There are many unknown countries in the world that most of us have never heard about, let alone visited. But which ones are least-visited? Several incomplete lists exist online, unfortunately most exclude the countries that are in fact among the least-visited, as no department or organization in them provide statistics. And why would they - if virtually no one visits a place, why pay someone to count?
I have visited all 198 countries in the world - twice. The second time to research the number of tourists from a variety of sources on the ground. My book Elsewhere about the world's least-visited countries before the pademic is available in Norwegian, English and Hungarian. But I have now updated my research for 2024 and can proudly present a complete list of tourist numbers to every country in the world with special insight on the 20 least-visited ones.
If you want to go on a unique trip that almost no one has done before you, keep on reading. The least-visited country in the world may not be the one you would think.
Remoteness, visa regulations, governments, available travel information and how many visitors I see on my travels give me a certain idea, but what do the incomplete statistics say. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has a pretty good overview. Quite a few countries are still left out, which means that the information must be found elsewhere. I have gathered numbers on the remaining ones from various sources, such as newspaper articles or interviews with immigration officers, transport companies, airports, statistical bureaus or hoteliers. Do note that no such statistics will ever be entirely accurate. Some countries only measure tourists arriving by air, others only track boat arrivals and yet others base their info on information from hotels. Some people on business even say that they are in a country as a tourist to avoid extra bureaucracy. And how can you accurately count tourists in i.e. the Schengen zone where border controls aren't usually performed? I have still used the best available statistics available, sometimes projected based on the most recent numbers I could find. Should you find any errors or more updated figures, please let me know and I will update accordingly.
A run-through of the 20 least-visited countries of the world follows below. 9 of them are in Africa, 6 in Oceania, 4 in Asia and 1 in North America. The most visited of those has 21,000 foreign tourists a year, the least visited less than ten. That is way behind number one, France, with 100 million annual foreign visitors. At the bottom you can find how your country rates, in a complete list with all 198 countries.
São Tomé and Príncipe - 21,000 tourists per year
Fun fact: No other country has a shorter part of the equator running through its land with 888 meters. The line crosses Rolas, a small island in the south east.
Why so few?
It may take a while to get to the African island nation. On my first trip to the country I travelled by cargo ship from Gabon. It took 40 hours. Less patient people may fly from four African countries or Portugal.
Why you may still want to visit
Expect stunning beaches that are great for both surfing and swimming. The needle-shaped volcanic plug peak Pico Cão Grande spectacularly rises 663 meters from the middle of the jungle and screams for a selfie with you.
The Comoros - 20,297 tourists
Fun fact: The Comoros supplies 80% of the world's ylang-ylang flowers which are used in many perfumes, including in world-famous Chanel No. 5. This has given the country the nickname "Perfume Isles". The world smells better thanks to the Comoros.
Why so few?
Have you even heard about the country? The islands also have a reputation for malaria carrying mosquitoes, is among the world's poorest countries and have few hotels.
Why you may still want to visit
Great seafood, incredible beaches that are hardly used by anyone, very friendly people, vibrating markets and a beautiful coastline. Most tourists only visit Grande Comore, the main island, also venturing to the two smaller ones, Mohéli and Anjouan, is highly recommended.
Tonga - 20,000 tourists
Fun fact: Partly thanks to the famous Tongan meat feasts, the country is the world's heaviest with an obesity rate of 70.5%. On the West Coast of Norway there is randomly a beer brewery called Tonga, the owners have promised free beers to the first Tongans that pay them a visit.
Why so few?
This is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world and the kingdom is located in relatively rural parts of the southeast Pacific.
Why you may still want to visit
The main island is surrounded by coral reefs, and some places you can see "geysirs" formed through sea water being pushed by waves into blow holes. The diving and snorkeling is brilliant, you can even swim with whales around the northernmost islands.
Somalia - 12,200 tourists
Fun fact: Somalia has the longest coastline of mainland Africa at 3333 kilometers long. Only the African island country of Madagascar can boast a longer coastline with 6000 kilometers.
