Tourism is the act and process of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while making use of the commercial provision of services. Through traveling people learn a lot. While traveling we discover ourselves. Going to a place we are not familiar with and watching people who follow a different culture and speak different language would excite us and make us adventurous. Some people would like to visit places which no one visits to know why those places are not on the top list. Taking a world tour might be a hobby for some. For all such kind of people, knowing the places which are least visited by tourists as well as knowing the reasons for the same are important. There will definitely be some distinct feature in every place in this world. In short finding that distinction and enjoying it is what many people whose hobby is traveling do. So this list of places which are not visited much by tourists is for people who aim to visit and find the specialty of countries having not so popular status and also for those having curiosity to find out about various countries even when they can’t afford to visit them. This list describes the least visited places starting with the tenth least visited place.
10) Afghanistan
It is the country having 10th least number of tourists estimated as 17,500 (2012, New York Times). It is also known as the Islamic State of Afganistan. The capital of this country is Kabul. It is situated in the South Central Asia. The bordering countries are Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkmenistan. The currency used is Afghani. The area of Afganistan is 647,497 sq km and its population is 24,485,600. Languages spoken in this place are Pushtu and Persian. 80% of people here are Sunni Muslims, 19% are Shia Muslims. The literacy rate here is 37.8%. The Government type is Islamic Republic and the President at present is Hamid Karzai. Afganistan is the world’s largest opium producer producing a whopping 95% of the world’s opium. Not even 10 years of occupation by American forces have slowed down the industry. $642 billion is the estimated direct cost to the US of the war in Afganistan from 2001 through the end of 2013.
This country was under British rule till 1919, then the government type was changed to monarchy. Then this monarchy fell to a military coup in 1973 and Mohammed Daud Khan established a republic. After this a series of civil wars occurred and Kabul, finally in 1996 was in the hands of Taliban, a hardline Pakistani sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country’s civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama Bin Laden.
Even though the UN established a new policy and form of government here, there are many riots and terrorist activities taking place here and this is the main reason why people are afraid of visiting this place, even though the place has a lot of scenery and historical places to watch. One more problem which the tourists have to face is the delay In obtaining a VISA, as there are not many embassies for Afghanistan. Even if you have a VISA to visit this place, you should make sure that you have one more to come out of this place, as getting a VIS here is tedious. For Afghanistan to become a place to which tourists visit all these riots should end. India has temporarily closed the Embassy for Afghanistan. The mountains of Afghanistan are wild and beautiful. They are also hiding places for bandits and terrorists, so you may want to wait until it becomes a little more peaceful.
9) Comoros
It is an island country located in the Western Indian Ocean. It is the country having 9th least number of tourists estimated as 15,000(2010, UNWTO). It is also known as Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros. Its capital is Moroni. The area of this place is 1862 sq.km and the population is 669,300. Mount Karthala, an active volcano, is the highest point, at 7,746 ft (2,361 m). The climate is tropical. One of the world’s poorest nations, Comoros has an economy based on subsistence agriculture. The languages spoken here are Arabic and Comoran. The currency used here is Comorian Franc. The literacy rate of this country is 74.2% and Islam is the religion followed by 98% of the people here. The Government type is Republic and the Head of the State( President) now is Ikililou Dhoinine. These Islands lie at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, between Africa and Madagascar. Agriculture is the mainstay of its economy and products like vanilla, copra, perfume plants fruits are produced. The perfumes form a core industry of this place. Its embassy is located in India in New Delhi. Great seafood, friendly people, vibrating markets and a beautiful coastline are the reasons why you may want to visit this place.
8) Sao Tome and Principe
It is situated on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea, west of the African mainland. It is the country having the 8th least number of tourists estimated at 8000(2010, UNWTO). Its Land area is 386 sq mi (1,001 sq km) and Population (2011 est.) is 69,000. Capital of this country is Sao Tome. Most of the people are Forro, a mixture of African and European ancestry, or Angolares, the descendants of former Angolan slaves. These islands have hot steaming weather in the summer, but plenty of rainfall. Forests cover 60% of the land. Languages spoken are Portuguese (official) and Creole. The literacy rate here is 88.8%. Religion followed here is Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic; also Protestant). Currency used is dobra. The country consists of the two main islands, Sao Tome and PrÃncipe, which are separated by about 90 mi (145 km), and a number of islets.
