If you’re seeking solitude and a break from the hustle and bustle, consider visiting or relocating to one of these countries with remarkably small populations, often due to geographical or political factors.
Why This Country Remains The Least Visited Nation In the World
1. Pitcairn Islands:
Situated in the South Pacific, Pitcairn Islands represent a secluded and sparsely inhabited archipelago, home to just 50 residents who trace their ancestry to four pioneering families.
As part of a four-island volcanic chain under British jurisdiction, Pitcairn alone is inhabited.
The islands’ inaccessibility, due to coral-encrusted limestone cliffs, contrasts with Pitcairn’s fertile and hospitable environment.
The tiny population is attributed to the islands’ remoteness and lack of air connectivity, although the harbour welcomes yachts and cruise ships, providing a vital link to the outside world
2. Mongolia:
Mongolia boasts a sparse population density of 4.9 people per square mile, with approximately 246 residents, all residing on the main island.
Renowned for its historical figure Genghis Khan and esteemed horse breeds, Mongolia shares borders with Russia and China.
However, its ranking as a sparsely populated country may shift due to its rapidly growing population.
The capital, Ulaanbaatar, holds the distinction of being the world’s coldest capital city, experiencing harsh Siberian winds during winter, making it a formidable destination for tourists.
3. Tristan da Cunha:
This South Atlantic archipelago has a tiny population of 246 residents, all living on its main island, making it one of the world’s least densely populated places.
4. Svalbard and Jan Mayen:
Norway’s remote islands, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, are characterized by harsh climates and low population densities.
Svalbard, attracting tourists eager to spot polar bears, poses inherent risks. With a vast land area of over 60,000 square kilometers, Svalbard is home to 2,667 residents.
Conversely, Jan Mayen, significantly smaller at 377 square kilometers, remains uninhabited, its rugged terrain and isolation discouraging human settlement.
5. The Falkland Islands:
Under UK jurisdiction, this archipelago has 3,398 inhabitants and a low GDP. However, it boasts a high GDP per capita and Human Development Index ranking.
6. Greenland:
Greenland stands as one of the world’s most sparsely populated nations, with a remarkably low density of 0.03 people per square kilometer, totaling around 56,000 inhabitants.
Despite being inhabited for over 4,500 years, Greenland’s landscape remains predominantly covered in ice. The majority of its residents live along the west coast, where conditions are more hospitable.
Notably, Greenland’s ice mass holds significant global implications, as its melting would result in a staggering seven-meter rise in worldwide sea levels.
7. Iceland:
Known for breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, volcanoes, and northern lights, Iceland has 370,000 residents, mostly in the capital, Reykjavík.
8. Western Sahara:
Western Sahara, a contested region in the Maghreb, boasts an expansive territory of 266,000 square kilometers, yet is home to a relatively small population of approximately 500,000 residents.
This results in an extremely low population density of 2.13 people per square kilometer, ranking it among the most sparsely populated areas globally
9. Namibia:
Namibia, located in Southwestern Africa, is distinguished by its arid landscape, dry soil, and desert-like terrain.
Bordering Botswana to the east, the country has a sparse population density of 2.97 people per square kilometer, totaling approximately 2.55 million inhabitants.
Interestingly, despite its desert-like geography, Namibia’s high mountain ranges moderate its climate, resulting in relatively mild temperatures.
10. Australia:
Australia’s vast landmass of 7.69 million square kilometers is home to approximately 25.6 million people, resulting in a relatively low population density of 3.25 people per square kilometer.
Notably, the majority of Australians reside in coastal cities, leaving the expansive outback largely uninhabited due to its harsh environment, characterized by extreme aridity, flatness, and inhospitable conditions that deter tourists and settlers alike.