Travel, whether for business or pleasure, is an indispensable aspect of modern life, exerting a profound influence on the economies of many nations. In a world where wanderlust knows no bounds, iconic countries like France, Spain and the United States are beckoning travelers around the world with open arms. Yet the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand reign supreme as the world’s most visited destination, attracting a whopping 22 million visitors each year. Right behind them, the enchanting boulevards of Paris, France have become the second most sought-after haven for international adventurers, attracting more than 17.4 million passionate souls annually.
However, under the spotlight of tourist fervor, lies a constellation of less explored areas. Countless factors have conspired to make some countries less traffic-friendly than others. Imagine remote paradise islands scattered across the vast Pacific, nestled in solitude. Their appeal is undeniable, but the daunting distance they represent becomes a financial and time barrier, deterring the intrepid traveler. Others, although geographically close, remain exclusive domains, shrouded in excess or devoid of magnetic charm. In some parts of the world, emerging tourism industries are casting a shadow, complicating logistical conquests. Then tiny countries, deprived of capacity for hordes of tourists, find themselves shrouded in darkness.
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Name the 10 least visited countries in the world
In the field of international tourism, the sheer number of travelers a country attracts is not always the ultimate measure of its attractiveness. Apart from a few nations that are rightfully labeled as truly dangerous, less visited countries often shine in their own right. They offer visitors an unspoiled, uncrowded and economically sound alternative to the well-trodden paths of more famous tourist resorts. Here we reveal the elite list of the least visited countries in the world:
1. Tuvalu2. Marshall Islands 3. Niue4. Kiribati5. Micronesia6. Montserrat7. Solomon Islands 8. Sao Tome and Principe9. Chambers 10. Guinea-Bissau
This compiled list is derived from data collected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). While a select few nations remain absent from this report, their absence stems from ongoing conflicts and complexities on their turf. For an in-depth understanding of the applied methodology, feel free to delve into the details here.
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List of least visited countries in the world
1. Tuvalu
As mentioned by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, this remote Pacific archipelago has won the title of the least visited nation in the world. With only 3,700 drifters gracing its shores in 2019, Tuvalu remains nestled in solitude, a stark contrast to its bustling counterparts. Namely, this tiny nation, consisting of only 12,000 souls, embarked on an extraordinary journey, witnessing an exponential increase in tourism from only 1,100 visitors in 2012.
The charm of Tuvalu lies in its crystal blue waters and palm-fringed beaches, where diving and snorkeling dominate. The 33 km² (12.74 mi²) protected sanctuary teems with coral reefs, lagoons and aquatic wonders, including majestic sea turtles. Peaceful beach walks and idyllic picnics round out the experience, while yachting, motor scooter excursions and exploring local gems like the national library and World War II relics await curious travellers. Intriguingly, Tuvalu is a poignant symbol of climate vulnerability, and its children are being taught that they may be the last generation to set foot on its soil before the encroaching ocean claims their homeland.
2. Marshall Islands
Arriving on the world stage as the second least visited nation, the Marshall Islands offer a mesmerizing blend of natural splendor and historical intrigue. In 2019, a modest 6,000 explorers ventured to these volcanic islands, located in the heart of the Pacific, bridging the Philippines and Hawaii. Here, pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear seas and a vibrant tapestry of marine life and flora, with more than 160 species of coral, beckon the intrepid traveller.
The Marshalls witness a dramatic chapter in World War II history, first serving as a Japanese stronghold before becoming the site of extensive American nuclear testing. Like Tuvalu, these islands are on the brink of climate-induced ocean flooding, underscoring the urgency of preserving their unique heritage.
3. Niue
Located in the South Pacific, Niue takes on the mantle of one of the world’s smallest nations, receiving around 10,000 strays a year. This tiny raised coral atoll makes a bold statement: it is an area without crowds, long queues, traffic lights and the relentless pulse of urban life.
Niue invites you to participate in swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, 4WD ATV excursions or leisurely walks through diverse terrains, from sun-drenched beaches to lush rainforests and bountiful plantations. However, potential visitors should note that only one weekly flight connects this idyllic haven to the world beyond.
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4. Kiribati
Pronounced “kiri-bas”, Kiribati straddles the Pacific, a unique nation that touches all four hemispheres. Here, adventure takes the form of fishing, surfing, World War II historical research, and diving into the largest marine protected area in the world—Phoenix Island Marine Protected Area. Bird watching and island hopping across 33 islands, islets and atolls offer glimpses into the unspoilt, less developed aspects of this stunning kingdom. Kiribati beckons those with a passion for exploration, charting a path far off the beaten tourist track.
5. Micronesia
Nestled between the Marshall Islands and Palau, Micronesia emerges as another jewel in the Pacific crown, packed with World War II relics, pristine beaches, fishing havens, surf spots and underwater wonderlands. Lush hiking trails and lively urban nightlife paint a multi-faceted portrait of this stunning archipelago.
6. Montserrat
Breaking the mold of Pacific solitude, Montserrat, an island nation in the Caribbean, captivates with its turbulent history. A volcanic eruption in 1995 devastated a large part of the island, including its capital, Plymouth. After that, two thirds of the population sought refuge abroad. The active volcano Montserrat continues to cast a shadow, making a significant part of the southern area a no-go zone.
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7. Solomon Islands
A former British colony to the east of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands draw attention as the second runner-up on the list of least visited countries. In 2019, a modest 29,000 travelers embarked on voyages of discovery within its more than 900 islands. While the appeal of diving, snorkeling and kayaking dominates, traces of World War II heritage also beckon.
8. Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe, located in the Gulf of Guinea near the west coast of Central Africa, appears as an island nation of incomparable beauty. Consisting of two archipelagos surrounding the main islands, this nation is the second smallest African entity, densely populated with 187 individuals per square kilometer (485/sq mi). The capital, Sao Tome, has about 58,000 inhabitants.
9. Chambers
The Comoro Islands, a chain of volcanic jewels off the coast of East Africa, remain shrouded in darkness, hosting just 45,000 visitors a year. Their geographic anonymity, squeezed between Madagascar and the Mozambican coast, is reflected in the political division between the Union of Comoros and Mayotte, an overseas French department. Political turbulence has stifled tourism promotion, leaving the islands with limited infrastructure.
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10. Guinea-Bissau
Once a Portuguese colony, Guinea-Bissau, located between Senegal and Guinea, hides a treasure trove of history, pristine beaches, lush forests and wildlife. However, political instability and economic challenges have hindered travelers eager to travel. Official warnings reflect caution, citing demining and sporadic security concerns. Despite these obstacles, a sense of calm pervades the nation today, offering hope for a brighter tourism future.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn