5 Letter Countries In The World: Do You Know The Names?
As travelers, we love to call the world our home. So, our heart aches when geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between India and Pakistan triggered by a heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and the tension between Israel and Palestine, do not seem to cease.
So, to make the air a little lighter, we thought of going back to our fun travel trivia. Our “What country starts with X” blog was loved by all, and this time, we are doing an account on the 5 letter countries in the world.
India, of course, is one of them, and the rest? Let’s find out!
What Are The 5 Letter Countries In The World? Are You From Any One Of These Countries?
Can you believe that there are twenty-four 5 letter countries in the world?
- Eight of these countries are in Africa: Benin, Ghana, Gabon, Kenya, Libya, Syria, Niger, and Sudan.
- Seven of these countries are in Asia: India, China, Nepal, Japan, Egypt, Qatar, and Yemen.
- Four of these five-letter countries are in Oceania: Nauru, Palau, Samoa, and Tonga.
- Three of these countries are in Europe: Malta, Spain, and Italy.
- North America has one five-letter country, Haiti.
- South America has one five-letter country, Chile.
And that’s not all!
There are six more nations with five letters. However, these countries are not identified by the United Nations as sovereign countries yet.
These nations are Papua, Ceuta, Aruba, Macau, Cocos, and Åland.
Here, I have briefly discussed all 24 countries and the six nations that are yet to be recognized by the United Nations.
5 Letter Countries In Africa
These are the eight 5 letter countries in Africa.
1. Benin
| • Area: 114,763 km² • Population: 14,814,460 • Capital: Porto-Novo • Currency: CFA Franc • Main Airport: Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport • Official Language: French • Top Tourist Attractions: Python Temple, Door of Non-Return of Benin, Pendjari National Park, The Floating Lake Village • Best Time to Visit: November to February |
Benin is a lesser-known destination when it comes to dark tourism in the world. This country is the birthplace of the Voodoo religion.
Furthermore, Ganvie, the floating village on Lake Nokoué, is a major attraction in Benin. The floating village also has a history dating back to the 17th century.
2. Ghana
| • Area: 238,533 km² • Population: 35,064,272 • Capital: Accra • Currency: Ghanaian Cedi • Main Airport: Kotoka International Airport (ACC) • Official Language: English • Top Tourist Attractions: Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle, Kumasi • Best Time to Visit: October to March |
Ghana, the world’s leading Cocoa exporter, is now also guiding the change in Western African tourism with a 5-day speedy visa policy.
Further, nature in Ghana is still pristine, and the people here do the rest of the magic with their warmth.
3. Gabon
| • Area: 267,667 km² • Population: 2.59 Million • Capital: Libreville • Currency: CFA Franc • Main Airport: Libreville Léon-Mba International Airport • Official Language: French • Top Tourist Attractions: Loango National Park, Pointe Denis Beach, Lastoursville, Otangani Fishing Village • Best Time to Visit: June to September |
**Gabong is now on the verge of a transformation in tourism, with its Otangani Fishing Village showing the way.**
Just a boat ride away from Libreville, this village shows the richness of Gabon in terms of coastal beauty. You will love the beaches and mangroves here.
Moreover, Gabon is home to gorillas, elephants, antelopes, sitatungas, buffalos, and marine animals such as sea turtles.
4. Kenya
| • Area: 582,646 km² • Population: 57.5 million • Capital: Nairobi • Currency: Kenyan Shilling • Main Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) • Official Language: English, Swahili • Top Tourist Attractions: Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo National Park, Lake Nakuru • Best Time to Visit: July to October |
“A Journey Through the Wild Heart of East Africa!” is a global campaign by the Kenya Tourism Board to take adventure tourism one step ahead.
It includes a hot balloon safari of the Masai Mara National Reserve, water activities in Watamu, and hiking Mount Kenya.
Nevertheless, Kenya has always been a crown jewel in African tourism due to its diverse landscape and rich wildlife.
