20 Cool Countries Travelers Don't Know About (21 Photos)

Do you consider yourself a geography expert and/or an avid traveler? Even if this is true, there will certainly be a couple on this list. places you don't even know exist - many of them are island nations, and some are far off the beaten track. Fans of diving, hiking and exotic places should definitely pay attention to them!





1. Tuvalu



Population: 11,925 people.

Languages: Tuvaluan and English.

In the South Pacific, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii, is the country of Tuvalu, consisting of 9 small islands. Tuvalu is one of the many places on this list where you can go snorkeling and diving. Here you can swim with turtles and tropical fish and explore the Funafuti nature reserve. Most Tuvaluans live in small villages with a population of only several hundred people. Gardening, fishing and canoe making the most common occupation among the locals.

2. Butane





Population: 779,900 people

Language: Dzongkha

Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern outskirts of the Himalayas. Here you can visit the Tigress Lair Monastery and the Gangtei Valley. The Gangtey Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas. Butane famous for its bright and colorful festivals, especially festivals Paro and Thimphu. Contemplation of mystical dances at these festivals considered the key to enlightenment.

3. Kiribati



Population: 121,388

Languages: Kiribati and English

Located in the Central Pacific Ocean, Kiribati located on the largest coral atoll in the world. He is famous snorkeling, diving and beaches. It is also a great place for fishing and viewing old relics from the Second World War.

4. Palau



Population: 18,174

Languages: English, Palauan

If the places already mentioned do not meet the needs of your inland diver or explorer, perhaps Palau, located in western Pacific, you'll like it better. Shipwrecks and hidden caves make Palau the best place to diving and snorkeling. There are also many rocks and various exotic animals.

5. Saint Kitts and Nevis



Population: 53,546

English language

Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two islands, as you might guess from the title. They were the first islands to be colonized British in 1623, and gained independence only in 1983. old sugar plantations have been turned into trendy hotels and tourist resorts. On the St. Kitts has a park-fortress Brimstone Hill, from where sometimes you can see the neighboring Caribbean islands. St. Kitts can also boast a scenic railway and a dormant volcano on Mt. Liamuiga. If that's not enough, vervets live on the island, and through rainforest pass a variety of hiking trails.

6. Vanuatu



Population: 314,464 people.

Languages: French, Bislama, English

In the South Pacific, Vanuatu's 83 islands offer tourists even more excellent places for diving. The islands will be especially interesting to those who are intrigued by underwater caves and sunken ships. The World War II warship President Coolidge is one of the them. Also of note: Vanuatu National Museum, which explores Melanesian culture of the country.

7. Seychelles



Population: 99,202

Languages: French, Seychelles Creole, English

The Seychelles is an island nation off the coast Africa, where there are two UNESCO sites: Aldabra and Valle de Mai. Some scholars consider the Vallee de Mai to be the former location of Garden of Eden. It is also home to the Morne Seychelles National Park and the breathtaking beaches of Beau Vallon and Anse Takmaka. Here you can also take a look at the Aldabragroin and rare black parrots. Thanks to Tourism and Fisheries The Seychelles boast the most high nominal GDP in Africa.

8. Comoros



Comoros, often referred to as "perfume islands" because of their fragrant vegetation, are famous for their stunning beaches against the backdrop of volcanic peaks. This picturesque country located off the east coast of Africa.

9. East Timor (Timor-Leste)



Population: 1.344 million

Languages: Portuguese, Tetun

Would you like to watch whales after a bike ride? Timor-Leste - place for you. This Southeast Asian country became independent state only in 2002. Attractions around the capital Dili reflect 400 years of Portuguese colonization and 24 years of Indonesian occupation. The 27-meter statue of Christ is another iconic Sight. This statue rises above the city, and from this The location offers a beautiful view of the surrounding bay.

