There are many countries, unknown to most people.
Some countries, such as France, Italy, USA and Thailand, is well known throughout the world, each year attracting millions of tourists.
However, some spectacular sights, unique architectural treasures, breathtaking natural beauty and stunning beaches don’t necessarily have to be located in the famous countries known to many.
In fact, there are many countries, unknown to most people who have something to offer its potential visitors. Located on isolated tropical Islands, hidden in the giant mountains or just surrounded by larger and more popular neighbours, these countries are unlikely to ever get to the tourist brochures and booklets.
Take, for example, Liechtenstein. Were you aware of the existence of this country? Maybe not, but we are more than confident that you will be shocked by its majestic mountains, ancient castles, and clean environment. There are many countries like this. From Brunei and Sierra Leone to Moldova and Burkina Faso, learn about 25 unique countries to visit, the existence of which you did not know!
1. Nauru
Located in Micronesia in the Central Pacific ocean Nauru is the third smallest country in the world in area, behind only the Vatican and Monaco.
This tiny and underrated country boasts an amazing marine life great reefs and pristine beaches, making it a great place for a summer vacation, scuba diving, Snorkelling and other water sports.
2. Liechtenstein
The main reason for which tourists do not know much about Liechtenstein, is its location. The small Alpine country is surrounded by Germany, Austria and Switzerland, each of which is a popular tourist destination. However, Liechtenstein has much to offer: from magnificent mountains and historic castles to the beautiful and clean environment.
3. Kyrgyzstan
History of Kyrgyzstan has more than 2,000 years, encompassing a diversity of cultures. This country has incredibly beautiful and varied landscape offering perfect conditions for Hiking, Hiking, horse riding, camping, skiing, etc.
4. Malta
With just 122 square miles, Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, but this Mediterranean archipelago has a stunningly rich history because it has always been a strategically important place.
Malta enjoys a warm climate, beautiful beaches, unique architectural monuments, as well as the presence of multiple objects included in the world heritage List of UNESCO.
5. Brunei
While most people know about the existence of the island called Borneo somewhere in Southeast Asia, very few know that it is located in this country.
A former British colony, Brunei is currently a modern and developed country with one of the highest GDP and purchasing power parity in the world. In addition, Brunei has a beautiful scenery and impressive architecture.
6. Vanuatu
While some of its neighbors, such as Fiji or Papua New Guinea, known to most travelers, Vanuatu is a little known, but stunningly beautiful country located in the southern Pacific ocean.
Being home to a quarter million people, this country boasts beautiful beaches, crystal clear warm water, rich in natural beauty, delicious exotic cuisine and interesting cultural traditions.
7. Georgia
Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Georgia has a surprisingly diverse landscape that attracts adventurers of all kinds.
In this country there are majestic mountains (mountain Shkhara is the highest point in Georgia, located at an altitude of 5068 meters), first-class ski resorts, vast glaciers, a complex system of caves, beautiful lakes and much more.
8. Lesotho
While South Africa is well known and massively visited country, few are aware of the existence of the country around it.
With a population of only 2 million people, Lesotho is completely surrounded by (and is in the shade) the Republic of South Africa. However, this small African country might in the same way an amazing landscape and rich wildlife.
9. Andorra
Squeezed between two European giants Spain and France, Andorra is a dwarf country located in the Pyrenees.
Andorra is like a beautiful summer resorts and famous winter, and many ski facilities. The country is not a member of the EU but has a special relationship with him. Andorra is also known as a state with low taxes, so it is often called “tax haven”.
10. Faroe Islands
Officially being part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands is an Autonomous region situated between the Norwegian sea and the Atlantic ocean, approximately halfway between Norway and Iceland.
The environment is one of the cleanest in Europe. The Faroe Islands boast beautiful scenery, rich cultural traditions and delicious cuisine.
11. Dominica
The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, but the region is another, less well-known country with a similar name.
Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica) is much smaller than Dominican Republic, but from the point of view of natural beauty and scenic beaches can be easily compared to the famous competitor. Moreover, Dominica is not crowded by the tourists.
