Young History

In Central Europe lies a nation that has quietly been a part of the most influential moments in history. From prospering during the rule of empires like the Austrian and Hungarian ones to being the battle ground for WW2, This nation has experienced a lot. Its status as a quiet nation earned it the moniker of “The Underdog of Europe”. The term underdog rightly described the country for a long time but in the last century this nation has shattered all expectations. This is another great slavic nation and no it isn't Slovenia, This is Slovakia.

Pura Vida! Is the famous saying of the people in one of the happiest nations on Earth. This nation didn’t get to this place of joy without being neck deep in struggle. Breaking away from Spain, then Guatemala and then working to become one of the most progressive nations in Central America; Are just some of the things this nation has had to get through. Some of the most influential polticians in the western heimisphere made their name in this nation. This is one of the most peaceful nations in the world. This is Costa Rica. 

Finally, we get a chance to return to Oceania with one its largest nations. This nation has long been home to one of the most unique people groups in the world, the Maori. Their music, tattoos and most famously the Haka dance, is recognizable across the world. The Maori are some of the most resilient indigenous people groups in the world as they not only survived the colonial period but formed a culture out of it. This nation has its origins with the Dutch and eventually had major relations with the UK, Australia, Japan and the US. This is New Zealand. 

As most people hear this country’s name, images of leprechauns, shamrocks, Guinness, and green will flood their mind the same way the rivers of Boston are flooded green on St. Patrick's Day.  However, this country has a long and deep history that has so much to offer. Celtic culture of 2500 years ago still affects the culture of this country to this day. Ireland has long been famous for its written history. It has had scribes meticulously recording events since the early days of christian. All this and one of the most brutal stories of 20th century history. This is going to be a special one. This is Ireland.

In the southern part of the Arabian peninsula lies a lesser known nation that has a history that is more than worth your time. For centuries this nation has had a strong family negotiate its way through the most brutal points of the colonial period. This nation has faced and survived the Ottoman, Portuguese and British empires. The storied history of this nation has shaped it into the proud but quiet nation it is today. In the present, this peacekeeping nation acts as the voice of reason between all of its very rowdy neighbors. This is Oman.

Surrounded by giants in both military power and economy, lies a middle east nation that despite its size has left a significant impact on the region. This nation is the reason for the Gulf War, home to the world’s strongest currency, and home to a plethora of fine art/culture. This nation has never backed down from the powerful nations that surround it and that has established the people as very resilient and strong. This is one that most people will overlook, let’s see what they are missing out on. This is Kuwait.

The first independent African nation, The United States in Africa and the Pearl of Africa, are all names that have been used to describe this nation. Stretching back millennia long ago the Kpelle, Basa and Kru people groups began making a home out of this land. Then, the land would be filled with African Americans that were seeking to make a home now that they had gained freedom from American slavery. This nation has been facing a harsh reality since independence but it is full of people doing their best to create a proud nation that stands out. This is Liberia. 

In the northwest of Africa is a quiet nation that has held a unique history without getting much modern attention. This nation has been home to the great Moors/Berbers of North Africa, the Heratin that have survived life here through its most brutal millennia, and many European colonists. This country was the last on Earth to abolish slavery, which wasn't until late in the 1900s. There are many other small and big events within this nation that have shaped it into what it is today. This is Mauritania. 

In Central America lies a nation that acts as a bridge between both North and South America and The Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This country has survived and at times prospered through colonial incursions from Spain, France and the USA. Dexterity in politics and creating strong international relations have helped this nation survive through the many eras it has been present for. This is Panama. 

This nation is home to the great Dalmatian coast, which boasts one of the most beautiful and important coastlines in history. However, this country is a lot more than a pretty coast and the dogs that come out of it. This nation is truly special for what it has been through. Thousands of years of war and foreign invasions have hit this land for its precarious position in the Mediterranean; Yet, the people of this land have always sought out a land of their own for them to call home. Through brutal world wars, communism and a lot of human rights violations, (some committed by the people here) this nation has made it through all of it to become a global destination for all. This is Croatia.