~ Top 10 Countries That Did Not Exist 20 Years Ago ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Countries That Did Not Exist 20 Years Ago


1. Czech Republic   



Country founded after Czechoslovakia peaceful split between its constituent units on 1 January 1993, the Czech Republic stands out as one of the cultural centres of Europe, not only because its location  in Central Europe. The capital called also "Golden City" - a unique global city and metropolitan area, famous with its architecture and long history, left its inevitable mark. Apart from the busy capital city, one can enjoy the quieter atmosphere of provincial Czech towns and cities, old castles and chateaus, and also the numerous microbreweries throughout the whole country establishing the country as the most visited one during 2011. The picturesque landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland, historical heritage, famous all over the world beer and the abundance of cultural events place Czech Republic at the top rank of the European countries.

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2. East Timor   



One of the newest nations of 21st century, struggling for ages to achieve its independence, firstly from the Portuguese oppressors, then from the Indonesian rule and finally achieved it in 2002, still carries the mark of the tragedies and sufferings of the locals. The not so developed economy and damaged infrastructure, and the many displaced people and refugee camps throughout the relatively small country are all result of the hard battles for independence. East Timor is located in Southeast Asia and it is comprised from few small islands. Its location and history makes it appealing destination for more adventurous tourist, who would like to meet the genuine locals, explore the easy-going capital Dili and the unique combination of European and Asian culture or just go diving or hiking on the magnificent ecotourism scene.

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3. Slovakia   



Slovakia or the Slovak Republic has gained its independence in 1993 after been part of Czechoslovakia, and although it is located in Central Europe, it is not yet fully discovered tourist destination. But that does not mean that there isnt plenty of amazing landscapes or historical records of the past to be seen and explored. Its foundation dates from the old times and the dramatic castles, such as Trenčín or Spiš Castle, and their dim dungeons and rocky towers, situated atop of the steep hills make Slovakia resembling a movie setting. The lovers of winter resorts and skiing can find in East Slovakia amazing Alpine landscapes and peaks to climb. Its capital Bratislava is unique in its own, dotted with as many old-town cafés as one can think of and with unique street art peeking from every street corner. Slovakia is country where every tourist will find something amazing to explore.

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4. Palau   



The Republic of Palau is one of the newest and smallest island countries in the Pacific Ocean, most likely initially settled by migrants from the Philippines. But that does not stop it from being exceptional in so many ways, starting with the so famous Jellyfish Lake in which waters are swimming about 10 million of the local species, whose evolution in absence of stingers makes it even more appealing touristic landmark. The all year round tropical climate of this island country and the endless diving and snorkelling possibilities ranked it as a top destination for tourists, who love water adventures. But even if you do not participate in sports you can enjoy the beautiful coral reefs, blue holes, tunnels and hidden caves and play with more than 60 vertical drop-offs or see rare sea creatures, fish and corals. In the same way you can explore the unique Micronesia's flora and fauna without even getting wet. You can also visit the Palau Shark Sanctuary, found in 2001. All these features in combination with the locals, known as the most sociable people, make it a destination one cannot miss.

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5. Serbia   



The Republic of Serbia is a crossroad country located in the southern part of the Carpathian basin and between Central and Southern Europe; it is at the same time taking central place in the Balkans. After breaking up from Yugoslavia in 1990 and not part of the European Union, Serbia is less known as a tourist destination than its neighbours Slovenia and Croatia, but is yet safe and welcome to visit. One of the most interesting spots to visit is the capital Belgrade, which names is translated as "white city" and it is known as a very energetic and diverse city, offering lots of entertainments for the night life lovers and rich in cultural monuments, unique architecture and various venues with local cuisine for the foodies. One of the big cultural events hosted in Novi Sad is the world-famous Exit music festival; among the latest performers on it are Chemical Brothers and Patty Smith. The great landscapes and provincial sceneries, the old monasteries and all the history concentrated in Serbia make it unique on its own way.

