What Are The Countries That Start With U In The World? Let’s Know These Countries

“After seeing Earth from outside, the first thought that came to mind was that Earth looks completely one; no border is visible from outside. It seems that no border exists, no state exists, no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it.”

This is what Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), said in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

However, the Earth has its geographical boundaries. So, we have 195 countries across seven continents. This time, we will talk about the 7 countries that start with U. 

We will also discuss where these countries, starting with U, got their names from, their unique features, and how they are evolving in the tourism sector. 

What Are The Countries That Start With U? Do You Want To Visit Any Of Them?

The seven countries that start with U are:

• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan

Here are some quick facts about the seven countries that start with U in the world. 

Countries that Start with U	Continent	Currency	Official Language	Capital	Land Area (Km²)	Population (2025)
Uganda	Africa	Ugandan Shilling	English	Kampala	199,810	51,384,894
Ukraine	Europe	Ukrainian hryvnia	Ukrainian	Kyiv	579,320	38,980,376
United States of America	North America	United States dollar	English (Declared as the official language in an Executive Order on 1st May, 2025.)	Washington, D.C.	9,147,420	347,275,807
United Kingdom	Europe	Pound Sterling	English	London	241,930	69,551,332
Uruguay	South America	Peso Uruguayo	Spanish	Montevideo	175,020	3,384,688
United Arab Emirates	Asia	United Arab Emirates Dirham	Arabic	Abu Dhabi	83,600	11,346,000
Uzbekistan	Asia	Uzbekistani Som	Uzbek	Tashkent	425,400	37,053,428

1. Uganda

Now, let’s have a detailed discussion about these countries. 

• Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February
• Main Airport: Entebbe International Airport
• Neighbors: South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Places to Visit: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda Safaris are like exploring the best-kept secrets of Africa. Further, Uganda is home to Victoria Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in the world. The lake also stretches over Kenya and Tanzania. 

Furthermore, the country is respectful of its history and past. Earlier, it was called the Buganda Kingdom in the Swahili language. However, the British colonization happened. 

Once the country became independent on 2nd October 1962. Then, the country was named Uganda as a homage to its history. 

Tourism In Uganda 

Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is one of the best countries to visit in Africa. This African country, known for its national parks, wildlife, and natural wonders, is celebrating various advancements in its tourism sector in 2025. 

• The Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) 2.0 – Trade and Investment Development

The European Union (EU) has started the “Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) 2.0 – Trade and Investment Development” project. This €8 million (UGX 33 billion) project, running from 2024 to 2028, will have positive impacts on the tourism sector of the country. 

The focus of this project will be on developing the tourism infrastructure of the country, especially the small and medium businesses dedicated to serving tourists. Furthermore, it aims to protect the natural heritage of the country and showcase it to domestic and international visitors. 

Moreover, today, global travellers look for destinations that follow sustainable practices. This program will help more businesses and facilities associated with tourism adopt green practices. 

• Investment To Promote The Biodiversity Of Uganda

It is the country’s biodiversity that travellers are most interested in. The Dubai-based Haliburg Group has taken a step forward and invested $122.4 million in infrastructural development aimed at boosting the country’s biodiversity-related tourism. 

This development includes building high-end hotels in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Murchison Falls National Park. 

Overall, the tourism landscape of Uganda presents many opportunities. So, the Haliburg Group is not alone. With Uganda being the best African destination for investment at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), it has attracted many foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. 

In addition, the UAE’s Sharjah Chamber of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uganda for building an internal airport near the Kidepo Valley National Park.

• Gulu Will Host The First October Fest To Promote Acholi Culture And Tourism

Uganda is taking a step forward in cultural tourism with Gulu City launching the first Gulu City Oktoberfest at Kahunda Grounds from 6th to 14th October 2025. 

It is a strategic move to promote the Acholi culture, support local businesses and attract more domestic and international tourists interested in cultural tourism. 

Some Lesser-Known Facts About Uganda

The Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda are the third-highest in Africa. 

The Queen Elizabeth National Park of Uganda has tree-climbing lions. 

Jinja in Uganda is home to the source of the Nile River. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to more than 450 mountain gorillas, accounting for half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas. 

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill named Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” because of its rich landscape. 

2. Ukraine

• Best Time to Visit: May to June and September
• Main Airport: Boryspil International Airport (KBP)
• Neighbors: Slovakia, Russia, Romania, Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Belarus
• Places to Visit: The Carpathian Mountains, Odesa, Lviv, Kyiv, Poltava

Krajina, meaning borderline in the old Slavic, is the origin of Ukraine’s name. Currently, Ukraine is fighting one of the worst battles in its history against Russia. 

Again, this has been one of the many instances of violating global peace, just as the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, India. We hope that the war ends soon for the sake of humanity and restoring the heritage, resources and lives in both countries.

