Microstates & Seaports

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.

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

Climate: Tropical

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

My knowledge: I’m not familiar

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

Climate: Continental

Most known for: It’s wine industry

Fun fact: Home to the World’s largest underground wine cellar

Recent news article: Moldove Trade Forum 2025: adaption and competitiveness in a changing global landscape

My knowledge: Not too familiar

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

Climate: Temperate

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

My knowledge: I’m not familiar

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

Climate: Continental

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

My knowledge: Not too familiar

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

Climate: Temperate

Most known for: Tulip fields

Fun fact: There are more bicycles than people

Recent news article: Blue Magic Netherlands 2025

My knowledge: Not all that familiar with the Netherlands

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

Climate: Continental

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

My knowledge: Not all that familiar

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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.

For further climate information, check out NOAA’s “What Are the Different Climate Types?” 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.***

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