From popular cruise ship ports to quaint cobbled streets tailor-made for selfies, there are some spots around the world with far, far more visitors than locals. Go2Africa has dug into the data to list the world's most overcrowded countries based on annual visitor numbers compared to total population – and some of these entries might surprise you.
Click through this gallery to discover the 20 countries where tourists most outnumber the local population…
We start with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Once a lesser-known jewel in the eastern Caribbean, the destination is now booming, with a reported 17.3% increase in tourists in the first six months of 2025.
Saint Vincent has a population of 100,616, but the total 2024 visitor number reached 385,534 – a ratio of 3.8 tourists per local. However, with 32 islands and cays to explore, visitors are bound to find a secluded corner. Bequia and Mustique are among the quieter islands.
Next up, the beautiful Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The country comprises the capital, Malé, and the 26 atolls where most visitors stay, drawn by crystal-clear waters, soft sand and luxury resorts.
The population of the Maldives is 527,799, around half of whom live in Malé, and the country welcomed 2,046,615 visitors in 2024. That's a ratio of 3.9 tourists per local. If you want to get away from it all here, quieter islands include Thoddoo and Kuramathi.
It’s no surprise that Greece features on this list. Its mainland and islands are both major draws for tourists who want to enjoy beaches and cuisine, as well as rich history and culture. The Parthenon (pictured) alone attracted 4.5 million visitors in 2024.
Greece has a population of 10,047,817 and welcomed 40.7 million tourists last year – a ratio of 4.1 visitors per local. For a calmer Greek escape, head to the islands of Folegandros and Amorgos or to parts of northern Crete.
Montenegro on the Balkan Peninsula has seen visitor numbers surge in recent years, raising concerns over the impact of mass tourism. Now a regular cruise ship destination, Montenegro's popular spots include the capital Podgorica, the former capital Cetinje and the town of Kotor (pictured).
The country has a population of 638,479, with 2,606,854 tourists in 2024 – a ratio of 4.1 visitors per local. Escape the crowds by heading to the towns of Perast and Tivat, the secluded Luštica Peninsula or rugged Durmitor National Park.
With great beaches, stunning scenery and characterful towns, it’s easy to see why Albania is emerging as a top tourist destination. Bordering Greece and Montenegro, the country’s top tourist spots are the capital, Tirana, and the resorts of the Albanian Riviera.
Albania’s population is 2,791,765, with 11.7 million visitors in 2024 – a ratio of 4.2 tourists per local. Quieter coastal areas include Himarë and Borsh, or you might prefer to soak up the country’s unique culture in the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra (pictured).
Known as the Spice Isle – due to the many different spices grown on the island, most notably nutmeg – Grenada also features rainforests, waterfalls and miles of beach. It's a regular port of call for Caribbean cruises, with passengers flocking to the capital city, St George.
Grenada has a population of 117,081, with 504,000 tourists in 2024 – a ratio of 4.3 tourists per local. For a serene escape, the northern beaches of Duquesne and Bathway offer a quieter way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Home to world-class skiing and the hubs of Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland draws visitors year-round. The best times to visit depend on what you plan to do – if you'd rather sightsee than ski, April to June and September to October are good options.
Switzerland’s population is 8,921,981, with 42.8 million tourists welcomed last year – a ratio of 4.8 visitors per local. Perhaps surprisingly, Zurich is known for its quieter ambience, while for winter sports, Mürren has less crowded slopes.
We're now back in the Caribbean on the eastern island of Barbados. Many visitors here arrive at the cruise ship port of Bridgetown, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and lovely beaches. Other popular areas include Carlisle Bay and Dover Beach.
The population of Barbados is 282,467, concentrated around Bridgetown. Its 1,520,740 2024 visitors give it a tourist-to-local ratio of 5.4. For a quieter getaway, head to the east coast and rugged beaches like Bathsheba, which is also a top surfing destination.
With historic sites, charming towns and miles of coastline, Croatia is now firmly on the tourist map. Hotspots include the cities of Split and Dubrovnik, the beaches along the Dalmatian Coast and the island of Hvar (pictured), a popular summer resort.
Croatia has a population of 3,875,325, with 21.3 million tourists in 2024 – a ratio of 5.5 tourists per local. Fortunately, you can escape the crowds on some of the lesser-known islands, such as Vis and Šolta, or in the towns of Cavtat and Trogir.
Pristine and dominated by its dramatic natural landscape of geysers, fjords and volcanoes, Iceland is also popular among those hoping to witness the majesty of the Northern Lights. Just 25% of the country’s land is habitable, with residents clustered around the capital Reykjavík and other urban areas like Reykjanesbær and Akureyri.