5. Libya
| • Area: 1.76 million km² • Population: 7.458 million • Capital: Tripoli • Currency: Libyan Dinar • Main Airport: Mitiga International Airport (MJI) • Official Language: Arabic • Top Tourist Attractions: Jebel Akhdar, Nafusa Mountains, Tripoli Castle • Best Time to Visit: November to March |
Relentless political tension and humanitarian crisis have made the future of Libya perilous. However, you are wrong if you think traveling to Libya is a distant dream.
Libya has now launched its e-visa system to revive its tourism landscape.
Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme supports a facelift for Libyan tourism through adventure sports activities and the preservation of the country’s heritage.
6. Syria
| • Area: 185,180 km² • Population: 25.62 million • Capital: Damascus • Currency: Syrian Pound • Main Airport: Damascus International Airport (DAM) • Official Language: Arabic • Top Tourist Attractions: Ruins of Palmyra, Aleppo Citadel, Al Azem Palace • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November |
Syria is one of the five-letter countries that start with S. Also, after the fall of Damascus to Syrian rebels in December 2024, Syria is now once again opening its doors to tourists.
Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have now resumed their services in the country after 2011. Further, many adventure travel companies are now organizing trips to this country with historical ruins and diverse landscapes.
7. Niger
| • Area: 1.267 million km² • Population: 27,917,831 • Capital: Niamey • Currency: West African CFA Franc • Main Airport: Diori Hamani International Airport • Official Language: Hausa • Top Tourist Attractions: Air Mountains, Agadez, Great Mosque of Niamey • Best Time to Visit: November to March |
Niger gained independence from France in 1960. However, the country is still struggling to restore stability due to terrorist attacks from Libya, Lake Chad, and Mali.
The U.S Travel Advisory has also issued a Level 3 advisory for tourists to the country.
Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful country with deserts, mountains, prehistoric rock formations, and ancient ruins.
8. Sudan
| • Area: 1.886 million km² • Population: 51.6 million • Capital: Khartoum • Currency: Sudanese Pound • Main Airport: Port Sudan International Airport • Official Language: Arabic and English • Top Tourist Attractions: Pyramids of Meroe West, Sudan National Museum, Temples of Soleb • Best Time to Visit: November to March |
Despite the Sudanese Civil War that has been ongoing since 2023, Sudan is ready to shed its image of conflict and boost tourism.
Sudan has the seat of the ancient Kushite Kingdom, Meroe. Meroe also has ancient pyramids, the oldest of which was built by King Arkamani 1 more than 2,200 years ago.
5 Letter Countries In Asia
These are the countries in Asia with five letters in their names.
1. India
| • Area: 3.287 million km² • Population: 1.463865 billion • Capital: New Delhi • Currency: The Indian Rupee (INR) • Main Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport • Official Language: The Indian Constitution does not designate any official language. • Top Tourist Attractions: The Taj Mahal, Amber Palace, Red Fort • Best Time to Visit: October to April |
India has budget-friendly hill stations, a famous underwater city (Dwarka), and coastal beauties. Also, spiritual tourism in India is at an all-time high.
The country also has UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the historical places in India will show why it is one of the most revered countries in the world.
Above all, the country nurtures inclusivity and celebrates “Unity in Diversity” like no other nation.
2. China
| • Area: 9.597 million km² • Population: 1.416 billion • Capital: Beijing • Currency: Chinese Yuan • Main Airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) • Official Language: Mandarin or Putonghua • Top Tourist Attractions: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, The Bund • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November |
China just celebrated its Annual Tourism Day on 19th May 2025. However, the Great Wall of China and other places to visit in China have always been popular among global and local tourists.
Also, the country is now launching many tourism-friendly policies to increase inbound tourism and make the top attractions in the country more accessible to foreign tourists.
3. Nepal
| • Area: 147,516 km² • Population: 29,618,118 • Capital: Kathmandu • Currency: Nepalese Rupee • Main Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport • Official Language: NepaliTop Tourist Attractions: Pashupatinath Temple, Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November |
Trekking in Nepal is one of the best experiences a tourist can dream of. Along with Mount Everest, the country has some of the hardest mountains to climb in the world.
Also, the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kathmandu Valley is home to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the major Hindu pilgrimages in the world and one of the best places to visit in Nepal.
