10 Countries You Probably Didn’t Know Existed (But Absolutely Should!)

We all dream about visiting iconic destinations like France, Italy, or tropical paradises like Hawaii and Bali. But what if I told you there are countries and territories most people have never even heard of?

Some are tiny island nations barely above sea level. Others are regions fighting for international recognition. A few operate like full countries but aren’t widely acknowledged as such.

So grab your passport. Let’s explore 10 countries you may not know existed.

10. Kiribati - The First Place to See the Sunrise

Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Kiribati is made up of 33 coral atolls and reef islands, plus one raised coral island.

Here’s what makes it fascinating:

• One of the lowest-lying countries on Earth
• Among the first places to welcome the sunrise
• Surrounded by stunning coral reefs and rich marine life

But there’s a heartbreaking reality. Because of rising sea levels and climate change, Kiribati faces the very real threat of disappearing beneath the ocean in the coming decades.

It’s paradise on the brink.

9. Nauru - From “Pleasant Island” to Forgotten Gem

Right near Kiribati lies Nauru, once known as Pleasant Island due to its wealth from phosphate mining.

Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Nauru has:

• Beautiful, uncrowded beaches
• Historic World War II sites like Command Ridge
• A fascinating economic rise-and-fall story

The best time to visit? After February and before November to avoid heavy rainfall.

It’s tiny. It’s remote. And it’s surprisingly intriguing.

8. Tuvalu - A Nation Barely Above Water

Halfway between Australia and Hawaii sits Tuvalu, once known as the Ellice Islands under British rule.

The highest point in Tuvalu?

Just 16 feet above sea level.

Like Kiribati, Tuvalu is extremely vulnerable to global warming. If sea levels continue rising, this beautiful Polynesian country could be among the first casualties of climate change.

7. The Isle of Man - Not Quite the UK, Not Quite Independent

Nestled in the Irish Sea between England and Northern Ireland lies the fascinating Isle of Man.

Technically, it’s a British Crown Dependency, not part of the UK, but it governs itself internally.

With a population of just over 80,000 and 9,000 years of history, it’s famous for:

• Dramatic coastal landscapes
• Celtic and Viking heritage
• The legendary Isle of Man TT motorcycle race

It may be small, but it’s packed with personality.

6. Andorra - Europe’s Mountain Playground

Tucked between Spain and France in the Pyrenees Mountains is Andorra.

About the size of Rhode Island, Andorra attracts a staggering 8 million tourists per year thanks to:

• World-class skiing
• Scenic mountain trekking
• Low taxes and duty-free shopping

Europeans know it well, but much of the world forgets it’s even a country.

5. Barotseland - A Nation Seeking Recognition

Barotseland is a region that claims independent nationhood but remains part of Zambia.

Historically independent before 1964, Barotseland argues it was incorporated into Zambia under disputed agreements.

Tensions have simmered for decades, with renewed declarations of independence in recent years.

It’s a powerful example of how history and politics shape national identity.

4. Abkhazia - A Country That Exists… But Doesn’t?

By definition, a country needs borders, a government, a population, and sovereignty. Abkhazia checks all those boxes.

It has:

• A functioning government
• Armed forces
• Its own passport
• A national bank

Yet most of the world considers it part of Georgia.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia declared independence, leading to a conflict that still affects the region today.

Recognition in international politics? It’s complicated.

3. Nagorno-Karabakh - A Landlocked Dispute

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but has functioned as a de facto independent state.

It has its own:

• Constitution
• Government
• Military

However, its landlocked geography and location within Azerbaijan make full recognition highly controversial.

This region has been at the center of ethnic conflict and territorial disputes for decades.

2. Balochistan - A Region of Turmoil

Balochistan comprises nearly 44% of Pakistan’s land area and has a long history of separatist movements.

While it is officially a province of Pakistan, certain groups advocate for independence, citing historical autonomy and political grievances.

The region has experienced unrest for decades, making it one of South Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical areas.

1. The Republic of Lakotah – A Declaration Within the U.S.

The Republic of Lakotah is a proposed independent nation declared in 2007 by activists representing members of the Lakota Sioux.

The claim references the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which recognized Native American territorial rights across parts of:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Nebraska
• Wyoming
• Montana

Although not recognized by the U.S. government, the declaration highlights ongoing discussions about sovereignty and treaty rights.

What This List Really Shows

Some of these places are fully recognized sovereign nations. Others are disputed territories or independence movements. But together, they reveal something powerful:

The idea of a “country” isn’t always simple.

Borders shift. Governments change. Recognition depends on politics as much as geography.

And beyond the headlines, each of these places has:

• Real people
• Real cultures
• Real histories

Final Thoughts: Would You Visit Any of These?

Would you snorkel the reefs of Kiribati? Ski the slopes of Andorra? Or explore the political complexity of Abkhazia?

The world is full of places that don’t make it onto typical travel bucket lists, but maybe they should.

If you discovered a new country today, which one would you choose to explore first?

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Countries you didn’t know existed, Hidden countries of the world, Unrecognized countries, Small island nations, Disputed territories, Microstates in Europe, Pacific island countries, Countries at risk of climate change