1. Kyrgzstan

This Central-Asian country gained independence in 1991 with the fall of the USSR.

2. Vanuatu

This country has beautiful landscapes and beautiful, active volcanoes.

3. Kiribati

A tiny country by the Pacific, it is the least visited country in the world, and probably the most beautiful.

4. Tuvalu Islands

Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world.

5. Timor-Leste

Also known as East Timor, this small Asian country has seen violent invasions from the Portuguese and Indonesians. It became fully independent in 2002.

6. Wallis and Futuna

These culture-rich islands lie between Hawaii and New Zealand. They are an overseas territory of France.

7. Republic of Palau

With a population of 20,600, Palau depends on the USA for aid and military defence.

8. Nauru

Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world.

9. Monaco

Beautiful Monaco is one of the most expensive countries and it is home to a good number of billionaires.