a checkpoint where a visitor has to present oneself and then visit office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stepanakert within 24 hours of entering the border to get the visa.
· How to reach
The only legal entry to this region is through Armenia. Artsakh has a non-functional airport. Hence the only way to travel is by road, from anywhere in Armenia. As a budget transport option marshrutka (a minivan) is very popular in the region. In Yerevan one can get the marshrutka from the international bus station. From Yerevan to Stepanakert it takes about 6 hours.
· Caution
A traveller with travel history of Artsakh is a criminal in Azerbaijan. So those who visit Artsakh before going to Azerbaijan, must take the visa stamp in a plain paper and not on the passport.
3.Kosovo
The Republic of Kosovo is a partially recognized state in Europe. It became a selfdeclared nation in 1991 by breaking out of the erstwhile Yugoslavia. It has an ongoing territorial dispute with the Republic of Serbia and the latter does not accept the former’s February 2008’s declaration of Independence from it. However, Kosovo is a member of the IMF and the World Bank. At present it is recognized as an independent country by about 100 countries around the world. Among those that recognize it are Australia, Canada, USA, the Scandinavian countries, majority of the members of the European Union and some North African countries. Among those that are yet to recognize Kosovo as a country are Serbia, India, Russia, China and a majority of other Asian countries. The capital city of Kosovo is Pristina and the language spoken here is Albanian. It uses the currency of Euro and has its own passport which allows the citizens visa-free travel in many countries. The size of the country is about 10,890 sq km and its population is around 19,00,000. Islam is the Photo: The uniquely domed building of National Library of Kosovo in Pristina with the Church of Christ, the Saviour in the background dominant religion, followed by Orthodox Christianity. Its form of government is Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Republic and it has a President and a Prime Minister.
· Attractions
Pristina is a vibrant city with a lot to see and explore. Its variety of architecture is its main attraction. There is a peaceful co-existence of senturies-old mosques with modern glass buildings. The National Library building is truly a weird one. The glass building is topped with unique white domes which seem rather out of the place. But nevertheless, this is the most photographed building of the capital city. Prizren, a smaller town, is more popular for its ‘out of fairy tale’ looks. It is replete with Ottoman-style mosques, beautiful cathedrals and ancient walls and cobbled streets completing the look. A drive along the country-sides of Kosovo is worth taking. These are full of beautiful waterfalls, undulating mountains and blue lakes.
· Visa
Citizens of all countries recognizing Kosovo as an independent country have a visafree entry and stay up to 90 days in 6 month period.
· How to reach
Many European airlines connect European cities directly with Pristina. By road also it is possible to reach Kosovo from most European countries.
· Caution
From Serbia to Kosovo it is easy to travel. However if one enters Kosovo via Montenegro, Albania or Macedonia, since the passport will not have Serbia stamp, the traveller will not be allowed to travel back to Serbia. For those will to see both Kosovo and Serbia therefore there are two options. 1. Enter Kosovo via Serbia 2. If entered Kosovo not via Serbia, then exit from Macedonia, Montenegro or Albania only.
4.Northern Cyprus
Officially this micro-nation is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It comprises of the northeastern part of the island of Cyprus and Turkey is the only country that recognizes it as a country. To the rest of the world, it is part of Cyprus. The island of Cyprus is sharply divided into two different parts – the northern part which has a Turkish population and the southern part which is home to the larger Cypriot (Greek) population. The northern part uses the Turkish Lira as its official currency (Euro is also widely accepted) and Turkish is the official language, although in the southern part Greek is the official language and Cypriot Pound is the official currency. Northern Cyprus has an area of 3,355 sq km and a population of 3,40,000. It roughly covers one-third area of the island of Cyprus. Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, lies exactly on the border between the two parts, and hence the city of Nicosia also has two distinct parts, the northern part is capital of Northern Cyprus and the southern part is the capital of Cyprus.