4. Japan
| • Area: 377,974 km² • Population: 123.1 million • Capital: Tokyo • Currency: Japanese Yen • Main Airport: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) • Official Language: Japanese • Top Tourist Attractions: Hiroshima, Kyoto, Mount Fuji • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November |
Japan is one of the 5 letter countries in Asia experiencing a massive tourism boom in 2025. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) data has confirmed that the country has already crossed the mark of 10 million visitors by March this year.
The must visit attractions in Tokyo are great. However, to reduce the burden of overtourism on Tokyo and other major urban areas, the Japanese Government is now promoting Japan countryside as the best slow tourism destination.
5. Egypt
| • Area: 1.002 million km² • Population: 118,365,995 • Capital: Cairo • Currency: Egyptian Pound • Main Airport: Cairo International Airport • Official Language: Arabic • Top Tourist Attractions: the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the Nile River • Best Time to Visit: October to April |
The secrets of Egypt, including the pyramids, have made Egypt a dream destination for many travelers.
Furthermore, Egypt is about to launch the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025. It will redefine the scope of cultural tourism in the country.
6. Qatar
| • Area: 11,581 km² • Population: 3.1 million • Capital: Doha • Currency: Qatari Riyal • Main Airport: Hamad International Airport (DOH) • Official Language: Arabic • Top Tourist Attractions: Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, National Museum of Qatar • Best Time to Visit: November to April |
Qatar is a country that starts with Q and has five letters in its name. Today, the country is looking for PPP models to promote beach tourism.
Furthermore, in 2024, tourism in the country reached a new high, and it contributed QAR 55 billion to the country’s GDP.
7. Yemen
| • Area: 527,970 km² • Population: 41.77 million • Capital: Sana’a • Currency: Yemeni Rial • Main Airport: Sana’a International Airport • Official Language: Arabic • Top Tourist Attractions: Socotra Island, Al-Hajjar Mountains, Al-Hudaydah Coast • Best Time to Visit: October to April |
Unfortunate incidents and rising tensions may have made Yemen one of the most dangerous countries in the world. However, you cannot take away its rich history and geographical diversity.
This country name that starts with Y, also has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5 Letter Countries In Oceania
Nauru, Palau, Samoa, and Tonga are the 5 letter countries in Oceania.
1. Nauru
| • Area: 21 km² • Population: 12,025 • Capital: Yaren • Currency: Australian Dollar • Main Airport: Nauru International Airport • Official Language: Nauruan and English • Top Tourist Attractions: Anibare Bay, Buada Lagoon, World War II Relics • Best Time to Visit: May to October |
Nauru is one of the least visited countries and the third-smallest country in the world after Vatican City and Monaco.
However, the allure of azure blue water, warm hospitality, and historical places make it a desired travel destination in the world.
2. Palau
| • Area: 458.4 km² • Population: 17,663 • Capital: Ngerulmud • Currency: United States Dollar • Main Airport: Palau International Airport • Official Language: Palauan Language • Top Tourist Attractions: Belau National Museum, German Channel, Rock Islands • Best Time to Visit: November to April |
Palau is a tropical paradise with more than 500 islands and pristine nature.
Furthermore, the Western Pacific Ocean archipelago is now emerging as an eco-tourism hub.
3. Samoa
| • Area: 2,831 km² • Population: 219,306 • Capital: Apia • Currency: Samoan Tala • Main Airport: Faleolo International Airport • Official Language: Samoan • Top Tourist Attractions: Lalomanu Beach, Afu Aau Waterfall, Saleaula Lava Field, Togitogiga Waterfalls • Best Time to Visit: June to September |
Samos is one of the 5 letter countries that start with S. The release of Disney’s Moana 2 has once again put the country in the spotlight by celebrating the signature Samoan Ava Ceremony.
Furthermore, renewed interest in the Togitogiga Waterfalls and increased scope for cruise tourism have helped Samoa experience a tourism boom.
4. Tonga
| • Area: 748 km² • Population: 103,742 • Capital: Nuku’alofa • Currency: Tongan Paʻanga • Main Airport: Fuaʻamotu International Airport • Official Language: Tongan • Top Tourist Attractions: Anahulu Cave, Hunga Tonga, Uoleva • Best Time to Visit: May to October |
Home to 176 islands, Tonga has around 100000 visitors every year. Further, even today, Tonga stands out as the only monarchy in the Pacific.