Tourism In Ukraine

It may be imprudent to talk about tourism in a war-ridden country. However, we cannot lose hope, and probably Odesa’s Beaches are offering some respite to Ukrainians. 

Another aspect is how Kharkiv is becoming a hotspot for war tourism, a prominent branch of dark tourism. Some people are calling it “morbid voyeurism”, which exploits the sufferings of Ukrainians. 

However, on the flip side, you may see it as a way to build awareness about the war-ridden situations, and it can passively help tourism businesses and build some resistance for the country’s economy. 

Lesser Known Facts About Ukraine

• Ukraine has Rakhiv, the geographical center of Europe.
• The country is also called the “Breadbasket of Europe” due to its fertile land and high crop yield.
• Ukraine is home to the Tunnel of Love. It is a naturally formed tunnel with trees arching over a railway tunnel.
• Kyiv in Ukraine has the Arsenalna metro station, the deepest in the world. 
• Ukraine had one of the first modern constitutions in the world in 1710. Former Hetman Pylyp Orlyk authored it. 

3. United States Of America

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
• Main Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), John F. Kennedy International Airport. Etc. 
• Neighbors: Canada and Mexico
• Places to Visit: New York City, San Fransciso, Yellowstone National Park, Chicago, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, etc.

The United States of America was known as the Thirteen Colonies during British Colonialization. It became the “United States” when these colonies within a union became states. 

Also, the name “America” comes from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Today, the USA is a superpower when it comes to economy, cultural influence and politics. 

Tourism In The United States Of America

Tourism in the USA is not going through a great time thanks to the rising fees and changing visa policies. Furthermore, the World Travel & Tourism Council has reported that the USA is expected to have a 22.5% decline in its tourism revenue in 2025. 

In this regard, the WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson, has said,

“This is a wake-up call for the U.S. government. The world’s biggest Travel & Tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, not because of a lack of demand, but because of a failure to act. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.

Without urgent action to restore international traveller confidence, it could take several years for the U.S. just to return to pre-pandemic levels of international visitor spend, not even the peak from 10 years ago.

This is about growth in the U.S. economy – it is doable, but it needs leadership from DC.”

However, the Brand USA has launched the “America the Beautiful” travel campaign at the IPW 2025. Fred Dixon, the President and CEO of Brand USA, sees this global tourism campaign as a way to establish America as a long-haul travel destination for international tourists. 

Moreover, the campaign eyes the tourism growth in 2026, and we wait to see if and how it changes the scenario and boosts tourism growth. 

Lesser Known Facts About The USA

• New Haven, Connecticut, in the USA, is the birthplace of lollipops. George Smith invented lollipops in 1908. 
• Colonel Harland Sanders invented the famous KFC or Kentucky Fried Chicken Sanders Cafe in Corbin, Kentucky, in 1957. 
• Harvard was the first university in the USA, and it was founded in 1636. 
• The USA is the only country that has five climate zones, including continental, tropical, dry, temperate and polar climate zones. 

4. United Kingdom

• Best Time to Visit: March to Early June and September to November
• Main Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Neighbors: The Republic of Ireland
• Places to Visit: Edinburgh, London, the Lake District, York, Manchester, etc.

The history behind the name of the United Kingdom goes back to the early 18th century. In the early 18th century, the Scottish and English crowns had a political union and thus became the United Kingdom. 

Today, the United Kingdom consists of Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom, especially its capital, London, was the epicenter of the British Empire.

However, much of the British Empire fell after the Second World War. 

Tourism In The United Kingdom

Like the USA, the United Kingdom is also losing its Midas touch in tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council says that more than £ 60 billion is at stake in the tourism business for the upcoming ten years. 

Furthermore, the Tourism Council says that the United Kingdom is losing its tourism appeal due to strong competition from other European countries. 

Higher Air Passenger Duty (APD) and VAT rates, and an increase in National Insurance are also major factors impacting tourism in the United Kingdom. 

Moreover, the investment in promoting tourism in the UK is below average, and Julia Simpson has rightly pointed out, 

“Tourism promotion in the UK is chronically underinvested and it is arrogant to think tourists will always come to the UK. I applaud the initiative by the new Minister for Media, Tourism, & Creative Industries, Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, to get leaders round the table at the Visitor Economy Advisory Council to tackle this and ensure Travel & Tourism can continue to be a major engine to economic growth.”

Having said that, the medical tourism sector in the United Kingdom looks steady. The industry is about to reach USD 112.7 billion in 2035. If that happens, there will be a sharp 10.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2035. 

Lesser-Known Facts About The United Kingdom

• “The Penny Black” was the first postal stamp in the world, and it was issued in the UK. It featured Queen Victoria. 

• Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at St. Martins Theatre in the West End in London is the longest-running show in the world. It has been running since 1952. 

