A mysterious national territory not found on maps consists of just two houses

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home Jun(e), compiled and reported

Canadian international financial advisory firm releases 2017 Global Passport Power Ranking based on effectiveness in 193 countries and 6 regions — Germany takes first place with visa-free access to 158 countries, Taiwan’s passport ranks 31st globally, and the most eye-catching is the passport of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, held by only three people. Centered around humanitarian activities, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta holds a rather unique status both diplomatically and in international law. It has diplomatic relations with over 100 countries, issues its own passports, license plates, stamps, and even became a UN observer in 1994 as a separate entity.

The territory of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta consists of just two buildings — a sovereign state without land — namely the Palazzo Malta in Rome and the Magistral Palace on the Aventine Hill, both enjoying extraterritoriality; the passport is only held by the highest ruling leader, the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta was formerly a military organization established after the First Crusade known as the Knights Hospitaller, one of the three great knightly orders. According to the official website of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Taiwan's first contact with the Order was in September 2012, when the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary for Health led a delegation to visit Taiwan to seek opportunities for cooperation in humanitarian services, and the two sides have also maintained close cooperative relations.