The economy, partly government-controlled and partly private, has long depended heavily on international assistance. It is based on agriculture and fishing, although petroleum-related earnings have increased since the late 1990s. The country is a multiparty republic with one legislative house; its head of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. The President is “Manuel Pinto Da Costa” and Prime minister is “Patrice Emery Trovoada”. First visited by European navigators in the 1470s, the islands were soon colonized by the Portuguese and were used in the trade and transporting slaves in ships. Sugar and cocoa were the main cash crops. The islands became an overseas province of Portugal in 1951, and they achieved independence in 1975. PrÃncipe became autonomous in 1995. Fishing is an important activity here and there is virtually no manufacturing industry except soap, soft drinks etc.. It’s so remote you are more or less guaranteed proper peace. There are both stunning beaches and mountains that invite for hikes and photo opportunities. You may want to try the street food available here.
7) Turkmenistan
It is a country located in the Central Asia. It is bounded by Caspean Sea on the west. Its neighbours include Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan. It is the country having the 7th least number of tourists estimated as 7000(2007, UN). The area of this country is 189,657 sq mi (491,210 sq km) and Population is (2011 est.) 4,998,000. Capital of this place is Ashkhabad. Turkmen make up three-fourths of the population, with small groups of Uzbeks, Russians, Kazakhs, and Tatars. Language spoken here is Turkmen (official). Religions followed here are Islam (predominantly Sunni) and also Eastern Orthodox. Currency is (new) Manat. About nine-tenths of Turkmenistan is desert, chiefly the Karakum. The country’s chief products are petroleum and natural gas, cotton, silk, carpets, fish, and fruit.
It is a unitary single-party republic with one legislative body, and its head of state and government is the president. The present Prime minister and President is Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov. The literacy rate here is 99.5%. The earliest traces of human settlement in Central Asia, dating to Paleolithic times, have been found in Turkmenistan. It was organized as the Turkmen S.S.R. in 1924 and became a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. in 1925. The country gained full independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 under the name Turkmenistan. It experienced years of economic difficulty until oil and gas production was more fully developed and was subject to the highly authoritarian rule of Saparmurad Niyazov. The Embassy of Turkmenistan is located at New Delhi in India. “The Door to Hell” which is the nickname of the burning crater in Darvaza is literally in the middle of Karakum desert. It is fantastic and well worth the 3-4 hours long drive. So if you happen to visit Turkmenistan do visit this place.
6) Equatorial Guinea
It is officially called Republic of Equatorial Guinea and formerly it was called Spanish Guinea. It is the 6th country having the least number of tourists estimated as 6000. Area of this country is 10,831 sq mi (28,051 sq km) and the Population is (2011 est.) 720,000(2012, estimate based on World Bank figures). Capital of this country is Malabo. The majority of the population are Bantu-speaking Fang people, with a minority of other ethnic groups. Languages spoken here are Spanish and French (both official), Fang, Bubi, and others. Religions followed here are Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic, also other Christians), Islam and other traditional beliefs. Currency is CFA franc. The literacy rate is 90.4%. This country is bordered by Cameroon and Gabon.
The mainland has a coastal plain some 12 mi (20 km) wide, with a long stretch of beach. Bioko consists of extinct volcanic cones and has several crater lakes and rich lava soils. Dense tropical rainforest prevails throughout the mainland and includes valuable hardwoods. Cacao, timber, and coffee long were the country’s primary exports, but since the 1990s petroleum has been the major export.
Equatorial Guinea is a republic with one legislative house; the president is the head of state and government, assisted by the prime minister. Equatorial Guinea was ceded by the Portuguese to the Spanish in the late 18th century; Bioko was administered by British authorities in the early to mid-19th century before the Spanish took over in 1858. Independence was declared in 1968, followed by a reign of terror and economic chaos under the dictatorial president Francisco Macias Nguema, who was overthrown by a military coup in 1979 and later executed. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo became PM of the country in 1979. New constitutions were adopted in 1982 and 1991, but political power remained concentrated in the office of the president. The president of this nation is Brig-Gen. In the early 21st century the standard of living of most people remained low, despite the country’s oil wealth. Embassy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is stationed at Beijing. It is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa and having been there gives you bragging rights.
