Like off the beaten path? Discovering things few have ever done before? Well, visiting Nauru, the world’s least visited country might just suit you well.
But… You might have to travel a fair distance to get there. And might not even get a visa.
Actually, the world’s least-visited country is on a paradise island in the middle of the South Pacific. It’s surrounded by turquoise blue waters and white sands. With only approx. 200 tourists annually (and much less in 2020), you probably won’t see a tourist in sight.
The World’s Least Visited Country
Nauru. Nauru is the least visited country on the planet.* And (unless you’re Australia - we’ll get to that), you’ve probably never heard of it.
It’s the world’s smallest island nation, and the world’s 3rd smallest country.
Nauru has an interesting and bizarre history. It went from riches to rags in the almost blink of an eye. It the 80s, it became rich from its sources of phosphate on the island. But only 30 years later by 2017, it was placed in the top 5 poorest countries. What happened? Over mining, bad planning, and bad spending, presumably.
Let’s take a closer look at Nauru.
Nauru
Population – 10,000
Area – 21km2(8.1sq mi)
Currency – Australian dollar
Total annual visitors – Approx. 200
Nauru is located in Micronesia and has a land area of just 21km2(8.1sq mi), lying near to Australia in the Pacific Ocean.
It gained independence only in 1968 and started raking in the cash a few years after this. How? Nauru had a large population of seagulls who used the island as a nesting spot. Their faces help the production of phosphate resources, which are desired by companies who use phosphates to produce fertilisers etc. So, they started mining it.
The economy boomed and this small island nation went a bit crazy with greed, even founding their own country’s airline Nauru Air.
But by the early 2000s, most of the phosphate was gone; and with that so was the money.
Nauru then made a name for itself as it became known as a large detention camp area for refugees coming into Australia. Once word spread of this, as well as the bad conditions they were kept in, Nauru made it very difficult for journalists to enter the country. In fact, almost impossible.
Why go to Nauru?
Why go anywhere? Most people visiting Nauru are probably those wanting to visit every country, those travelling the pacific, or those for a desire for something different.
Aside from the palm trees, untouched beaches and water, there really doesn’t seem to be anything else as a major pull-factor for Nauru. But we haven’t been… so!
How to Travel to Nauru?
Forgetting the current pandemic, it’s otherwise pretty difficult to get to Nauru. There is only one airline serving the country; Nauru Air. You can get a plane to Nauru from Fiji or Australia, and flights are expensive and irregular. This also means that once you’re there, you have no choice but to wait for the next flight out again a week later.
You will most likely need a visa to visit Nauru, and due to restrictions on journalists, applications can take a lot time and money.
But once you’re there, things get a little easier! You can walk around the whole country easily within a few hours.
*There is little information on tourism to many least visited countries, so there is also a lot of various contradictory information. Nauru has held the title of the least visited country in the world for many years, but there is also information stating Tuvalu as the least visited country in the world.
Koryo Tours
International Tours
FAQs
What is the least visited country in the world 2021? ›
Nauru. Nauru is the least visited country on the planet. * And (unless you're Australia - we'll get to that), you've probably never heard of it. It's the world's smallest island nation, and the world's 3rd smallest country.
What is the least visited tourist country? ›According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the remote Pacific island country Tuvalu is the least-visited country globally.
Why is Nauru the least visited country? ›An off-the-beaten-track destination if there ever was one, Nauru is also one of the least visited countries in the world, with about only 200 tourists a year. The remoteness and that much of the island is a charmless open phosphate mine are two strong reasons for this.
Which country is not popular? ›Kiribati is one of the least known countries in the world.
Is North Korea the least visited country? ›But, the mystery is not the only thing that makes North Korea such an interesting and different destination; it is also one of the few countries in the world still under a nominally communist rule and one of the least visited by westerners, with only 6,000 visitors per year. It's almost the forbidden fruit of travel.
What is the least visited country in the world 2022? ›- Madagascar. 376,000 annual visitors. ...
- Monaco. 363,000 annual visitors. ...
- Brunei. 323,000 annual visitors. ...
- Bhutan. 316,000 annual visitors. ...
- Guyana. 315,000 annual visitors. ...
- Antigua and Barbuda. 302,000 annual visitors. ...
- Suriname. 278,000 annual visitors. ...
- Bermuda.
Alaska, the third least populated state, tops the list, having only been visited by 13% of Americans. Alaska is followed by North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska.
What is the most unpopular country ever? ›- Russia. For many people, Russia is the world's most hated country. ...
- China. China may be the most hated country in the world. ...
- United States. ...
- Saudi Arabia. ...
- North Korea. ...
- Israel. ...
- Pakistan. ...
- Iran.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the smallest Pacific nation is the world's least visited country. Nauru is just 21 square kilometres, taking just 30 minutes to drive around the entire kidney-bean shaped island, or it can be walked in less than a day.
Which is the No 1 tourist place in world? ›World's best places to visit #1: Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower, the most-visited tourist attraction in the world, stands at a staggering height of over 300 metres. One of the world's most photographed tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold during the day and at night, when illuminated.
What is the number 1 most visited country? ›
France. Welcoming more than 89 million visitors per year, France is the most visited country in the world.
Is it safe to go to Nauru? ›The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, may occur. Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Can you swim in Nauru? ›Anibare Bay is the boat harbour for Nauru island and where the locals all go swimming safely with there family. Its a protected bay from the main ocean with high stone walls around.
Can you vacation in Nauru? ›Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
You must obtain your visa before you travel to Nauru; there is no visa issuance on arrival. To enter Nauru, you need: a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity. a visa.
