Ever tried to name every country starting with A during a pub quiz? You probably nailed Australia and Argentina. Maybe you remembered Austria. But then things get kinda murky.
Most people think they know the "A" list. They don't.
Depending on who you ask—and which geopolitical map they’re holding—the count usually hits 11. Or 12. Or 14. It’s not just a matter of spelling; it’s a mess of sovereign states, territories, and "it’s complicated" statuses.
The Core List (The Eleven)
Geographically speaking, these are the heavy hitters. These are the ones everyone agrees on.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
But wait. If you’re looking at certain lists, you’ll see American Samoa or Aruba. Honestly, they aren't fully independent countries. They’re territories. Important? Yes. Sovereign? Not quite.
Why Afghanistan is misunderstood
People hear "Afghanistan" and think only of conflict. It’s a tragic simplification. This is the home of Buzkashi, a sport where men on horseback basically fight over a goat carcass. It’s intense. It’s also one of the top countries of origin for refugees globally, with over 4.77 million Afghans living in displacement as of early 2026.
Albania is the new "It" spot
If you haven't seen Albania on your Instagram feed yet, just wait. Travel planners for 2026 are obsessed with the "Albanian Riviera." It’s basically Greece but half the price. Places like Sarandë and Ksamil have water so clear it looks fake.
The Giants: Australia and Argentina
These two take up a massive amount of "A" real estate.
Australia is a weird one. It’s the only place on Earth that is both a country and a continent. It’s also home to monotremes—mammals like the platypus that lay eggs but nurse their young. Nature was definitely experimenting there. Their currency is also waterproof. You can go surfing, forget your wallet in your pocket, and your $20 bill will be just fine.
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Then there’s Argentina.
You’ve got the widest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, right in the middle of Buenos Aires. It’s 140 meters wide. Crossing it in one green light is basically an Olympic sport.
Did you know there's a literal "Church of Maradona" there? People worship the late soccer legend Diego Maradona. Their version of the Lord’s Prayer mentions his "magic left foot." I’m not even kidding.
The African Powerhouses
Algeria is huge. It’s the largest country in Africa by land area. Most of it is the Sahara Desert, which sounds empty until you realize it's where Albert Camus—the famous existentialist—grew up and started writing.
Angola is often overlooked, which is a mistake. It’s where the roots of Brazilian Samba actually come from. The rhythm started in Angolan circle dances. Also, more people speak Portuguese in Angola than in Portugal itself. Think about that for a second.
The Tiny "A" Countries You Forget
Andorra is a microstate tucked between France and Spain. It’s tiny. It’s basically a giant ski resort and a tax-free shopping mall. It’s co-ruled by two "princes," one of whom is the President of France.
Then you have Antigua and Barbuda.
Small islands. Big secrets. They grow the Antigua Black, which is widely considered the sweetest pineapple on the planet. It’s rare because it’s too fragile to ship long distances, so you basically have to go there to eat it.
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The Caucasus Conflict: Armenia and Azerbaijan
These two are neighbors, but they’ve had a rough go. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is the land of fire. They have these natural gas vents like Yanar Dag where the ground has been literally burning for decades.
What to actually do with this info
If you're planning a trip in 2026, the "A" list offers some of the best value-to-experience ratios on the map.
- For the budget traveler: Go to Albania in May. The weather is perfect, and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
- For the winter sports fan: The Austrian Alps are the gold standard. January 2026 is looking like a high-snow year for the region.
- For the foodie: Argentina’s steak and wine are still cheaper than a mediocre meal in London or New York due to exchange rate shifts.
The world is getting smaller, but these countries still hold onto some pretty wild distinctions. Whether it’s the burning hills of Azerbaijan or the waterproof money in Australia, the "A" section of the atlas is a lot weirder than your geography teacher let on.
Check the current visa requirements for Azerbaijan and Armenia before planning a cross-border trip, as local tensions often change transit rules overnight. If you're heading to Australia, remember that their biosecurity laws are legendary; don't even think about bringing a stray apple off the plane. For Argentina, bring crisp, high-denomination USD bills to get the best "blue market" exchange rates, which can nearly double your spending power compared to official bank rates.
Next Steps:
- Verify your passport validity: Most of these countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Look into the "Blue Dollar": If you're heading to Argentina, research the current informal exchange rate to save a fortune.
- Check the 2026 Albanian Festival Calendar: If you want the Riviera experience, aim for the music festivals in Dhërmi.