10 Countries You Didn't Know Existed In this video, we share 10 countries with very
little global recognition. Several of these countries are experiencing shaky economies,
and a few are in danger of literally sinking into the ocean. Yet, they all fly their flags,
and their citizens all have their own unique set of customs and practices
which have come to define them. The UN World Tourism Organization reports
that this list includes some of the world's least-visited countries and overseas territories.
Tourists can find natural beauty, culture, and history in each of these countries.
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Let’s get into the video. #1: The Pitcairn Islands
Overtaken by the United Kingdom during the late 1700s, the Pitcairn Islands stayed
under British rule for over 100 years before becoming a self-governing territory in 1938.
With a current population of 50 people, this is one of the smallest countries.
Pitcairn has no hotels. The four families that remain provide accommodation for you.
They are descendants of the HMS Bounty Mutineers. Did you know the Pitcairn Islands existed?
#2: Abkhazia There are specific characteristics that define
an actual country. Abkhazia has all of them: ● Its borders
● A distinct ethnic population ● A functioning government
● A military ● A national bank
● A national passport Almost all the world still views it as
a province of Georgia, the country it fought for independence from during a bloody war in the early
'90s. However, Abkhazia has been more or less independent since over 1,000 years ago. It was
a sovereign kingdom from the ninth century to 1008 A.D., before becoming part of Georgia and Russia.
Following the collapse of the USSR, the citizens of Abkhazia declared their return
to their medieval borders, which sparked a war with Georgia that resulted in large-scale
ethnic cleansing on both sides. As a result, the Georgians have effectively abandoned Abkhazia,
while the Abkhazians have abandoned Georgia. Since 1999, Abkhazia has claimed to be an
independent state. During research for this video, I came across articles that said it wasn’t safe
to travel to Abkhazia? The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory that reads:
“Do Not Travel to" Russian troops and border guards occupy both South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
The precise locations of administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify. Entering the
occupied territories will likely result in your arrest, imprisonment, and/or a fine.
Violent attacks and criminal incidents occur in the region. Landmines pose a danger to travelers
near the boundary lines of both territories. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens traveling in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as U.S. government employees
are restricted from traveling there.” #3: Tokelau
Tokelau is technically a New Zealand territory without self-government,
but in 2007, the territory's residents took part in a U.N. sponsored referendum on self-determinism
that focused on independence. Only 16 votes separated the province from New Zealand.
Tokelau, meaning "north wind," is a Polynesian island chain with the smallest economy globally,
making them almost entirely dependent on subsidies from New Zealand. However, villages may still
enact local laws, and New Zealand law only applies where it has been explicitly extended.
Fortunately, serious crimes are rare in Tokelau, which is very good considering there
are no prisons there. Minor offenders usually are just given a fine and made to work.
#4: The Federated States of Micronesia The Federated States of Micronesia comprises
hundreds of islands spread out over almost 500,000 square miles (1,295,000 km²) in the Pacific Ocean.
With only around 100,000 people residing on its four major islands of Yap, Chuuk,
Pohnpei, and Kosrae (and another 500,000 people throughout the other hundreds of smaller islands),
this is definitely one country you didn't even know existed.
#5: Tuvalu Tuvalu is an island nation spread
across the South Pacific with over 100 islands. Funafuti is the only island with an airport.
Passengers take passenger ferries to the outlying communities. In contrast to popular
destinations such as Fiji, these islands are uninhabited havens perfect for snorkeling,
observing flying fish, and relaxing on a hammock. Plan your trip to Tuvalu now: the waves that lap
its stilt houses have long been considered a threat here, as rising seas could swamp the
low-lying nation. #6: Kiribati
In the central Pacific Ocean, Kiribati (pronounced Kiri-bahss) is made up of 33 tiny islands.
While their combined area is roughly the size of New York City, the islands are so far apart that
flying from one to the next takes six hours. In addition, the country is the only one to have
land on all four hemispheres (North, South, East, and West), and many of its islands are just inches
above sea level. As a result, many of Kiribati's homes are constructed on stilts in shallow reefs.
Yet, like Tuvalu, some of the country's islands are shrinking. This has led some citizens to seek
asylum in New Zealand. #7: Comoros
Comoros are small islands in the Indian Ocean located between Madagascar and Mozambique.
Their clear waters and pale beaches are similar to those of Seychelles, but they
are less developed and have fewer tourists. Comoros, also known as the "Perfume Islands,"
have grown aromatic plants to make fragrances since the time of the French colonial rule.
Currently, ylang-ylang blossoms scent the air with an intoxicating aroma that mixes with cloves,
bergamot, jasmine, vanilla, and lemongrass for an intoxicating effect.
#8: Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Nagorno-Karabakh is officially
a part of Azerbaijan, but it is in actuality an independent state with its own government,
constitution, and military. Part of the reason the country is still not recognized by the rest
of the world might have to do with its geography. Located entirely within Azerbaijan's borders,
it is a small land-locked region. It shares its border only with Armenia through a small strip
of occupied Azerbaijani territory. It is unlikely that Armenia and Azerbaijan will be able to reach
an agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh's status. A large amount of violence and ethnic cleansing on
both sides characterized the post-Soviet era, and fighting still takes place there every year.
#9: Niue Polynesian islands aren't all
gentle waves and soft sand: the coast of Niue is dotted with steep caves and coral reefs.
Niue serves as a warm-water nursery for humpback whales from July through October, with the animals
lounging close enough to shore that they can be seen. In those months, whales' songs and
slapping tails can be heard above the sea breeze. A visitor can even join a trained guide to swim
with humpback whales here, one of the rare places on earth where this is possible.
#10: Nauru Located in the South Pacific, Nauru
is a small potato-shaped island, a former colony of the German Empire. The island has just over
10,000 inhabitants. Next to Monaco and Vatican City, it is the third-smallest state by area.
Though it was once called Pleasant Island, its current state does not do the name justice. As a
result of its phosphate mining industry, it had the highest per-capita income of any sovereign
state in the early 1970s. However, after the phosphate reserves were exhausted, the money dried
up, and the environment was almost completely ruined. As a result, the country is now a shadow
of its former self and has become a known center for tax evasion and illegal money laundering.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations specialized agency, is the
leading international organization with a decisive and central role in promoting the development of
responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum
for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes
158 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers, and over 500 Affiliate Members.
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