Why so few?
The reputation of Somalia is extremelly close to rock bottom due to years of terrorist attacks by muslim extremists, an abundance of machine gun carrying security guards and sharia law.
Why you may still want to visit
The people are extremely welcoming, despite the hardships. They are super positive too. The most famous guide company is even called Visit Mogadishu, probably the scariest name in the tourism industry. Somaliland in the north is an unrecognized country, but formally still part of Somalia and is the safest region to visit.
Turkmenistan - 12,000 tourists
Fun fact: The country is reputed to be the second strangest in the world. After, of course, North Korea. The capital Ashgabat does for instance have a Guinness World Record for its over 600 buildings in white marble, the most of any city. To not tarnish the high-rise wonders black cars are outlawed downtown.
Why so few?
Getting a visa is also a bit like playing the lottery, you will be randomly denied without explanation. Some people have applied 5-6 times before being let in, others are still trying.
Why you may still want to visit
The burning crater in Darvaza nicknamed “The Door to Hell” in the middle of the Karakum desert is perhaps its biggest tourist attraction. It is surreal and well worth the 3-4 hours long drive, just be sure to stay overnight for the best photos. Do stock up on food and vodka before you go, the only options are tents or under the stars.
Yemen - 10,000 tourists
Fun fact: Lunch is the main meal of the day, not dinner, so do not get surprised of the portion sizes served around noon. Protein will be plentiful.
Why so few?
There is a humanitarian crisis in the country due to the civil war between the Houthis and the Saudi Arabia and UAE backed coalition. The island of Socotra is 350 kilometers from the mainland and virtually untouched by the war and comes with remarkable biodiversity. You may still want to think twice before going there as several jets fly in every week filled with people on guided tours. If you do join one of these, please be resepctful of the locals and the island. Both the frail infrastructure and its incredible nature is getting overwhelmed by tourists.
Why you may still want to visit
The Yemeni Highlands in the east of the mainland is still considered safe and you can fly to both Seiyun and Al Ghaydah from abroad to get a real Yemeni experience as opposed to the guided tours on Socotra. The hospitality of the Yemeni culture is second to none, and you will be taken very well care of.
Afghanistan - 7,000 tourists
Fun fact: Afghanistan has changed its national flag 20 times since independence in 1919. That is more than any other country in the world. This is due to rapid shifts in political power and national identity. In the 1970s Afghani women wore miniskirts and were among the trendiest dressed in the world.
Why so few?
The Taliban takeover in 2022 means that the bad guys are in charge. Local women have no rights here anymore and should neither be seen nor heard. Girls can no longer go to school after grade 6, whereas women are not even allowed to see male doctors. The country will run out of female physicians in a few years, then what? Foreign women can still visit, even the Taliban needs foreign currency.
Why you may still want to visit
The wild mountains, the beautiful scenery, the incredible history and the amazing people. The Silk Road ran through the country which is still full of archeological sites.
Haiti - 6,600 tourists
Fun fact: Only the USA has been independent longer than Haiti among the 23 countries in North America. Haitians have since named a local traditional soup made from pumkin, beef and vegetables "independence soup" as an up yours to slave owners who forbade slaves to eat it as long as they were in charge. Revolutions can change the oddest things.
Why so few?
Gang violence has been common in the poorest country in the Western hemismphere since 2018, but it exploded in early 2024 and thousands of people fled the capital Port-au-Prince. The leader Jimmy Chérizier, better known as "Barbecue" allegedly due to his habits of setting people on fire during massacres, staged the largest jailbreak in Haitian history and has since been behind attacks around the country. A multinational force is currently trying to stabilize the Caribbean nation.
Why you may still want to visit
You don't really. No international airlines fly there, and the only land border to Dominican Republic is closed. The resort town Labadee on a gated peninsula on the North Coast is controlled by Royal Caribbean Cruises and could technically be considered as some sort of a loophole, but it would be like claiming to visit a country because your GPS position randomly jumped across an international border you were nearby.