5) Marshall Islands
It is an Island country located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the 5th country having the least number of tourists estimated as 5000 tourists(2011, UNWTO). It is composed of two parallel chains of low-lying coral atolls, the Ratak or Sunrise to the east and the Ralik or Sunset to the west. The chains lie 125 mi (200 km) apart and extend some 800 mi (1,290 km) northwest to southeast. The islands and islets number more than 1,200. The area of this country is 70 sq mi (181 sq km) and its Population is (2011 est.) 55,000. Capital of this country is Majuro. The indigenous people are Micronesian. Languages people speak here are Marshallese, English. The religion followed here is Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic, other Christians). Currency is U.S. dollar. The literacy rate here is 93.7%.
Much of Kwajalein is used as a missile-testing range by the U.S. military, which provides a major source of revenue to the Marshall Islands. Subsistence farming, fishing, and the raising of pigs and poultry are the principal economic activities. The Marshall Islands is a republic with one legislative house and the head of state and government is the President. The islands were sighted in 1529 by the Spanish navigator Alvaro Saavedra. Germany purchased the islands from Spain in 1885 and declared them a protectorate the following year. Japan seized them in 1914 and after 1919 administered them as a League of Nations mandate.
During World War II the U.S. seized Kwajalein and Enewetak, and the Marshall Islands were made part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under U.S. jurisdiction in 1947. Bikini and Enewetak atolls served as testing grounds for U.S. nuclear weapons from 1946 to 1958. The Marshall Islands became an internally self-governing republic in 1979. It signed a compact of free association with the U.S. in 1982 and became fully self-governing in 1986. The compact was amended in 2004. The agriculture and tourism are main source of income to the country. The diving at the outer atolls is world-class! And this is the reason why few may want to visit this place.
4) Kiribati
It is officially called Republic of Kiribati. It is an island country located in the Central Pacific Ocean. It is the country having 4th least number of tourists estimated as 4700(2011, UN). It consists of 33 islands. The capital of Kiribati is Tarava. The three major island groups are the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands (excluding the three Line Islands that are U.S. territories). Kiribati also includes Banaba Island, the former capital of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. Area of this country is 313 sq mi (811 sq km) and Population is (2011 est.) 101,000. Capitals of this country are Bairiki (executive), Ambo (legislative), and Betio (judicial), on South Tarawa. The indigenous people are mostly Micronesians. Languages people speak here include English (official), Gilbertese. Religions people follow here are Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic; also Protestant) and also Bahai. Currency used here is Australian dollar.
With the exception of Banaba (which is a coral island and higher in elevation), all the islands of Kiribati are low-lying coral atolls built on a submerged volcanic chain and encircled by reefs. Only about 20 of the islands are inhabited; nearly all of the population of Kiribati live in the Gilbert Islands. The economy is based on subsistence farming and fishing. Kiribati is a republic with one legislative house. Its head of state and government is the president. The present head is Anote Tong. The Gilbert islands, till recently a British colony, became independent under the name Kiribati in July 1979. Check out the maps and satellite photos of the islands. It’s all about beach, snorkelling, diving, fishing and water sports. If you do not like any of the above, you may go to Turkmenistan where you’ll find the sand without the water. The reason this place isn’t much popular is that the air lines do not cover it properly.
3) Tuvalu
It is an Island country located in the west-central South Pacific Ocean. It is the 3rd least tourist attracted nation in the world with number of tourists estimated as 1200(2011, UN). Area of this nation is 9.9 sq. mi (25.6 sq. km) and the Population is (2011 est.) 11,200. Capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti. The majority of the people are Polynesian. Languages people speak here include Tuvaluan and English. Religion followed here is Christianity (predominantly Protestant). Currency used is Tuvalu dollar (equivalent to the Australian dollar). The literacy here is 74%.
Tuvalu is an island group comprising five atolls and four coral islands, all of them low-lying, with maximum elevations below 20 ft. (6 m), and covered mainly with coconut palms, breadfruit trees, and grasses. The economy is based on subsistence agriculture and livestock raising. Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy with one legislative house; its head of state is the British monarch, represented by the governor-general, and the head of government is the prime minister. The governor general at present is Lakoba Taeia and the PM is Willie Telavi.
