Ever played a trivia game and gotten stuck on a category that seems easy but is actually a total brain teaser? That's usually what happens when someone asks you to name all the countries that start with V. Honestly, most of us can rattle off Vietnam or maybe Venezuela if we’ve been watching the news, but then the room goes quiet.
There are only four. Well, sort of.
Depending on who you ask—a UN diplomat or a professional geographer—the list is tiny. But the stories behind these four places? They’re massive. We’re talking about the smallest nation on the planet, an island chain where people literally invented bungee jumping with vines, and a country with so much oil it should be the richest place on earth, yet it's currently at a massive historical crossroads.
The Big Four: Countries That Start With V
You've basically got Vietnam, Venezuela, Vanuatu, and Vatican City. If you want to get technical, the UN only counts three as member states because the Vatican is an "observer state." But let’s be real—if it has its own flag, its own stamps, and its own army (even if they wear colorful striped outfits), it’s a country in the eyes of any normal person.
Vietnam: The Rising Dragon of 2026
Vietnam is having a moment right now. Kinda like how Thailand was the "it" destination ten years ago, Vietnam is currently the place everyone is flocking to.
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By the start of 2026, the country set a goal to welcome 25 million foreign visitors. That is a staggering number. But if you’ve ever walked through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An or taken a boat through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, you get it.
The food alone is worth the flight. You can sit on a tiny plastic stool on a Hanoi sidewalk, pay about two bucks, and eat a bowl of Bun Cha that will change your life.
Vanuatu: The Wild Pacific
Vanuatu is the one people usually miss. It’s an archipelago of about 83 islands in the South Pacific. If you’re looking for "off the beaten path," this is it.
One of the coolest—and most terrifying—things about Vanuatu is the "Nagol" or land diving. It’s a ritual on Pentecost Island where men jump off 100-foot-tall wooden towers with nothing but tree vines tied to their ankles. Their hair is supposed to just brush the ground. It’s the original inspiration for modern bungee jumping, but way more intense because, well, vines don’t have the same safety ratings as industrial cords.
Why the "Smallest" V Country is a Huge Deal
When we talk about countries that start with V, you can't skip Vatican City. It’s the ultimate trivia answer.
It is the smallest independent state in the world. It’s only about 110 acres. To put that in perspective, you could fit the entire country inside some of the world’s larger shopping malls.
Life Inside the Walls
There are only about 700 to 800 citizens. Most of them don't even live there permanently. It’s an absolute monarchy, which sounds like something out of a history book, but it’s how things run there in 2026.
The economy is also weirdly fascinating. They don't have taxes. Instead, the country makes its money from museum entrance fees, stamp sales, and souvenirs. It’s the only country in the world that can be entirely explored on foot in about twenty minutes, provided you don't get stopped by the beauty of the Sistine Chapel.
Venezuela and the 2026 Geopolitical Shift
Venezuela is the complicated sibling in the "V" family. It has the world's largest proven oil reserves—more than Saudi Arabia. Yet, the last decade has been a total economic nightmare for the people living there.
What's Happening Right Now?
As of January 2026, the situation has taken a dramatic turn. Following years of hyperinflation and political gridlock, there has been a massive shift in leadership. You might have seen the headlines about U.S. involvement and the capture of former officials.
The country is currently trying to pivot. The new leadership is calling for the oil industry to open back up to foreign investment. For the average person in Caracas, this isn't just about politics; it's about whether the currency will finally stabilize so they can buy groceries without a backpack full of cash.
A few quick facts about Venezuela's natural side:
- It's home to Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall.
- The fall is 3,212 feet high.
- It’s so high that much of the water turns into mist before it even hits the ground.
Comparing the "V" Nations
| Country | Continent | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Asia | World's largest cave (Son Doong) |
| Venezuela | South America | Tallest waterfall (Angel Falls) |
| Vanuatu | Oceania | Underwater Post Office |
| Vatican City | Europe | Smallest country on Earth |
Honestly, it's a pretty diverse group. You have a communist-led economic powerhouse in Vietnam, a struggling oil giant in Venezuela, a remote island paradise in Vanuatu, and a religious epicenter in Vatican City.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Places
People tend to lump "V" countries together in their heads just because of the letter, but the reality is they couldn't be more different.
One big misconception is that Vanuatu is just another version of Fiji. It's not. Vanuatu is much more rugged. It has active volcanoes like Mount Yasur that you can actually stand on the rim of while it’s erupting. It’s not for the "all-inclusive resort" crowd; it’s for people who want to feel the earth shake.
Another mistake? Thinking Vietnam is still just a "budget" destination. While you can still travel cheaply, the luxury sector there is exploding. 2026 is seeing the opening of ultra-high-end eco-resorts that rival anything in the Maldives.
The "Virgin Islands" Confusion
Sometimes people try to include the Virgin Islands on this list. Technically, they don't count as independent countries that start with V.
The British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are, well, part of the U.S. They have their own vibe and their own local governments, but if you're looking for sovereign nations, they don't make the cut.
Actionable Insights for the Curious Traveler
If you're looking to visit one of these "V" countries in 2026, here is the "insider" move for each:
- Vietnam: Skip the overcrowded spots in Ha Long Bay and head to Quy Nhon. It’s been named a top destination for 2026 and still feels like a secret.
- Vanuatu: If you’re a diver, you have to hit the SS President Coolidge wreck off Espiritu Santo. It’s a luxury liner turned troopship that sank in 1942. It’s basically an underwater museum.
- Vatican City: Book your museum tickets at least two months in advance. Seriously. The lines in 2026 are longer than ever as global travel has fully surged back.
- Venezuela: For now, most Western governments still have travel advisories in place. While the political situation is shifting, it’s best to keep a close eye on state department updates before booking a flight to see Angel Falls.
The "V" countries might be a small group, but they cover almost every corner of the human experience. From the high-tech bustle of Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient silence of the Vatican's archives, these four nations offer way more than just a lucky break in a game of Scrabble.
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To get started on a trip to the most accessible of these, look into the 2026 e-visa requirements for Vietnam, as they've recently streamlined the process for over 80 nationalities to encourage that 25-million-visitor goal. For Vanuatu, check the flight schedules out of Brisbane or Fiji, as those remain the primary gateways to the archipelago.