All Americans recognize an "auto mall" as a grouping of big car dealers in the same complex. Now imagine a virtual "embassy row" in the metaverse where your avatar can visit to conduct official business with embassy avatars from your favorite nation. Barbados is claiming the first spot, but don't expect sandy beaches and warm waters. ? TN Editor

When Barbados, population 287,370, opens its next embassy, almost anyone on the planet will be able to knock on the door.

The diplomatic compound is being built in Decentraland, an online world, or metaverse, accessible through a computer and a virtual reality headset.

Skeptics take note: A plot of virtual real estate in Decentraland recently sold for $2.43 million. Gucci, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren are selling virtual clothing in 3D worlds. The crypto asset management firm Grayscale estimates the metaverse is "a trillion-dollar revenue opportunity."