Federated States of Micronesia - 6,499 tourists
Fun fact: The country is often confused with Micronesia – the subregion of Oceania which also includes Nauru, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Palau – so some people will claim to have visited the country even when they have not. On the main island Pohnpei you will find Nan Madol, the world's only ancient city built on a coral reef.
Why so few?
Only United, Nauru Airlines and oddly enough the Pacific Missionary Aviation offer international flights to and from the country. The goal of the company behind the latter airline is to glorify God and make Jesus Christ known throughout Micronesia and the Philippines, but they allegedly offer flights to anyone between Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. Perhaps do not bring your Quran.
Why you may still want to visit
Micronesia will blow your mind away when it comes to diving and surfing. There is a divecamp in Pohnpei and a diving club in Chuuk but don’t expect a crowd at either. Divers in particular will have a field day, there are dozens and dozens of diveable wreckages from WWII.
Marshall Islands - 6,000 tourists
Fun fact: The 24 rays of the star in the national flag represent the 24 municipalities in the country. Four of them are longer than the rest, as an honour to the capital atoll and the three other administrative centers. When staying on the capital island Majuro I also woke up between Laura and Rita every morning, and you can too. Laura in the west is the best beach on the atoll while Rita is an area on the other north east side of the atoll.
Why so few?
Because hardly anyone knows that the world's 7th smallest country actually exists. It is located in remote northern parts of the Pacific, and includes the Bikini Atoll. So, at least you sort of heard about certain parts of the country.
Why you may still want to visit
There are almost 1,000 different kinds of fish around the 2,000 small low-lying islands that are clustered in 29 atolls and 5 table reefs. Combined with the super clear water you will find yourself in snorkling and diving heaven. There are only three dive shops, though, so consider bringing your own gear.
Mauritania - 5,760 tourists
Not so fun fact: Mauritania in North Western Africa became the last country in the world to officially abolish slavery in 1981, but 2% of the population essentially still live as slaves. A big reason for that is loyalty from those that were born into slavery and doesn't know any other way. Many were released but felt so sorry that their former masters lost their "property" that they voluntarily returned.
Why so few?
Around 90 percent of the country is desert, and it’s spreading. It's a good thing sand is more interesting than most people think. Only 0.5% is arable land.
Why you may still want to visit
"The Eye of the Sahara" or "The Blue Eye of Africa" is a 100 million year old circular formation 40 kilometers in diameter and can be found 600 kilometers from the coastline in Northern Mauritania. The Richat Structure is an erdoded geological dome with five ring-formed 80 meter deep ditches and is certainly worth a visit. The problem is that is too big to see from the ground, so you ought to hitch a baloon ride to actually see it. Or check out Google Maps. Do also bring your camera to the colourful fish market outside Nouakchott, the capital.
Tuvalu - 3,136 tourists
Fun fact: Most people think that Tuvalu is the least-visited country in the world, as it is number one on the incomplete UNWTO list. Just as if Darvis Patton would have won the men's 100 meter race at the World Championship in Berlin in 2009 with the time 10:34 if you ignored everyone who beat him, including Usain Bolt with his 9:58 world record.
Why so few?
Only Fiji Airways flies to the world's 4th smallest country. As if that isn't bad enough it only does so five times a week from two alternating airports in Fiji with a small propeller plane that carries 70 passengers, unless too much space is reserved for cargo. Oh, and at exorbitant prices. Expect to pay around 500 USD for the 2 hours 30 minutes long flight.
Why you may still want to visit
Tuvalu is one of a kind with very genuine and welcoming people, expect plenty of offers to ride on the back of random people’s mopeds. The runway is used for sports, walks, chilling, walking dogs and pretty much anything else as it takes up such a large part of the tiny country. Do book your accommodation ahead, though. There is only one hotel in the country and a few guesthouses.
Kiribati - 2,691 tourists
Fun fact: The letter “s” didn't originally exist in Kiribati, but the sound “s” certainly did. So, to pronounce “s” you write “ti” or “tu”. “Kiribati” is therefore pronounced “Kiribass”. The Kiritimati atoll in the east is the largest in the country. Thanks to the spelling rules, it is pronounced "Kirismas" which is so close to "Christmas" that it has adopted Christmas Island as its nickname.
