The country is located on 15,000 islands. The least visited countries in the world. List of island nations by area

When it comes to travel, the most popular countries like France, England, Italy or Greece are the first to come to mind. However, unfortunately, few are familiar with the history and culture of less recognizable countries. Below is a ranking of the most unpopular destinations in tourism.

Tuvalu (1000 tourists)

Surprisingly, the South Pacific paradise of Tuvalu, which is located in Polynesia, is absolutely unpopular with tourists. Turquoise waters with perfect beaches and pristine shores are amazing.

IN state has a very low crime rate and there are no permanent armed forces, which is why the country's budget does not provide for the cost of maintaining the army.

Kiribati (5000 tourists per year)

The state of Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean. It is isolated from the outside world: from almost all modes of transport and communications.

Sao Tome and Principe (8000)

If you are in the mood for a calm and measured vacation, a trip to one of the smallest countries in Africa, Sao Tome and Principe, will be a great solution. Tourists can see whales and dolphins with their own eyes, as well as explore the underwater world with scuba gear.

Comoros (15000)

The islands in the Indian Ocean are located near Madagascar and are the perfect place to relax from the problems and bustle. Tourists can visit the places where lemurs live, explore the rich underwater world, and also admire the volcanic landscapes.

Sierra Leone (24000)

The state is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and borders on Liberia. The Ebola outbreak contributed greatly to the decline in tourists in 2015. Fortunately, after two years, tourists are gradually starting to return to the country. This is due to the fact that WHO declared the end of the epidemic.

Timor-Leste (60000)

Holidays on the island of Timor-Leste are perfect for tourists who want to retire. Locals organize excursions to the jungle, and in the eastern part of the island you can explore the village markets in the mountains. However, one should be careful, because the high level of crime is the main problem of the state.

Liechtenstein (61000)

The sixth largest country in the world is also one of the least visited. The state borders on Austria in the east and Switzerland in the west. , moreover, it is considered the only country in the world that is located entirely in the Alps.

Island states are those countries that do not have land borders - their territories border only on water bodies. There are quite a few such countries in the world, however, they differ significantly. There are also peninsular countries - of those that are on the peninsulas. There are countries that are rightfully considered mainland, but their capitals are located on an island or islands - for example, Equatorial Guinea and Denmark. There are island states in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Great Britain on the world map

island mentality

The fundamentally different positions of island countries and continental countries are felt in everything from everyday life to political worldviews. If we evaluate the practical way of life, then the difference is obvious. The inhabitants of the continent are accustomed to the fact that when there is a shortage of any resources - gold, oil, gas, timber, human resources - they can always be borrowed from neighbors (both with their consent and without it). The islanders think differently. All they have is an island. The smaller it is, the stronger the difference in mentalities is felt. Their world is more fragile, and at the same time more connected, related.

They say that every inhabitant of the islands carries the island with him - in his soul and in his thoughts. Partly it is. Limited territories meant that there were practically no ubiquitous large dynasties on the islands that would rule and own the lands from generation to generation. The island has adopted a more communal way of life, very much dependent on the collective subconscious.

Island small countries in the Caribbean

Many island countries are located in the Caribbean, among them well-known countries and Cuba. Very interesting from the point of view of tourism, and practically unclaimed for a wide flow of migrants.

Cuba remains one of several socialist states. Once this country was called the Island of Freedom, but today few people like the version of freedom that is adopted in Cuba. Here, the quality of education is frankly low, but the best medicine, as the Cubans say. Thanks to its territorial proximity, Cuba constantly sends its own doctors to third world countries.

Most of the local population works for the good of the state, officials earn about 20 dollars a month, and milk is given to children for free. At the same time, it is a closed country with an area of ​​just over 100,000 km2. with its own way of life, which is difficult to understand for a European or a Russian.

Among the island nations, New Zealand stands apart. Today it is called one of the most promising countries - it is attractive in terms of living standards, social development and economic conditions. Incomes among the population are slightly lower than in Australia, Sweden and Canada, but New Zealand has the best environment. Remoteness from Europe and the continent played a role in the development of society and way of life - everything here is not the same as in Europe. The ecological situation is more than favorable - it is not for nothing that New Zealand is called the greenest state in the world.

The Philippines stands out very strongly among the island states. There is practically no direct air communication with this state, and a rare tourist traveled to those parts. Too many prejudices - bad beaches, long flights, lack of exotics. The latter is the most surprising.

In fact, historically, instead of preserving its own history and culture, the Philippines absorbed the traditions brought by strangers, and as a result, a symbiosis of several European countries turned out. Of course, the jungle and palm trees create a feeling of a resort area, but there is no internal, genuine exotic.

Davao is a city in the Philippines

Unique ceremonies and rituals have replaced the traditional services of Catholics, there are no national clothes here and are unlikely to appear, the entire population wears T-shirts and Bermudas. Even in culinary preferences, the Filipinos differed from other islanders - they mainly eat meat here. It will not be easy for raw foodists and vegans here - almost all local vegetables and fruits are brought from other countries, they are expensive and do not have bright tastes. And the local cuisine is based on meat eaters.

