Disclaimer: I don’t use the word “bizarre” as an insult. Quite the contrary: I absolutely adore these lesser-visited countries…especially the ones that your average person has never heard of. I mean, is it not absolutely crazy that entire nations–countries with their own languages, currency, customs and history–are out there, that most of us don’t even know exist? That’s just fascinating to me.
So without further adieu, here are (in my never-to-be-humble opinion and in no particular order) the Five Most Bizarre Countries that I have ever visited…
Country: Equatorial Guinea
Continent: Africa
Most Bizarre feature: They speak Spanish here! It’s their main language – the only Spanish-speaking country on the continent! And the nation is tiny.
See More: Full Equatorial Guinea story HERE.
Country: Timor Leste
Continent: Asia
Most Bizarre feature: Official languages are Portuguese and Tetum, their capital city is named Dili, and their pubic transportation consists of these cute, little, toy-like vans called microlets. This place was super pretty and just plain neat.
See More: Full Timor Leste story HERE.
Country: Mauritania
Continent: Africa
Most Bizarre feature: Everything about this place was mysterious, including their people who wear scarves that cover most of their face, to shield them from all the constant, blowing sand.
See More: Full Mauritania story HERE.
Country: Suriname
Continent: South America
Most Bizarre feature: A South American country whose official language is DUTCH. Need I say more?
See More: Full Suriname story HERE.
Country: Eritrea
Continent: Africa
Most Bizarre feature: A former Italian colony, you see remnants of the Italians everywhere, including superb pasta, old men in Italian suits and an absolutely gorgeous (former) FIAT building. You’d never guess this was Africa. Bonus points for the amazing people – Eritreans are some of my favorite humans on earth.
See More: Full Eritrea story HERE.
BONUS!
Country: Nauru
Continent: Oceania
Most Bizarre feature: The fact that you can drive the perimeter of the entire country in 25 minutes! The tiny island is also used as a detention center for immigrants caught entering Australia illegally.
See More: Full Nauru story HERE.
BONUS! II
Country: Tuvalu
Continent: Oceania
Most Bizarre feature: The townspeople congregate on the international airport’s runway every evening to socialize, play soccer and ride bikes. Sadly, Tuvalu is said to be the first country to disappear underwater.
See More: Full Tuvalu story HERE.
Spot on! Although, interesting how you left out North Korea, Cuba and Turkmenistan on this list as they are also unique in their own ways. What made you leave those three off the list?