The least visited countries in the world

Sick of the crowds? Want to get really, really far off the beaten track? These countries have some of the lowest visitor figures in the world. The numbers might sound like a lot, but compare them to the 79.5 million people that head to France (the most visited country in the world) each year. And, aside from the obvious countries that are too dangerous to visit, many of these are great destinations just waiting to be discovered.

Tuvalu – 1,000 visitors each year

This tiny island nation is in the centre of the Pacific Ocean between Australia and Hawaii. Sitting just barely above sea level, the nine islets and atolls of Tuvalu are fringed by white sand beaches and swaying coconut palms. It’s a great spot for snorkelling or scuba diving (though you might need to bring your own gear) and there’s a rich Polynesian culture to explore. It may only get 1,000 visitors a year, but in 2012, two of those were Prince William and his wife Kate, so you’ll be in good company.

Montserrat – 7,000 visitors each year

Montserrat wasn’t always so unpopular. In 1995 a volcanic eruption destroyed much of the small Caribbean island, including the 18^th century capital Plymouth, and two thirds of the population fled. The volcanic activity continued until 2010 but the island is now relatively stable – and it’s left behind eerily beautiful volcanic moonscapes. A new capital is being built in the north of the island as tourists start the return, but for now the black sand beaches are essentially deserted.

Liechtenstein – 62,000 visitors each year (pictured above)

At just 160 square kilometres, this landlocked European country is one of the world’s smallest – but also one of the richest. Its 36,000 residents have the second highest GDP in the world and it’s a bit of a billionaires playground. Liechtenstein is the only country completely in the Alps, so it’s great for hiking and skiing, and the car-free centre of the capital Vaduz is charming. And if you’ve always wanted to be the leader of your own tiny country, you can rent the whole place out for just $77,285 a night.

East Timor – 78,000 visitors each year

It’s one of our closest neighbours and also one of the world’s newest countries, which may be why tourist numbers are so low. It has a tumultuous history and there’s still quite a large UN presence, but intrepid travellers will be rewarded with unspoilt scenery, secluded beaches and world-class diving (with hardly anyone else in the water). There are some beautiful old Portuguese buildings left behind from colonisation and a laid back, lazy lifestyle in the local villages.

Bhutan – 116,000 visitors each year

A tiny Himalayan kingdom tucked between India and China, Bhutan has adopted a different tourism strategy to most nations. Rather than encouraging large numbers with cheap deals and low priced hotels, visitors can only travel with a registered guide and must pay a tariff of $250 a night (which includes accommodation, meals and the guide). If you want to stay at one of the ultra luxurious resorts in the country you’ll need to pay for that on top. But, if you can afford it, you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and some of the happiest people in the world.