Have you wanted to go on vacation to a tiny island-state for a long time? Many of these countries have a rich history. Yes, and there is something to see.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a Polynesian Pacific state located on six atolls and three islands. Translated from the language of local Aboriginal people, the name of the country means “eight standing together.” This is due to the fact that for a long time people lived on only eight islands. The total area of the country is about 25 square meters. km, which is home to just over 12 thousand people. Europe learned about the existence of Tuvalu in the 16th century thanks to the Spanish navigator Alvaro Mendagnier de Neira.
Tuvalu has a hot climate, but there are no rivers and lakes, so local residents are forced to collect rainwater in vats. Modern technology has not yet reached the islands, and despite the presence of the Internet here, travelers here cannot pay for purchases in stores and services with bank cards. Residents produce little and sell fish and coconuts. For tourists, the most interesting uninhabited parts of the islands, where you can admire the unspoiled nature.
Nauru
Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world. It is located in Oceania on the island of the same name with an area of about 21 square meters. km There is no capital in Nauru, the locals live off the coast, and in the center of the island there is a phosphorite quarry. Once their supply enriched the inhabitants of the island, but when the minerals ran out, the state fell into decay. That is why Noir is sometimes called the “eaten” island. Phosphorite mining is still underway on the island, but its scale is not comparable with what happened here in the past.
Tourism in Nauru is developing poorly due to the fact that mining has led to environmental pollution. And although Russians do not need a visa to visit the island, there are not so many annually who want to see firsthand the ugly settlements, rocky ledges and traces of the island’s former prosperity.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The state of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located on two islands of the same name, is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. On an area of 261 square meters. km, about 50 thousand people live here. Saint Kitts and Nevis is known for its investment citizenship program. For the amount of approximately 250-450 thousand dollars invested in the development of the country’s economy, you can become its citizen. This will allow people to travel to 132 countries of the world without a visa, including to EU countries.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is actively developing the tourism industry. Attractions on the islands are few, but there are pools, golf courses and yachts. In addition, the country’s inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, sugar cane cultivation is especially developed.
Maldives
The Maldives is located on 26 atolls located 700 km west of Sri Lanka. At almost 300 square meters. km of land here live more than 330 thousand people. In 1965, the Maldives gained independence from Britain. The capital of the state and the most populated island is Male. However, the urban infrastructure will seem quite modest to experienced tourists, so those who prefer a relaxed vacation, guides recommend staying at resort hotels on the other numerous islands of the archipelago. There will be an opportunity to enjoy the paradise landscapes, dive and go fishing in plenty. In addition to tourism, the inhabitants of the islands are engaged in fishing.
Malta
The State of Malta has an area of 321 square meters. km and occupies several islands, the main ones are Malta and Gozo. Their location at the intersection of trade routes connecting Europe with Africa and Asia, led to the economic development of the region and the eventful history of the country. Malta has many worthwhile attractions. Due to local color and landscape diversity, the island of the same name has repeatedly become the place of shooting spectacular Hollywood films, in particular, some scenes from the series “Game of Thrones” were filmed here . Thanks to its colonial past as part of the British Empire, Malta was able to become an important center for learning English.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is another state in the Caribbean that appeared on the map thanks to Christopher Columbus. The traveler discovered the island of Saint Vincent on January 22, the day of St. Vincent. The island is the main part of the state, and the Grenadines are the islands located near it. On an area of 389 square meters. km live in a total of 117.5 thousand people.
Lovers of beach vacations and diving should visit the country. In Kingstown, the capital of the state, you can see several old cathedrals, but much more natural attractions in St. Vincent. For example, there is the sleeping volcano Soufriere or the tortoise reserve Oldheg.
Barbados
Barbados is adjacent to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the island of the same name northeast of the coast of Venezuela. Its area is 430 square meters. km, on which approximately 278 thousand people live. By the way, the famous pop singer Rihanna was born in Barbados. The name of the island can be translated as “bearded.” There are several versions explaining its origin: some associate it with bearded locals, others – with the shape of the roots of ficus found on the island.
Like many other island states, Barbados exists through tourism and sugar production. For a long time, the island was also famous for rum: in the country there are many bars and shops where you can try and buy this drink.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a state in the West Indies, which includes two islands of the same name and the uninhabited island of Redonda. On a total area of 440 square meters. km live about 94 thousand inhabitants. Antigua is famous for its beaches, so lovers of lazy relaxation will like it, and on the coral island of Barbuda you can see nature in its original form.
In the capital city of St. John’s, there is the Anglican Cathedral of St. John, but in general, historical sights here can be counted on the fingers. Russians will not need a visa to visit the country if their stay lasts less than 30 days .
Seychelles
This state unites as many as 115 islands, although only 32 of them are inhabited. Europe found out about the largest island of Mahe in the 16th century thanks to Vasco da Gama. Currently, an area of 455 square meters. km of the Seychelles archipelago live approximately 90 thousand people. One of the symbols of the state, which is also depicted on the stamp that is put in the passport upon entering the country, is the fruit of a unique Seychelles palm tree. Also in the region you can see huge long-lived turtles and rare birds. The country’s authorities allow people to relax on any beaches, even if they belong to the territory of hotels.Photo: Getty Images
