Top 10 Most Unique Countries in the World

Nauru is a small island country in Micronesia in the South Pacific. What makes Nauru unique? Despite not being highly rated, the people of Nauru take pride in a paradise-like life here. Stretch out on the white sandy beach to watch the sunset in absolute tranquility or dive into the crystal-clear waters to admire captivating coral reefs. Immerse yourself in the cool, refreshing water, swim with cute little fish... doesn't this sound like an ideal destination for you? Despite its name, the country is the third smallest in the world, after Vatican City and Monaco. It is also the smallest country in the South Pacific, the smallest country outside the European territory, and the smallest island nation in the world with an area of only 21 km2 (Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has an area of 3,329 km2). The total population of Nauru is only around 11,347 people, the third least populous in the world after Vatican City and Tuvalu (the population of Hanoi is 8.054 million).

But that's not all; the World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that Nauru has the highest rates of overweight and obesity in the world. About 94.5% of Nauru's population is overweight, and 71.7% are obese. The country also has the highest rate of diabetes in the world, with over 40% of the population affected. It may sound ironic, but Nauru was once an extremely wealthy country with the second-highest per capita GDP in the world. However, everything became a thing of the past when this island nation had to become a tax haven to attract foreign investment. After gaining independence, Nauru quickly attracted foreign investment thanks to easily exploitable phosphate mines. It was the mining industry that caused Nauru's economy to boom, and people lived more comfortably without fishing or farming anymore. Western lifestyles also spread here, making the indigenous people lazier and fond of fast food.

Looking for a place to camp in spring, hike in summer, ride horses in autumn, and ski in winter? Explore Kyrgyzstan. This is a country with over 2000 years of history, a land with diverse cultures influenced by various empires. A historical milestone in 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, helped this fantastic country to assert its sovereignty until today. Kyrgyzstan covers an area of 199,000 square kilometers with a population of 5.2 million people (according to the United Nations data in 2004). The largest city in the country is the capital, Bishkek, and other important urban centers include Osh and Jalal-Abad. The people of Kyrgyzstan follow two main religions, Islam and Christianity. The official languages in this country are Kyrgyz and Russian.

Mountains and valleys form the 'recipe' for Kyrgyzstan, covering ¾ of the territory. The Tian Shan mountain range is one of the largest with majestic perennial snow-capped peaks and glacier-fed rivers. Traveling to this country is truly impressive as Kyrgyzstan is not overly large but boasts countless (estimated up to 40,000) rivers of various sizes. These streams flow amidst the mountains, cascading down from steep rocky cliffs, creating hundreds of breathtaking waterfalls. The Naryn River is the most powerful and longest, stretching 535 km. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan possesses 2,000 pristine mountain lakes, mostly situated at high altitudes, creating a unique landscape that will captivate you.

Discover the intriguing travel destination still unknown to many. Perhaps due to its mountainous terrain situated between famous tourist spots like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, Liechtenstein remains a hidden gem. With ancient castles and picturesque landscapes, Liechtenstein captivates visitors with its unique charm. The smallest German-speaking country in the world, Liechtenstein, covers an area of 160 km², nestled in Central Europe between Switzerland and Austria. The territory consists of a small piece of land in the central Alps and the Rhine River valley, with a population of over 35,000 people. Liechtenstein is located in the upper Rhine River, in the central Alps valley of Europe, sharing its eastern border with Austria and its southern and western borders with Switzerland.

Measuring only 160 km2, Liechtenstein extends 27 km from north to south and 14 km from east to west. In terms of population, Liechtenstein has approximately 38,000 residents but stands as one of the world's top-income countries, with an average monthly salary of around USD 6,500 per person. Liechtenstein boasts the world's highest GDP per capita when adjusted for purchasing power parity and the lowest external debt. It also holds the second-lowest unemployment rate globally at 1.5% (after Monaco).