Why so few?
Only Fiji Airways and Nauru Airlines fly internationally to and from both capital South Tarawa and Kiritimati, expect prices to be steep. The national tourist office doesn't really want to attract just about anyone, either. It bluntly states: "Kiribati does not offer swim up bars, fluffy towels, and cocktails. Visitors to Kiribati should expect an experience that will make them reflect on their everyday lives, it is for people who’s motivations for travel are to experience another way of life far removed from the western world."
Why you may still want to visit
There is so much to see! The 24th smallest country in the world controls the ocean in between the 32 atolls and one coral island which makes it the 12th largest economical zone in the world with 3.55 million square kilometers. That is 4,400 times larger than the 811 square kilometers of land. Kiribati is also the only country in the world that covers all four hemispheres (excluding territories).
Equatorial Guinea - 2,400 tourists
Fun fact: This is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa due to Spain's colonization if the country not only once but twice. First in 1778-1810, then again in 1844-1968.
Why so few?
This is among the most difficult countries to get a visa to, expect to go through agonizing bureaucratic pain to get one. US citizens could for many years travel visa-free, but that privilege was revoked a couple of years ago. The distribution of the massive oil wealth is furthermore extremely unequal, the country does not have the best track record when it comes to human rights.
Why you may still want to visit
Equatorial Guinea is certainly bucket list material. There is very little tourism infrastructure here, so you will have the dense rain forests and the amazing beaches all to yourself. You may want to bring your own fins and mask, though.
South Sudan - 2,200 tourists
Fun fact: This is the newest country in the world, after splitting from the rest of Sudan on July 9, 2011. The Dinka of South Sudan are known as the tallest people in the world, heights of over 2 meters are usual for both males and females. I have never felt as small as I did in a nightclub in Juba in 2024.
Why so few?
The country is essentially closed for foreigners outside the capital Juba, partly due to a stern security situation and a lack of democratic elections since independence. Corruption is rife, make sure to have all your papers in order and to not overstay your visa. Being held by police for hours in the airport upon arrival is commonplace if anthing is not in order. Most foreigners here work with NGOs or the UN. James, the receptionist in my hotel, virtually died from excessive laughter when I told him I was in Juba as a tourist.
Why you may still want to visit
Their evisa system actually works swiftly, you will usually get your visa in a matter of days.
Eritrea - 2,000 tourists
Fun fact: Eritrea does actually not have an official language. The constitution protects all Eritrean languages, including Afar, Arabic, Beja, Bilen, Kunama, Nara, Saho and Tigre. Tigrinya is still most widespread and is spoken by around half the population of approximately 4 million people. Quite a few older Eritreans actually speak Italian, due to its colonial past.
Why so few?
Eritrea has one of the world’s longest serving dictators, only Isaias Afwerki has served as president since independence in 1991. The country is also actually last on Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index. That says a lot, North Korea is second last.
Why you may still want to visit
Asmara is Art Deco heaven. Not bringing your camera will annoy you from here to eternity. The country is also very diverse, and there are many other places you should also visit, not least Massawa by the Red Sea. Leaving the capital does however require a tourist permit which you can apply for at Ministry of Tourism in the main street.
Nauru - 1,160 tourists
Fun fact: Nauru was the least-visited country in the world before 2015 with 200 tourists per year. That in itself triggered a lot of interest and the number of tourists skyrocketed. Ish.
Why so few?
Nauru is the smallest republic in the world with its 21 square kilometers and only Nauru Airlines serves the Pacific island 55 kilometers south of the equator. There is almost nothing to see or do here, and can be a bit tricky to visit due to their visa requirement.
Why you may still want to visit
It is the easiest country in the world to run around without leaving it. The ring road is only 19 kilometers long, so you need over two laps to complete a marathon. No need to brag about visiting, though, as virtually no one has even heard about the country. Expect “Nauru - is that upstate?” type of responses.