Papua New Guinea is one of the most exotic islands

There are island countries in Oceania - the independent state of Papua New Guinea. Its coast is washed by four seas, and there is a land border only with Indonesia.

Unlike many island countries, Papua New Guinea carefully preserves its traditions - even those that seem very, very strange to people from the mainland. For example, for many decades the ritual of burial of the dead by smoking has been preserved, after which the mummy is hung in a cage on a rock - according to local traditions, all the dead become guardians of villages and tribes.

Indonesia

Indonesia occupies about 2,000,000 km2 - among the island countries, it is the largest. This country is popular among both tourists and travelers who like to spend the winter in warmer climes. Two oceans meet here and exotic landscapes are everywhere, the local population sacredly keeps their own ancient traditions.

Bali island in Indonesia

On the other hand, Indonesia is located on many islands - they are exotic, distant from each other and for the most part untouched by man. Stunning landscapes and impassable thickets, ancient civilizations. Indonesia, like other archipelagos, has its own charm - for example, there are more than 15,000 islands, large and small, of which about a thousand are permanently inhabited. Most of the territory is mountain ranges.

Tourists travel to Indonesia in order to plunge into the atmosphere of Asia, to study its being and features, and also to fully enjoy Asian exoticism - extraordinary fauna and flora, stunning landscapes and original culture.

Madagascar is considered to be another large island country. More than twenty different nationalities live here, the ancient cult of ancestors is in the course, there are many protected areas and excellent tourist infrastructure, which never ceases to delight travelers.

small island states

There are a large number of island states that are practically unknown to the general public. This list includes states such as:
Antigua and Barbuda - a place with fabulous nature, practically untouched by civilization, belongs to the archipelago of the Antilles (small).

• Aruba is a small Caribbean island dotted with sandy beaches and clear waters.
• The Bahamas, which attract lovers of underwater sports and fishing from all over the world.
• Barbados with its finest coral sand and stunning beaches.
• Bahrain is one of the most developed and progressive countries in the Gulf.
• Muslim Brunei, where the great Sultan lives.
• Vanuatu, which is called the land of happiness.
• Dominica and the Dominican Republic - tourists usually confuse them, and this is no wonder - similar names, and a similar form of device.

Island countries in Europe

Green hilly Ireland, which for many centuries was famous for its natural resources. Plains strewn with clover, gloomy rocks and the ocean, which in these parts is very gentle. Ireland is part of the UK, as are England, Scotland and Wales.

Iceland, which is sometimes called the state of volcanoes, sheep and oceans. A small state, the population of which does not exceed the population of a provincial Russian city. Iceland is famous for its magical, amazing landscapes - and it's not just their unconditional beauty. Rivers and lakes, volcanoes and geysers, green hills and friendly people - that's all that catches your eye at first glance.

Despite all the originality, Iceland is one of the most modern countries in terms of energy development. There are no thermal stations here, and almost every river is equipped with its own hydroelectric power station.

beautiful scenery of Iceland

Cozy Cyprus, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea and has become a favorite place of life for wealthy Europeans, people come here to spend their old age with taste, enjoy the sea and excellent cuisine.

The island of Malta will surprise guests with the lack of fresh water on the island - almost all the water needed to sustain people's lives is obtained with the help of distillers.

Another interesting state in Europe is the Faroe Islands. The harsh northern nature and the most beautiful mountain landscapes will not leave indifferent any of the travelers who have been there.

Faroe islands

Here I will try to analyze all the island states of the tropical and equatorial climate through the eyes not of a tourist, but of a potential Robinson, but I will not choose any specific ones. I will not list such island countries as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, o. Taiwan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the countries of the Caribbean, as well as states consisting of one inhabited island - because of my skepticism about the Robinsonade on them. Why is it important to know the form of government in the state? Because some island states are overseas territories of other large countries such as Great Britain, France, New Zealand, USA, India. It follows that control in such countries is much more serious than in independent island states.

Vanuatu

83 islands (mostly volcanic). Parliamentary republic. Languages: Bislama, English, French. The population is 215 thousand people. For Russian citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Standard rules for entry. The import of seeds, plants, fish, seafood, meat and dairy products (including frozen and canned) requires permission from the Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture. The climate is tropical, close to equatorial. The amount of precipitation is from 2000 to 5000 mm per year, depending on the locality. High humidity: from 70% in the dry season to 100% in the rainy season. Soils are favorable for planting, a variety of vegetation. A flight from Moscow to Port Vila costs about 38,000 rubles. Absence of large mammals. The presence of malaria.

The hut of one of the tribes of New Guinea at an altitude of about 50 m.

Papua New Guinea

Consists of numerous islands, many of which are uninhabited. A constitutional monarchy. Local languages ​​and English. The population is 6 million people. Russian citizens need a visa. The climate is tropical and humid. The area is covered. The presence of malaria and other diseases. presence of large mammals.

Solomon islands

Island state. Consists of 992 volcanic (mostly) islands. A constitutional monarchy. English language. Located in a seismically dangerous region where earthquakes often occur. The population is 478 thousand people. A visa is required to enter. The climate is tropical and humid. The soil is favorable for vegetation.

Monoriki Island, where the movie Cast Away was filmed

Fiji

Consists of 332 islands of volcanic and coral origin. Republic. Languages ​​English and local. The population is 849 thousand people. For Russian citizens visa-free entry for up to 4 months. The importation of vegetables, seeds, meat and dairy products requires special permission from the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests. The climate is tropical. The amount of precipitation is from 2000 to 5000 mm. On many islands, the soil is favorable for planting. Transit routes to other countries of Oceania pass through Fiji. The most visited island country of all. Flights from Moscow to Nadi (Fiji) usually pass through Hong Kong or Seoul, a ticket costs about 32,000 rubles.

flint

Kiribati

Consists of 33 atolls, 20 of which are uninhabited. Presidential republic. Language English, Kiribati. The population is 98 thousand people. Russian citizens need a visa to enter. The climate is equatorial, oceanic. The hottest months are September-November, the coldest months are January-March. The amount of precipitation varies from 800 to 4000 mm. The soil is not favorable for planting. Vegetation is sparse. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 57,000 rubles.

Classic atoll landscape

Marshall Islands

Consists of 29 atolls and 5 islands. Republic. Marshal and English languages. The population is 56 thousand people. Russian citizens need a visa. The climate is predominantly tropical, arid in the north and equatorial in the south. The amount of precipitation is from 300 to 4300 mm. The soil is not suitable for agriculture.

Famous islets in Palau

Consists of 328 islands (mostly small coral). Presidential republic. Language English, Palua. The population is 20 thousand people. For Russian citizens, a visa is issued upon arrival (stamped in the passport) for a period of 30 days. Importation of seeds, plants, meat and dairy products requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture of Palau. The climate is tropical, the rainy season is from May to November. The flight will cost about 30,000 rubles.

Northern Mariana Islands

Consist of 14 volcanic islands. They are a US territory. Languages ​​English and local. The population is 86 thousand people. Russian citizens need a US visa. The climate is tropical, trade wind-monsoon type. Dry season from December to June, rainy season from July to October. There are typhoons from August to November. The soil is suitable for agriculture.

Pohnpei Island

Federated States of Micronesia

Consists of 607 small islands and atolls, of which 65 are inhabited. Republic, free association with the United States. English language. The population is 107 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation visa-free entry for up to 30 days. The climate is equatorial. Precipitation falls from 2250 mm to 3000-6000 mm. The typhoon season is from August to December. The soil is suitable for agriculture, but not everywhere.

Cook Islands

Consists of 15 islands and atolls, 3 of which are uninhabited. A constitutional monarchy. Free association with New Zealand. Local languages ​​and English. The population is 19 thousand people. For Russian citizens visa-free entry for up to 31 days. The climate on the islands is tropical maritime with a pronounced rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The average annual rainfall is about 2000 mm. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 40,000 rubles.

savaii

Samoa

Consists of several islands. Parliamentary republic. Samoan and English languages. The population is 188 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation visa-free entry up to 60 days. The climate is humid and tropical. The amount of precipitation on the plains is from 2000 mm and in the mountains up to 7000 mm per year. Relative humidity is 80%. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 45,000 rubles.

Extinct volcano Khao, view from the island of Tofua

Tonga

Consists of 172 islands and atolls. A constitutional monarchy. Languages ​​Tongan, English. The population is 120 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa is issued upon arrival (stamped) for up to 31 days. The climate is tropical. The amount of precipitation is about 2500 mm. Soils on many islands are suitable for agriculture. The flight costs about 42,000 rubles.

Tuvalu

Consists of 5 atolls and 4 islands. Monarchy. Tuvaluan languages, English. The population is 12 thousand people. For citizens of the Russian Federation, a visa is issued upon arrival for 1 month. The climate is tropical. The amount of precipitation is about 3000 mm per year. The wet season is from November to April, the dry season is from May to October. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 44,000 rubles.

Bora Bora island

French polynesia

Consists of a large number of islands and atolls. Overseas Society of France. French language. The population is 287 thousand people. Russian citizens need a French visa to enter. The climate is tropical. A flight from Moscow will cost about 50,000 rubles.

Philippines

Large island nation. Consists of 7100 islands. Unitary presidential constitutional republic. Pilipino languages, English. The population is 101 million people. For citizens of Russia visa-free entry for a period of 21 days. The climate is tropical, monsoonal. Typhoons often hit the northern regions of the country, tsunamis are possible. The amount of precipitation per year varies from 1000 to 4000 mm. The soil is suitable for agriculture. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 16,000 rubles.