Have you ever heard or known about Fiji or New Guinea? Vanuatu is the neighbor of these two countries. However, due to its island location in the southwest Pacific Ocean, the name Vanuatu may still be unfamiliar to travelers. Mentioning the island nation of Vanuatu involves exploring the world's most unique, exotic, and interesting cuisines. As tourism has not been extensively developed, Vanuatu preserves the untouched beauty of its natural landscapes. Despite the world's advancements, the indigenous Melanesian tribes in Vanuatu continue to live wildly, following the ways of their ancestors for thousands of years. They resist the influences of modern Western civilization and maintain their primitive way of life. Therefore, this is a country full of tranquility, rich ethnic identity, and, above all, unaffected by the complexities and troubles of the outside world.

Vanuatu is recognized as a particularly special ecological region within the Australasia ecozone. The Vanuatu archipelago boasts a harmonious way of life, where people appreciate nature, and the citizens maintain an optimistic and positive spirit. Perhaps that's why this modest nation became the happiest country in the world in 2006. In the happiest country globally, with 220,000 residents speaking 120 different languages, there is no conflict in religion or ethnicity in Vanuatu.

Malta, also known as the Republic of Malta, is geographically located just south of Italy and right above Tunisia in the Mediterranean Sea. Covering only a little over 300 square kilometers and with a population fluctuating around half a million people, Malta is one of the tiniest countries in the world. The capital, Valletta, is merely 0.8 square kilometers, making it the smallest capital in the EU. The three largest islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, are inhabited, while there are many smaller islands or rocky outcrops scattered across the ocean. The main island, also named Malta, is not overly large, but its dense population can turn a short journey into an hour-long endeavor. The nearby island of Gozo is a bit more serene, but the roads can still get congested at any given time.

Traffic in Malta seems a bit more 'chaotic' than in the rest of Europe, with disregard for traffic lights, constant honking, and squeezing through being unavoidable. You can rent a car or a motorbike, but the safe and convenient option remains the bus pass with extremely affordable fares. The inconvenience lies in the occasional bus crowding and delays. While Malta is better known for 'sun and sea,' you can do much more by taking the time to explore its history, such as the temples believed to predate the Egyptian pyramids. The Roman influence persists amidst archaeological sites, churches with distinctive architecture, and grand fortresses built by the Knights of Malta and later the British. The capital city of the archipelago is Valletta, home to numerous museums like Fort St. Elmo, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the Fortifications Interpretation Centre displaying artifacts related to fortifications...

Have you ever wondered which is the smallest country in Europe and ranks among the wealthiest in the world? Well, think of San Marino! Completely nestled within the territory of Italy, this tiny country covers an area of merely 61 square kilometers. A must-visit spot in San Marino is the Monte Titano Fortress, the most famous location in this small nation. The Republic of San Marino is one of the world's smallest countries with a natural area of about 61km², boasting a nearly 1,700-year history. Situated within Italy, its economy relies on traditional resources, stamp issuance, and notably, tourism, contributing up to 50% of the GDP. San Marino is a petite nation, making it unique worldwide. It is both considered a fortress and a city, a country with the renowned Titano mountain and a UNESCO-recognized historic center.

Joining the World Tourism Organization in 1971, its developed economy is tourism-driven. San Marino has a unique political system with a lean state apparatus of only around 100 people, still applying some laws and regulations dating back to the 15th century. At the helm of San Marino is a dual head of state, not just one like in many other countries, and their term is only 6 months. The history of the Republic of San Marino notes that both the current and the first-ever dual heads of state are women. The people of San Marino share a close relationship with their heads of state, readily getting upset when someone speaks ill of their leaders, considering it a slight against the citizens. San Marino is also a country with the most comprehensive transportation system and disability support services in the world.

This is a country for those who love adventure and exploring the wild nature. Lesotho is a tiny nation, entirely landlocked within the Republic of South Africa. Due to this, the name Lesotho might not ring a bell for many travelers. The breathtaking and dramatic natural landscape here, along with diverse wildlife, makes this pristine destination a must-visit for the intrepid. In the world, there are numerous kingdoms led by kings or emperors. You often see the royal charm of the Renaissance in the United Kingdom, the golden-roofed architecture symbolizing prosperity in Thailand, or other kingdoms like Brunei, Norway, and Sweden, each with its unique allure. And in southern Africa, there's a kingdom with a very different beauty – the kingdom of Lesotho. It has a unique beauty, earning it the endearing nickname, the 'Kingdom in the Sky'.

