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Rare finds in Europe go far beyond the popular destinations like England, France, Germany, and Spain we often see in movies. Europe is home to many lesser-known countries that remain off the radar for most travelers. According to recent data, there are several European nations that most Americans have never heard of. Listed from least to most, the first country on our list is unknown to 13% of Americans, while 43% of Americans (including myself) have never heard of the last country on the list.
Albania
Albania’s history with dictators and totalitarian regimes made it difficult and undesirable to travel to before the 21st century. This may explain why it isn’t more well-known as a tourist destination. But this beautiful Balkan country has revitalized itself in the last 20 to 30 years. Albania is now a lesser-known Instagram-worthy vacation spot bordering Greece, with majestic mountains, historical castles, and scenic beaches along the Adriatic Sea.
Serbia
Although Serbia’s size rivals that of better-known European countries like Switzerland and Belgium, most Americans have never heard of it. Part of the reason why Serbia isn’t more well-known is because it only became an independent country in 2006. Serbia was formerly part of Yugoslavia, which disbanded and broke into smaller sovereign nations following civil unrest and wars in the 1990s.
Slovakia
Slovakia, along with the Czech Republic, formerly made up the country of Czechoslovakia. In 1993, Slovakia became an independent nation after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Not only does Slovakia have an energetic nightlife scene and medieval castles in its capital city of Bratislava, but the pristine lakes and colorful mountains of the High Tatras are a sight to behold as well.
Slovenia
Slovenia, like Serbia, was formerly part of Yugoslavia and became its own country in 1991. Slovenia, a nature lover’s paradise, boasts turquoise lakes, rivers, snowy mountains, and lush forests. This central European country is also known for its geologically stunning ancient caves and home-grown wine vineyards.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of Europe’s smallest countries by land area, modestly nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium. But what this nation lacks in size, it makes up for in economic prosperity. Luxembourg is known as one of the wealthiest nations in the world. It originally amassed wealth from steel manufacturing, but more recently, it has become a hot spot for high-wealth investment banking.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is another former Yugoslavian country that gained independence in 1992. This country has beautiful natural scenery and medieval villages. The capital city of Sarajevo is home to historically significant sites like the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed, an event that eventually led to World War I.
Malta
Malta is a collection of small islands between Sicily and North Africa in the Mediterranean Sea. This independent nation has a diverse and rich history due to takeovers by the Romans, Moors, French, and British Empires. There are culturally significant ruins, shipwrecks, sights, stunning beaches, and snorkeling opportunities.
Cyprus
Cyprus is an independent island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that has historically seen tensions between the two main populations of the island: the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. The island is primarily divided between the two populations, with the Turkish population taking the northern half. Despite some of the locals’ hostility, Cyprus is a beautiful island with clear, sparkling-water beaches and incredible cultural sites.
Estonia
Even though Estonia has been linked with Russia as part of the former Soviet Union, culturally, it shares a closer kinship with its neighbor to the north, Finland. Settled on the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, this European country is known for its rocky, scenic coastline and the capital city of Tallinn’s charming old town.
Latvia
Bordering Estonia, Latvia also shares a coastline with the Baltic Sea, which makes way for sprawling scenic beaches. Much of Latvia is made up of wooded areas dotted by lakes, which makes it a forest lover’s dream. Riga is the capital city of Latvia, which can provide a fun change of pace for travelers seeking a departure from all of the quiet nature.
Montenegro
Another former Yugoslavian country, Montenegro, became fully independent in 2006. This Balkan country is characterized by its sweeping mountain ranges, sparkling Adriatic coastline beaches, and beautiful hillside churches. Montenegro is home to one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Tara River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon.
Moldova
Moldova was formerly part of the Soviet Union but became a sovereign nation in 1991. This small Eastern European country bordering Romania and Ukraine has an impressive wine region. Not only is it one of the top 20 wine-producing countries in the world, but it also features the highest density of vineyards in any country.
North Macedonia
Not surprisingly, the list of former Yugoslavian countries that Americans have never heard of continues. Like many others, North Macedonia gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of communist Yugoslavia. This landlocked country borders Greece, Kosovo, Serbia, and Bulgaria but maintains its unique culture and heritage.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is truly a unique country in the modern age. It’s a tiny country nestled in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria that speaks predominantly German, is still ruled by a monarch, and is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Liechtenstein’s beautiful mountain scenery is enhanced by its fairytale castles and villages.
Belarus
Belarus borders Russia and was part of the Soviet Union until it gained sovereignty in 1990. This Eastern European country is nicknamed the lungs of Europe because of its vast forests and lush nature. Locals and travelers alike appreciate Belarus’s good art and quality cafes.
Andorra
Andorra is so tiny that it’s easy to miss, unassumingly hidden between the two larger nations of Spain and France. With its location in the Pyrenees mountains, it has great skiing, winter sports, and charming mountain villages. Interestingly, Andorra’s official language is Catalan, which is also famously spoken in Barcelona, the capital of the Catalunya region of Spain.
San Marino
Blink, and you might miss it. There’s a reason why San Marino is the least-known European nation. Taking up only 23.5 square miles, this tiny country is surrounded by Italy, but in 1862, the Kingdom of Italy allowed it to remain its own independent nation. San Marino is located in the Apennine Mountains, about three hours from Florence.
Source: Reddit
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
