FEB 7 TINY EUROPEAN NATIONS THAT ARE UNRECOGNIZED BY THE U.N.

FEB 7  TINY EUROPEAN NATIONS THAT ARE UNRECOGNIZED BY THE U.N.

For 75 years, Eastern Europe was simple. It consisted of eight, easy-to-remember countries. The Fall of the Iron Curtain in 1991 resulted in dozens of new nationalities bursting with pride. For example, after centuries of being controlled by the Ottoman Empire and then Yugoslavia, Croatians, Bosnians, Slovenes and Serbs now all have their own nations. However, for even smaller groups, the trickle-down to independence didn't arrive. Here are four miniscule countries that claim independence, but aren't recognized by the UN.

TRANS-DNIESTER. Officially part of tiny Moldova, this sleepy state sits on the banks of the Dneister River. Basically, these people refuse to acknowledge the USSR is gone. The Lenin statue is still in the town square. 1,500 goose-stepping soldiers march their Tiraspol's main square on Independence Day (Oct. 25). They have a sickle-and-hammer on their flag. Neighboring nations accept their passports, but no one else does.

ABKHAZIA. This Caspian Sea micro-state also claims independence, but few listened. Since antiquity, Abkhazia has appeared on maps. They have their own language and a culture that has withstood countless annexations. When placed in the borders of Georgia in 1991, the Abkhaz people refused to join. Instead, they forced out the 50,000 Georgians living there and hoisted their new flag. In 2008, Russia recognized their independence, but only Nicaragua has since.

SOUTH OSSETIA. Another group caught between Russia and Georgia is Ossetia. Hidden high in the Caucus Mountains, their unique civilization and language is Persian in origin. Today, the Northern portion lies in Russian territory, where it was granted autonomous status. Southern sections fell under Georgian control.  In 2008, they declared independence, and fought a brief war. However, no one cared.

ARTSAKH. The scenic and jagged Caucus Mountains are home to 150 million people with a dozen different languages. Once part of the mighty Armenian Empire, the Artsakh province was cut-off from Yerevan centuries ago and surrounded by Azerbaijani people. In 1920, the USSR proclaimed the region the Nagorno-Karabkh Autonomous Oblast. In 1991, they were placed in the borders of the new nation of Azerbaijan. They've never accepted this and instead salute their silly flag.

NOTE: All four nations are members of the UNPO: The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization.