In a remarkable journey that has captured global attention, 35-year-old Michael Zervos has been certified by Guinness World Records for the fastest time to visit all sovereign countries. The American with dual Greek citizenship completed his incredible trip in just 499 days, shattering the previous record.

Zervos, a filmmaker by trade, wasn’t simply racing the clock. His record-breaking quest, titled “Project Kosmos,” was born from a desire to connect with people and explore the universal nature of happiness. In each of the 195 countries he visited, Zervos asked a single question: “What is the happiest moment of your life?”

The journey, which began on January 17, 2024, was far from easy, presenting challenges from political unrest to visa complications. But Zervos pressed on, gathering a diverse and heartwarming collection of stories that will form the basis of a book.

“My journey wasn’t just about breaking a record, it was about finding connection,” Zervos said. “Every border crossed came with a story… The goal was to build a global collection of joy, showing how happiness connects us no matter where we’re from.”