· Attractions
Nicosia has a number of attractions, starting from museums to monasteries, mosques and breweries. Other important destinations are Girne (Kyrenia) and Famagusta. Girne is home to the Girne Castle and a very happening harbourfront which has many restaurants and pubs. Famagusta is full of beautiful sites and ruins and is home to the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Othello Castle (also called Othello’s Tower). The Kantara Castle, the Buffavento Castle, St. Hilarion Castle, the Bellapais Monastery, St. Barnabas Monastery, Alagardi Turtle Beach, ancient Shipwreck Museum and the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Salamis are also worth checking out. The weather here is pleasant almost all round the year.
· Visa
For visitors holding a valid Cyprus visa, no separate visa is required for visiting Northern Cyprus.
· How to reach
There are numerous land border crossings between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus and all of them are open. The best idea is to use the border crossings at the capital, Nicosia. While there is no visa stamping, there are security checks and people are required to show their ID card or passport on both sides of the crossing.
· Caution
For travelers who arrive directly to Northern Cyprus, and not to the main Cyprus side, that is either by boat or air, there may be more stringent checks.
5.Palestine
Palestine has been granted a non-member observer state status by the United Nations in 2012. It is also a member of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the UNESCO. It is officially recognised as a state by 138 UN member states, the Holy See, and the Sahrawi ADR. The remaining UN member states, including Israel, do not recognize it. The State of Palestine (also called just Palestine) was declared independent in 1988 by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is recognised by a majority of UN member states as well as the UN as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. After a UN-brokered ceasefire at the Six-Day War of 1967 in which Israel went to a bloody battle against Arab states of Egypt, Syria and Jordan, Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and other Palestinian territories, but never formally annexed them. The State of Palestine considers itself to be the legitimate government of the West Bank, a large part which is under Valley. Inset - Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem occupation by Israel. The latter regards the area claimed by Palestine as a ‘disputed’ territory. On the other hand, Israel, which was founded in 1948, is not recognised by 31 UN members, mostly the Islamic countries of Middle East and North Africa. The Israeli government has over the years moved its armed forces and settlers, out of certain territories claimed by Palestine but maintains some control over most of it. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) runs the internal government over certain areas of Palestine. The capital of Palestine is Ramallah and population is about 50 lakhs.
· Attractions The birthplace of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem, the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, the site of his crucifixion, some burial sites, the Mar Saba Monastery and other monasteries, temples, desert and desert palaces and caves are some of the historic places that one will come across in Palestine as important attractions. A trip to Palestine is also popular with pilgrims.
· Visa There is no separate visa for Palestine. Those travelling to Israel may also visit Palestine. There are many entry points to Palestine from Israel.
· How to reach There are no airports in Palestine. Hence the only way to reach is via land route from anywhere in Israel or Jordan. The borders are controlled by the Israeli authorities.
· Caution While in general Palestine is a safe place, but it is important to be cautious and be aware about the latest development along the border before embarking on the trip. Petty thefts are also common in Palestine, hence one must take care of belongings.
6. Sahrawi ADR
Towards the northwestern border of Africa, the Western Sahara is a disputed territory in the Maghreb region. After the Spanish colonizers suddenly left the region in 1975- 76, neither Morocco nor Mauritania ever gained the international recognition to rule over this geographical region resulting in the still continuing unrecognized state of the Western Sahara. In 1976 it proclaimed itself to be an independent republic in the name of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (or Sahrawi ADR). Today Sahrawi ADR is a full member of the African Union and is partially recognized nation amongst many. The claimed area is jointly controlled by Sahrawi ADR and Morocco. Sahrawi ADR government governs only a fourth of the land it actually claims, the remaining three-fourths they claim to be under the occupation of Morocco. Sahrawi ADR has its own flag and a population of half a million. It shares its borders with Algeria and Mauritania. The largest city is Laayoune or El Aaiún but the same is governed by Morocco. It continues to be the claimed capital of Sahrawi. Bir Lehlou is the de-facto capital city. Other important towns include Tifariti, Agwanit, Zoug, Meharrize and Dougaj. The main language spoken here is Arabic and Berber. Spanish and French are also widely spoken. Islam is the main religion followed here.
