10 Off-The-Beaten-Path Countries That Will Amaze You

OT Staff

Tuvalu

This group of Polynesian islands in the Pacific Ocean is one of the smallest and most remote nations in the world. The country relies heavily on imports and fishing for food due to a lack of topsoil. The women of Tuvalu use cowrie and other shells in traditional handicrafts.

Tuvalu | Shutterstock

Niue

Niue is a group of self-governing islands in the South Pacific Ocean. As part of the Realm of New Zealand, New Zealand conducts most diplomatic relations on its behalf. Natural local produce, especially coconut, features in many of the dishes of the islands.

Niue | Shutterstock

Marshall Islands

These islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean are made up of 29 coral atolls and five islands. The Marshallese were once able navigators, using the stars and stick-and-shell charts to find their way through the seas. The country uses the United States dollar as its currency.

The Rongelap Atoll of the Marshall Islands | Shutterstock

Kiribati

The Republic of Kiribati in the central Pacific Ocean gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. The capital of Tarawa has historic sites and artefacts, and was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in World War II.

Fishing boats in Kiribati | Shutterstock

Anguilla

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Its cuisine is influenced by native Caribbean, West African, Spanish, French and English food. Caribbean musical genres such as soca, calypso and reggae are popular among its people.

A cove in Anguilla | Shutterstock

Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands consist of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands to the northeast of Australia. They were settled some time between 30,000 and 28,800 BCE. After independence from the UK in 1978, the country became a constitutional monarchy.

The Solomon Islands | Shutterstock

São Tomé and Príncipe

This island country in the Gulf of Guinea consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. Its people are predominantly of African and mestiço descent.

A resort in São Tomé and Príncipe | Shutterstock

Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a landlocked German-speaking microstate in the Alps, between Austria and Switzerland. As a result of its small size, Liechtenstein has been strongly affected by external cultural influences. It’s a winter sports destination.

Winter in Liechtenstein | Shutterstock

Comoros

The Union of the Comoros is an archipelagic country made up of three islands in southeastern Africa. The country has three official languages: Shikomori, French and Arabic. A person's lineage and inheritance of land and housing is determined by matrilineal descent here.

View through a window of the Ancien Palais du Sultan in Moroni, Comoros | Shutterstock

Guinea-Bissau

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a West African country. It was once part of the kingdom of Kaabu as well as part of the Mali Empire. The cabasa is the primary musical instrument of the country and is used in extremely swift and rhythmically complex dance music.

Girls dance during carnival celebrations in Guinea-Bissau | Shutterstock

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Capri in Italy | Shutterstock