In 1856 the U.S. claimed the four southern islands for guano mining. In 1892 Tuvalu, then known as the Ellice Islands, joined the British Gilbert Islands, a protectorate that became the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony in 1916. Tuvaluans voted in 1974 for separation from the Gilberts (now Kirabati), whose people are Micronesian. Tuvalu gained independence in 1978, and in 1979 the U.S. relinquished its claims. Elections were held in 1981, and a revised constitution was adopted in 1986. The government subsequently has tried to improve Tuvalu’s economy, including finding overseas job opportunities for its citizens. In the early 21st century, rising sea levels in the South Pacific began to degrade Tuvalu’s coasts and to contaminate its freshwater aquifers, leading to fears that the islands might become uninhabitable within several decades. The reason for this not being visited much is same as that for Kiribati. Only Air Pacific flies to Tuvalu and Kiribati. If sea levels continue to rise, Tuvalu is the first country to disappear. If you want to see this place go before you will need a submarine to do so.
2) Somalia
It is a Country in the Eastern Africa. It is the 2nd least tourist attracted place of the world with an estimated number of tourists as 500(2012, estimate based on news articles). Located in the Horn of Africa, it stretches from just south of the Equator to the Gulf of Aden. Area of this place is 246,201 s. mi (637,657 sq. km) and Population (2009 est.) is 9,133,000 (excluding an estimated 450,000 refugees in other countries). Capital of this country is Mogadishu. Languages spoken here are Somali, Arabic (both official) and also English, Italian. Religion people follow here is Islam (official; predominantly Sunni). Currency used is Somali shilling. The literacy rate here is just 35.9%.
Much of Somalia is semi-desert. The central and southern regions are flat, while the northern region rises to form rugged mountain ranges. Somalia has a developing mixed economy based largely on livestock and agriculture. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has a transitional regime with one legislative body. The head of state and government is the president, assisted by the prime minister. The present President is Sheikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed and the PM is Abdiweli Mohamed Ali. Comprising a former British protectorate and an Italian colony, Somalia was formed in 1960 when the two territories merged. Since then it has suffered political and civil strife, including military dictatorship, civil wars, drought, and famine. No effective central government has existed since the early 1990s.
After the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991, the north-west part of Somalia unilaterally declared itself the independent Republic of Somalialand. The territory, whose independence is not recognised by international bodies, has enjoyed relative stability. Several attempts have been made to end the conflict and create a new central government. Somalia’s most recent transitional government was approved in 2004, but the country subsequently remained in turmoil. Incidents of piracy increased along the country’s coast in the early 21st century and were the focus of international concern. Embassy of the Republic of Somalia is located in New Delhi in India. Reading this might have explained the reasons why we should not try visiting Somalia until the atmosphere gets peaceful there.
1) Nauru
It is an Island country located in the South-eastern Micronesia, in Western South Pacific Ocean. It is the least tourist attracted country in the world with just 200 tourists. Area of this republic island is 8.2 sq. mi (21.2 sq. km) and Population (2011 est.) is 9,300(2011, Crikey). There is no official capital, but government offices are located in Yaren district. About two-thirds of the population are indigenous Nauruans. Languages people speak here are Nauruan, English. Religion followed here is Christianity (mostly Protestant; also Roman Catholic). Currency is Australian dollar.
Nauru is a coral island with a central plateau 100–200 ft. (30–60 m) high. A thin strip of fertile land encircling the island is the major zone of human settlement. It lacks harbours hence ships must anchor to buoys beyond a reef. Nauru once had the world’s largest concentration of phosphate, and its economy was based on phosphate mining and processing. However, the deposits have been depleted, and the economy has been converting to fishing and other ventures. Nauru is a republic with one legislative house. Its head of state and government is the president. The present head of the state and government is Sprent Dabwido.
It was inhabited by Pacific Islanders when the first British explorers arrived in 1798 and named it Pleasant Island because of their friendly welcome. Annexed by Germany in 1888, it was occupied by Australia at the start of World War I and in 1919 it was placed under a joint mandate of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. During World War II it was occupied by the Japanese. Made as a UN trust territory under Australian administration in 1947, Nauru gained complete independence in 1968 and became a full member of the Commonwealth and the UN in 1999. The Honorary Consulate General of Nauru is located in India in New Delhi. Many people do not visit this place because there is almost nothing to see. Only one airline serves the island. You also need a visa to be allowed in, and the country doesn’t have many embassies abroad. But you may want to visit this place because of the beaches surrounding the island which are beautiful and in “proper” Pacific style. The coral reefs surrounding Nauru make it great for diving or fishing.
