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The world is so vast that every corner has different cultures and surprising traditions that can astonish you. Some countries are so unique that their lifestyle, rules, and customs make you feel as if you are on a movie set. Here are 5 such countries whose traditions will amaze you and make you realize how strange and colorful the world truly is.
1. Bhutan
Bhutan is not just a country but a different philosophy of life. Here, more than economic growth, people’s happiness—Gross National Happiness—is given the highest importance, and it is even included in the constitution. This Himalayan nation is covered by about 70 percent forest, often called the “world’s last Shangri-La.” Bhutan’s traditions are also unique. Chili is not just a spice here but the main part of every meal, and rice is served in red color. In addition, every tourist must spend $250 per day, which includes accommodation, food, and guide services. This rule preserves the country’s beauty and peace and keeps away crowds of budget travelers. Most people in Bhutan speak Nepali, and the ethnic groups are similar to those in Nepal.
2. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a Central Asian country whose traditions and culture are completely different. Its national drink is made from horse’s milk, and the most popular dish is Kazy, a smoked horsemeat sausage. But the strangest thing is its traditional sport “Buzkashi,” which means “catching the dead goat.” In this game, horse-mounted players compete by carrying the headless body of a goat. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by area, and more than 130 ethnic groups live here. Its vastness and diversity make it an extraordinary and unusual experience.
3. North Korea
North Korea is one of the strangest countries in the world. It is a separate, controlled, semi-communist nation. Tourists can only enter from Beijing, and inside, two government guides always accompany you. Every activity is monitored, and only what the government wants is shown. Tourism here gives you a small glimpse of life under this strict system. The special thing is that visas are issued only in Beijing, so it is necessary to pay attention to all government warnings before traveling.
4. Belarus
After the Soviet Union collapsed, when many European countries joined the European Union, Belarus chose to remain alone. Located between Russia and Poland, its capital Minsk has been burned down and rebuilt many times. The city stands out with massive Soviet-era monuments among traditional buildings, giving it a unique look. There is also a very strange place here—the basement of Grodno Medical State University, where a frightening collection of human body deformities is kept. Belarus is special for travelers who seek a quiet, different, and slightly unusual experience away from Europe’s crowded cities.
5. Armenia
This country, rich in history and culture, is also famous for its capital Yerevan, called the “Pink City” because of its buildings made from pink volcanic stone. Armenia’s Christian history is very old. Many people here still believe that Noah’s Ark lies buried somewhere in the snow of Mount Ararat, which remains a significant part of the country’s faith and identity.
