A nation of 10,000 people just shrank the list of countries recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia to four

Per Meduza, the Pacific island nation of Naoero—the world's smallest by population, with about ten thousand people—has withdrawn diplomatic recognition from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two territories that declared independence but remain unrecognized by most countries. The decision leaves just four UN member states recognizing the two territories: Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Syria. Georgia, which considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territory, welcomed the move as evidence that international law and respect for sovereignty remain the foundation of diplomacy.

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