The Republic of Molossia, also known as Molossia (/moʊˈlɒsiə/), is a micronation claiming sovereignty over 11.3 acres (4.6 ha; 46,000 m2) of land near Dayton, Nevada. The micronation has not received recognition from any of the member states of the United Nations. It was founded by Kevin Baugh.
What country no longer exists? ›- The Former Country of Prussia. Teutonic Knights, via historyofyesterday.com. ...
- Republic of Texas. ...
- Yugoslavia. ...
- Vermont. ...
- Czechoslovakia. ...
- Kingdom of Hawai'i. ...
- The Former Nation of Gran Colombia.
Least free were Syria (3.79), Venezuela (3.80), and Yemen (4.30). The components on which the index is based can be divided into economic freedoms and other personal freedoms.
Why can't Americans go to North Korea? ›Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention.
Why can't Americans go to Cuba? ›If you want to visit Cuba as an American and do it legally, you will need to obtain a Cuban visa in advance. This is also called a “general license” and the Cuban government requires it to travel to Cuba. It can be a bit confusing, but calling it the general license is the way to go.
Why can't North Koreans travel? ›Physical Isolation. It's illegal for North Koreans to leave their country without the government's permission. North Koreans who do attempt to leave the country illegally and are caught can face severe consequences including torture, forced labor, and life-imprisonment in a political prison camp.
What is the least visited tropical country? ›
This tiny island nation, nestled near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, holds the title of the least visited country in the world. With annual visitor numbers in the low thousands, just nine islands form the country of Tuvalu. In fact, the total population of Tuvalu is only around 12,000!
What is the least visited city in the world? ›Concepción, Chile. This truly is the least visited city in the world. Found at the finish line of a branch of the Pan-American Highway, the isolated location doesn't help to attract tourists and neither does the concrete sprawl of skyscrapers.
What is the least visited country in North America? ›North America – St Vincent & the Grenadines – 76,000
It's no shocker that tropical islands have amazing beaches – the shock is that these ones have been neglected for so long.
- Texas. When it comes to the most hated states, Texas is well at the top of the list. ...
- California. While there is plenty to love about California, there is also plenty to hate. ...
- New Jersey.
More than 50 million visitors travel to New York City every year making it the number one tourist destination in the USA. New York City is known for its diverse culture and world-renowned attractions.
What is the #1 tourist state in the US? ›1. California
Millions of travelers crowd to California to visit the national monuments, historical places, parks, and beaches. California's most popular tourist destinations are Disneyland, which is visited by almost 15 million people annually. Other popular attractions in the state are: Yosemite National park.
- Switzerland. #1 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Germany. #2 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Canada. #3 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- United States. #4 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Sweden. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Japan. #6 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Australia. #7 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- United Kingdom. #8 in Best Countries Overall.
Afghanistan | Libya | Somalia |
---|---|---|
Burkina Faso | Mexico* | Sudan |
Central African Republic | Myanmar | Syria |
Haiti | North Korea | Ukraine |
Iran | Palestine* | Venezuela |
Tuvalu is a 26 km² Polynesian country located below the equator in the Central Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. It has three islands with six coral atolls, and the capital is Funafuti.
What are the top 3 most visited countries? ›United States - 79.3M. China - 65.7M. Italy - 64.5M. Turkey - 51.2M.
What is the most viewed place on Earth? ›
This famous capital city in Thailand ranks as the top-visited city in the world. Bangkok welcomed 22 million visitors in 2021! Imagine 22 million people flocking to one city, crazy! This is the 5th time Bangkok has ranked at the number one spot.
What are the top 5 most visited places? ›- 16: Disneyland Paris, France. ...
- 14: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. ...
- 13: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. ...
- 11: Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. ...
- 6: Grand Central Terminal, New York City. ...
- 5: Niagara Falls. ...
- 3: Central Park, New York City. ...
- 1: Las Vegas Strip.
- Mexico - which is popular with those looking to escape to the beach.
- Canada - another boarding country, is famous for attracting travelers for various reasons, from skiing in the rocky mountains to the culinary delights of Quebec City.
- Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
- Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
- Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
- Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
- Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
- Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.
Nabongo was accompanied by 28 of her friends and family, who had flown in to travel on that last flight with her. It had taken more than 450 flights and over a million air miles, but she'd made it to all 195 UN-recognized countries on the globe.
Which country is the oldest? ›- Iran - 3200 BCE.
- Egypt - 3100 BCE.
- Vietnam - 2879 BCE.
- Armenia - 2492 BCE.
- North Korea - 2333 BCE.
- China - 2070 BCE.
- India - 2000 BCE.
- Georgia - 1300 BCE.
The international legal definition of a stateless person is “a person who is not considered as a national by any State under the operation of its law”. In simple terms, this means that a stateless person does not have a nationality of any country. Some people are born stateless, but others become stateless.
Where is 2023 first? ›Kiritimati, which is part of the Kiribati Islands, is the first city that will be welcoming 2023 before anyone else. Kiribati is a Pacific Ocean Island country with around 811 square kilometers (313 square miles) of land spread across 33 atolls and coral islands.
What is the rarest country? ›- Turkmenistan. ...
- Kiribati. ...
- Equatorial Guinea. ...
- South Sudan. ...
- Marshall Islands. ...
- Tuvalu. ...
- Somalia. ...
- Nauru.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the smallest Pacific nation is the world's least visited country. Nauru is just 21 square kilometres, taking just 30 minutes to drive around the entire kidney-bean shaped island, or it can be walked in less than a day.