10) Afghanistan
It is the country having 10th least number of tourists estimated as 17,500 (2012, New York Times). It is also known as the Islamic State of Afganistan. The capital of this country is Kabul. It is situated in the South Central Asia. The bordering countries are Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkmenistan. The currency used is Afghani. The area of Afganistan is 647,497 sq km and its population is 24,485,600. Languages spoken in this place are Pushtu and Persian. 80% of people here are Sunni Muslims, 19% are Shia Muslims. The literacy rate here is 37.8%. The Government type is Islamic Republic and the President at present is Hamid Karzai. Afganistan is the world’s largest opium producer producing a whopping 95% of the world’s opium. Not even 10 years of occupation by American forces have slowed down the industry. $642 billion is the estimated direct cost to the US of the war in Afganistan from 2001 through the end of 2013.
This country was under British rule till 1919, then the government type was changed to monarchy. Then this monarchy fell to a military coup in 1973 and Mohammed Daud Khan established a republic. After this a series of civil wars occurred and Kabul, finally in 1996 was in the hands of Taliban, a hardline Pakistani sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country’s civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama Bin Laden.
Even though the UN established a new policy and form of government here, there are many riots and terrorist activities taking place here and this is the main reason why people are afraid of visiting this place, even though the place has a lot of scenery and historical places to watch. One more problem which the tourists have to face is the delay In obtaining a VISA, as there are not many embassies for Afghanistan. Even if you have a VISA to visit this place, you should make sure that you have one more to come out of this place, as getting a VIS here is tedious. For Afghanistan to become a place to which tourists visit all these riots should end. India has temporarily closed the Embassy for Afghanistan. The mountains of Afghanistan are wild and beautiful. They are also hiding places for bandits and terrorists, so you may want to wait until it becomes a little more peaceful.
9) Comoros
It is an island country located in the Western Indian Ocean. It is the country having 9th least number of tourists estimated as 15,000(2010, UNWTO). It is also known as Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros. Its capital is Moroni. The area of this place is 1862 sq.km and the population is 669,300. Mount Karthala, an active volcano, is the highest point, at 7,746 ft (2,361 m). The climate is tropical. One of the world’s poorest nations, Comoros has an economy based on subsistence agriculture. The languages spoken here are Arabic and Comoran. The currency used here is Comorian Franc. The literacy rate of this country is 74.2% and Islam is the religion followed by 98% of the people here. The Government type is Republic and the Head of the State( President) now is Ikililou Dhoinine. These Islands lie at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, between Africa and Madagascar. Agriculture is the mainstay of its economy and products like vanilla, copra, perfume plants fruits are produced. The perfumes form a core industry of this place. Its embassy is located in India in New Delhi. Great seafood, friendly people, vibrating markets and a beautiful coastline are the reasons why you may want to visit this place.
8) Sao Tome and Principe
It is situated on the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea, west of the African mainland. It is the country having the 8th least number of tourists estimated at 8000(2010, UNWTO). Its Land area is 386 sq mi (1,001 sq km) and Population (2011 est.) is 69,000. Capital of this country is Sao Tome. Most of the people are Forro, a mixture of African and European ancestry, or Angolares, the descendants of former Angolan slaves. These islands have hot steaming weather in the summer, but plenty of rainfall. Forests cover 60% of the land. Languages spoken are Portuguese (official) and Creole. The literacy rate here is 88.8%. Religion followed here is Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic; also Protestant). Currency used is dobra. The country consists of the two main islands, Sao Tome and PrÃncipe, which are separated by about 90 mi (145 km), and a number of islets.
