How many world capitals have you already visited and how many of these are European? Of course, Paris and Barcelona are wonderful places to visit or two. The only problem? Everyone else thinks so too. Maybe next time you'll think twice and go to one of the least visited countries in the world instead of a country besieged by tourists. From a Polynesian paradise to a hidden European gem, here are the seven countries with the least number of visitors, according to a World Tourism Organization survey.
7 least visited countries in the world:
Liechtenstein
The Principality of Liechtenstein is one of the six smallest countries in the world, located between Switzerland and Austria. Regardless of its size, it beckons with its fairytale mountain landscape and fascinating monarchical history. The country does not have an airport, so visitors have to go to nearby Zurich. It is visited on average by around 69,000 visitors per year.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, the fourth smallest independent country by population after the Vatican. It is located between Hawaii and Australia. It is hard to believe that only 2 thousand people visited the country with picturesque sandy beaches, pleasant temperatures and turquoise water last year.
Belize
Belize is a small coastal country in Central America on the Caribbean Sea. It borders Mexico to the northwest, and Guatemala to the west and south. Mayan ruins, stunning coral reefs and lush tropical rainforest are just a few reasons to visit this least visited country in Central America (386,000 tourists visited it last year). Adrenaline junkies will especially love it, as you can zipline through the jungle, dive in the Great Blue Hole, ride horses in the surrounding hills and go canoeing down the river.
San Marino
The Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world. Next time you head to Italy, skip touristy Tuscany and head to this tiny country with about 30,000 visitors. A wonderful view and delicious food and wine await you here. Oh, and tax-free shopping. Last year, 60 thousand people visited San Marino.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a coastal country in West Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, Guinea to the north and Liberia to the southeast. It was more talked about during the Ebola outbreak in 2014, but the country has been considered safe since last March. It is worth traveling there not only to help rebuild the country, but also for the sandy beaches with palm trees, excellent local cuisine (fish, fried fruit, spicy stews...) and friendly locals. 74,400 tourists visited the country last year.
Moldova
Moldova is a continental country in Eastern Europe, between Romania in the west and Ukraine in the east. Oenophiles will be happy to know that the rich tradition of wine in this country dates back to 3000 BC. In the wine shop Milestii Mici, they are also responsible for the Guinness record for the largest collection of wines in the world. But the country is much more than just wine, it is also known for its many monasteries and beautiful hills that are perfect for cycling adventures. Moldova hosted 121 thousand people last year.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a small mountainous country in South Asia in the Himalayas between India to the south, east and west and China to the north. This country measures its wealth (GDP) in happiness. It also boasts beautiful Buddhist monasteries, stunning mountain ranges and colorful festivals. Traveling to this magical land is not cheap, as all visitors have to pay a daily rate of around 200 euros. This includes accommodation, food, guide and transport. Last year, Bhutan was visited by around 155 thousand tourists.
