It sounds almost impossible—visiting every country on Earth without ever boarding a plane.
No jet-setting, no quick airport layovers. Just ferries, trains, buses, and relentless determination. Yet Danish explorer Thor Pedersen managed this astonishing feat, and his journey revealed more than just breathtaking sights and diverse cultures.
It also brought to light a candid and controversial opinion about one particular nation that left him far more disillusioned than enchanted.
Thor Pedersen, a traveler like no other, set off in October 2013 with a bold mission: to explore every sovereign country on the planet without ever taking to the skies.
Initially, he aimed to finish within four years, but unforeseen challenges—including the global pandemic—stretched his odyssey to nearly a decade.
Finally, in May 2023, Thor made history by completing his world tour in the Maldives, becoming the first known person to accomplish this globe-spanning journey solely through land and sea routes.
Amid the incredible places he encountered, however, Thor didn’t hesitate to call out one country that left a particularly sour impression—and it’s not a nation you’d expect.
The Country Thor Labels “Worst on Earth”
That distinction goes to Tuvalu, a tiny island nation nestled in the Pacific and a member of the British Commonwealth.
In an interview with UNILAD, Thor elaborated, “I’m tough on Tuvalu, but not because the people were anything less than kind. They were warm and welcoming, and the islands themselves have undeniable beauty. But what troubled me was the massive financial lifeline poured into sustaining the country.”
He questioned the logic behind this ongoing support: “What tangible contribution does Tuvalu make to the world? Why not help its people relocate to places they choose instead of continuously funneling money into a country that’s destined to disappear underwater?”
“Climate change threatens to swallow Tuvalu entirely within 70 to 100 years. No matter how much we invest in infrastructure or social services, the islands will eventually vanish beneath the waves. That’s why I consider it the worst country—tragically, not for the people, but for the future of the land itself.”
Tuvalu’s Struggle Against the Rising Tide
Tuvalu consists of nine low-lying atolls and is home to roughly 11,500 residents. Since gaining independence in 1978, the nation has grappled with the existential threat of rising sea levels. The United Nations ranks Tuvalu among the most vulnerable countries worldwide to climate change effects.
Thor’s sharp critique didn’t stop there. He also expressed disappointment with another unusual microstate — the Vatican.
Vatican City: A Country That Shuts Its Doors
“Then there’s the Vatican,” he said, “and this isn’t about religion. It’s the way the place operates. No babies are born there, nobody lives there overnight, there are no restaurants, and tourists are politely kicked out each evening with an invitation to return the next day.”
He called it “the only country in the world that literally closes up shop daily,” deeming the experience “bizarre and frustrating.”
Despite these pointed critiques, Thor Pedersen’s journey remains a remarkable testament to human endurance and curiosity. His travels illuminate the rich complexity of our world — its breathtaking wonders alongside its unsettling realities.
Thor’s observations challenge us to look beyond glossy travel brochures and social media highlights, inviting a more nuanced conversation about sustainability, community, and the meaning of “country” in a rapidly changing world.
Whether you agree with his candid assessments or not, Thor’s epic adventure offers a rare, unvarnished lens on the globe—a journey not only across geography but through the heart of humanity’s most pressing challenges.