The 6 less visited countries in the world

Even if the world’s most visited countries get all the media attention, there are still undiscovered gems out there. 

In contrast to the handful of countries that have a legitimate claim to being dangerous, lesser-known regions can frequently be just as spectacular. As an alternative to the busier, more famous tourist hotspots, they provide a more pristine, less crowded, and cost-effective option for vacationers. 

Unspoiled by mass tourism, these lesser-known countries offer a one-of-a-kind combination of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Here’s a look into six countries that are less visited.

The 6 less visited countries in the world

1. Montserrat

Montserrat, a little island in the Caribbean, is a symbol of perseverance. While its more well-known neighbours get all the attention, this island is just as wonderful, with its welcoming local culture, lively festivals, and volcanic landscapes. 

After a devastating volcanic explosion in 1995 levelled much of the island, including the main city of Plymouth, Montserrat fell from favour as a tourist destination. After that, almost two-thirds of the islanders left for other nations, the United Kingdom being the most prominent. 

Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 epidemic and a number of hurricanes, Montserrat is still working to recover and rebuild, including the development of a new capital city. Attractions like quiet beaches and verdant forest hikes are bringing tourists back to the island, but most come for day visits.

2. Micronesia

Perched on tiny islands in the middle of the Pacific, the Federated States of Micronesia offer a captivating combination of ancient island culture and beautiful coral reefs. Micronesia provides an authentically off-the-grid experience, from exploring the ancient ruins of Nan Madol to diving with colourful underwater creatures.

With its abundance of WWII artefacts, perfect beaches, fishing holes, surf locations, and underwater wonderlands, it is another crown jewel of the Pacific. This fascinating archipelago is complex, with lush hiking routes and lively urban nightlife.

3. Kiribati

Kiribati is an equatorial group of 33 islands and atolls in the central Pacific. Only 3,600 tourists visited the pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant lagoons in 2017—making them some of the Pacific Ocean’s least popular destinations. 

Even though it is one of the world’s least developed countries, Kiribati is actually rather safe for tourists. For those interested in traditional dances and culture, there is at least one outer island to explore. The Gilbert group of islands is a great place for history buffs to see many forts and artefacts from the 1941 invasion. 

Brisbane and Nadi, Fiji both have flights that arrive twice a week. As long as your visit does not exceed 30 days, a tourist visa is not necessary. A tranquil getaway and an opportunity to see the unspoiled beauty of the Pacific await you in this island nation with its turquoise lagoons and atolls.

4. Niue

Little Niue, often called the “Rock of Polynesia,” is an incredibly charming island nation. Niue is a paradise for those in search of tranquilly and those who appreciate the beauty of nature, with its picturesque coral cliffs and pristine oceans. As an elevated coral atoll, the small island hosts around 10,000 tourists annually. 

You will not find a hectic pace of life, huge crowds, or traffic jams at any of the Niue tourist sites. Niue offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to its visitors, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, 4WD ATV rides, and hiking through beaches, jungles, plantations, and even a vanilla farm. There is just one flight every week to and from Niue, so travellers should plan accordingly.

5. Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that are rich in history and beautiful landscapes. Just over 6,000 tourists visited this nation in 2019, making it the second-least popular destination. Located in the Pacific between Hawaii and the Philippines, these volcanic islands are known for their white sand beaches, pristine waters, and abundance of plant and animal life.

The Marshalls were a site of massive American nuclear testing after having been a Japanese stronghold during WWII. They thus witnessed a pivotal moment in the war’s history. Because of the impending climate-driven sea flooding, these islands must act quickly to protect their distinctive culture.

6. Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a tiny nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that is home to a very small population. In sharp contrast to its more crowded neighbours, Tuvalu is utterly alone this year, with only 3,700 tourists visiting its shores. 

This small nation, with a population of under 12,000, went on an incredible adventure in 2012, when only 1,100 tourists visited. Since then, the number of tourists has increased exponentially. Tuvalu is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers due to its beautiful palm-lined beaches and clear blue waters. An ecological sanctuary spanning 33 km² (12.74 mi²) is home to a variety of marine life, including magnificent sea turtles, coral reefs, lagoons, and other aquatic marvels.

Indulge in tranquil beach strolls and picture-perfect picnics to round out the experience, and for the adventurer in search of local treasures like the national library and WWII artefacts, there are motor scooter adventures, sailing, and more to discover. As a stark reminder of how vulnerable our planet is to the effects of climate change, Tuvalu is instilling in its youth the fear that they may be the last to walk this land before the seas swallow them whole.

Read also: The top 10 most visited countries worldwide: the ranking