For many foreigners, all post-Soviet countries have represented something singular for decades, fragments of Russia. And that’s in the best case, because some had even worse perceptions. Only the full-scale war made them realize that these are completely different countries, inhabited by distinct peoples with unique cultures and their own worldviews.
A British travel blogger, who runs the YouTube channel Bald and Bankrupt, has visited all 15 former republics of the USSR over the years and compiled his own ranking of the countries based solely on his personal travel experiences. He summarized dozens of trips, years of observations, and hundreds of encounters with locals, evaluating the countries based on impressions of people, daily life, visa difficulties, Soviet heritage, and overall atmosphere.
Turkmenistan – 15th Place
The author names Turkmenistan as the most difficult country to visit on his list. He describes the strict visa system, the requirement for a guide, and the actual lack of freedom of movement. He also mentions issues with the internet, roads, and nighttime movement restrictions.
Kazakhstan – 14th Place
The blogger has hardly explored Kazakhstan and considers it the least familiar country among all 15. The main problems are the vast distances, long transfers, and not particularly interesting cities, as well as an unpleasant experience with taxis.
"The distances in the country are crazy – you have to travel for days by train, looking at grasshoppers and camels," the Brit complained.
Azerbaijan – 13th Place
The author notes the friendly people and comfortable Baku but considers the country not very diverse for long-term travel. He also mentions the simple visa system and interesting experiences traveling outside the capital.
"Once you spend a few days in Baku, you have practically seen everything Azerbaijan has to offer," the blogger noted.
Estonia – 12th Place
He describes Estonia as a beautiful, safe, and technologically advanced country, but too calm for the adventurous travels he seeks.
"Tallinn is a beautifully preserved medieval city. There’s no chance at all that you’ll be robbed by a thug or stopped by a corrupt policeman here," the author shares his impressions.
Tajikistan – 11th Place
A country that has intrigued him for a long time due to its interesting history and the difficulty of obtaining a visa. The author notes the mountains, Soviet architecture, and overall positive experience after the trip.
Georgia – 10th Place
Despite its popularity among tourists, the author lowers its ranking due to rude service and negative personal experiences. At the same time, he acknowledges the beauty of the country and its potential.
"On paper, Georgia is just the perfect post-Soviet republic for adventures. It undoubtedly has the best food in the former USSR. It has incredible landscapes with snow-capped mountains and subtropical beaches," the traveler shares.
Latvia – 9th Place
A country with a "gopnik" atmosphere and Soviet remnants, which attracts the author with contrasts between cities and more neglected areas.
"Latvia is Estonia’s brother in Adidas," the author says, hinting at petty street crime.
Uzbekistan – 8th Place
The author admires the historical landmarks, particularly along the former Silk Road, low prices, and unique Soviet and post-Soviet elements.
Armenia – 7th Place
A country with a rich historical heritage, but also with vibrant life and Soviet aesthetics, which the author particularly appreciates.
Lithuania – 6th Place
A country where the author has personal friends, where he often meets people during his travels, and where his audience has a strong sense of community.
Russia – 5th Place
Russia holds immense personal significance for the Brit. It was where he went on his first solo trip as a teenager in the early 90s, flying Aeroflot to Moscow. He lived for two months in an apartment on Prospekt Mira, exploring the remnants of the empire by day and partying at the legendary club "Hungry Duck" by night. These trips completely changed his life.
However, due to numerous negative incidents – two robberies in the provinces, forced public apologies, and an arrest in Siberia – Russia only ranked fifth on his list.
Kyrgyzstan – 4th Place
A country where the author has friends and where he experienced dangerous situations, but at the same time received strong positive emotions.
Ukraine – 3rd Place
Ukraine holds a special place in the Brit's heart. The author notes that he first visited Ukraine in September 1993 and has been there about 30 times since – more often than any other post-Soviet country.
The author emphasizes Ukraine's uniqueness among the post-Soviet space, particularly noting its culture, cuisine, and people (especially the "legendary grandmothers").
"Ukrainians are the right mix of Slavic indifference and hospitality, and they made filming in the country a real pleasure for me. Another good thing is that, unlike other former Soviet republics on this list, Ukraine is much more than just its capital. The country is truly full of incredible places worth visiting for tourists: Kharkiv, Odessa, Lviv, Pereiaslav. I have amazing memories that I will cherish for life," the Brit says with nostalgia.
Moldova – 2nd Place
The author describes the country as a "hidden gem" with a special atmosphere of Soviet past and exceptional hospitality. Transnistria is highlighted as a unique tourist experience.
"Moldova is Europe that no one knows about," the traveler says.
Belarus – 1st Place
For the Brit, it is not just a country, but an entire special atmosphere and his favorite republic. He visited Belarus even before starting his YouTube channel and even wrote a book about his adventures there. He later returned with a camera to show viewers the cities in contaminated radioactive areas – Gomel, Rechitsa, and others. It was in Belarus that the traveler met the most vivid characters: Kolera, who lives alone in the forest, Viktor and Robert, a barbecue company in the radiation zone, an almost 100-year-old grandmother, and many others.
"When it comes to most republics on this list, I chase mosaics, Lenin statues, and cheap canteens. But Belarus was different. For me, Belarus has always been about the people and how to share stories with them. Usually over a glass of my favorite local vodka, 'Wild Duck.' Belarus, you are where it all began. And that’s why you are the best Soviet Republic for me," the blogger concluded.
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