· Attractions
The biggest attraction is the Sahara Desert. There are also some pristine, unspoilt beaches to explore. One can also see the remnants of the Spanish Colonial rule in El Aaiún. This city is full of fountains, playgrounds and parks. Dakhla is another city of Western Sahara that is under Moroccan control now. It is located on a 50km-long narrow peninsula of the Atlantic Coast where on the one side you find a beautiful lagoon and on the other side the Atlantic Ocean. Water adventure activities and seafood are the other great attractions here.
· Visa
For visiting Sahrawi ADR no extra visa is Photo: Mysterious stone formations in Sahrawi; Inset - The Grand Mosque at Dakhla. 44 Vol 9, Issue 2, Touriosity Travelmag, July 2020 needed if one has the Morocco Visa.
· How to reach
It is not possible to cross the border to Sahrawi ADR from the neighbouring countries of Mauritania or Algeria as both these borders are closed. So only option is to cross over by land from Morocco. There are also direct flights to El Aaiún from the Moroccan destinations of Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Dakhla, Guelmin and Rabat and Gran Canaria.
· Caution
There are many unexploded land mines in Western Sahara. There have been reports of fatal explosions in the past. The roads are not in good condition, yet one must avoid driving off the road as this might be fatal. For those exploring the region, it is important to know that scorpions and cobras are quite frequently spotted here. So one must take care. While going for long drives it is important to take sufficient drinking water as the same may not be available on the road.
7. Sealand
Officially called the Principality of Sealand, this is by far the most unique micro-nation one will come across in this list. It is a truly bizarre nation that is not natural but man-made. This is the smallest (micro) nation in the world. It is difficult to imagine a country that is located on a raised platform on a sea and not located on land. That’s exactly how Sealand is! It is located on a platform in the North Sea, 12 kilometres off the coast of England. But hold on, don’t underestimate it. Sealand has its own coins, banknotes, stamps, a constitution with a preamble and seven articles, a flag and passport. And that’s not all; it has a Prince, and a national football team! As for achievements, it has had its own moments. Sealand has been featured on music videos fetching it popularity. However, the biggest event that gave it a huge publicity was a half-marathon that was organized here in 2015. Although it is just a platform, it hosted the event on a treadmill. Quite unbelievable! The history behind the formation of this unrecognized country is very interesting. Roughs Tower was an illegal military fortress built on international waters during World War II. The idea behind was to circumvent UK laws surrounding pirate radio stations. On the Christmas Eve of 1966, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Roy Bates, a British Army veteran and then a pirate radio broadcaster, laid claim to this tower. Much later, in 1977, he declared it to be a country and named it as the Principality of Sealand. Since then the claim has been undisputed and although never recognized, nobody ever tried to dispute the claim of the founder. Paddy’s son Michael Roy Bates, a British Businessman and self-published author who inherited the Principality of Sealand from his father, went on to call himself ‘Prince Michael of Sealand’. It is also possible for anyone from anywhere in the world to apply to become a Lord, Lady, Baron, Baroness, Count, Countess, Duke or Duchess of Sealand in future by paying various fees.
· Visa
One may apply for a visa at the official website of https://sealandgov.org. However visas are currently on hold due to the global situation.
· How to reach Being located in international waters, anyone can reach here by a boat or helicopter.
· Caution Climbing up the platform, or landing in Sealand may not be allowed without prior consent.
8. Somaliland
This self-proclaimed nation is situated along a dry stretch of land along the Red Sea. A former British colony, the Republic of Somaliland was an independent nation from 26th June, 1960 to 1st July, 1960, when it united with the former Italian colonies of Somalia to form the Somali Republic. Later it regretted the union, and when Somalia’s government collapsed in 1991, Somaliland held a referendum and declared independence. Presently it enjoys the status of an autonomous region within Somalia but it lacks international recognition. Somalia claims Somaliland as part of its territory. Somaliland functions de-facto as a nation. It has elections, a government, passport, its own currency the Somaliland Shilling, and uninterfered rule by Somalia. Its capital city is Hargeisa. But no other nation has recognized it as independent so far. However the neighboring countries of Djibouti and Ethiopia allow citizens with Somaliland passport to cross the border.