Bronze, World's 3rd Least-visited Country
North Korea - 940 tourists
Not so fun fact: Sirens across the country dictate the life of its citizens, to guarantee order. The sirens blast several times a day to tell people when they should start work, take meal breaks and go to sleep. No one can wear red lipstick as it is considered a symbol of capitalism and people have 28 governmental approved hairstyles to choose from, 14 for each gender. This is to promote a uniform image.
Why so few?
North Korea hasn't really reopened for tourism after the pandemic, except for select groups from Russia and China and even then only to a few towns and resorts in the north.
Why you may still want to visit
You cannot visit unless you have a Chinese or Russian passport. The country was reportedly going to open up for tourists on guided tours for all nations except the USA and South Korea in December 2024, but this has been postponed.
Silver: World's 2nd Least-visited Country
Libya - 600 tourists
Fun fact: Libya has the 10th biggest proven oil reserves in the world, something that may help finance a revival of the country. Until 2011 the country had the only designless flag in the world, it was entirely green.
Why so few?
The country pretty much imploded after the fall of Muammar Gadaffi, and is now essentially split in two. Tourist visas were banned for a long time, and visa rules have since changed so foten that hardly anyone can keep track.
Why you may still want to visit
Few countries have as many arceological sites as Libya. The ancient city of Leptis Magna on the Mediterranean coast was for instance covered by sand until the 1920s which has ensured that it remains in better condition than most other ruins. Up to 100,000 people used to live in the 2,700 year old city which was abandonded in year 700 and later covered by the Sahara. I walked around all alone. Pure magic!
Gold: World's Least-visited Country
Sudan - 6 tourists
Fun fact: No country has more pyramids than Sudan with close to 250. Egypt has however been better at marketing their 138 pyramids. The three main ones in Giza outside Cairo are most famous.
Why so few?
In April 2023 the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the Sudanese army and started a war that is still going strong. The world has since witnessed one of the biggest refugee disasters in history with over 12 million displaced people and hundreds of thousands of killed civilians. United Arab Emirates has funded RSF for years and could immediately stop the war. Tourists have been banned from entering Sudan since the start of the war, but a select few have still managed to sneak into the country on boats or ships to Port Sudan or through humantarian visas from shady organizations. They were swiftly deported.
Why you may still want to visit
You don't. And you cannot legally. Please wait until the war has ended, the Sudanese people are already struggling with a severe lack of food and available accommodation.
How touristy is your country?
You live elsewhere? Do not despair, you will find a complete overview of tourism figures to all 198 countries in the world in the following list.
Least-visited | Country | Most-visited | Tourists | Comment on source |
1 | Sudan | 198 | 6 | Interviews, 2024; projected |
2 | Libya | 197 | 600 | Garfors, 2017; projected, 2024 |
3 | North Korea | 196 | 940 | Radio Free Asia, 2024; projected 2024 |
4 | Nauru | 195 | 1 160 | Nauru immigration Jan-Dec, 2024 |
5 | Eritrea | 194 | 2 000 | Garfors, 2017 |
6 | South Sudan | 193 | 2 200 | Garfors, 2017 |
7 | Equatorial Guinea | 192 | 2 400 | Garfors, 2017 |
8 | Kiribati | 191 | 2 691 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration, 2023 |
9 | Tuvalu | 190 | 3 136 | Tuvalu Central Statistics Division, 2023 |
10 | Mauritania | 189 | 5 760 | Tourism Review, 2018; UNWTO, 2017, adjusted for tourism receipts 2023, projected, 2023 |
11 | Marshall Islands | 188 | 6 000 | The Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, 2019 |
12 | Micronesia, Federated States | 187 | 6 499 | Department of Resources and Development, 2019 |
13 | Haiti | 186 | 6 600 | UNWTO, 2021; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2023; projection for 2024 |
14 | Afghanistan | 185 | 7 000 | Tourism Directorate of Afghanistan, 2023 |
15 | Yemen | 184 | 10 000 | Garfors, 2017; projected with estimated Socotra numbers, 2024 |
16 | Turkmenistan | 183 | 12 000 | State Committee of Statistics of Turkmenistan, 2019; projected due to covid related closure Jan-Mar, 2023 |
17 | Somalia | 182 | 12 200 | Garfors, 2017 |
18 | Tonga | 181 | 20 000 | UNWTO, 2022 |
19 | Comoros | 180 | 20 297 | Banque Centrale des Comores, 2023 |
20 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 179 | 21 000 | UNWTO, 2021; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2022 |
