The Smallest Countries Of The World You Should Visit
We often like to see that the world is full of wonders and beautiful places everyone would like to visit, indeed. However, sometimes we are way too brainwashed (for the lack of a better word) when planning our next holiday to think of the most mainstream and well-advertised countries in the world. While all these places are beautiful too and definitely worth visiting, sometimes going out of the beaten path is a much more exciting and inspiring experience. This is why today we are going to talk about some of the smallest yet amazingly beautiful and atmospheric countries in the world that you should consider for your next journey.
Qatar
Qatar is just one of the smallest nations in the world (somewhere about the size of Yorkshire, England), comfortably living in the northern region of the Persian Gulf. However, Qatar is just a perfect example that size does not matter because the country is a home to one of the richest nations per capita. While Doha’s skyline and the fact that the 2022 World Cup will take place in the country are some of the best-known facts about Qatar, many people are still not that interested in visiting the country but once you do, you will be mesmerised by the mysterious labyrinth of little streets, the cool bazaars, the intergalactic, cutting-edge modern architecture, the beautiful sand dunes and so much more!
Lebanon
Untouched, extra laid-back and exotic beaches caressed by the warm Mediterranean waters, plenty of excellent and luxurious ski resorts, a bunch of ancient ruins, a thriving nightlife scene, a lot of restaurants serving some of the tastiest dishes in the world – Lebanon is certainly a country of a lot of contrasts and surprises but it is worth visiting all the way despite the ongoing political unrest. The growing tourism in this part of the world is yet another proof that people are more and more mesmerised by the so-called “Paris of the Orient”.
Rwanda
It is more than fascinating and deserving respect that only two decades back in time Rwanda used to be this small African country shaken by the tragic genocide that tore the country apart, but the country somehow managed to emerge from its controversial and tragic past and today is one of Africa’s most socially progressive ones. A big proof of the above-said is the ever so growing ecotourism in the country. Indeed, Rwanda is a home of such beautiful and jaw-dropping nature’s wonders that it is hard to stay indifferent to all the surrounding beauty, no matter if you are following the steps of Dain Fossey, tracking gorillas in the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes, admire the beauty of Lake Kivu.
Grenada
Just as a reference, Grenada is roughly the same size as the UK’s Isle of Wight which makes it one of the smallest independent countries in the world but, oh boy, is it one of the most beautiful, inspiring, friendly and hospitable, exotic, beautiful ones! While the Caribbean region is jam-packed with beautiful, exotic, and dreamy holiday destinations and islands, Grenada is one of the lesser-known out of them but this is certainly undeservedly. On the other hand, the fact that Grenada is still not overcrowded with tourists is a big bonus and makes it even more charming, authentic, exciting. One of the main advantages of the so-called Spice Island is that Grenada has all the exotic beaches and lush rainforests of more popular islands such as Barbados and the Bahamas but without the resorts and the noisy tourists.
Belize
Despite the fact that Belize is one of the smallest countries in Central America and the world too, it is still a country that shares with everyone visiting it its amazing nature’s wonders, interesting culture, delicious cuisine, hospitality and friendliness. In fact, Belize is a good starting point of an adventure around Central America, nestled comfortably between Guatemala, Mexico, and the magical azure Caribbean Sea. When thinking of Belize you can expect the classic heavenly exotic holiday concept – thick tropical rainforests, misty mountaintops, endless beaches, some of the best diving spots in the world, the longest reef in the Americas, Belize has them all!
El Salvador
El Salvador is the smallest mainland country of the Americas and it is also known by the name “Tom Thumb of the Americas” hence to its size! Despite its miniature size, El Salvador has its own, very individual yet very diverse charm and atmosphere and it is a microcosm of experiences and scenes you will not be able to see anywhere else in Latin America.
Malta and Gozo
Floating on a small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, somewhere between Italy and North Africa’s coast, this little piece of heaven Malta and Gozo is, is surely going to become your next favourite place of the world. The country is so small that you are able to admire the sea practically anywhere you stand, surrounded by turquoise warm water, a rich history that is a blend of European, Arabic, and English influences, friendly locals, delicious and fresh food and so much more. Do not get fooled by the size of the archipelago as it is a location where you can explore many interesting and fascinating significant prehistoric sites.
Taiwan
Despite its mini size, Taiwan has a lot to offer to every traveller. The country is the first true Chinese democracy in the 90s of the past century and since then Taiwan has become a progressive, buzzing, and vibrant civil society. One of the main advantages of Taiwan is that it is still largely unpopular and undiscovered by the crowds of tourists which make it even a more attractive and exciting place to visit. It is a home of not one or two amazing experiences ranging from extra delicious and fresh food, aboriginal festivals, old temples, towering mountains, hot springs, and so much more.
Brunei
Brunei is for sure one of the world’s smallest yet wealthiest nations thanks to the dominant role of Shell Oil in the country. However, industrial progress and modern skyline are not the only things to admire in this country as 70% of its land is still covered by exotic virgin rainforests which are a home to some of the most interesting species around – the clouded leopard, the sun bear, and the paradise tree snake.
Singapore
A tiny island on the edge of the southern Malay coast, Singapore is such a wealthy, progressive, modern, almost sci-fi-looking country that it can be used as a backdrop of almost every Hollywood blockbuster. The growth of the country from a chaotic colonial port into the futuristic entrepreneurial and financial heart of the world is simply spectacular, to say the least. Love it or hate it, Singapore is this small microcosm that is many steps ahead of the most developed countries in the world.
Swaziland
In one of the most remote corners of Africa, the modest size of Switzerland is still rarely explored by tourists and travellers but a home to a unique political and natural landscape. Despite the fact that the name Swaziland is mentioned in the news mainly because of the controversial private life of its monarchs (the current King Mswati III has 15 wives and 25 children), the country is, in fact, much more exciting because of the diverse beauty of its nature and lands stomped by some of the most exotic fauna species in the world.
Andorra
Stretching between the French and the Spanish border, tiny Andorra is yet another bright example of the insignificance of the size when it comes to a progressive, modern nation on rising. With a major rush of investment in the local tourism in recent years, Andorra is becoming the ultimate definition of picturesque yet luxurious ski resorts. Andorra is also one of the most beloved destinations for shopping maniacs with its more than 2000 shops, all of them duty-free!