14 Most Interesting Countries in the World
There are many incredibly interesting countries around the globe that have rich histories with fascinating tourist attractions and landmarks. Some people can afford to travel the world and vacation on sandy beaches or backpack through Europe. Other people only go on a few holidays in their entire lifetime to places like Las Vegas, Mexico, and Jamaica. Then there are those who never leave their street.
Whatever category you fit into, there is no debate the world is full of interesting countries that make the perfect vacation destination. Each country has its own unique history, culture, language, and cuisine. Furthermore, each location has endless historical landmarks made by nature and humans. With awesome histories and beautiful sites, these countries should be on the top of every person’s bucket list.
14 Most Interesting Countries in the World
1. Czech Republic
The world’s 8th safest and most peaceful country, the Czech Republic has a deep and complex history. Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic offers free tuition – university education – and universal healthcare. In the late 9th century, Great Moravia founded the Duchy of Bohemia. Later, it joined the Holy Roman Empire in 1002 as an Imperial State.
In the early 1800s, its land joined the Austrian Empire. After World War I, the first Czechoslovak Republic rose when the Austria-Hungary Empire fell. But then Nazi Germany took control of the land in the late 1930s. It went through more upheaval until communist rule ended in 1992. With democracy restored, Czechoslovakia dissolved without incident, becoming the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In the present day, the Czech Republic is one of the most environmentally conscious countries with several protected National Parks. It’s also responsible for some of the world’s most beautiful art. Then there is Prague Castle, which is an architectural marvel and tourist attraction.
2. New Zealand
One of the last land masses to have humans inhabit it, New Zealand is famous for its natural beauty and breathtaking views. From 1280 to 1350, the Polynesians settled on the land, developing the Māori culture. Europeans spotted the land in the 1600s, but it wasn’t until the 1840s that New Zealand became a colony in the British Empire. Both New Zealand’s Māori and early British settlers influenced the country’s culture.
The nation’s official languages are Māori, English, and New Zealand sign language. In addition to New Zealand’s rich history, it has an abundance of biodiversity. It’s famous for its unique wildlife, exotic plants, and the Southern Alps. Located in the country’s capital, Wellington, is the world-famous Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Over in Auckland is the awe-inspiring Skytower. New Zealand is also famous for its bike trail, The Old Ghost Road, and as the filming location for Lord of the Rings.
3. Peru
Dubbed the “Cradle of Civilization,” evidence suggests settlers arrived in Peru in the 10th millennium BCE. Several civilizations flourished in the breathtaking country, such as the Nazca culture, the Empire of Tiwanaku, the Kingdom of Cusco, and the Inca Empire. The Spanish Empire ended the previous rulers when they conquered present-day Peru in the 16th century. After gaining its independence in 1824, Peru has had times of instability and prosperity. In 2023, protests broke out due to politics and Covid-19.
Peru is famous for its biodiversity and abundance of wildlife. It boasts over 21,000 species of plants between the Andes mountain and the Amazon Rainforest. It also has a large array of wildlife with several rare animals, including pumas, spectacled bears, and jaguars. With its rich history, Peru is home to ancient architecture, notably the 15th-century Inca citadel Machu Picchu. The historic location became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
4. Dominican Republic
With nearly perfect weather and sandy beaches, the Dominican Republic is one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Located in the Caribbean, it shares land with the neighboring country of Haiti. Before Europeans arrived, the native Taino people thrived, creating an advanced hunting and farming society. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the Dominican Republic on his famed voyage. It became the first European settlement in the Americas.
The country went through rough times with Spanish rule, warring with Haiti, and fighting American control. It features the Caribbean’s lowest point with Lake Enriquillo and the highest point with the Pico Duarte mountain peak. The Dominican Republic houses the first fortress and castle built in the Americas. The country is also known for its year-round golf courses, Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata, Saona Island, and Colonial Zone.
5. United States of America
With the largest GDP, the United States of America is the arts and entertainment capital of the world. 12,000 years ago, Paleo-Indians from Serbia found their way to North America, making them the first inhabitants. The various cultures flourished for centuries when Europeans first arrived. In the 17th century, it was part of the Thirteen Colonies until rebelling against the British Empire in the American Revolutionary War. America declared its independence in 1776. Later, The American Civil War ended with the Union defeating the Confederacy and abolishing slavery. Other watershed moments include the civil rights movement and the landing on the moon in 1969.
The United States ranks high regarding education, human rights, quality of life, and wealth. At the same time, it lacks universal healthcare, allows capital punishment, and has high levels of incarceration. The country’s historical landmarks and tourist attractions include the Empire State Building, Lincoln Memorial, and the Grand Canyon. It’s also known as the land of opportunity, with immigration as the nation’s foundation.
6. San Marino
The fifth smallest country in the world, the Republic of San Marino is a microstate on the Northern side of the Apennine Mountains. Enclaved by Italy, San Marino’s official language is Italian. The country takes its name from a stonemason, Saint Marinus. After Liburnian pirates destroyed the city walls of Rimini, Saint Marinus left present-day Croatia to help rebuild.
In AD 301, he founded San Marino on Monte Titano after building a church. The microstate’s healthcare system ranks third in the world. With an economy based on tourism, services, finance, and retail, they’re one of the wealthiest countries in the world. However, they rank low on the Human Development Index. In addition to Monte Titano, San Marino is full of extraordinary tourist attractions. You have the church Basilica di San Marino which sits on the remnants of a Roman Church. The fantastic piece of architecture also houses the bones of the founder Saint Marinus.
7. Mexico
Regarded as one of the cradles of civilization, Mexico has a rich history, fascinating cultures, and famous biodiversity. Humans settled on the land centuries ago, roughly 8,000 BC. Several civilizations thrived, such as the Maya, Teotihuacan, and Aztecs. Each society profoundly impacts Mexico’s heritage.
The Spanish Empire arrived in 1521 to conquer the Aztec Empire. They established the area as New Spain and added another layer to Mexico’s history. From that point, the country has had many ups and downs after gaining independence in the 18th century. They fought wars with America and France before the Mexican Revolution. The government still struggles with poverty and violence due to drug trafficking.
Mexico is famous for its biodiversity, with over 26,000 different flora and various rare animals, and is also renowned for its cuisine spread around the globe. Mexico has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America, notably the ancient Mesoamerica city.
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8. South Africa
South Africa has a rich history that goes back roughly 3 million years. Archaeologists uncovered the oldest human fossils in a series of caves dubbed “the Cradle of Humankind.” Archaeologists also discovered the oldest artifacts and art from 75,000 years ago in many of the same caves. In the 5th and 6th centuries CE, the Bantu-speaking people conquered the San, Khoisan, and Khokho tribes. At the same time, the Xhosa people thrived around the same area. It wasn’t until the late 1400s that Europeans arrived in South Africa.
The Portuguese came first, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the late 1880s. South Africa’s culture has several influences resulting in eleven official languages. In 1948, the National Party imposed apartheid. South Africa went through a time of violence, racial segregation, and racial inequality until the law’s repeal in 1994. South Africa is also known for its biodiversity featuring incredible wildlife and plant life. Located in Cape Town is the world-famous tourist attraction Table Mountain in National Park.
9. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Through a series of treaties and unions, The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom once ruled over a majority of the world as the British Empire. It remained a powerful nation into the 21st century as a leader in sports, art, entertainment, and politics. Furthermore, they played a prominent role in several wars, including the 100 Years’ War, World War I, and World War II.
The United Kingdom is influential on an international scale and is one of the highest-ranking countries in terms of education and healthcare. The capital city, London, features some of the most fantastic tourist attractions in the world, including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Other attractions include the British Museum, National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and the Titanic Belfast Museum.
10. South Korea
South Korea can trace its origins to the area’s inhabitants during the Lower Paleolithic era. However, the country’s history begins in 2333 BCE with the rise of the Kingdom of Gojoseon. Various kingdoms ruled over the land until the Korean Kingdom fell to the Empire of Japan in 1910. After the Japanese surrendered in World War II, the Soviet Union occupied the north, with America in the south. When reunification talks failed, South Korea became the Republic of Korea in 1948.
In 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or North Korea, invaded South Korea to kick off the Korean War. While the war was costly, South Korea rebounded and became a regional power in Asia. With an advanced government, the press enjoys the most amount of freedom in Asia. Its most famous tourist attraction is the N Seoul Tower. Perhaps the biggest highlight South Korea boasts is the fastest internet connection speeds in the world. South Korea also introduced K-pop to a wider audience.
11. United Arab Emirates
Located in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has a population of 9.9 million. Known for its dry heat and deserts, the first inhabitants arrived in the area roughly 125,000 years ago. Islam first came to the region around 630 CE and is now the official religion. Arabic is the official language of the country. Both the Portuguese and the British controlled the region for some time. After gaining its independence, the United Arab Emirates eventually began to flourish. With alcohol banned in the country, only hotels offer alcoholic beverages.
For this reason, hotels are often the hot spots for partying. They’re also known for several tourist attractions, such as the world’s biggest mall, The Dubai Mall, and The Dubai Fountain. The country is also famous for its biodiversity featuring the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. While they have invested in education and healthcare, human rights groups criticize the nation for its human rights abuses, including forced disappearances, regime imprisonment, and torture. Also known as the UAE, they suppress freedom of the press, religion, and expression.
12. Hong Kong
Archaeologists believe humans arrived in Hong Kong roughly 39,000 years ago. Hong Kong grew from a farming and fishing village to a densely populated and highly developed city. Civilization flourished when Imperial China took control of the land. It then became a British colony but was briefly occupied by Japan during World War II. The British regained the area, but China took administrative control in 1997.
Hong Kong maintains a separate government but is part of China. Hong Kong is a powerhouse in cinema producing classic movies and iconic stars such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. While Hong Kong is famous for its skyscrapers, it houses several historic temples. Other tourist attractions include the large bronze Big Buddha Statue and the stunning Victoria Peak.
13. Sri Lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has a population of 22 million. With a wide range of cultures and languages, the Sinhalese people make up the majority, while the Tamils played a vital role in the country’s development. Sri Lanka has a rich history with evidence of prehistoric settlers roughly 125,000 years ago.
The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all had control over the country at one point. At the time known as Ceylon, it gained its independence in 1948 before becoming Sri Lanka in 1972. With the various cultures, Sri Lanka celebrates the Hindu new year, Christian Easter, Buddhist new year, and Christmas. In addition to its fascinating history, Sri Lanka has several tourist attractions, notably the Sigiriya rock fortress.
Sri Lanka is also home to the famous Adam’s Peak mountain and the sacred footprint rock formation. In the Buddhist tradition, the footprint belongs to Buddha. However, Hindus believe it belongs to Shiva, while Christian and Muslim traditions speculate it belongs to Adam.
14. Marshall Islands
In the 2nd millennium BC, the first settlers arrived at the future Marshall Islands via canoes using stick charts. Located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the Marshall Islands is part of the larger group of Micronesia islands. Europeans first spotted the land in the 1500s with Spanish and British settlers.
The country’s name comes from British explorer John Marshall who visited in 1788. Later, the Empire of Japan occupied the land during World War I until the U.S. took control in World War II. With full sovereignty, the Marshall Islands are associated with the United States. The country’s wealth comes from fishing, agriculture, the service economy, and support from America.
The Marshall Islands uses the American dollar as its currency and Marshallese and English are the official languages. Built upon submerged ancient volcanoes, the Marshall Islands boasts pristine beaches and incredible views.
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