· Attractions
There are a number of things to see in Somaliland. Of them, by far the most famous is Laas Geel. These are ancient cave paintings dating from the Neolithic Age. The very well preserved rock paintings are believed to be more than 11,000 years old. The paintings feature humans and animals and the site is located just outside the capital city of Hargeisa. Another important tourist attraction is in the port city of Berbera. It is known for coral reefs, pristine beaches, seafood and ancient architecture. Another important city to visit in Somaliland is the ancient city of Zeila which is in ruins now. It is believed that this city was the entry point of Islam religion in the continent of Africa. Zeila had the first mosque outside the middle east. Located on the Gulf of Aden, Zeila has historically been an important trading centre. Zeila, located close to the border of Djibouti, also provides a great cultural experience. Of the coast from here are six islands which are home to beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and coral reefs.
· Visa
Somaliland does not recognize a Somali visa. Hence anybody willing to visit Somaliland has to apply for a Somaliland visa only.
· How to reach
While citizens from the neighbouring countries can cross over the border, people from other countries can take flights to the capital city. Hargeisa is connected with many cities around the world by flight, including Dubai and Djibouti city.
· Caution
Somalia is infamous for terrorist attacks and kidnappings. The same applies for Somaliland. So precautions must be taken while visiting the country.
9. South Ossetia
This is another unrecognized nation in the Caucasian region that is, as per the United Nations, a part of Georgia. But unlike Abkhazia, here it is possible only to enter from the Russian side. One can have an organised tour of this place. South Ossetia was an autonomous region in the Georgian SSR in Soviet Union. It declared independence from Georgia in 1991, but Georgia refused to grant the region autonomy resulting in a war from 1991 to 1992. The war came to an end with the help of Russian interference. Following this there have been more conflicts in the region and in effect the region remains still disputed. It is recognized as an independent country by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, Nauru and the unrecognized countries of Abkhazia, Republic of Artsakh and Transnistria. The Republic of South Ossetia has a tiny population of about 54,000 people and its geographical area is 3,900 sq km. Its capital city is Tskhinvali (with about 30,000 people living here) and the currency used is Russian ruble. People speak mainly in Ossetian language, a dialect of Persian, although Russian is mostly used for official purposes.
· Attractions
There are some historical monuments, old monasteries and memorials and nature around is very beautiful. Hiking and horseback riding in the mountains is popular. The capital city is a quaint town and walking around the squares is pleasant. Worth checking out here are the National Museum, Church of the Holy Virgin dating from the 18th century, a former Armenian Quarter, a Jewish Quarter and a Synagogue and a very dark ‘Museum of Burnt Souls’ commemorating civilians who were burnt alive in their cars by the Georgian Military in 2008 while fleeing the violence zone.
· Visa
If you are visiting Russia ensure that there is a double entry Russian Visa. Travellers apart from Russian citizens also need a prior permission from the Foreign Ministry of South Ossetia which can be applied for and received by email. One can send the visa requests at consul.mfa-rso@yandex.com
· How to reach
Entry to South Ossetia is possible only from the Russian side, by road. There are regular buses from Vladikavkaz to Tskhinvali (164km). Travel time is generally about three hours but the border entry can sometimes take time.
· Caution
Stamping on the passport while entering South Ossetia will make a tourist unacceptable for entry in Georgia in future. This should be borne in mind. A number of Western countries have issued advisories against visiting South Ossetia stating chances of violence. However there have not been any instances of violence recently. Visitors must take appropriate precautions. Leningor, in South Ossetia, is under control of Georgia. One must avoid taking photos of government buildings here.
10. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta
This is one of the most unusual ‘countries’. One must not confuse it with the Republic of Malta. It is a Roman Catholic religious order founded way back in 1099 in Jerusalem, by the Blessed Gerard. It is the world’s oldest surviving chivalric order. It is recognized by 100+ UN members and maintains diplomatic relations with 110 countries. Its official name is a little longer though: the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. The official language of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) is Italian. It has its own flag, coat of arms, stamps, passport, currency (Maltese Scudo) but no official land. Yes, it’s a country without any geographical presence, hence no question of it appearing in the world map. So if you talk about the physical proof, all it can provide is a rented base in Rome, the residences of the Knights of the Order and a fort in Malta taken on a 99-year lease. SMOM has an elective monarchy and is ruled by a Prince and the Grand Master. This makes its population count of just two citizens; but there are 13,000 members and 80,000 volunteers. It is possible to visit this ‘country with no land’. The following three places are either partly owned by it or occupied by it:
Palazzo Malta, Rome, Italy – This building located in Via dei Condotti 68, Rome is the capital of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It is also known as Palazzo di Malta or Palazzo dell’Ordine di Malta. One can see the flag of SMOM flying outside.
Villa Malta, Rome, Italy – It is officially called Villa del Priorato di Malta and is home to the Grand Priory of the SMOM. It is a beautiful building on the top of a hill. This building has the embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Italy. Both these buildings, although located in Italy, have been granted extraterritorial status.
Fort St. Angelo, Vittoriosa, Malta – This is the largest of the three territories currently belonging to the SMOM and is on a 99-year lease (expiring in 2097). The Upper Fort is the residence quarters of one of the Knights of SMOM. There are private guided tours available here. For tourists it is also possible to pick up some souvenirs of SMOM, like stamps and coins.
· Visa
To visit the fort in Malta requires a Schengen Visa. Citizens of the Schengen area of the EU can visit without a visa.
· How to go
Since it does not have any land of its own, the only way to visit this country is to go to any of the three places mentioned earlier. Fort St. Angelo on the island of Malta is the biggest of them all.
11. Taiwan
This case is a little different from all others. Officially called the Republic of China (not to be confused with People’s Republic of China or China), Taiwan is a de-facto sovereign country and has no interference from China. Now, to put it simply, there are two claimants of the government of China, viz. the People’s Republic of China or PRC (often called only China) and the Republic of China or ROC (often called Taiwan). Each one considers itself to be the sole legitimate government of China and therefore claims exclusive sovereignty over all territory (mainland China plus Taiwan). The PRC, proclaimed in 1949, is the more widely recognised of the two claimant governments of China. However, the Republic of China (ROC), constitutionally formed in 1912, and located primarily in Taiwan Island since 1949 (hence ‘Taiwan’ is frequently used to refer to the state), enjoyed majority recognition as the sole government of China until the late 1960s, when a majority of UN member states started to gradually shift recognition to the PRC. The UN used to recognize ROC as the sole representative of China until 1971, when it switched its recognition to the PRC instead. It gave one of the five permanent spots in its Security Council to PRC and expelled the ROC from membership. PRC and ROC do not recognize each other and each has its own One-China Policy. This means that no country can recognize both of them at a time. Presently, 21 UN member states recognize the ROC as the legitimate government of China and hence do not recognize the PRC. It may be noted that Bhutan is the only UN member state that has never recognized either the PRC or the ROC. Taiwan maintains unofficial relations with many other states through its Economic and Cultural Offices, including states that do not formally recognize it. 56 states maintain some form of unofficial mission in Taiwan. Since ROC is a de-facto sovereign country, it has its own currency (the New Taiwan Dollar), flag, passport and government. Taipei is the capital city. Mandarin Chinese is the official language.
