World's least touristy country dubbed a 'green jewel' for its stunning nature

Bangladesh's massive population means it is one of the least touristy places in the world, but the 'green jewel' is known for its stunning nature and amazing sites

A beautiful country usually less popular with tourists has been described as a must-see and a “green jewel”.

Bangladesh has a massive population of 169 million people, but has around 135,000 tourists every year according to World Data. The data was from 2021, when the world was recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and Bangladesh had seen over 323,000 tourists in 2019, but the huge gap between the number of tourists and the actual population remained.

British tourists travelling abroad tend to prefer cheaper flights to locations a bit closer, such as France and Spain, but could be missing out on some of the most beautiful sites on Earth if they are unwilling to travel a bit further.

Travel and tourism experts Lonely Planet calls Bangladesh “south Asia’s greenest jewel”. A spokesperson said according to the Express: “A country braided with rivers, with a rich culture waiting to be explored by pioneering travellers."

Among the incredible sites is the Hindu monument, the Kantanagar Temple, Sundarban forest and the country’s wildlife which includes spotted deer, monkeys and Bengal tigers. The capital of Dhaka, home to some 21 million people, has sites such as the historic Lalbag Fort, the pink palace Ahsan Manzil and a wide array of museums detailing the country’s history.

In the city of Bagerhat is the Shait Gambuj Mosque, known for its nickname the '60 Dome Mosque', despite having 77 domes. The Bangladesh High Commission, London said the mosque has been described as "the most impressive Muslim monuments in the whole of the Indian subcontinent".

People are free to go and explore the country by themselves, but it is recommended by some experts that tourists book with a travel company.

The Bangladesh High Commission, London, said: "Bangladesh offers many tourist attractions, including archaeological sites, historical mosques and monuments, longest natural beach in the world, picturesque landscape, hill forests and wildlife, rolling tea gardens and tribes.

"Tourists find the rich flora and fauna and colorful tribal life very enchanting. Each part of the country offers distinctly different topography, flavors and food. It is home to the Royal Bengal tigers, freshwater pink dolphins, historical temples made of red earth."

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to “regular reports of violence and other criminal activity, particularly in more remote parts”.