10. Lesotho



Population: 2.159 million

Language: Southern Sotho, English

This landlocked enclave in South Africa is home to the cultural village of Taba Bosiu. The village is at the top of a plateau, and the ruins date back to the reign of King Moshoeshoe I in the 19th century. It is said to have magical powers at night.

11. Suriname



Population: 591,798

Language: Dutch

Looking for a place where tropical forests and sandy savanna? Suriname is a great choice. Dutch colonial architecture is conducive to picturesque walks around the city. In Suriname there is also the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, a tall wooden cathedral, consecrated in 1885. Suriname is located in the northeast of South America.

12. Brunei



Population: 441,532

Language: Malay

Brunei Darussalam is located on the island of Borneo near Malaysia in the South China Sea. This Islamic country is the luxurious Jame Asr Hassanal Bolkiah mosque with 29 domes. He is famous its beaches and tropical forests, most of which are protected in reserves.

13. Andorra



Population: 77,354

Language: Catalan

Andorra is a Pyrenean country located between Spain and France. Andorra is famous for its ski resorts and shopping duty free. The capital of Andorra, La Vella, is a beautiful place for shopping in boutiques and jewelry stores.

14. Djibouti



Population: 1.002 million

Languages: French, Arabic

Have you ever dreamed of swimming with whale sharks? Not forget to include Djibouti in your must-do list visit. Located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is home to Lake Assal, which is 10 times saltier than the sea. Also follows note Lake Abbe, a plateau dotted with smoking limestone "chimneys", the height of some of which reaches 50 meters. If you go to Djibouti, keep in mind that photography is not allowed there public airports, military installations or public buildings.

15. Eswatini



Population: 1.172 million

Languages: Swahili and English

Eswatini is another landlocked country in the south Africa. It is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world and the last in Africa. This is where the Mountain Bushfire Fest takes place, an internationally recognized a festival dedicated to art, music and creative expression, and also promoting social responsibility and stimulating economy. Eswatini also offers safaris where tourists can be lucky enough to see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes.

16. Solomon Islands



Population: 703,995 people.

English language

If you are a big history buff, especially the Second world war, you definitely don't want to miss Solomonoyou are the islands. Here there are several historical sites of military operations, and on the island Guadalcanal has a memorial and a lively market with island products and products of local artisans. In total, there are 992 islands in this archipelago, in including the island of the Skull, where the warriors laid the heads of defeated enemies, and Savo Island, where there is a bubbling hot spring and an active volcano.

17. Togo



Population: 106,759 people

Languages: Tongan and English

Most of the 170 islands of Togo are uninhabited. main island Tongatapu is a great place to enjoy the beautiful lagoons and see impressive limestone cliffs. Togo is also famous for its kava drinking ceremony. Kava is made from the root of the pepper and causes relaxation and a sense of well-being. Togo is another great place where you can enjoy beaches, coral reefs and tropical forests.

18. New Caledonia



Population: 272,620 people

Language: French

Another great place for divers, New Caledonia in southern part of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the massive barrier reef of Grande Terre. AT New Caledonia also has a lagoon 14,500 kilometers long, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. landscape also very varied. Here and plains, and tropical mountains, and beaches, and bustling city life, and deserts.

19. Mauritius



Population: 1.27 million

English language

Mauritius is located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian ocean. There are plenty of places to walk, including waterfalls and tropical forests, and amazing wildlife (for example, here you can see flying fox). There is also a hippodrome and a botanical garden. The coolest? The illusion of an underwater waterfall, which can be seen from a height in helicopter tour time. An interesting fact for lovers of geology - in 2017 a lost continent was discovered under this island.

20. Grenada



Population: 113,015 people

English language

The Caribbean island of Grenada, known as the "Spice Island" due to its nutmeg plantations, is located at an altitude of 1300 kilometers above equator. It is one of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere, known for its breathtaking hiking trails waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters Falls and beautiful beaches. BUT chocolate lovers in Grenada will be pleased with three types of cocoa beans. Chocolate Grenada was even awarded the “delicate taste” award from the international cocoa companies.