I know a Youtube channel, GeographyNow by Paul Barbato (aka Paul B) discusses the world's recognized republics in his videos, but he does them in alphabetical order (currently on B's, Brazil is next). The vids cover political and physical geography, demographics and the friend zone (the countries' best friends in diplomacy, alliances and trade partners).
Here's an example video I like to share (exciting like Alanland, AAroads' famous country I read so much about):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsQYZoPlHcM
You need to wait til the 8th minute (the vid's last 45 secs) for a surprise you cannot miss, because geography is like a book, so interesting and strange.