Birds of a feather flock together.
Since most people travel during the summer season, some of the world’s most beautiful destinations are also its most overcrowded.
A new ranking by Go2Africa has revealed the top 15 most overcrowded tourist destinations in the world — where the number of visitors dramatically outweighs the local population.
It highlights a growing global trend: picturesque destinations are feeling the strain of overtourism.
As travel rebounds worldwide, congestion of tourists raises questions about sustainability, local impact and the delicate balance between welcome and overwhelm.
To figure out which countries made this list, Go2Africa compared each country’s total number of visitors per year to its population data by analyzing tourism figures from national tourist boards and reports.
Their findings revealed that Vatican City — the world’s smallest country by both area and population — tops the list. Despite the population of this sovereign city-state within Rome, Italy being only 882 residents, the spiritual heart of Catholicism welcomes an astounding 6.8 million tourists annually.
That equates to a staggering 7,709.75 visitors for every local — a clear reflection of the city-state’s immense religious and historical draw.
Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, the mountainous principality of Andorra takes second place.
Best known for its ski resorts and tax-free shopping, this Southwestern European country sees around 9.6 million tourists each year. With a population of just under 82,000, that means there are 117.16 tourists for every resident.
Another European mountainous microstate, San Marino, ranks third. With only 33,581 residents, it attracts 2 million tourists annually.
Known for its medieval architecture and scenic hilltop views, San Marino hosts 59.56 tourists per local.
In fourth place is the Bahamas, a sun-soaked Caribbean paradise. Although home to just over 400,000 people, the island nation welcomes more than 11.2 million visitors each year — equivalent to 27.96 tourists per resident.
Its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches remain a major pull for international travelers.
The tropical Caribbean country, Saint Kitts and Nevis, rounded out the top five. It has a population of 46,843 and draws in 875,085 visitors annually. The dual-island nation sees 18.68 tourists per resident. Its lush scenery and tranquil beaches have made it a celebrity favorite — most famously with Princess Diana.
These findings highlight the growing impact of tourism not just on infrastructure, but also on local communities.
While scenic and culturally rich destinations remain irresistible to global travelers, the figures reveal the need for sustainable tourism strategies to preserve these special places for generations to come.
The top 15 most overcrowded travel destinations:
1. Vatican City
Local population: 882
Tourists per year: 6,800,000
2. Andorra
Local population: 81,938
Tourists per year: 9,600,000
3. San Marino
Local population: 33,581
Tourists per year: 2,000,000
4. Bahamas
Local population: 401,283
Tourists per year: 11,220,000
5. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Local population: 46,843
Tourists per year: 875,085
6. Antigua and Barbuda
Local population: 93,772
Tourists per year: 1,154,236
7. Bahrain
Local population: 1,607,049
Tourists per year: 14,900,000
8. Monaco
Local population: 38,956
Tourists per year: 340,000
9. Malta
Local population: 563,443
Tourists per year: 3,563,618
10. Hong Kong
Local population: 7,414,909
Tourists per year: 44,500,000
11. Iceland
Local population: 393,396
Tourists per year: 2,287,341
12. Croatia
Local population: 3,875,325
Tourists per year: 21,300,000
13. Barbados
Local population: 282,467
Tourists per year: 1,520,740
14. Switzerland
Local population: 8,921,981
Tourists per year: 42,800,000
15. Grenada
Local population: 117,081
Tourists per year: 504,000
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