The economy, partly government-controlled and partly private, has long depended heavily on international assistance. It is based on agriculture and fishing, although petroleum-related earnings have increased since the late 1990s. The country is a multiparty republic with one legislative house; its head of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. The President is “Manuel Pinto Da Costa” and Prime minister is “Patrice Emery Trovoada”. First visited by European navigators in the 1470s, the islands were soon colonized by the Portuguese and were used in the trade and transporting slaves in ships. Sugar and cocoa were the main cash crops. The islands became an overseas province of Portugal in 1951, and they achieved independence in 1975. PrÃncipe became autonomous in 1995. Fishing is an important activity here and there is virtually no manufacturing industry except soap, soft drinks etc.. It’s so remote you are more or less guaranteed proper peace. There are both stunning beaches and mountains that invite for hikes and photo opportunities. You may want to try the street food available here.
7) Turkmenistan
It is a country located in the Central Asia. It is bounded by Caspean Sea on the west. Its neighbours include Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan. It is the country having the 7th least number of tourists estimated as 7000(2007, UN). The area of this country is 189,657 sq mi (491,210 sq km) and Population is (2011 est.) 4,998,000. Capital of this place is Ashkhabad. Turkmen make up three-fourths of the population, with small groups of Uzbeks, Russians, Kazakhs, and Tatars. Language spoken here is Turkmen (official). Religions followed here are Islam (predominantly Sunni) and also Eastern Orthodox. Currency is (new) Manat. About nine-tenths of Turkmenistan is desert, chiefly the Karakum. The country’s chief products are petroleum and natural gas, cotton, silk, carpets, fish, and fruit.
It is a unitary single-party republic with one legislative body, and its head of state and government is the president. The present Prime minister and President is Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov. The literacy rate here is 99.5%. The earliest traces of human settlement in Central Asia, dating to Paleolithic times, have been found in Turkmenistan. It was organized as the Turkmen S.S.R. in 1924 and became a constituent republic of the U.S.S.R. in 1925. The country gained full independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 under the name Turkmenistan. It experienced years of economic difficulty until oil and gas production was more fully developed and was subject to the highly authoritarian rule of Saparmurad Niyazov. The Embassy of Turkmenistan is located at New Delhi in India. “The Door to Hell” which is the nickname of the burning crater in Darvaza is literally in the middle of Karakum desert. It is fantastic and well worth the 3-4 hours long drive. So if you happen to visit Turkmenistan do visit this place.
6) Equatorial Guinea
It is officially called Republic of Equatorial Guinea and formerly it was called Spanish Guinea. It is the 6th country having the least number of tourists estimated as 6000. Area of this country is 10,831 sq mi (28,051 sq km) and the Population is (2011 est.) 720,000(2012, estimate based on World Bank figures). Capital of this country is Malabo. The majority of the population are Bantu-speaking Fang people, with a minority of other ethnic groups. Languages spoken here are Spanish and French (both official), Fang, Bubi, and others. Religions followed here are Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic, also other Christians), Islam and other traditional beliefs. Currency is CFA franc. The literacy rate is 90.4%. This country is bordered by Cameroon and Gabon.
The mainland has a coastal plain some 12 mi (20 km) wide, with a long stretch of beach. Bioko consists of extinct volcanic cones and has several crater lakes and rich lava soils. Dense tropical rainforest prevails throughout the mainland and includes valuable hardwoods. Cacao, timber, and coffee long were the country’s primary exports, but since the 1990s petroleum has been the major export.
Equatorial Guinea is a republic with one legislative house; the president is the head of state and government, assisted by the prime minister. Equatorial Guinea was ceded by the Portuguese to the Spanish in the late 18th century; Bioko was administered by British authorities in the early to mid-19th century before the Spanish took over in 1858. Independence was declared in 1968, followed by a reign of terror and economic chaos under the dictatorial president Francisco Macias Nguema, who was overthrown by a military coup in 1979 and later executed. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo became PM of the country in 1979. New constitutions were adopted in 1982 and 1991, but political power remained concentrated in the office of the president. The president of this nation is Brig-Gen. In the early 21st century the standard of living of most people remained low, despite the country’s oil wealth. Embassy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is stationed at Beijing. It is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa and having been there gives you bragging rights.
