Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with 50 European countries

Kazakhstan: Missandei

While Kazakhstan might be best known for being home to actor Sacha Baron Cohen’s fictional character Borat, the country actually has its own rich history. For a more realistic picture of the place, think more Missandei than Borat.

Kazakhstan has a long history with trade. In fact, a bunch of the routes that made up the famous Silk Road ran through it. Game of Thrones fans will remember that Missandei was involved in trade herself. Unfortunately, it was the slave trade; before being freed to aid Daenerys Targaryen, she worked as an interpreter for the masters of Astapor, helping close deals for her owner.

Perhaps as a result of its involvement with the Silk Road, or perhaps because it shares borders with five very different countries (Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan), Kazakhstan in a bit of a cultural melting pot. While it has a heavy Islamic influence, its citizens practice several religions. Similarly, Missandei embodies several different cultures, from her home on the island of Naath to Slaver’s Bay and finally Westeros, and she would have met people from all over the world during her time as a interpreter in Astapor.

While I doubt Missandei would enjoy the political life in this country — it’s been ruled by the same president since 1991, and Missandei clearly enjoys her freedom to follow whomever she chooses — I still think she shares some things in common with Kazakhstan.