Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia

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TAJIKISTAN - THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN CENTRAL ASIA

The Republic of Tajikistan is a country in the heart of Central Asia. Its capital and most popular city is Dushanbe. Surrounding Tajikistan are countries like China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. Although Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia by landmass, with a population of over 10 million people, it is not the smallest by population of the five Central Asian countries.
The vast majority of Tajikistanis are Muslim, and there is a small percentage of Christians who are predominantly Russians.
Tajikistan’s economy depends on agriculture and services, and each employs more than two-fifths of the labour force. Moreover, it is the most mountainous country in Central Asia. Besides its rugged terrain, it is best known for its natural resources and vast freshwater reserves. Tajikistan also produces aluminium and cotton, which are its main export commodities. Additionally, it exports vegetable oil, almonds, dried apricots, grapes, cotton, textiles, etc. Read on for a general view of Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia.

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50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

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50 SAFEST COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

No country is 100% safe. With the continuous movement of people, many once-safe countries are now experiencing crimes or an increase in it. However, many have drastic laws and rigid enforcement to deter any would-be-criminal from breaking them, thus lowering the crime rate. As a solo traveller, I have never had any security issues in any country because most were fairly safe. I chose these 50 safest countries around the world from the 80-plus I visited, based on how secure I felt, and what I experienced during my stay.

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23 CLEANEST CITIES WORLDWIDE

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23 Cleanest Cities Worldwide

23 CLEANEST CITIES WORLDWIDE

Most countries I have visited over the years were mainly clean, except for a few. Notwithstanding, many appeared spotless in the main squares and popular tourist areas. However, straying from these areas to the back streets or parks revealed garbage bins overflowing, dirty streets, smelly drains, and even loiterers. Contrarily, these 23 cleanest cities worldwide were the ones I found to be almost immaculately spotless.

I chose these 23 cleanest cities worldwide from 80-plus countries based on what I experienced during the time/year I visited. Below are some of the criteria I used to determine the top 23 cities.

Cleanest, litter-free streets, parks, public spaces, etc.
No, or the least amount of graffiti, trash, animal residue, etc.
The cleanest air quality (no smell of dust, urine, garbage, smoke, etc.).
Neat, clean garbage bins/boxes.
The least number of homeless people, beggars, loiterers, and stray animals.
Maybe not fancy, but clean, well-maintained building exteriors.
The least amount of carbon Emission (least amount of traffic/vehicles etc.).
No derelict vehicles and dump yards.
No slums.
Minimal or no noise pollution (no loud honking of horns or loud music, especially at night).

Please note that the cities are under their countries’ names in ALPHABETICAL ORDER and not according to cleanliest. So here are the 23 cleanest cities worldwide.

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Ukraine the Breadbasket of Europe

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UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE

The Unitary, Semi-Presidential Republic of Ukraine is a democratic, Eastern European country. Ukraine/Ukraina pronounced Oo-krah-YEE-nah by the locals, unlike You-Crane in English) is the second largest European country after Russia, and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and the coastline of the Black Sea. The nation’s capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Ukraine is predominantly a Christian nation (approximately 88%) with a population of about 42 million. Its main export is agricultural products, including wheat, and as of 2022/2023 ranked fifth among the largest wheat exporters worldwide. Currently, Ukraine is most famous for its fight and resistance against the Russian invasion. Read on for more insights into my visit to Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe, or precisely Lviv.

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Slovakia a Beauty in the Heart of Europe

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SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

The Republic of Slovakia/Slovak/Slovensko is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe. Consequently, five countries share borders with it, including Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria (the closest one, at only 57 kilometers). Its capital is Bratislava. Slovakia is famous for its unique castles, caves, Celtic town (Havranok), architecture, the Podhajska geothermal pool (aka the Slovak Dead Sea), folk dancing, and much more. Slovakia is a developed country with a high-income economy. Moreover, it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a population of almost 5.5 million. Additionally, services are the largest and primary sector of the economy, but mining, agriculture, and industry remain equally important. Please continue reading to see what it is like to travel to Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe.

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Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

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ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

The Republic of Armenia (formerly Hayk) is a former Soviet Union country bordering Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and its capital is Yerevan. Armenia is a transcontinental country (partly in Europe and most of its land in west Asia), and is one of the six countries in the Caucasus region. What is special about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity worldwide in 301 A.D., is its unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoiled nature, tasty cuisine, and renowned brandy, and wines. Additionally, almost every item in Armenia bears the symbol of Mount Ararat (the land of the final resting place of the Ark of Noah. Historically, Mount Ararat was in the territory of the Armenian Highland (currently, it borders Armenia). However, in 1921/1923, a peace treaty (Treaty of Kars) drafted between Turkey and the Soviet Union gifted the land to Turkey.