5) Marshall Islands
It is an Island country located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the 5th country having the least number of tourists estimated as 5000 tourists(2011, UNWTO). It is composed of two parallel chains of low-lying coral atolls, the Ratak or Sunrise to the east and the Ralik or Sunset to the west. The chains lie 125 mi (200 km) apart and extend some 800 mi (1,290 km) northwest to southeast. The islands and islets number more than 1,200. The area of this country is 70 sq mi (181 sq km) and its Population is (2011 est.) 55,000. Capital of this country is Majuro. The indigenous people are Micronesian. Languages people speak here are Marshallese, English. The religion followed here is Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic, other Christians). Currency is U.S. dollar. The literacy rate here is 93.7%.
Much of Kwajalein is used as a missile-testing range by the U.S. military, which provides a major source of revenue to the Marshall Islands. Subsistence farming, fishing, and the raising of pigs and poultry are the principal economic activities. The Marshall Islands is a republic with one legislative house and the head of state and government is the President. The islands were sighted in 1529 by the Spanish navigator Alvaro Saavedra. Germany purchased the islands from Spain in 1885 and declared them a protectorate the following year. Japan seized them in 1914 and after 1919 administered them as a League of Nations mandate.
During World War II the U.S. seized Kwajalein and Enewetak, and the Marshall Islands were made part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under U.S. jurisdiction in 1947. Bikini and Enewetak atolls served as testing grounds for U.S. nuclear weapons from 1946 to 1958. The Marshall Islands became an internally self-governing republic in 1979. It signed a compact of free association with the U.S. in 1982 and became fully self-governing in 1986. The compact was amended in 2004. The agriculture and tourism are main source of income to the country. The diving at the outer atolls is world-class! And this is the reason why few may want to visit this place.
4) Kiribati
It is officially called Republic of Kiribati. It is an island country located in the Central Pacific Ocean. It is the country having 4th least number of tourists estimated as 4700(2011, UN). It consists of 33 islands. The capital of Kiribati is Tarava. The three major island groups are the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands (excluding the three Line Islands that are U.S. territories). Kiribati also includes Banaba Island, the former capital of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. Area of this country is 313 sq mi (811 sq km) and Population is (2011 est.) 101,000. Capitals of this country are Bairiki (executive), Ambo (legislative), and Betio (judicial), on South Tarawa. The indigenous people are mostly Micronesians. Languages people speak here include English (official), Gilbertese. Religions people follow here are Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic; also Protestant) and also Bahai. Currency used here is Australian dollar.
With the exception of Banaba (which is a coral island and higher in elevation), all the islands of Kiribati are low-lying coral atolls built on a submerged volcanic chain and encircled by reefs. Only about 20 of the islands are inhabited; nearly all of the population of Kiribati live in the Gilbert Islands. The economy is based on subsistence farming and fishing. Kiribati is a republic with one legislative house. Its head of state and government is the president. The present head is Anote Tong. The Gilbert islands, till recently a British colony, became independent under the name Kiribati in July 1979. Check out the maps and satellite photos of the islands. It’s all about beach, snorkelling, diving, fishing and water sports. If you do not like any of the above, you may go to Turkmenistan where you’ll find the sand without the water. The reason this place isn’t much popular is that the air lines do not cover it properly.
3) Tuvalu
It is an Island country located in the west-central South Pacific Ocean. It is the 3rd least tourist attracted nation in the world with number of tourists estimated as 1200(2011, UN). Area of this nation is 9.9 sq. mi (25.6 sq. km) and the Population is (2011 est.) 11,200. Capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti. The majority of the people are Polynesian. Languages people speak here include Tuvaluan and English. Religion followed here is Christianity (predominantly Protestant). Currency used is Tuvalu dollar (equivalent to the Australian dollar). The literacy here is 74%.
Tuvalu is an island group comprising five atolls and four coral islands, all of them low-lying, with maximum elevations below 20 ft. (6 m), and covered mainly with coconut palms, breadfruit trees, and grasses. The economy is based on subsistence agriculture and livestock raising. Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy with one legislative house; its head of state is the British monarch, represented by the governor-general, and the head of government is the prime minister. The governor general at present is Lakoba Taeia and the PM is Willie Telavi.