Lesotho can be considered the only African country where almost the entire territory is covered in snow during winter, and even snowstorms can occur in the mountainous regions. Therefore, since gaining independence from British colonial rule, the people here have faced considerable poverty. However, since being bestowed with that distinctive title, like a gateway granted by the Almighty, the people have developed the tourism industry. They've created entertainment activities that are no less modern than other amusement areas. You can conquer challenging mountain slopes, snowboard down snow-covered hills on the Mahlasela Pass, or spend hours cycling up mountain slopes. Truly, humanity remains the center of the universe, capable of conquering nature admirably.

Most of you must be familiar with Croatia, a well-known European tourist destination. However, few travelers are acquainted with the northern neighbor of Croatia, which is equally magnificent—Bosnia and Herzegovina. This region offers perfect conditions for outdoor activities such as long-distance hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, and provides stunning views of the majestic mountain ranges. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the homeland of three ethnic groups that coexist harmoniously: the Bosniaks, the largest population group, followed by the Serbs and the Croats. Excluding ethnic distinctions, a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina is commonly referred to as a Bosnian. In this country, the difference between a Bosnian and a Herzegovinian is maintained more along regional lines than ethnic ones. Politically, it is a decentralized state consisting of two administrative entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, with the Brčko District as a de facto third entity.

When it comes to tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites cannot be overlooked: the historic city of Mostar with the iconic Stari Most bridge and the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge over the Drina River in Višegrad, both of which have found their place in global literature. Churches, synagogues, and mosques stand within a stone's throw of each other, displaying architectural splendors steeped in history. The cathedrals and temples, whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, exude timeless beauty and grandeur. All are illuminated in the spring sunshine, accentuated by the pure emerald green radiance from the Neretva River. This river can be considered a wonder of the valley. No one can explain why the Neretva has such an intense, radiant emerald color. Enhancing the beauty of the river are stone bridges resembling arches of a grand amphitheater.

Are the charming countries of Europe or the Americas no longer captivating you? Give African nations a try! Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, is an ideal destination for you. The locals are friendly, hospitable, the food is not only delicious but also fresh, and the landscapes are wild and majestic... among many other fascinating things waiting for you to discover. Sierra Leone is a resource-rich country with abundant natural resources, including iron ore, diamonds, rutile, and it serves as an exporter of these resources to the world. Additionally, it has fertile land for cultivating cocoa, coffee, palm kernels, and livestock farming with sheep and pigs...

Do you know what's special about the geographical location of Sierra Leone? To the southwest lies the Atlantic Ocean, to the south is Liberia, and half of the country is surrounded by Guinea to the north and northeast. Sierra Leone has a tropical climate. From June to October, it experiences the dry season, while from November to May, it's the rainy season. The transitional period between the rainy and dry seasons is the ideal time to explore Sierra Leone. Almost every tourist visiting Sierra Leone wishes to explore the Cotton Tree, not just an ordinary tree, but an iconic historical symbol in the capital city, Freetown.

Looking for the smallest island nation in the Americas? Look no further than Saint Kitts and Nevis, nestled in the Leeward Islands, West Indies. If you seek a tranquil haven to immerse yourself in private bliss, this is the perfect destination for you. Saint Kitts and Nevis boasts picturesque beaches, lush tropical forests with diverse plant life. Undoubtedly, this place will give you a unique sense of delight. Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation consisting of 2 small islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is renowned for mist-covered mountain ranges and golden sandy beaches. Former sugar plantations have transformed into small hotels or historical sites. Saint Kitts Island, with a larger land area, is dominated by the volcanic peak of Mount Liamuiga, home to a volcanic crater lake, and it's inhabited by green monkeys amidst the tropical jungle-covered hiking trails.

If you are seeking a tropical island as the ultimate retirement destination or a place with abundant underwater activities, don't overlook St. Kitts & Nevis. These two islands are among the most beautiful and peculiar places on Earth. Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life or find a destination for water sports, St. Kitts & Nevis is a popular choice for many travelers, some of whom end up calling it home.