· Attractions
The capital city of Taipei has many attractions. The Taipei 101, a skyscraper with 106 floors, was once the tallest building in the world. In addition, the ruins of 17th century Dutch Fort Zeelandia, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung, the Rainbow Village, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei and the National Palace Museum are some human-made places to check out. Among the natural attractions are the Yushan National Park, the Alishan Scenic Mountain Area, Sun Moon Lake, Maolin National Scenic Area, the Penghu Archipelago and the Taroko Gorge.
· Visa
One has to apply for Taiwan Visa.
· How to reach
Taiwan can be reached either by air or water. Taipei is connected both by international flights and cruises.
12. Transnistria
This is a long and thin strip of land sandwiched between Ukraine and Moldova. Although popularly known as Transnistria, its official name is Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Visiting here will take you back to the USSR as almost every square in the capital city of Tiraspol has statues of Lenin or other reminders of the Soviet regime. It has a communist rule and Russian is the main language spoken. No wonder Transnistria is often also called ‘the last reminder of USSR’. Transnistria was part of Moldovan SSR in Soviet Union. During the disintegration of USSR, on 2nd of September 1990, Transnistria declared its independence from SSR of Moldova. It declared itself independent from Soviet Union on 25th August 1991. Since then Transnistria has been a de-facto sovereign state. Internationally it is regarded as a part of Moldova and Moldova or any other country does not recognize it. It is recognized as an independent republic only by three other breakaway unrecognized countries in the region, viz. Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Republic of Artsakh. Transnistria has its own passport, flag, currency and a population of about 5,00,000. Most citizens of Transnistria also have Moldovan citizenship. Majority of the population follow Easter Orthodox Christianity.
· Attractions
There are monasteries, historical monuments and museums across various towns in Transnistria. There are many places to visit in the capital itself. The Eternal Flame, Tank Monument, Suvorov Monument, the 19th century Orthodox Noul Neamt Monastery and the 16th century Bendery Fortress are the most important ones.
· Visa
For a visit up to 24 hours one does not need a visa. Once in the country the time limit can be extended. An entry permit given at the border must be kept ready to present at all times.
· How to reach
There are regular buses and trains to Tiraspol from Chișinău in Moldova and Odessa in Ukraine. The 70km journey from Chișinău takes about 2.5 hours.
· Caution
Do not click photos of military facilities or security personnel.
13.Tibet
Tibet is an autonomous region that is internationally regarded as part of China today. It is largely regarded as having been de-facto independent from 1913 to 1950 when it was invaded by China following the Battle of Chamdo. The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India and has continued to remain in India ever since. The Tibetan-government-in-exile led by the Dalai Lama that operates from Dharmasala in Himachal Pradesh, India maintains that Tibet is an independent country that is unlawfully been occupied by China. (For more information please refer to the full article in page 8)
· Visa For visiting Tibet one needs to have Chinese visa
14.Republic of Užupis
This is not a country born out of political or territorial disputes. It is rather a quirky nation, born out of the whims of a few artists. Travelling here is free from any trouble. In 1997, the residents of an artistic neighbourhood (rather impoverished and dangerous at that time) in Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius, declared themselves to be independent. They drew up a bizarre constitution that lays down the rights and duties of not only the citizens, but also of cats and dogs. The country has its own flag, a President, a Cabinet of ministers, an anthem, a national monument, and a national day, called the Užupis day, which is co-incidentally on the 1st of April. It has its own currency and a beer brand. It has a navy, rather ceremonial, and had an army, but not anymore. It has a population of about 7,000 people including 1,000 artists who reside within its geographical territory of less than 1 sq km.
· Attractions
Tourists can simply walk into the country. They can get their passport stamped in the post office or art gallery and even meet the President and ministers in a café or pub. There is a Constitution Avenue which displays the world’s most unique Constitution, the statue of the Angel, Tibet Square and a number of unique (some bizarre) statues and beautiful graffitis to check out.
· Visa
For those with a Schengen Visa, no additional Visa is required.
· How to reach
One can simply cross the bridge over Vilnia River and reach this country! There is no checking, no customs, except on the independence day (st April) when security personnel in uniforms welcome you at the entry
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