Planning a unique trip – unique because almost no one has ever done it before you – is a truly crazy idea, and crazy, because you should forget mobs of tourists and are unlikely to find chains of resorts, award winning restaurants and even must-see attractions. Using UN statistics, travel writer Gunnar Garfors came to the conclusion that top contenders for the least-visited award are often dangerous and remote.
However, if you are the one for whom getting off the beaten path is a point of pride, look through the top 10 least-visited countries in the world.
Nauru (200 visitors)
Why few people go
With only 200 tourists a year, it’s no surprise why you’ll puzzle over what to do in Nauru – a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean. This is the smallest republic in the world with an area of 21 square kilometers and inhabited by some 9378 people. Most of the island is one big mine phosphate, so there are no attractions here. Moreover, only one airline commits return flights.
Why it’s worth visiting
The main draw of the island is its beaches, surrounded by coral reefs, which make it a suitable place for fishing and snorkeling.
Somalia, (500 visitors)
Why few people go
Chaos and anarchy, violent confrontations, tribal wars, murders, very high threat of terrorist attack… Anyone crazy enough to travel to Somalia in the Horn of Africa is likely to be targeted by extremists or criminals, who surely know they will face no consequences for their actions.
Why it’s worth visiting
The government of Somalia is taking steps to make the state capital, Mogadishu a relatively safe place for tourists. You’ll definitely find something to keep you busy during the day, but if your travel experience extends beyond Bahamas, Paris, or the Canary Islands, never visit this country.
Tuvalu, (1200 visitors)
Why few people go
Tuvalu is a tiny nipple of land poking up above the South Pacific. It is said that Tuvalu is predicted to be the first country in the world to vanish beneath the waves after due to global warming factor. To get to the island is very expensive with flights only from Fiji.
Why it’s worth visiting
For lovers of snorkeling, Tuvalu does have eye-candy in the form of amazing lagoons, but another matter is what to do if you get bored of it.
Kiribati (4700 tourists)
Why few people go
Looking at the map of Kiribati, from the first sight you’ll easily notice why it is a truly hard work to travel to. Why? Because it looks like someone has sprinkled confetti across a vast swathe of the ocean, meaning getting between islands can be very tough.
Why it’s worth visiting
Home to 32 atolls spread out over 3.5 million square kilometers and populated by 100 000 inhabitants, Kiribati is renowned as one of the world’s best fishing and diving destinations.
Marshall Islands, (5000 tourists)
Why few people go
Located in the northern Pacific Ocean, Marshall Islands is an archipelago of 1156 atolls, inhabited by only 68000 people. Though isolation and lack of connections to other parts of the world are the main reasons for the paltry visitor numbers, the atolls are best known for the unfortunate scene that they became atomic testing sites.
Why it’s worth visiting
Being in the Pacific Ocean, it’s easy to guess you’ll find all your languid island paradise clichés here: turquoise lagoons with plenty of corals and great diving spots, as well as the world’s largest shark sanctuary.
Equatorial Guinea, (6000 tourists)
Why few people go
If you are not an American you’ll need a visa to get in. Getting a tourist visa is bureaucracy hell.
Why it’s worth visiting
Did you know that this tiny country,, roughly the size of Maryland, is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa and having been there gives you bragging rights.
Turkmenistan, (7000 tourists)
Why people don’t go
The country is hardly welcoming or friendly; visas are a pain, and most things seem they are specially designed to frustrate.
Why it’s worth visiting
Turkmenistan is blessed with a breathtaking outbackish beauty and is home to colorful canyons and black sand deserts, while night camps, vodka and food add to the adventure. Must-see are: Kov-Ata, a unique cave with a majestic lake at the bottom of it, famous for its healing powers; The Gates of Hell, a crater in Darvaza; the Ruins of Merv; and the Dinosaur Plateau in Koytendag.
Sao Tome & Principe, (8000 tourists)
Why few people go
This country, located off the west coast of central Africa, is made up of two islands that are part of an extinct volcanic mountain range. It’s a remote destination and you are more or less guaranteed proper peace.
Why it’s worth visiting
What you’ll find interesting in Sao Tome & Principe are it stunning beaches and scenic mountains, ideal for hikes and photography, as well as street food.
Comoros, (15000 tourists)
Why few people go
Strict Islamic traditions are perhaps the main reason people do not travel to Comoros. In addition, malaria is heavily prevalent and even bet nets are kept in luxury hotel rooms.
Why it’s worth visiting
Comoros is best known for its beautiful coastline, delicious seafood and vibrating markets. Keep in mind that people in Comoros are very friendly. Do not forget to try on a beauty mask.
Afghanistan, (17500 tourists)
Why few people go
Terrors, war issues and several crimes with Taliban message are the main reasons why people avoid visiting the country, therefore, get a return visa in advance if any incident happens.
Why it’s worth visiting
Noteworthy are Afghanistan’s incredible scenery from the lowlands of deserts to snow-capped mountains, which will be a real draw for nature lovers. Afghanistan also keeps record in one of the world’s oldest cultures, offering plenty of Buddhist monuments and various holy sites, including the 12th century old Minaret of Jam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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