20
Netherlands – 13.9 million
Source: UNWTO, Image: Pixabay
The Netherlands received 13.9 million tourists in 2014, nothing short of amazing for its small size. The second-largest exporter of food and agricultural products in the world, this Dutch-speaking country (with overseas possessions in the Caribbean) is a powerhouse on the global stage with various courts and legal institutions located in The Hague and the largest European port (larger than the next three combined) at Rotterdam. Many tourists visit for the country’s liberal policies on a variety of social issues including abortion, same-sex marriage, and soft drugs.
19
South Korea – 14.2 million
Source: UNWTO, Image: Wikipedia
South Korea’s rapid development is nothing short of a miracle, growing its economy by at least 10% each year from 1962-1994. One of the Asian Tigers, South Korea has become one of the most advanced countries in the world, especially in economy, human rights, and innovation. Besides this, it has been rapidly exporting its pop culture, often referred to as K-Pop, around the world, a major reason for its influx of tourists from Asia.
18
Macao (China) – 14.6 million
Source: UNWTO, Image: Wikimedia
Officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Macao is the most densely populated area in the world. The last European colony in Asia, Macao was ceded by the Portuguese to China in 1999. (The area was originally leased to the Portuguese in 1557 by Ming Dynasty China as a trading port.) Today, Macao has the second highest life expectancy in the world and is mainly driven by its primary industry, gambling, which brings in most of its nearly 15 million tourists annually, making it the 18th most touristed country.
17
Canada – 16.5 million
Source: UNWTO, Image: Public-Domain-Image.com
Finally gaining full sovereignty from the U.K. in 1982, Canada is one of the most economically developed countries in the world. One of the only countries to border three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic), Canada is an expansive country (second-largest in the world) whose economy, tourism and otherwise, is strongly based on natural resources and its natural beauty.
16
Poland – 16.6 million
Source: UNWTO, Image: Wikimedia
Poland may come as a surprise on this list, but it shouldn’t given the country’s massive development since the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. in the late 1980’s. The only European Union member state to have not experienced negative GDP during the financial crisis, Poland has long had a tumultuous history due to its prime position in Central Europe but has experienced significant recent growth. Despite the destruction caused by World War II, Poland has preserved and rebuilt many important monuments including 14 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s also cheaper than other primary European destinations.
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