Further, this country runs with a beautiful philosophy, “Ko e ‘Otua mo Tonga ko hoku tofi’a”, or “God and Tonga are my Inheritance”.
Also, beautiful beaches, the unique Tongan culture, and cuisine await you here.
5 Letter Countries In Europe
There are three 5 letter countries in Europe.
1. Italy
| • Area: 302,073 km² • Population: 59,146,260 • Capital: Rome • Currency: Italian lira • Main Airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • Official Language: Italian • Top Tourist Attractions: Colosseum, Pantheon, Mount Vesuvius • Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November |
From the best art tours in Italy to the road trips across Northern Italy, tourism in the country is much more than visiting Florence and Venice.
The country also continues to be the ultimate luxury travel destination, having won the laurel of top luxury tourism destination for 2025 at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Latin America.
2. Spain
| • Area: 506,030 km² • Population: 49.15 million • Capital: Madrid • Currency: Currency of Spain • Main Airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport • Official Language: Spanish • Top Tourist Attractions: Santiago De Compostela Cathedral, El Teide, Barcelona • Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November |
Spain is one of the top European countries that pay you to move there. The places to visit in Barcelona are, of course, at the epicenter of any travel plan to the country.
Also, the vibrant nightlife in Barcelona is a major attraction.
However, Barcelona is struggling with overtourism these days. So, to avoid the crowd, you can plan day trips from Barcelona and explore places such as Sitges, Montserrat, etc.
3. Malta
| • Area: 316 km² • Population: 545,405 • Capital: Valletta • Currency: Maltese Lira • Main Airport: Malta International Airport • Official Language: Maltese, English • Top Tourist Attractions: Ramla Beach, Ghadira Bay, Golden Bay • Best Time to Visit: May, June, September, and October |
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme has made this Mediterranean gem a popular name among many.
Furthemore, the Malta Tourism Board has now partnered with Emirates Airlines in Dubai to boost tourism in the country.
5 Letter Countries In North America
Haiti is the only country in North America to have a 5 letter name.
| • Area: 27,750 km² • Population: 11.8 million • Capital: Port-au-Prince • Currency: Haitian Gourdes • Main Airport: Toussaint Louverture International Airport • Official Language: French and Haitian Creole • Top Tourist Attractions: Mole Saint-Nicholas, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Port-au-Prince, Sans-Souci Palace • Best Time to Visit: November to March |
Haiti is one of the places you can go without a passport from India. Furthermore, Haiti is the land of mountains and beautiful seaside beaches.
It also has UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Citadel and the buildings at Ramiers, and the Palace of Sans Souci.
5 Letter Countries In South America
Chile is the only country in South America to have a 5-letter name.
| • Area: 756,626 km² • Population: 19,859,921 • Capital: Santiago • Currency: Chilean Peso • Main Airport: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport • Official Language: Spanish • Top Tourist Attractions: The Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine National Park, Easter Island • Best Time to Visit: December to February |
Chile has the Circuit of the Torres del Paine, one of the best treks in the world. Furthermore, it is home to the famous Atacama Desert.
Also, the Biodiversity Conservation Project (BCP) launched in southern Chile will transform the country’s nature and eco-tourism landscapes.
5 Letter Countries That Are Not Sovereign States
As mentioned, Papua, Ceuta, Aruba, Macau, Cocos, and Åland are five-letter countries that have yet to be recognized by the United Nations.
However, these nations also offer diverse tourist attractions.
For example, Papua has Lorentz National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ceuta, on the other hand, is home to the great explorer Charif Al Idrissi. This 12th-century explorer drew the first maps of the world. Ceuta has also been a celebrated port city since the 5th century BC.
Furthemore, Aruba is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving location with crystal-clear water.
Also, Macau is the Las Vegas of the East with the best casinos.
Cocos has the Cocos Island National Park, and the country is a popular destination for divers.
Moreover, Åland is a hub where the Pit–Comb Ware culture and the Comb Ceramic culture (two Neolithic cultures) have met. Further, it is one of the sunniest places among the Nordic countries.
