Honestly, the letter V is a bit of an underdog in the geography world. Out of nearly 200 sovereign nations, only four actually start with it. You've got a tiny religious enclave, a Southeast Asian powerhouse, a South Pacific paradise, and a South American giant currently facing a world of trouble. It’s a weirdly diverse group. Most people can name Vietnam or Venezuela, but things get a bit fuzzy after that.
If you’re trying to win a trivia night or just planning a trip that isn't the same old European loop, these four spots offer some of the most extreme contrasts on the planet. We are talking about the world's smallest country versus one of its fastest-growing economies. It’s a lot to take in.
Vietnam: The Heavyweight of the V Group
Vietnam is basically the "main character" of this list right now. If you haven't seen a photo of the Golden Bridge in Da Nang—the one held up by giant stone hands—you've probably been offline for five years. But Vietnam isn't just a backdrop for Instagram. It’s a massive economic engine.
As of early 2026, Vietnam is targeting 25 million international arrivals for the year. That is a staggering number. They’ve moved way beyond the "post-war recovery" narrative. Now, it's all about green transition and luxury resorts. I recently read a report from Vietnam-Briefing noting that the government is pouring trillions of VND into infrastructure to handle this surge.
What people get wrong about Vietnam:
Many still think of it as a budget-only destination. While you can still get a bowl of Pho for next to nothing on a street corner in Hanoi, the country is pivoting hard toward high-end wellness tourism. We’re talking $1,000-a-night eco-resorts in places like Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc.
The geography is also wild. You have the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong, which is so big it has its own weather system. You can't just walk in, though; tours are limited and expensive. Most people stick to Ha Long Bay, which is stunning but, honestly, getting a bit crowded. If you want the same vibe without the cruise ship traffic, look into Lan Ha Bay instead.
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Vatican City: The Tiny Sovereign
This is the one that always sparks a "wait, does that count?" debate. Yes, it counts. Vatican City is a fully independent city-state. It has its own stamps, its own pharmacy, and its own army (the Swiss Guard, with those colorful Renaissance-style uniforms).
It is tiny. Like, 0.44 square kilometers tiny. You could walk across the entire country in about twenty minutes if you didn't stop to look at the art. As of the latest 2024-2025 census data, the population is roughly 764 to 882 people, depending on how you count residents versus citizens.
The reality of living there:
It’s mostly men. Seriously. A 2011 report mentioned there were only about 32 female citizens. While that’s shifted slightly under Pope Francis, it remains an outlier. Citizenship isn't something you're born into; it’s granted based on your job. If you stop working for the Holy See, you lose your passport.
Why the Vatican Matters in 2026
Despite having no military power and a population smaller than a suburban high school, the Vatican has one of the most extensive diplomatic networks on Earth. According to Zenit News, as of January 2026, 184 states maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See. It’s a weird, soft-power juggernaut that navigates global politics in a way no other "country" can.
Vanuatu: The South Pacific's Volcanic Secret
If you want to get truly off the grid, Vanuatu is it. It’s an archipelago of about 80 islands in the South Pacific. Most people only know it for "land diving"—the original bungee jumping where men jump off wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. It's terrifying to watch.
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The economy is currently in a "recovery" phase. They had a rough 2024 and 2025. Between the liquidation of their national airline, Air Vanuatu, and a major earthquake in late 2024, they've been through the wringer. The IMF actually projected a modest GDP growth of about 2.6% for 2026, which is optimistic but shows how much they rely on tourism.
The Underwater Post Office:
This isn't a gimmick; it’s real. There is a post office off Hideaway Island where you can actually dive down and mail a waterproof postcard. It’s one of the few places in the world where the postal worker wears a snorkel.
- Vibe: Unfiltered, volcanic, and incredibly friendly.
- Fact: It’s often ranked as one of the "happiest" countries on the planet despite the natural disasters.
- Must-see: Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, which is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. You can literally stand on the rim while it spits lava.
Venezuela: A Beautiful Crisis
Venezuela is the heartbreaker of the list. It should be one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It has the largest proven oil reserves on the planet. It’s home to Angel Falls, the highest uninterrupted waterfall in existence—it’s nearly a kilometer high.
But the reality in 2026 is grim. Travel advisories from the US, Canada, and Australia are all essentially saying the same thing: Do Not Travel. On January 3, 2026, there were reports of military strikes near Caracas. The security situation is, frankly, a mess. While the people are famously resilient and the landscape is legendary, the infrastructure has crumbled. If you go, you’re dealing with hyperinflation, shortages of basic medicine, and a very high risk of violent crime. It’s a tragedy of missed potential.
What people miss about Venezuela:
Beyond the oil and the politics, the geography is insane. You have the Los Roques archipelago, which has some of the clearest water in the Caribbean. You have the tepuis—flat-topped mountains that look like something out of The Lost World. It’s a country that deserves better than its current headlines.
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Moving Beyond the Basics
So, what do we do with this info? If you're looking for your next move, here's the breakdown of how these "V" countries actually function in the real world right now.
For the Career-Minded:
Vietnam is the place to watch. If you're in manufacturing, tech, or hospitality, the growth there is outpacing almost everyone else in the region. The "Green Growth" strategy they've adopted for 2026 means there's a huge push for sustainable energy and eco-certified business practices.
For the Culture Seeker:
The Vatican is an obvious choice, but the trick is timing. With 2025 being a Jubilee year, the crowds in early 2026 are still lingering. If you want to see the Sistine Chapel without being shoved, you have to book months in advance or find a "niche" tour that gains access during off-hours.
For the Hardcore Traveler:
Vanuatu is the frontier. Now that the airline situation is stabilizing, it’s the best time to see the South Pacific before it gets "over-resorted" like parts of Fiji. Just be prepared for "island time." Nothing happens fast there.
Actionable Steps for Exploring the V-Countries
- Check Visa Status for Vietnam: They recently expanded e-visas for all countries and extended stay periods. Check the official government portal before you book; don't rely on third-party "visa help" sites that overcharge.
- Monitor Venezuela Security: If you have family or essential business there, use a dedicated security firm. The situation is too volatile for standard travel insurance to cover you.
- Book the Vatican Early: Use the official Musei Vaticani website. Avoid the guys in the street promising "skip the line" tickets; they are usually just reselling at a massive markup.
- Support Local in Vanuatu: If you head to the islands, stay in local "bungalows" rather than international chains. The money stays in the community, which is crucial for their post-2024 recovery.
Whether it's the spiritual gravity of the Vatican or the frantic energy of a Ho Chi Minh City street market, these four countries prove that a single letter can hold a lot of world history. It's a weird list, but it's never boring.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current travel entry requirements for Vietnam's new e-visa system, as stay durations were recently adjusted for 2026 travelers.