Uzbekistan, the Country in the Heart of Central Asia.

UZBEKISTAN THE COUNTRY IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL ASIA

The Republic of Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and a former Soviet Republic. Its capital and biggest city is Tashkent, and has a population of over 35 million people.
Geographically, it is in the heart of Central Asia and surrounded by Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. It is one of the only two doubly-landlocked countries on earth, with Liechtenstein, the least-visited country in Europe, being the second. (Landlocked means no access to the sea or the Atlantic, so doubly-landlocked means surrounded by other landlocked countries). Uzbekistan is a predominantly Islamic country with more than 80% Muslims (the majority regarded as Sunni Muslims). It is best known for its mosques, mausoleums, and other sites linked to the “Silk Road” (the name of the lucrative trade in silk trade route between China, the Mediterranean, and other major cities). Its economy is dependent on agriculture and it is one of the largest cotton growers worldwide. Besides this, it also cultivates, grapes, vegetables, and wheat, and raises animals, including goats, sheep, and cattle. Additionally, Uzbekistan’s land produces natural gas, oil, gold, copper, and other minerals. Read on to learn more about my visit to Uzbekistan, the country in the heart of Central Asia.

Minimum 15% saving available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Early 2025” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Saving varies depending on the destination country, a full breakdown of discounts is detailed below: minimum 20% saving on properties in Asia and Oceania; minimum 15% saving elsewhere. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 01/04/25 for stays with check-in from 01/01/25 and check-out on or before 01/04/25. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and subject to availability.

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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.

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 7 January 2025 for stays with check-in from 1 October 2024 and check-out on or before 7 January 2025. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and is subject to availability.

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Pakistan, Home to the World’s youngest Nobel Laureate

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PAKISTAN - HOME TO THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST NOBEL LAUREATE

The Islamic Democratic Republic of Pakistan is a country in South Asia. Its capital is Islamabad, however, Karachi is the largest city and Financial Center of Pakistan. Pakistan is from the Indus Valley civilization and is the 5th most populous in the world with a population of over 241.5 million. Moreover, it is the second-largest Muslim population in the world. The country is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the South of the Gulf of Oman, Afghanistan to the West/Southwest, China to the Northwest, and shares land border with India to the east. The name “Pakistan” is both Persian and Urdu and means “land of Paks, the spiritually pure and clean.” “Pak” is ‘pure’ in Persian and “-stan” means “land or place of.”

With regards to the tagline, Pakistan is home to the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Mahala Yousafzai. She was only age 17 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest person worldwide to have received such a prestigious accolade. She was awarded the prize for her work advocating for the education of girls and children in Pakistan and worldwide. The Pakistani economy is reliant on agriculture and services, both contributing to the highest percentage of the GDP. Continue reading to learn more about Pakistan, home to the world’s youngest Nobel Laureate, and my recent visit.

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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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