21 | Liberia | 178 | 24 560 | UNWTO and Trading Economics tourism receipts, 2019, 2022; projected according to Guinea's figures, 2023 |
22 | Solomon Islands | 177 | 30 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
23 | Chad | 176 | 32 000 | UNWTO, 2021 |
24 | Central African Republic | 175 | 34 600 | UNWTO, 2020 |
25 | Palau | 174 | 40 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
26 | Guinea-Bissau | 173 | 41 600 | UNWTO, 2019; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2021 |
27 | Guinea | 172 | 53 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
28 | Western Sahara | 171 | 59 000 | North Africa Post, 2017 |
29 | Dominica | 70 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Papa New Guinea | 70 000 | UNWTO, 2022 | ||
Surinam | 168 | 70 000 | UNWTO, 2021 | |
32 | East Timor | 80 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Saint Vincent and Grenadines | 80 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | ||
Vanuatu | 165 | 80 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
35 | Burkina Faso | 164 | 83 500 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
36 | Sierra Leone | 163 | 88 560 | Bank of Sierra Leone, Jan-Nov, 2023; projected 2023 |
37 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 162 | 100 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
38 | Bhutan | 161 | 103 000 | India Times, 2023 |
39 | Niger | 160 | 105 000 | UNWTO, 2019; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2022; World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 ;projected, 2024 |
40 | Liechtenstein | 110 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
San Marino | 158 | 110 000 | UNWTO, 2019 | |
42 | Palestine | 157 | 116 364 | Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Jan-Jun 2024; projected, 2024 |
43 | Mali | 156 | 119 000 | UNWTO, 2019; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2022 |
44 | Angola | 130 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Brunei | 154 | 130 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
46 | Djibouti | 153 | 142 551 | Djibouti National Tourist Office, 2023 |
47 | Congo, Republic | 152 | 158 000 | World Bank, 2018; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2021 |
48 | Grenada | 151 | 162 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
49 | Samoa | 150 | 170 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
50 | Benin | 149 | 192 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
51 | Moldova | 148 | 195 500 | Moldova Statistical Office, 2023 |
52 | Russia | 147 | 200 100 | Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), 2022 |
53 | Burundi | 146 | 240 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
54 | Madagascar | 145 | 260 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
55 | Antigua and Barbuda | 144 | 280 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
56 | Trinidad and Tobago | 143 | 310 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
57 | Guyana | 142 | 320 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
58 | Monaco | 141 | 340 000 | Monaco economic report, 2023 |
59 | Eswatini | 140 | 346 250 | Eswatini Tourism Authority, 2023 |
60 | Seychelles | 139 | 350 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
61 | Congo, Democratic Republic | 138 | 351 000 | World Bank, 2019 |
62 | Kosovo | 137 | 357 717 | Kosovo Agency of Statistics, 2023 |
63 | Saint Lucia | 136 | 380 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
64 | Belize | 135 | 460 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
65 | Gabon | 134 | 560 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
66 | Mongolia | 133 | 590 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
67 | Barbados | 640 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Gambia | 131 | 640 000 | Report Linker, 2023; World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 | |
69 | Bangladesh | 130 | 650 000 | Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), 2023 |
70 | Venezuela | 129 | 680 000 | UNWTO, 2022 |
71 | Cameroon | 128 | 720 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
72 | North Macedonia | 127 | 734 000 | North Macedonia State Statistical Office, 2023 (evt. leggje til 14,2 prosent auke jan-sept) |
73 | Ivory Coast | 126 | 754 000 | UNWTO, 2021; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2022 |
74 | Honduras | 125 | 850 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
75 | Paraguay | 124 | 860 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
76 | Namibia | 123 | 863 872 | Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, 2023 |
77 | Togo | 122 | 880 000 | UNWTO, 2019 |
78 | Malawi | 121 | 900 000 | Malawi Times, 2023 |
