7 Obscure Countries with Funny Names and Their Capitals

If you’re a travel or geography buff, you’ll definitely enjoy 7 obscure countries with funny names and their capitals.

The world is a big place, but it’s full of many tiny and obscure locations, too. It contains all kinds of cultures and lifestyles most people have no clue about. You know what else it contains that most people have no clue about? These countries.

But with so many countries taking over other countries, and with new countries frequently gaining independence, who can keep track? It’s hard enough to pronounce these country’s names, let alone remember them.

That’s why, in our list of 7 obscure countries, we also listed the pronunciation of each country along with its name. By telling others that you not only know these countries exist, but how to pronounce them, they’ll automatically consider you a genius. (For even more intelligence-boosting reading material, see also: 10 Smallest States in the US by Population.)

There are 196 countries in all including countries like Taiwan which some don’t consider an actual country. (Though Taiwan does act as one.) We all know the main ones that take up whole continents. And most people are also aware that Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Iraq exist. You may be vaguely aware that there are a few middle eastern countries with the suffix “-stan.” And the only island countries are Hawaii and the Bahamas, right? Throw a few others in (especially those that have been recently named in the news), and you’ve got about half of the 196.

Meanwhile, poor Moldova has been sadly forgotten by most of the world, along with probably a hundred others. Just think, if you lived in Botswana, you’d feel awful about that.

Just like the kids who have to suffer because of the off-the-wall names their parents gave them. Whenever people ask them their name, it’s a constant hardship. But when people ask natives from obscure countries where they’re from, just think of the anxiety.

Let’s help that by giving a shoutout to seven of these poor neglected countries. We’ll tell you their capitals too, along with a brief bit of information about them.

You’re sure to be well informed after reading our list of 7 obscure countries with funny names and their capitals. Have fun!

7. Burkina Faso, West Africa

Pronunciation: ber-kee-nae fae-soh

Capital: Ouagadougou

A burkini is the Islamic version of a bikini, right? True, but Burkina Faso is a country located in Western Africa. And if you think that name is funny, just take a look at the name of its capital. They speak French and the population is almost 17 million.

6. Cote d’lvoire, West Africa

Pronunciation: kOHt-dee-vw-AHr

Capital: Yamoussoukro

It turns out West Africa is the place for obscure countries we’ve never heard of, because that’s where this one is located too. However, this one’s along the Atlantic coast and is the home of many beach resorts and exotic rainforests.

5. Azerbaijan, Middle East

Pronunciation: Uh-zuh-bay-sz-ahn

Capital: Baku

This middle-eastern country is located along the Caspian Sea. The capital is a medieval walled inner city containing the Palace of the Shirvanshahs which dates back to the fifteenth century. But any country containing both a “z” and a “j” in its name has to be pretty cool.

4. Bahrain, Middle East

Pronunciation: bahr-AI-n

Capital: Manama

The fourth on our list o f7 obscure countries with funny names and their capitals is simply made up of many islands coupling the Persian Gulf, and it’s been a major trade hub for centuries. Its capital is also ruled primarily by males. Kidding. Although with the middle east’s reputation for downplaying women, you never know.

3. Kiribati, Oceania

Pronunciation: kIH-rih-bAH-tee

Capital: South Tarawa

Island country just northeast of Australia. Nearly spans the width of the United States. Lagoons, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Enough said.

2. Guyana, South America

Pronunciation: gAY-AE-nuh

Capital: Georgetown

With the population of nearly 800,000, this English speaking country lies in the northeastern realm of South America and borders the Caribbean. It contains densely populated rainforests, calypso music, and tall British architecture. A combination as obscure as its name.

1. Vanuatu, Oceania

Pronunciation: VAH-noo-AH-too

Capital: Port Vila

The last on our list of 7 obscure countries with funny names and their capitals is also another tropical island paradise just west of Fiji. It’s ridiculously small with a population of approximately 250,000. Picture volcanoes, waterfalls, ancient culture and deserted beaches. Yes, please.