12. Tajikistan
One of the largest countries in this list, Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia that is not landlocked.
The state suffered greatly from the civil war in 1992-1997, so the standard of living is not as high as in some other countries included in this list, however, Tajikistan can boast breathtaking landscapes, which will surely appreciate every tourist.
13. Moldova
Moldova is an Eastern European country, landlocked, bordering Romania and Ukraine. With a population of about 3 million people, Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, but in the near future this may change, as more and more people are interested in natural beauty, rich history, unique architecture and its wine tours.
14. Kiribati
Kiribati is an island nation in the Central Pacific ocean, consisting of 33 atolls and reef island, and one raised Atoll. One of the most low-lying countries in the world, Kiribati is forecast in the coming decades will significantly immersed in water, so try to visit it in the near future. The country is rich in marine flora and fauna, beautiful reefs and stunning beaches.
15. Comoros
Located in the Indian ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar, the Comoros is a small African country that consists of three main Islands and many small Islands.
A former French colony, the Comoros have a tropical climate, crystal-clear and year-round warm water and an abundance of wildlife, among which there are also endemic species.
16. Luxembourg
You must be familiar with the term “Benelux”, and of course, you know that the first two words (of the country) acronym is Belgium and the Netherlands. However, a third country, Luxembourg is a lesser known country.
Luxembourg may be small (its population is just over 500 thousand people), but filled with amazing architectural masterpieces, museums, galleries, etc.
17. Sao Tome and Principe
Being the second smallest African country, Sao Tome and Principe is a small Portuguese-speaking island nation located off the Western Equatorial coast of Central Africa.
One of the most stable, democratic and safe countries in Africa, it can boast of as great beaches and mountains, and delicious dishes made from seafood and tropical fruits.
18. Marshall Islands
Another tropical Paradise, the Marshall Islands is an island country located near the equator in the Pacific ocean. Islands boast breathtaking sea flora and fauna and reefs, making it an excellent place for diving and snorkeling. A huge part of the waters of the Marshall Islands is recognized as the world’s largest sanctuary for sharks.
19. San Marino
Entirely surrounded by Italian territory, San Marino is a microstate with an area of 61 km with a population of slightly more than 32 thousand people.
Despite its miniature size, San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world. In addition, San Marino claims to be one of the oldest sovereign state and constitutional Republic. A fortress on Monte Titano is the most famous attraction in this tiny country.
20. Bhutan
The only country in the world, which officially measured the happiness of its people, Bhutan has no outlet to the sea, being sandwiched between two Asian giants — China and India.
Due to its location in the Eastern Himalayas, the country has to offer excellent conditions for Hiking, trekking, mountaineering and other sports and active recreation. Bhutan is also home to several great Buddhist temples.
21. Sierra Leone
Due to an infamous outbreak of the Ebola virus in the 2014 Sierra Leone is not as obscure as they were before, but it would be unfair to associate this small West African country with this deadly disease.
Sierra Leone also has a lot to offer, ranging from a few of the best beaches in Africa, to the delicious food and friendly locals.
22. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bosnia and Herzegovina is less known and popular among tourists than its Northern neighbour Croatia, but no less beautiful.
There are many amazing mountain landscapes, with excellent facilities for sports such as kayaking, Hiking and climbing.
23. Burkina Faso
When it comes to wildlife and safaris Africa, Burkina Faso is not among the countries that come to mind first. However, this is surrounded by dry country in West Africa is the habitat of many large mammals such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes and others. In Burkina Faso there are four national parks and several nature reserves.
24. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Located in the Caribbean sea, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas both in area and population.
Being the house just for 55 thousand people, the country is largely covered by dense tropical forests that are home to many species of animals and plants. In this small state in the Caribbean are also many beautiful beaches.
25. Guinea-Bissau
Located 620 miles off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is an island country spanning an archipelago of 10 large and 8 small Islands in the Central Atlantic ocean.
A former colony of Portugal, Cape Verde ranks among the most developed and richest countries in Africa. There are several nice beaches and excellent seaside resorts.
