TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In 2023, France will be the most visited country in the world. Data from Statista recorded 100 million international tourist arrivals in France, further strengthening L’hexagone’s position as one of the most favorite tourist destinations among travelers. What about the least visited?
On the opposite spectrum, a number of countries, especially those in the Pacific Ocean, are less able to attract more tourists due to location factors (difficult to reach). Several others, one of which is North Korea, are less popular due to security reasons.
For more, let’s see the top list of the 10 least visited countries in the world, referring to CEOWORLD Magazine and additional information from the Times of India, Britannica, and several other sources.
List of the 10 Least Visited Countries in the World
The article below was written based on a report issued by CEOWORLD Magazine. The magazine ranks the least visited countries in the world based on the number of international tourist arrivals in 2023. Keep scrolling to see the full list.
1. Tuvalu
A report by CEOWORLD Magazine revealed that Tuvalu is the world's least visited country, with international tourist arrivals reaching just 3,700 in 2023. This low figure is largely due to Tuvalu's remote location and inadequate infrastructure.
2. Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, a country in Oceania, is the next least visited country in the world, with only 6,100 international tourist arrivals in 2023. In fact, this country is like a paradise for beach lovers because of its pristine coastline and crystal-clear waters.
3. Niue
A small country in the South Pacific, Niue can be an option for travelers who crave a calm atmosphere and minimal crowds. The reason is, you will rarely encounter long queues or traffic jams in this country.
In 2023, Niue welcomed around 10,200 international tourists. The country often referred to as the “Coral of Polynesia” can be reached by plane, unfortunately there is only one flight per week.
4. Kiribati
Pronounced “kiri-bass”, Kiribati is a country in the Pacific Ocean crossed by the Equator. The perfect destination for surfing, fishing, or bird watching, Kiribati will receive 1,800 more international tourists than Niue, to be exact 12,000, in 2023.
5. Micronesia
If you want to find remnants of World War II, try flying to Micronesia. Travelers can meet the remains of Japanese ships that now rest in Chuuk Lagoon.
In addition to tourism to explore the past, Micronesia, with an annual tourist population of 18,000, welcomes divers with its stunning marine charm. Hikers can explore hiking trails decorated with lush natural beauty.
6. Montserrat
The next least visited country is Montserrat, welcoming 19,300 tourists in 2023. A British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, Montserrat has an active volcano.
Back in the 1990s, the tiny territory was hit by a volcanic eruption that destroyed its capital, Plymouth. According to the Times of India, Montserrat is still recovering from the disaster, coupled with limited access to the island, are key factors in the low number of tourists visiting.
7. Solomon Islands
Made up of nearly 1,000 islands, the Solomon Islands is a country that inhabits the waters of the Pacific Ocean with 29,000 international tourist arrivals in 2023. This archipelago is a must-visit for those who want to experience untouched natural beauty and rich culture.
8. Sao Tome and Príncipe
From Oceania, let's move to the African continent and get to know one of the countries in Central Africa, Sao Tome and Príncipe. This country actually consists of several islands, but São Tomé and Príncipe are the two largest in size.
The main attraction of Sao Tome and Príncipe, according to Lonely Planet, lies in its diverse tropical atmosphere, from long beaches to waterfalls in the middle of lush forests. In 2023, the number of international tourists in this Central African country showed a figure of 34,900.
9. Comoros
Similar to Sao Tome and Príncipe, Comoros, a country that inhabits the Indian Ocean, consists of four main islands. With the number of international tourist arrivals of 45,000 in 2023, Comoros has a tropical climate with beautiful sandy beach views.
10. Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau closes the list of the least visited countries in the world. There were 52,000 international tourists in 2023 who were recorded to have visited this West African country. According to Lonely Planet, Guinea-Bissau attracts travelers with its vast landscapes and biodiversity.
Editor’s Choice: Top 10 Most Beautiful Countries in the World: Indonesia, U.S. Included
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