The mysterious country you can't find on the map — its territory consists of just two houses

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

A Canadian international financial advisory firm released the 2017 Global Passport Power Ranking, evaluating the travel power of passports in 193 countries and 6 regions. Topping the list is the German passport with visa-free access to 158 countries, while the Taiwanese passport ranks 31st globally. Among the most eye-catching is the passport of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, held by only three people. Centered around humanitarian activities, the Order of Malta holds a rather unique status both diplomatically and in international law. It maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries, issues its own passports, license plates, and 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, making it a sovereign state without any actual land territory. These are the Palazzo Malta in Rome and the Magistral Palace in Avezzano, which enjoy extraterritoriality. Its passports are also only held by the top governing officials: the Prince and Grand Master, the Grand Commander, and the Secretary for External Relations.

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