Armenia is a Christian nation and has a population of about 2,777,976.00. It is rich in copper, zinc, iron, silver, lead, gold, and other valuable reserves of rare metals. Apart from that, whenever someone mentions Armenia, many people immediately think of the Armenian genocide, similar to the mention of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. However. there is so much more to discover in this unique and beautiful country. Please continue reading to learn more about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity as a state religion.

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Azerbaijan the Land of Fire

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AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE

The (unitary semi-presidential) Republic of Azerbaijan is another transcontinental country in the Caucasus Region, and its capital is Baku. It was also once part of the former Soviet Union and bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, spanning Asia and Europe. It has a population exceeding 10 million and borders Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, and Turkey (all Caucasus countries). Azerbaijan is a democratic, Muslim-majority, secular state. Moreover, it has an oil and natural gas base economy accounting for over 90% of the total exports. Additionally, it exports food and agricultural products, machinery, metals, and textiles that make up the rest of its revenues. Two things stood out for me most about Azerbaijan, they are; the people and prices. Azerbaijanis are outgoing and super-friendly people, and the country is inexpensive. Please continue reading to learn what it is like to visit Azerbaijan the land of fire (Odlar Yurdu).

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Georgia, the Mystical Transcontinental Nation

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GEORGIA THE MYSTICAL TRANSCONTINENTAL NATION

GEORGIA THE MYSTICAL TRANSCONTINENTAL NATION IN THE CAUCASUS

The Republic of Georgia is a former Soviet Union country, and surprisingly close to Iran (just 1 hour 40 minutes flight away). It is a transcontinental country sandwiched between Russia and Turkey. Georgia is a small country tucked away at the eastern end of the Black Sea and the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Its capital and largest city is Tbilisi, and with a population of over 3.7 million. Many may not have heard of this country, or Georgia U.S.A. might come to mind when they mention its name. However, it is a mountainous, breathtaking, transcontinental country hidden in Europe and partially in West Asia. Georgia is famous for its cuisines, Black Sea beaches, wine region (Kakheti), and cave monastery (Vardzia), dating back to the 12^th Century. Forest covers over a third of the country, and its main religion is Orthodox Christianity. Please continue reading to learn more about Georgia the mystical transcontinental nation in the Caucasus Region.an average

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Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

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MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA

The Kingdom of Morocco (once known as the Kingdom of Marrakech) is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, and its capital is Rabat. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the only African country with exposure to both the Atlantic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco (in Arabic means The Western Kingdom) is a highly elevated country (about 2,600 above sea level). Morocco experiences typical Mediterranean weather (hot, dry summers) with mild, wet winters. It is famous for its towering mountains, beaches and coasts, desert oasis, food, ancient cities, souks, medinas, and culture. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Its primary resources are agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, and tourism. It is an affordable destination with a population of over 37 million. Please continue reading to learn more about what it is like to visit Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa.

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21 FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE AND COUNTRIES

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21 FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE AND COUNTRIES TO VISIT

These were the 21 friendliest people and countries visited, based on hospitality. Hospitable means friendly, welcoming, jovial, outgoing, cheerful, good-humoured, approachable, chatty, helpful, and with all-round good vibes..

21 FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE AND COUNTRIES TO VISIT

We all know there is no place like home. However, when we travel, we want to feel welcomed and interact with pleasant people as if we are at home. Although this might be unrealistic, we still wish the locals would extend some hospitality to us as though we have previously met. I have met many lovely people around the globe.

Therefore, I acknowledge some countries such as; Belgium (super helpful people) Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Anguilla, among others, where I also met some friendly people and had enjoyable vacations. However, through careful consideration, I found these to be the 21 friendliest people and countries to visit, especially for holidays.

Even though this list comprises countries I visited, and at the risk of appearing bias, a special mention must be made of Trinidad and Tobago. The country that hosts the biggest and best carnival worldwide, and the only country to invent a musical instrument in the 20th century (the Steel Pan). It has some of the friendliest, most-jovial people in the world. Consequently, its national airline, Caribbean Airlines, also has the friendliest Air Stewards/Stewardesses worldwide.

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