Found on isolated tropical islands, hidden in giant mountains, or just surrounded by bigger and more popular neighbors, these countries hardly ever make it to travel brochures and tourists’ bucket lists. Take Lichtenstein for example. Did you know this country exists at all? Maybe not, but we are pretty confident you would be totally stunned by its monumental mountains, ancient castles, and clean environment. There are many more countries like this. From Brunei and Sierra Leone to Moldova and Burkina Faso, check out these 5 Unique Countries To Visit That You Didn’t Know Existed.
* Cape Verde Located 570 km (350 mi) off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is an island country spanning an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean. A former colony of Portugal, Cape Verde ranks among the most developed and wealthiest African countries. It boasts a number of perfect beaches and top-notch seaside resorts.
* Saint Kitts and Nevis Situated in the West Indies in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas, in both area and population. Home to just 55,000 people, the country is largely covered in dense tropical forests that harbor many animal and plant species. There are also many picturesque beaches in this tiny Caribbean country.
* Burkina Faso When it comes to African wildlife and safaris, Burkina Faso is not among the countries that first comes to people’s minds. However, this land-locked West African country has great numbers of large mammals such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, etc. There are four national parks and several reserves in Burkina Faso.
* Bosnia and HerzegovinaLocated in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bosnia and Herzegovina is way less known and touristy than its northern neighbor, Croatia, but it is just as beautiful. The country has a stunning mountainous landscape with perfect conditions for adrenaline-producing outdoor sports such as kayaking, hiking, and climbing.
* Sierra Leone Thanks to the infamous 2014 Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone is not as unknown as it used to be before, but it would be unfair to associate this little West African country with the deadly disease only. Sierra Leone also has a lot of good things to offer, ranging from some of Africa’s finest beaches to great food and friendly locals.