Spain, Italy, Türkiye, France, Mexico and the United Kingdom remain at the heart of global tourism, consistently attracting millions of international visitors each year. Their enduring popularity comes from a unique mix of cultural heritage, world-famous landmarks, rich cuisine, and diverse landscapes that appeal to travelers of every kind. Recent data confirms these nations as leading travel powerhouses, showing how their historic cities, coastlines, festivals, and modern attractions continue to draw record-breaking crowds, even as concerns about overtourism grow worldwide.

Overtourism has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in global travel, with some destinations now receiving far more visitors than their infrastructure or residents can realistically handle. A new report by Go2Africa has spotlighted the most overcrowded countries and city-states worldwide, painting a clear picture of where the tourist-to-resident ratio has spiraled beyond balance.

Vatican City at the Top of the List

At the very top stands Vatican City, which has the highest tourist density on the planet. With only 0.44 square kilometers of land and a population of fewer than 1,000 residents, it welcomes an astonishing number of visitors each year. The ratio works out to roughly 7,709 tourists per local, making it the world’s most crowded destination. As the spiritual heart of Catholicism and home to landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, it continues to attract millions of pilgrims and culture-seekers, despite its miniature size.

Andorra’s Surging Visitor Numbers

Second place belongs to Andorra, a tiny nation tucked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Known for its luxury ski resorts and reputation as a tax haven, it hosted about 9.6 million tourists in 2024. With a permanent population of only 81,938, this gives the country a ratio of 117 tourists per resident, underscoring its dependence on tourism and shopping-based travel.

Small Nations Struggling With Cruise Tourism

Many of the other most overcrowded destinations are also small island nations or microstates, many of which are popular cruise ship stops. These regions face sudden surges of visitors who often outnumber the locals, sometimes on a single day.

• San Marino takes third place, receiving more visitors than its small hilltop capital can comfortably accommodate.
• The Bahamas, ranked fourth, remains a magnet for cruise travelers, often hosting more tourists in one day than there are permanent residents.
  Saint Kitts and Nevis along with Antigua and Barbuda rank next, where the influx of large visitor numbers continues to strain limited infrastructure and put pressure on local resources.
• Other crowded destinations include Bahrain, Monaco, Malta, and Hong Kong, all balancing tourism-driven economies with the impact of high visitor density.

The World’s Most Visited Countries

While the smallest nations are the most “crowded” per resident, the list of the most visited countries looks very different.

France welcomed more than 100 million international travelers in 2024, a milestone largely driven by the global spotlight of the Paris Olympic Games.Its global reputation for art, culture, and food keeps it at the top of the charts.

• Spain comes second with 94 million visitors, drawn to its coastlines, cultural heritage, and lively cities. Yet, tensions between locals and tourists—particularly in Barcelona—have begun to spark concerns about sustainability.
• The United States ranks third with 72 million arrivals, offering diverse experiences from New York City and Los Angeles to natural wonders like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
• Completing the top 10 are Italy, Türkiye, Mexico, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Japan, all established powerhouses in global tourism.

Alternative Destinations for Travelers

The report also highlights quieter destinations that can provide a richer, more authentic travel experience without the downsides of overcrowding.

Siena, Italy invites travelers with its winding medieval alleys, striking Gothic landmarks, and sweeping Tuscan countryside, presenting a calmer and more authentic escape compared to the busier hubs of Florence and Rome.

• The Slovenian Alps deliver world-class skiing and serene mountain villages with fewer crowds than the Alps of Switzerland or Austria.
• Seychelles, with over 40 percent of its land protected, provides a conservation-focused island getaway, contrasting with the heavily trafficked Bahamas.
• Rovinj, Croatia blends coastal luxury with fewer crowds compared to the packed beaches of southern Europe.
  Mauritius combines diverse cultural influences, dramatic volcanic scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for visitors who want both tranquility and exploration in one journey.

How the Rankings Were Compiled

Spain, Italy, Türkiye, France, Mexico and the United Kingdom continue to dominate global tourism, attracting millions with their culture, history, and diverse attractions, even as overtourism challenges rise.

The data for this survey came from official tourism boards, government statistics, and international organizations. Go2Africa compared the latest visitor arrivals in 2024—or 2023 when 2024 data was unavailable—with resident population figures. By calculating the ratio of visitors per local, the report highlights destinations where tourism far outweighs the size of the community, exposing the strains of overtourism more clearly than raw visitor numbers alone.