I have compared the words on the Pushkin to notes around the area (Ukraine, Mongolia, Yugoslavia, Kazakistan, Turkmenistan, and all the other 'stans'.) but no simular words. But the words may not be the same to start with. I remember trying to ferret out info BEFORE the internet when I was a kid. Boy was that tough.

186 countries, we can rule out the USA. That leaves 185~ getting closer~~