79 | Fiji | 120 | 930 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
80 | Senegal | 119 | 1 000 000 | World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
81 | Bolivia | 1 010 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Nepal | 117 | 1 010 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
83 | Cabo Verde | 116 | 1 010 739 | National Statistics Institute INE, 2023 |
84 | Zambia | 115 | 1 060 000 | UNWTO, 2022 |
85 | Ethiopia | 114 | 1 080 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
86 | Nicaragua | 113 | 1 090 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
87 | Mozambique | 112 | 1 135 000 | Mozambique National Institute of Statistics, 2023 |
88 | Lesotho | 111 | 1 142 000 | World Bank, 2019 |
89 | Ghana | 110 | 1 148 002 | Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, 2023 |
90 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 109 | 1 183 169 | Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2023 |
91 | Botswana | 108 | 1 183 432 | Statistics Botswana, 2023 |
92 | Nigeria | 107 | 1 200 000 | Ministry of Tourism, 2023 |
93 | Tajikistan | 106 | 1 260 000 | UNWTO, 2019 |
94 | Myanmar | 105 | 1 280 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
95 | Mauritius | 104 | 1 300 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
96 | Azerbaijan | 1 400 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Luxembourg | 1 400 000 | National Institute of Statistics, 2023 | ||
Rwanda | 101 | 1 400 000 | National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), 2023 | |
99 | Ecuador | 1 430 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Uganda | 99 | 1 430 000 | UNWTO, 2019; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2023 | |
101 | Sri Lanka | 98 | 1 490 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
102 | Zimbabwe | 97 | 1 600 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
103 | Lebanon | 96 | 1 670 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
104 | Kenya | 95 | 1 750 000 | The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, 2023 |
105 | Bahamas | 1 810 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Tanzania | 93 | 1 810 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
107 | Panama | 92 | 1 870 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
108 | Maldives | 91 | 1 880 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
109 | Guatemala | 2 020 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Syria | 89 | 2 020 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
111 | Slovakia | 88 | 2 084 000 | Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, 2023 |
112 | Romania | 87 | 2 100 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
113 | Serbia | 86 | 2 130 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
114 | Algeria | 85 | 2 200 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
115 | Pakistan | 84 | 2 220 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
116 | Armenia | 83 | 2 320 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
117 | Cuba | 2 400 000 | Cuba’s National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), 2023 | |
Lithuania | 81 | 2 400 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
119 | Estonia | 80 | 2 420 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
120 | Ukraine | 79 | 2 440 000 | UNWTO, 2022; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2023 |
121 | Montenegro | 78 | 2 450 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
122 | El Salvador | 77 | 2 480 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
123 | Latvia | 76 | 2 500 000 | Eurostat, 2023 |
124 | Peru | 75 | 2 520 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
125 | Iceland | 74 | 2 539 271 | Icelandic Tourist Board, 2023 |
126 | Costa Rica | 73 | 2 750 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
127 | Oman | 72 | 2 850 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
128 | Kyrgyzstan | 71 | 2 864 200 | National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyz Republic, 2023 |
129 | Jamaica | 70 | 2 880 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
130 | New Zealand | 69 | 2 960 000 | Stats NZ, 2023 |
131 | Malta | 68 | 2 980 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
132 | Kuwait | 67 | 3 000 000 | Statista, 2022 |
133 | Israel | 66 | 3 010 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
134 | Laos | 65 | 3 417 629 | Bank of the Lao PDR, 2023 |
135 | Chile | 64 | 3 730 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
136 | Finland | 63 | 3 733 000 | Visit Finland, July 2023-Jun 2024; projected 2024 |
137 | Uruguay | 62 | 3 840 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
138 | Cyprus | 61 | 3 850 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