In 1856 the U.S. claimed the four southern islands for guano mining. In 1892 Tuvalu, then known as the Ellice Islands, joined the British Gilbert Islands, a protectorate that became the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony in 1916. Tuvaluans voted in 1974 for separation from the Gilberts (now Kirabati), whose people are Micronesian. Tuvalu gained independence in 1978, and in 1979 the U.S. relinquished its claims. Elections were held in 1981, and a revised constitution was adopted in 1986. The government subsequently has tried to improve Tuvalu’s economy, including finding overseas job opportunities for its citizens. In the early 21st century, rising sea levels in the South Pacific began to degrade Tuvalu’s coasts and to contaminate its freshwater aquifers, leading to fears that the islands might become uninhabitable within several decades. The reason for this not being visited much is same as that for Kiribati. Only Air Pacific flies to Tuvalu and Kiribati. If sea levels continue to rise, Tuvalu is the first country to disappear. If you want to see this place go before you will need a submarine to do so.
2) Somalia
It is a Country in the Eastern Africa. It is the 2nd least tourist attracted place of the world with an estimated number of tourists as 500(2012, estimate based on news articles). Located in the Horn of Africa, it stretches from just south of the Equator to the Gulf of Aden. Area of this place is 246,201 s. mi (637,657 sq. km) and Population (2009 est.) is 9,133,000 (excluding an estimated 450,000 refugees in other countries). Capital of this country is Mogadishu. Languages spoken here are Somali, Arabic (both official) and also English, Italian. Religion people follow here is Islam (official; predominantly Sunni). Currency used is Somali shilling. The literacy rate here is just 35.9%.
Much of Somalia is semi-desert. The central and southern regions are flat, while the northern region rises to form rugged mountain ranges. Somalia has a developing mixed economy based largely on livestock and agriculture. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has a transitional regime with one legislative body. The head of state and government is the president, assisted by the prime minister. The present President is Sheikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed and the PM is Abdiweli Mohamed Ali. Comprising a former British protectorate and an Italian colony, Somalia was formed in 1960 when the two territories merged. Since then it has suffered political and civil strife, including military dictatorship, civil wars, drought, and famine. No effective central government has existed since the early 1990s.
After the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991, the north-west part of Somalia unilaterally declared itself the independent Republic of Somalialand. The territory, whose independence is not recognised by international bodies, has enjoyed relative stability. Several attempts have been made to end the conflict and create a new central government. Somalia’s most recent transitional government was approved in 2004, but the country subsequently remained in turmoil. Incidents of piracy increased along the country’s coast in the early 21st century and were the focus of international concern. Embassy of the Republic of Somalia is located in New Delhi in India. Reading this might have explained the reasons why we should not try visiting Somalia until the atmosphere gets peaceful there.
1) Nauru
It is an Island country located in the South-eastern Micronesia, in Western South Pacific Ocean. It is the least tourist attracted country in the world with just 200 tourists. Area of this republic island is 8.2 sq. mi (21.2 sq. km) and Population (2011 est.) is 9,300(2011, Crikey). There is no official capital, but government offices are located in Yaren district. About two-thirds of the population are indigenous Nauruans. Languages people speak here are Nauruan, English. Religion followed here is Christianity (mostly Protestant; also Roman Catholic). Currency is Australian dollar.
Nauru is a coral island with a central plateau 100–200 ft. (30–60 m) high. A thin strip of fertile land encircling the island is the major zone of human settlement. It lacks harbours hence ships must anchor to buoys beyond a reef. Nauru once had the world’s largest concentration of phosphate, and its economy was based on phosphate mining and processing. However, the deposits have been depleted, and the economy has been converting to fishing and other ventures. Nauru is a republic with one legislative house. Its head of state and government is the president. The present head of the state and government is Sprent Dabwido.
It was inhabited by Pacific Islanders when the first British explorers arrived in 1798 and named it Pleasant Island because of their friendly welcome. Annexed by Germany in 1888, it was occupied by Australia at the start of World War I and in 1919 it was placed under a joint mandate of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. During World War II it was occupied by the Japanese. Made as a UN trust territory under Australian administration in 1947, Nauru gained complete independence in 1968 and became a full member of the Commonwealth and the UN in 1999. The Honorary Consulate General of Nauru is located in India in New Delhi. Many people do not visit this place because there is almost nothing to see. Only one airline serves the island. You also need a visa to be allowed in, and the country doesn’t have many embassies abroad. But you may want to visit this place because of the beaches surrounding the island which are beautiful and in “proper” Pacific style. The coral reefs surrounding Nauru make it great for diving or fishing.
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