food and people

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign country on the French Riviera in Western Europe. The Sovereign Prince of Monaco is the Head of State (Prince Albert II) and the Prime Minister is the Head of the government. The country borders Italy, France (on three sides), and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth, measures (2.1 square km) after Vatican City is also an independent state. Monte Carlo is its capital, and its population is about 38,000. Monaco is a prosperous, glamorous, sophisticated, and luxurious micro-state and a playground for the wealthy. It boasts of being the home of the most luxurious Casino worldwide and hosting the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square at night. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square at night
Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
The Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyles, beautiful beaches, rich history, and culture. However, despite its tiny size, Monaco is a powerhouse, and is one of, if not the wealthiest country worldwide, according to its GDP per capita. Its economy mainly relies on the service industry, especially gaming, tourism, and finance. Consequently, most of its revenue comes from Postage Stamp sales, liquor and tobacco taxes, and property/business registration fees. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.

The Opera House of Monte Carlo. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
The Opera House of Monte Carlo

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San Marino – the World’s Oldest Republic

SAN MARINO THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

SAN MARINO - THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

The Democratic Republic of San Marino, known as the world’s smallest and oldest constitutional republic, is a developed landlocked European country. It has a population of almost 34,000 and its capital is San Marino City. The city is set high on the western slopes of Monte Titano/Titan and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is about 10 kilometres from the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by Italy. It was founded in AD 301 (4th century) by Saint Marinus, a stone mason,  and has maintained its identity for more than a millennium. San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe (Vatican City – the smallest country in Europe). It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat lands, and thrives on agriculture (products are wine and cheese), banking, and tourism. It exports fabric, clothing, ceramics, coins, and postage stamps (keenly sought by collectors), which are also important sources of revenue. Please keep reading to learn more about San Marino, the world’s oldest republic.

A beautiful roundabout leading to Old Town. San Marino, the world’s oldest republic
A beautiful roundabout leading to Old Town

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Mount Everest. Nepal, the home of Mount Everest.

NEPAL, THE HOME OF MOUNT EVEREST

NEPAL, THE HOME OF MOUNT EVEREST

NEPAL - THE HOME OF MOUNT EVEREST

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked country between India and China in South Asia. Its population is almost 31 million, and its capital and biggest city is Kathmandu. They call Nepal “the ceiling of the world” because it has eight of the highest mountains on earth, including its most famous Mount Everest. Moreover, Nepal is ideal for thrilling adventures and sport tourism. It offers activities such as mountaineering, paragliding, kayaking, and high-altitude marathons. Further, the largest religion in Nepal is Hinduism (more than 80%), Buddhism is second, and a significant minority of Muslims, and Christians. Nepal’s main exports are textiles, carpets and rug mills, cement, cigarettes, juices, iron, steel, palm oil, honey, and clothing. However, tourism is one of its main money earners. Besides this, it also cultivates Wheat, Millet, Maize, Paddy, Barley-rice, and even potatoes and apples. Please continue reading to learn more about Nepal, the home of Mount Everest.

Enjoying the view of the Himalayan Mountains from Nagarkot Peak

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At Agra Fort - Agra. India, the most populated country on earth

India – The Most Populated Country on Earth

INDIA - THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY ON EARTH

INDIA - THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Federal Republic of India is a country in South Asia and its capital is New Delhi. It is the world’s seventh-largest country, by area, and the world’s most populous, with over 1,461 billion people (recorded in 2025). India borders, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is a unique country with vibrant colours, exotic spices, rich history and culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, India has a secular, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society. Its religious composition is as follows; 80% Hindus, 14 % Muslims, over 4% Christians, over 1% Shikhs, and Buddhists, Judaism, Zoroastrian, and Jain in the minority. Therefore, it is a multi-religious society that celebrates festivals and holidays of various religions. To date, India’s biggest exports are petroleum products, followed by gems, jewellery, textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, chemicals, cars, and tea. However, their export list is endless with other products including leather, cotton products, rice, wheat, jute, etc. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to India, the most populated country on earth.

The Taj Mahal. India, the most populated country on earth
The Taj Mahal

❤❤ Condolences❤❤

 ❤❤ I wish to pay respects to my dearest Mother and my “bestest” and no. 1 friend and confidant, critic, commenter, first to read my blogs and books, and 100% gentleman Joel Dessaints (Canada). Jay, I wish that wherever you are, you are reading one last time. Rest in Peace to you both!! (They both passed away just before their birthdays). I am still trying to recover, so please give me space and time…hence why I didn’t mention this before. My writing is my only coping mechanism at this time. THANKS!! ❤❤

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The Arch of Charents - most gorgeous view of Mount Ararat. Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity

Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

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.

The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view). Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity
The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view)

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Batumi oceanfront. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation

Georgia, the Mystical Transcontinental Nation

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 12th 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 

Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation
Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains
Gergeti Trinity Church in the Kazbegi Mountain. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation
Gergeti Trinity Church in the Kazbegi Mountain

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Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA

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.

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa
Moroccan flag everywhere

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Nordiska Museet (Museum). Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Sweden is a Cold and Cashless Society

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY 

The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and a Baltic country in Northern Europe and is one of the seven Nordic countries on the Scandinavian archipelago. It shares its borders with Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and Stockholm, its capital since 1523, is the biggest capital of all three Scandinavian countries. Sweden is a highly developed country and exports timber, hydropower, etc., and it is one of the top 16th wealthiest countries in the world according to its GDP per capita. Sweden’s population of over 10 million has a life expectancy and standard of living that ranks among the highest worldwide, so it is for this reason that so many immigrants flock to Sweden for work and a better standard of living. It is also one of the most expensive, cleanest, highly digital, and cashless countries I have visited. Please continue reading to learn about why Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake. Sweden is a cold and cashless society.
Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake

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the Walking Woman statue @ Ekerbergparken (Ekerberg Park). Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Oslo. Norway has a stable and robust economy, with one of the highest GDPs in Europe. It is the largest and most expensive of all Scandinavian countries, with almost 6 million people. Norway is famous for its languages, oil production, glaciers, coastal fjords, eco-friendly, and its Vikings history, similar to Denmark,  the land of the Vikings. Norway has a Constitutional Monarch (King Harald V) for ceremonial and representative duties. However, the legislative and executive powers lie with the Prime Minister, the head of the Government. Please continue reading to see why Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights and what else it offers travellers.

Frogner and Vigeland Park. Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights
Frogner and Vigeland Park

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Tallinn International airport welcome sign. Estonia is the world leader in e-services

Estonia is the World leader in E-services

ESTONIA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN E-SERVICES

ESTONIA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN E-SERVICES

The Republic of Estonia is a small, developed Baltic country in Northern Europe, and its capital is Tallinn. Estonia is closest to Finland and was previously part of the Soviet Union. The country is famous for its many castles, museums, lush forests, strong family values, e-technology, and its medieval, historic capital, Tallinn. Estonia has over 1,500 islands, 1,000 lakes, and 7,000 rivers. It is a developed, high-income, clean, and safe country. It is closer to being a rich country than a poor one and cheaper than many other European countries. However, what is most prominent is Estonia is the world leader in e-services, plus other digital advancements. Keep reading to see what else Estonia offers.

Aleksander Nevski Katedraali. Estonia is the world leader in e-services
Aleksander Nevski Katedraali

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