139 | Slovenia | 60 | 3 940 000 | UNWTO, 2022 |
140 | Iraq | 59 | 3 975 000 | Kurdistan Tourism Board, 2023; World Travel & Tourism Council, 2023 |
141 | Andorra | 4 050 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
Qatar | 57 | 4 050 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
143 | Georgia | 56 | 4 670 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
144 | Philippines | 55 | 5 000 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
145 | Singapore | 54 | 5 340 000 | UNWTO, 2022 |
146 | Jordan | 53 | 5 350 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
147 | Cambodia | 52 | 5 450 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
148 | Belarus | 51 | 5 510 960 | National Statistics Committee of Belarus, 2023 |
149 | Bahrain | 50 | 5 560 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
150 | Colombia | 49 | 5 630 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
151 | Iran | 48 | 5 870 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
152 | Brazil | 47 | 5 910 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
153 | Ireland | 46 | 6 300 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
154 | Taiwan | 45 | 6 490 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
155 | Uzbekistan | 44 | 6 630 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
156 | Vatican | 43 | 7 000 000 | Travel and Tour World, 2023 |
157 | Australia | 42 | 7 190 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
158 | Argentina | 41 | 7 290 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
159 | Sweden | 40 | 7 530 000 | UNWTO, 2013 |
160 | Norway | 39 | 7 694 000 | Statistisk sentralbyrå, Jan-Sept, 2024; projected, 2024 |
161 | Denmark | 38 | 7 935 334 | Statistikbanken, 2023; Visit Denmark, 2023 |
162 | Dominican Republic | 37 | 8 060 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
163 | South Africa | 36 | 8 480 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
164 | Belgium | 35 | 8 709 000 | UNWTO, 2022; adjusted for tourism receipts, 2023 |
165 | Kazakhstan | 34 | 9 200 000 | Kazinform, 2023 |
166 | India | 33 | 9 240 000 | Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 2023 |
167 | Tunisia | 32 | 9 370 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
168 | Czechia | 31 | 9 500 000 | Tourism Review, 2023 |
169 | Albania | 30 | 9 670 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
170 | Switzerland | 29 | 10 917 000 | UNWTO, 2022; adjusted for tourism recipts, 2023 |
171 | South Korea | 28 | 11 030 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
172 | Indonesia | 27 | 11 680 000 | Statistics Indonesia, 2023 |
173 | Vietnam | 26 | 12 600 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
174 | Bulgaria | 25 | 12 627 547 | National Statistical Institute, 2023 |
175 | Hungary | 24 | 12 930 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
176 | Morocco | 23 | 14 520 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
177 | Egypt | 22 | 14 910 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
178 | Croatia | 21 | 16 855 000 | Croatia Statistical Office, 2023 |
179 | Canada | 20 | 18 340 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
180 | Poland | 19 | 18 990 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
181 | Malaysia | 18 | 20 140 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
182 | Netherlands | 17 | 20 300 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
183 | Japan | 16 | 25 070 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
184 | Portugal | 15 | 26 540 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
185 | Saudi Arabia | 14 | 27 420 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
186 | Thailand | 28 150 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
United Arab Emirates | 12 | 28 150 000 | UNWTO, 2023 | |
188 | China | 11 | 29 578 000 | National Immigration Administration (NIA), Jan-Jul 2024; projected, 2024 (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) |
189 | Austria | 10 | 30 910 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
190 | Greece | 9 | 32 740 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
191 | Germany | 8 | 34 800 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
192 | United Kingdom | 7 | 37 220 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
193 | Mexico | 6 | 41 950 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
194 | Türkiye | 5 | 55 160 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
195 | Italy | 4 | 57 250 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
196 | United States of America | 3 | 66 480 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
197 | Spain | 2 | 85 170 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
198 | France | 1 | 100 000 000 | UNWTO, 2023 |
Link to pdf with sources: