In today’s article, we will be taking a look at the 20 Most Bizarre Countries In The World.
Unusual Geographic Oddities
Geographic oddities exist worldwide, captivating the imagination with unique features and unconventional characteristics. One such anomaly is found in Baarle-Hertog, Belgium, where a town straddles the border with the Netherlands. Remarkably, some houses and businesses exist in both countries, resulting in peculiar situations, like a restaurant boasting two distinct addresses and adherence to two different tax laws.
With its diverse overseas territories, France stands out for bordering eight countries, including Brazil in South America. New Caledonia, a French colony in the Pacific, attracts visitors with its vibrant underwater world. In addition to these geographical curiosities, France holds the world’s most significant wine industry title, producing a staggering 45.6 million hectoliters in 2022.
Alaska, USA, presents another geographical oddity as the only state spanning the country’s westernmost and easternmost points, thanks to its position across the International Date Line. The Alaskan economy heavily relies on the oil and gas industry, contributing 85% of its revenue in 2019.
Lesotho, a small landlocked country surrounded by South Africa, stands as one of only three nations globally with such a geographic distinction. Despite its unique position, Lesotho grapples with an economy predominantly dependent on agriculture, engaging over 80% of its population in subsistence farming.
Vatican City, the world’s smallest country in area and population, nestled within Italy, thrives on tourism, attracting approximately 5 million visitors annually. Moving to Canada, the Spotted Lake in British Columbia captures attention with its unique mineral precipitation, while the nation’s economy hinges significantly on natural resources, particularly mining and the oil and gas industries.
Socotra, an island off Yemen’s coast, hosts a distinctive ecosystem with over 700 species exclusive to the region. Despite the ecological wonders of Socotra, Yemen, largely dependent on oil exports, faces economic challenges. In the USA, Oregon’s Thor’s Well, a natural wonder resembling a giant draining hole in the ocean floor, adds to the country’s diverse geography. The United States, boasting the world’s largest economy with a GDP exceeding $21.4 trillion in 2020, plays a pivotal role on the global economic stage.
These geographic oddities offer both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Whether tourism in Vatican City, resource extraction in Canada, or navigating intricate tax laws in Baarle-Hertog, each location presents a unique landscape for economic activities. However, the distinctiveness of these regions, such as Lesotho’s isolation or Socotra’s ecological treasures, also poses challenges that businesses must navigate strategically.
Offbeat Tourist Attractions
The world is teeming with offbeat tourist attractions that promise to be captivating conversation starters at any gathering. These peculiar destinations cater to travelers seeking a break from the conventional, offering an unconventional and memorable experience.
One such bizarre locale is Spotted Lake in Canada, revered by the indigenous Okanagan Nation for its healing properties. As water evaporates, the lake unveils colorful mineral deposits during the summer, creating intriguing circles on the lake bed.
In France, beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies The Catacombs—a network of old quarry tunnels serving as the final resting place for approximately six million Parisians. The macabre displays of arranged bones have transformed this subterranean realm into a popular tourist attraction.
Mexico boasts the Island of the Dolls, where hundreds of dolls dangle from trees and buildings. The island’s former owner, tormented by the spirit of a drowned young girl, placed the dolls, creating an eerie and unconventional sight. Heading to the USA, The Clown Gallery and Museum is a testament to the fascination with everything clown-related. Housing a collection of clown dolls, paintings, and memorabilia, this museum attracts those intrigued by the whimsical and often unsettling world of clowns.
While these destinations might appear strange, they draw visitors seeking unique and unusual experiences. Some places have gained popularity as tourist attractions, presenting a business opportunity for entrepreneurs capitalizing on the growing trend of offbeat tourism. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global adventure tourism market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2032, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% from 2023 to 2032. This surge is fueled by an increasing number of travelers actively seeking authentic and distinctive adventures, reinforcing the viability of offbeat attractions in the tourism industry.
Our Methodology
Our methodology for identifying the most bizarre countries in the world involved conducting thorough research using sources like Rough Guides, Travel Triangle, World Population Review, Time Out and The Secret Traveler. We selected the most bizarre countries in the world based on a structured scoring system. Each country received points based on the number of times it appeared in the research sources. By employing this approach, we created a definitive compilation of the top bizarre countries in the world and ranked them in ascending order of high score.
Here is our list for the 20 most bizarre countries in the world.
20. Bolivia
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Bolivia, on of the top bizarre countries in the world is renowned for its diverse cultural and geographic allure and hosted 180,000 tourists in 2021, securing the 139th global rank. With a significant economic impact, tourism contributed $270 million, representing 0.63% of Bolivia’s GDP and 3% of South America’s international tourism receipts. Notably, the sector’s robust performance contributed $1.43 billion to Bolivia’s economy in 2021, marking a substantial 17.2% increase. The country proudly showcases six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, featuring treasures like the ruins of Tiwanaku and the pristine Noel Kempff Mercado National Park.
19. Vatican City
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Vatican City, a unique and religiously significant country, relies heavily on tourism as a principal source of revenue. The Vatican Museums, housing renowned art like the Sistine Chapel, draw 6.88 million visitors annually. Despite the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Vatican’s tourism is recovering, with a notable 215 percent increase in Museum attendance in 2022. Notably, Vatican City’s economy, distinct in its tax-exempt status, operates independently of its banking system.
18. The United Kingdom
Insider Monkey Score: 1
The United Kingdom, boasting rich history, culture, and natural beauty, is a major global tourist destination but also stands among the most bizarre countries. In 2021, travel and tourism contributed £131.5 billion to the UK economy. Overseas visits in June 2022 reached 3.0 million, with spending totaling £2.7 billion. The tourism industry, set to rebound by 2024-2025, generates £155.4 billion ($189.588 billion USD) annually and is a lucrative sector, with a projected valuation of £257 billion ( $316.21 billion USD) by 2025. Government initiatives, including the Tourism Recovery Plan, aim to support businesses recovering from the pandemic impact.
17. Romania
Insider Monkey Score: 1
With its rich history and natural beauty, Romania is a tourist haven. The Danube Delta, a UNESCO-recognized area, contributes to Romania’s diverse attractions. In 2023, tourism accounted for 4.19% of GDP, with direct contributions of RON 31.6 billion in 2019. Fundamental interests include Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and World Heritage Sites. The Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism oversees tourism strategies and promotion. In 2020, a cultural-touristic route program was initiated.
16. Madagascar
Insider Monkey Score: 1
With a diverse geography and unique charm, Madagascar is an emerging tourist destination and stands sixteenth among the most bizarre countries in the world due to its unique biodiversity and unusual history. In 2019, it welcomed 486,000 tourists, making tourism the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner. Despite underdevelopment, the government sees tourism as a key economic strategy for future growth, targeting 500,000 annual foreign tourists.
Attractions include beaches, biodiversity, wildlife, and adventurous activities like hiking and trekking. The rich cultural heritage offers traditional markets, rock art, and historical sites, driving the country’s untapped tourism potential. Madagascar envisions tourism as a catalyst for employment, private sector growth, and increased foreign exchange earnings.
15. Kiribati
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Kiribati, a Pacific destination with natural beauty, faced tourism challenges, hosting 1,400 tourists in 2020. Tourism contributed $10,000 in 2021, constituting 0.0045% of its GDP, impacted by pandemic-induced volatility. Kiribati’s GDP is $0.2 billion, with a 1.1% 5-year compound annual growth rate and $2,035 per capita GDP. Economic freedom scores low at 58.8, highlighting public sector dominance, while regulatory efficiency has room for improvement at 61.2.
14. Denmark
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Denmark hosted eight million tourists in 2021, contributing $4.51 billion to tourism (1.1% of GDP). In 2019, tourism directly impacted 2.5% of GVA and 4.1% of employment, with DKK 139.2 billion spent by tourists. The 2022 National Strategy for Sustainable Growth guides Denmark’s tourism development until 2030.
13. Brazil
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Brazil, one of the top bizarre countries and a significant tourist destination, ranked second in international arrivals with 6.589 million visitors in 2018. Tourism contributes 2.6% to Brazil’s employment, providing 2.2 million direct jobs in 2019. Despite COVID-19 challenges, the government initiated recovery measures.
12. Japan
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Japan, a captivating destination, witnessed around 2,156,900 international travelers in August 2023, showcasing a significant increase. Financially, spending by foreign visitors in categories like accommodation, transport, cuisine, and leisure significantly impacts Japan’s economy. Tokyo alone recorded about 542.67 million domestic tourist visits, emphasizing robust domestic tourism. In terms of business, approximately 0.42 million international visitors arrived for business purposes in 2022.
11. Yemen
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Yemen, historically and culturally rich, faces tourism challenges due to armed conflict. Despite security concerns, some adventure travelers visit for its unique offerings. The country, a historical trade hub, boasts UNESCO-listed sites like the Old City in Sana’a, prompting efforts to rebuild tourism with a focus on sustainability.
10. Northern Ireland
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Managed by Tourism NI, Northern Ireland, a bizarre country, strategically promotes itself as a tourist destination. Offering a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage, key attractions include Belfast City, Giant’s Causeway, and Titanic Belfast. Significant events, like The Open in 2019, contributed to the tourism industry’s growth. In arts, culture, and heritage-led tourism, businesses receive support for developing authentic, socially sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly experiences. Tourism NI aims to make these experiences accessible and available for booking throughout the year.
9. Russia
Insider Monkey Score: 2
In 2022, Russia attracted 8.2 million foreign visitors, generating $6.31 billion (0.28% of GDP) in the tourism sector. However, tourism sharply declined in 2022, with only 200,100 foreigners visiting. In 2020, tourism spending reached $4.96 billion (1.30% of exports). The fluctuations emphasize the need for Russia to diversify its tourism sector and adapt to global changes.
8. North Korea
Insider Monkey Score: 2
North Korea is the one of the most bizarre countries and its’ tourism grew, earning $30.6-43.6 million in 2014 from 100,000 primarily Chinese tourists. The goal was to attract 2 million visitors annually by 2020, developing attractions like the Masikryong ski resort. However, tourism remains restrictive, with guided travel requirements.
7. New Zealand
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Rebounding from COVID-19 impacts, New Zealand launched a campaign targeting the U.S. and key markets. Tourism contributes 5.5% to GDP, showing a 10.3% increase in food and accommodation. Pre-pandemic, international tourism was the largest source of foreign exchange. Financially, the revived tourism sector is expected to boost Q4 GDP. Inflation prompts tourists to spend more, nearing a three-decade high.
6. Indonesia
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Indonesia, renowned for its diverse beauty, faced significant impacts on tourism due to COVID-19. In 2021, domestic trips increased by 15%, accounting for 84% of tourism expenditure in 2019. International arrivals declined from 16.1 million in 2019 to 1.6 million in 2021. The country anticipates global recovery by 2024, with domestic tourists driving the sector’s resurgence. Financially, tourism contributed 5.0% to GDP in 2019, dropping to 2.2% in 2020. Indonesia recorded an IDR 208 trillion (13.37 billion USD) loss in international tourism expenditure in 2020.
5. Turkey
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Turkey, one of the most bizarre countries in the world is renowned for its rich history and landscapes, experienced a tourism boom, with a 71.1% increase in arrivals in 2022. Despite travel advisories, the country recorded $46.3 billion in tourism revenue, just below the 2019 peak. The Sustainable Tourism Program underscores Turkey’s commitment to responsible travel. Financially, the current account deficit contracted by almost 90% in August 2023, driven by tourism growth. However, the trade deficit expanded to over $109 billion in 2022 due to the Ukraine war.
4. Canada
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Canada’s tourism sector is thriving, with Q2 2023 spending at $21.2 billion, driven by domestic ($15.8 billion) and international visitors ($5.4 billion). Despite COVID-19 challenges, 2022 saw a 45.1% spending increase, primarily in air transport. Tourism GDP grew by 2.1% in Q4 2022, with a 1.17% market growth forecast from 2023 to 2027, reaching US$16.76 billion.