Iceland has a population of 393,396, with the number of tourists last year reaching 2,287,341 – a ratio of 5.8 tourists per local. Less visited areas include Westfjords, East Iceland and the remote Highlands.
With its blend of contemporary architecture and ancient tradition, Hong Kong has long been popular among international tourists. Highlights include the vibrant street markets, temples, theme parks and world-class dining, plus scenic cruises around Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry.
Hong Kong has a population of 7,414,909, while visitor numbers in 2024 reached 44.5 million – a ratio of six tourists per local. To take in the stunning skyline views from Victoria Peak (pictured) without the crowds, arrive before 10am.
Offering a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural highlights, Malta’s tourist numbers have increased significantly in recent years. In addition to being a standalone destination, Malta is a stop-off on many Mediterranean cruises, with its capital Valletta (pictured) housing a bustling port.
The population of Malta is 563,443, with 3,563,618 tourists in 2024 – a ratio of 6.3 visitors per local. To enjoy a quieter escape, explore the fortified city of Mdina or take the ferry to the neighbouring island of Gozo.
Long associated with the wealthy, the Principality of Monaco is located on the elegant French Riviera. The district of Monte Carlo is especially exclusive, with its lavish casino. Compact and urban, Monaco is the world’s second smallest sovereign state.
Monaco’s population is 38,956, with 340,000 tourists in 2024 – a ratio of 8.7 tourists per local. For a quieter visit, the October to April off-season is best, and you should avoid visiting during key events such as the Monaco Yacht Show or the F1 Grand Prix.
Perhaps one of our more surprising entries, Bahrain is the only Middle Eastern country on this list. It comprises around 84 natural and artificial islands, and highlights include the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort and many beaches. Watersports and diving are also popular.
The population of Bahrain is 1,607,049, with visitor numbers last year reaching 14.9 million – a ratio of 9.3 visitors per local. Visitors should familiarise themselves with the local laws and regulations before travelling.
We return to the Caribbean for number six, Antigua and Barbuda. Offering 365 beaches – one for each day of the year – the dual-island nation also features rainforests and a vibrant capital, St John's. It’s also another popular cruise ship port of call.
Antigua has a population of 93,772, with 1,154,236 tourists in 2024 – a ratio of 12.3 visitors per local. Quieter areas of Antigua include the southwest and the south coast, while Barbuda offers a more tranquil Caribbean escape.
We enter the top five with another dual-island Caribbean nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis. The larger island, Saint Kitts, features Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano surrounded by lush rainforest and home to the famous green vervet monkey.
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a population of 46,843 and welcomed 875,085 tourists last year – a ratio of 18.7 visitors per local. Nevis is the quieter island, with its charming capital Charlestown and nearby Pinney's Beach (pictured). Escape the crowds on Saint Kitts at secluded Banana Bay.
At number four is our last Caribbean entry, the Bahamas. Close enough for a day trip from Florida, the nation comprises nearly 700 islands and cays, 30 of which are inhabited. Tourist hotspots include Grand Bahama and New Providence, home to capital Nassau (pictured).
The population of the Bahamas is 401,283, while tourist numbers reached 11.22 million in 2024 – a ratio of 28 visitors per local. Andros Island and Cat Island are among the most secluded islands. Note that June to November is hurricane season.
In bronze medal position is San Marino. Said to have been founded in AD 301, the 24-square-mile (61sq km) microstate is located entirely within northeast Italy. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed historic centre (pictured) and the sweeping views from the three towers: the Guaita, the Cesta and the Montale.
San Marino’s population is 33,581, with 2024 tourist numbers reaching two million – a ratio of 59.6 visitors per local. If you want to visit the world’s oldest constitutional republic without the crowds, come between November and April.
Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is one of Europe’s smallest countries, at 181 square miles (468sq km). Known for its ski resorts, the nation is also home to capital Andorra la Vella, which offers duty-free shopping along Meritxell Avenue (pictured).
Andorra has a population of 81,938, with tourist numbers swelling to 9.6 million in 2024 – a ratio of 117.2 visitors per local. Quiet spots include the villages of Ordino and La Cortinada or Encamp, with its hiking trails and scenic lakes.
At number one (by a considerable margin) is Vatican City, a minuscule city-state surrounded by Rome. Dominated by St Peter's Square (pictured) and Basilica, Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
Vatican City’s population officially stands at 882, and 2024 visitor numbers reached a whopping 6.8 million – a ratio of 7,709.8 visitors per local. Early morning is the best time to avoid the tour groups, with Sunday’s noon prayer, Catholic holidays and Wednesday’s Papal Audience drawing large crowds.
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