Like miniature jewels, the tiny nations of, dot the map of Europe. All (except for the Isle of Man and Sark which are self-governing dependencies of Great Britain) are independent, self-governing and full of living history.

They all are great alternatives to visiting bigger countries like France, Germany and Spain. Come on a virtual tour of these amazing mini nations. You can ski in Liechtenstein and Andorra, hike in Malta, watch the Grand Prix in Monaco, view 2000 years of Christian history in the Vatican, shop in San Marino, listen to Celtic storytellers on the Isle of Man and relax on the beaches of Sark.

Andorra

The little known Principality of Andorra is located on the mountainous border between France and Spain in southeast Europe. The 64,000 citizens share 175 square miles or 450 square kilometers. Its air is clear and pure.

Visit Andorra and learn about its culture, climate, government, where to shop and what to do there. Just don't take a wrong turn and end up in France or Spain. You may have some explaining to do to the border guards.

Isle of Man

This self-governing dependency of Great Britain is located in the Irish Sea between Ireland and Great Britain. It is famous for its Manx cat and its Celtic culture (http://www.manxman.co.im/).

Celebrate your Celtic heritage (whether you have one or not) by visiting the mystical Isle of Man. Listen to Celtic storytellers and dance to Celtic music. You may never leave the island.

Liechenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is my favorite. I have always thought that it was the model for Grand Fenwick in the Peter Seller's movie "The Mouse That Roared!" Situated on the upper Rhine River on the border between Austria and Switzerland, it is a fairy tale country.

Look at this amazing, romantic mini-nation through the cams on First Link to Liechtenstein. Look for Cinderella passing by in her Pumpkin Coach.

Malta

The Republic of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of Sicily (Italy). Its people won the admiration of the world for their heroic stand against the Axis Powers during World War II.

Indeed, Malta has been the goal of many a tourist and conquering army. Visit the heroic island of Malta: listen to their laughter, drink their wine, eat their food and help Humphrey Bogart search for the Maltese Falcon.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco was the home of a real fairy princess - the late Princess Grace (Kelly) of Hollywood fame. This extremely small country, located on the Mediterranean coast of France, is also the home of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

You can sit in a sidewalk café, watch expensive racing cars careen around narrow streets, and lose your shirt in the casinos. Visit Monaco and hobnob with the rich and famous.

San Marino

Its 30,000 citizens call it "The Most Serene Republic of San Marino," and with good reason. This tranquil mini-nation was founded on a mountaintop in Italy over a thousand years ago by a stone mason. It is the oldest known republic still in existence. Come on in and visit this unique country!

Sark

Step back into times in this feudal Duchy. You can almost hear the clink of knight's armor, the music of mandolins and the songs of feudal balladeers. Sark, one of the Channel Islands, is a self-governing dependency of Great Britain. And it even has modern conveniences. So stop here for a while and savor the favor of feudal Sark

The Vatican

The Pope is not only the revered head of the Roman Catholic Church but he is the ruler of his own country. The Vatican is a .44-square-kilometer enclave in the heart of Rome, Italy. It has more diplomatic representatives than population. And the Pope even has his own private army - the Swiss Guard! Visit the Vatican and see more than 1000 years of Christian History.

Well, there you go! They are the mini-nations of Europe - tiny jewels on the map. Some day I hope to get to them in person. In the mean time, where is my cyber passport?