• Stonehenge, dating back to 3000-2500 BC, is even older than the pyramids. 

• Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Wales has the longest town name in the world. 

5. Uruguay

• Best Time to Visit: December to March 
• Main Airport: Carrasco International Airport (MVD) or Montevideo Airport
• Neighbors: Brazil and Argentina
• Places to Visit: Montevideo and the historical site of Ciudad Vieja, Punta del Diablo, Santa Teresa National Park, Tacuarembó, etc. 

Uruguay was named after the beautiful Uruguay River. In the Guaraní language, Uruguay means “bird-river.”

Today, Uruguay is one of the most socially progressive countries in the world, as it was the first to legalize recreational cannabis and same sex marriage. It is also highly revered for its democracy and political freedom. 

Moreover, Uruguay is one of the safest countries for solo travel for women. 

Tourism In Uruguay

A lot is happening in the tourism landscape of Uruguay. The latest development has been the use of AI to boost tourism in Uruguay. In this regard, Tourism Minister Pablo Menoni, has said, 

“We seek to make efficient use of economic resources through artificial intelligence based on specific data on the ages, nationalities, and preferences of potential visitors.

If we talk about social media, impacting a specific segment of the population with certain tastes and preferences is not the same as impacting others.”

Furthermore, to make the tourism scene more eco-friendly, Uruguay has launched 6×6 beach buses. 

These beach buses are converted military trucks, and this move to revolutionize coastal transport has been a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism. 

Moreover, to attract more tourists, Uruguay has now extended the reduced tourist VAT rate till April 2026. It has been a masterstroke, and it is something the USA or the UK can take a cue from. 

Lesser Known Facts About Uruguay

• “Orientales, la Patria o La Tumba,” the national anthem of Uruguay, is the longest in the world. 

• Uruguay is also popularly called the “Switzerland of South America.”

• In 1930, Uruguay was the first country to host and win the FIFA World Cup. 

• Uruguay is also a leader in using Green Energy. 95% of the country’s electricity comes from renewable sources.

6. United Arab Emirates

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Main Airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Neighbors: Saudi Arabia and Oman
• Places to Visit: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Global Village, Al Ain, The Desert Landscape, etc. 

The United Arab Emirates is the union of many Arab states and tribes. It came into being in 1971. 

Today, the UAE, especially Dubai, is a popular destination for luxury tourism and desert safaris.

Tourism In The United Arab Emirates 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has confirmed that visitor spending in the UAE is expected to reach AED 228.5 billion in 2025. 

Smart cities, the best hospitality and a seamless visa system are the three major factors driving tourism in the UAE. In this context, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is going to implement a unified tourism policy in 2025. 

Jassem Al Budaiwi, the secretary general of the GCC, has said that this visa policy will boost tourism in the UAE and regional mobility. 

Moreover, important hubs, such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are turning into major medical tourism destinations. The UAE medical tourism market is about to reach USD 2,300 million by 2033. 

Lesser Known Facts About The United Arab Emirates 

• The UAE is the only country in the world to have a minister of artificial intelligence (AI). Omar Sultan Al Olama is the AI minister of the country. 

• Women in the UAE hold around two-thirds of the government positions. 

• Abu Dhabi has Masdar City. It is the first car-free, zero-waste and carbon-free city in the world. 

• The Miracle Garden in Dubai, spanning an area of 72,000 square meters, is the largest flower garden in the world. 

7. Uzbekistan

• Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to Early November
• Main Airport: Tashkent International Airport (TAS) or 
• Neighbors: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan
• Places to Visit: Bukhara (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Khiva, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, etc. 

Uzbekistan got its name from Uzbek, the primary ethnic group, which lived here. “Istan,” on the other hand, in the Parisian language, refers to “The Place.” 

Home to Samarkand and many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Uzbekistan fascinates me with its role in the Silk Road Legacy. So, if you are someone fascinated by history, Uzbekistan will be your go-to country.

Tourism In Uzbekistan

With new visa policies and strategies, Uzbekistan has managed to achieve a tourism boom. It is especially becoming a favorite getaway for Indian travelers, with a projection of Indian travellers reaching two lakhs by 2030. 

Furthermore, Uzbekistan is showing its progress on the Travel and Tourism Development Index of the World Economic Forum. In the last five years, it has moved up 16 spots and now holds the 78th position out of 116 countries. 

Lesser-Known Facts About Uzbekistan

• Uzbekistan has the Muruntau mine. It is the largest open-pit gold mine in the world. 

• Uzbekistan is one of the major exporters of cotton. Cotton is often referred to as “White Gold.” 

• The Aral Sea, the largest shrinking sea, is located in Uzbekistan. 

Which Country Starts With The Letter U? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about which country starts with the letter U.