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6. Montenegro   



Montenegro, or also known as "The Black Mountain" due to its meaning, is country situated in Southeast Europe. The tiny nation residing on very small territory, has achieved its freedom out of the federation with Serbia in the late 2006 and that is one of the reasons that its natural  beauty and great landscape are just in the beginning of being discovered and admired. The coast outlet on the Adriatic Sea and its sandy beaches, along with the great scenery of the small coves reaching to the Albanian border and the famous mountain ranges, are perfect getaway for tourist. For the most adventurous, Tara River canyon, which is the deepest one in Europe, offers great experience of river rafting. Different retreat spots can be found all over the country, starting from the medieval historic town Kotor, the island Sveti Stefan, tucked in the mountains or anywhere along the coast.

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7. Kazakhstan   



Kazakhstan is the last Soviet Republic to declare its independence in 1991 and the ninth largest country in the world. Although it is a transcontinental country located in Central Asia and Europe, it is almost unknown to travellers and covered by the veil of the mystery for most of the people around the world. It got a lot of interest with the film production for the pseudo-Kazakh Borat, but it is most famous with its abundant reserves of oil and gas, which makes it quite prosperous and modern. Kazakhstan is very ethnically and culturally diverse, and also characterized with religious freedom. The two major cities - Almaty and the capital Astana, from the Central Asian steppe, are booming and growing fast. Almaty has a more European look with its chic culture, while the Astana presents a great combination of Western, Islamic and Soviet architecture. The once nomadic Kazakh people are famous with their unique horse sports and particular cuisine that goes very well with a shot of vodka.

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8. Bosnia and Herzegovina   



Bosnia and Herzegovina is a south-eastern European country that gained its independence during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. Situated on the crossroads of East and West, it has come across lots of different civilizations such as the Ottoman, Roman and Austro-Hungarian Empire and that is why it is characterized as having one of the most diverse European nations. Its capital Sarajevo has been for ages a controversial point for religious, cultural and historical collisions. And that is why it is a very unusual city where you can find a mosque, synagogue, Orthodox and Catholic churches situated side by side in a very small perimeter. Some of the other landmarks include the Neretva River and the Mostar's rebuilt bridge reminiscent of the times of the Balkan wars. Sarajevo has overcome its dark days and turned into a cultural and art place for events such as Sarajevo Film Festival and the annual summer festival of Nights of Bascarsija.

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9. Kosovo   



If you leave aside all of the political struggles and battles for independence that the newborn in 2008 country has been undergoing, Kosovo is definitely a place waiting to be discovered. It is located in south-eastern Europe and is taking a central place in the Balkans. One of the many controversies about it is that some countries, among which are Serbia, Russia and China, are not willing to accept its declaration. Kosovo's nation has been torn by long-term ethnic tensions between Albanian and Serbian populations, resulting in the war of 1999. Aside from its capital Pristina where you can meet lots of international staff of modern organizations and the Serbian border, you can enjoy visiting the lively town called Peja, still carrying the spirit of the Turkish past or visit the nearby Serbian orthodox monasteries, famous with their old-time frescoes. The medieval city of Prizren and the village of Brezovica, which is a nice winter resort, are nice spots to be visited.

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10. Eritrea   



Eritrea is considered for one of the most enigmatic and exotic countries situated in the Horn of Africa. Its centuries-old history dates from the Egyptian times and continued with the Italian colonization which brought its name, meaning "red". The interaction between these different cultures made the historical heritage of the country so diverse, as one can enjoy the so famous Italian coffee while exploring the many examples of Art- Deco architecture or dive into the local African culture. A great embodiment of that combination is the capital Asmara. While the nearby city Massawa, situated on the Red Sea Coast reminisces of the Islamic influence with its mazy streets. It is very well-known for its port which is a very important starting point for visits the Dahlak Islands - one of the most unexplored reefs in the Red Sea. All of the peculiarities of Eritrea distinguish it as a quiet out-of-the-way resort that still needs to be discovered from the tourists.