Microstates & Seaports
Quote from Jacqueline Novogratz, “Small is not just beautiful, it is powerful” on a letter board in front of a dandelion knit blanket
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome back, adventurous souls and seasoned explorers. Or if you’re just joining, welcome in. The Around the World series is a journey to uncover and celebrate every country on the map, six at a time, one post at a time. There aren’t deep dives. Think more as a way to familiarize with the countries of the world through quick, rich introductions, including: name, flag, spelling, geography, and a sense of presence for places you may not know well.
Today’s chapter is called “Microstates & Seaports” and it’s exactly that. A celebration of nations small in size but massive in culture, history, and global impact. From tiny monarchies tucked into the hills to seaside cities that shaped commerce and conversation, this post highlights countries that defy their size with presence and power.
Because from tiny kingdoms to bustling ports, these nations punch far above their size.
Let’s take off to explore Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia. Each unique is their own way, overlooked, and full of surprises.
My hand-drawn flag of Malta
MALTA
Official name: The Republic of Malta
Pronunciation: maal-tuh
Capital: Valletta
Official language: Maltese and English
Location: A group of islands in Southern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Italy
Most known for: It’s clear blue water beaches
Fun fact: No permanent rivers or lakes. Instead, it uses saltwater from the Mediterranean for drinking water
Recent news article: What I want to do with my work is create a conversation - photographer Lorella Castillo (Yasmin Mifsud, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Moldova
MOLDOVA
Official name: Republic of Moldova
Pronunciation: MOL-doh-vuh
Capital: Chişinǎu
Official language: Romanian
Location: Eastern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Romania and Ukraine
Most known for: It’s wine industry
Fun fact: Home to the World’s largest underground wine cellar
Recent news article: Moldova Trade Forum 2025: adaption and competitiveness in a changing global landscape (UNDP 2025)
My knowledge: Not too familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Monaco
MONACO
Official name: Principality of Monaco
Pronunciation: maa-nuh-kow
Capital: Monaco-Ville (Capital-state)
Official language: French
Location: In Western Europe within the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: France and Italy
Most known for: It’s luxury
Fun fact: Has the world’s shortest coastline at just 2.3 miles long
Recent news article: It’s Monaco’s National Day (As Monaco, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Montenegro
MONTENEGRO
Official name: Republic of Montenegro
Pronunciation: maan-tuh-nay-grow
Capital: Podgorica
Official language: Montenegrin
Location: Southeastern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania
Most known for: It’s scenery, such as Durmitor National Park. Here is travel blogger, Medha Verma’s experience, “The 3 Perfect Days in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro”
Fun fact: Home to the world’s oldest olive tree. It’s over 2,000 years old
Recent news article: UNICEF Young Reporters: Every word leaves a mark (UNICEF, 2025)
My knowledge: Not too familiar
My hand-drawn flag of the Netherlands
NETHERLANDS
Official name: The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Pronunciation: neh-thr-luhndz
Capital: Amsterdam
Official language: Dutch
Location: In Northwestern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Germany and Belgium
Most known for: Tulip fields
Fun fact: There are more bicycles than people
Recent news article: Blue Magic Netherlands 2025 (General Atomics Aeronautical, 2025)
My knowledge: Not all that familiar with the Netherlands
My hand-drawn flag of North Macedonia
NORTH MACEDONIA
Official name: Republic of North Macedonia
Pronunciation: north ma-suh-dow-nee-uh
Capital: Skopje
Official language: Macedonian and Albanian
Location: Southeastern Europe on peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Greece
Most known for: Ancient historical sites, such as Kokino Observatory. Check out North Macedonia’s Timeless page on “Kokino” here.
Fun fact: Home to one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the World, Lake Ohrid. Here is a “The Ultimate Guide to Ohrid North Macedonia” from The Petite Wanderer
Recent news article: Stunning Trailer for “The Tale of Silyan” Doc Film from North Macedonia (Alex Billington, 2025)
My knowledge: Not all that familiar
As we close out this journey through “Microstates & Seaports,” one truth stands out. It’s that size doesn’t define significance. These six nations, some overlooked, others underestimated, remind us that small footprints can leave lasting impressions. Whether it’s Malta’s layered history, Monaco’s glimmering coastline, or Moldova’s quiet resilience, each place holds depth that rewards the curious.
Travel lesson? Never skip the “small stops” as they’re often the richest stories, the kind you don’t find in guidebooks but in conversations, coastlines, and quiet streets.
I’m curious, have you lived, visited, or grew up in any of these countries? If so, I’d love to hear your experience.
The next chapter of the Around the World series lifts off in two days. And trust me, it’s a new kind of unexpected. Until then, catch up on this post, leave your thoughts, or share a story if you’ve been to any of these powerful little nations. Your perspective adds to the journey.
And for a complete guide of all our travels, click here.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
