Countries that start with the letter b: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re probably here because of a trivia night or maybe a weirdly specific geography itch. Honestly, when most people think of countries that start with the letter b, they immediately go to the big hitters like Brazil or Belgium. But there’s a whole lot more to the "B" list than just samba and chocolate.

From the high-altitude silence of Bhutan to the dense, oil-rich jungles of Brunei, these nineteen countries (give or take, depending on who you ask at the UN) represent some of the most diverse corners of our planet. You've got island nations that are basically just sand and rum, and then you've got landlocked African nations where the "B" stands for some of the most honest people you’ll ever meet.

The Heavy Hitters and the Hidden Gems

Brazil is the obvious king here. It’s huge. It’s the only country on Earth named after a tree—the brazilwood—which produces a deep red dye. But did you know that while everyone is looking at the Amazon, the world’s largest salt flat is actually sitting over in Bolivia? Salar de Uyuni is so flat and reflective that NASA literally uses it to calibrate satellites. It's basically a giant mirror on the roof of the world.

Then you have Belgium. People joke about it being the "capital of Europe" because of Brussels, but the history of the name is way cooler. It comes from the Belgae tribe. In proto-Celtic, "Belg" meant "to swell with anger." Basically, the Romans found these people so difficult to conquer that they named the whole place after how mad the locals got.

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Why the "B" List is a Travel Cheat Code

If you’re looking for a trip in 2026 that isn't just another crowded tourist trap, you need to look at the smaller "B" countries. Belize is a perfect example. Most people head to Mexico for the beaches, but Belize has the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Plus, it’s one of the few places where you can hear English, Spanish, and Kriol all in the same grocery store aisle.

Bhutan is another one that feels like a different dimension. They don't care about GDP. They measure "Gross National Happiness." It was one of the last places on the planet to get television (1999!), and they still limit tourist numbers to keep their Himalayan culture from getting watered down. It’s expensive to get into, sure, but it’s one of the only "carbon-negative" countries in existence.

Africa’s "B" Powerhouses

• Botswana: Home to the world's largest elephant population. If you want a safari that feels real, this is it.
• Benin: The literal birthplace of Voodoo. It’s a complex, beautiful religion that most Westerners totally misunderstand.
• Burkina Faso: The name literally translates to "Land of Honest People."
• Burundi: One of the most rural countries left, where the drum culture is so intense it’s been recognized by UNESCO.

The Island Vibes: Bahamas to Barbados

The Caribbean "B" countries are often lumped together, but they’re night and day. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands. It’s all about the turquoise water and, weirdly enough, those swimming pigs in Exuma.

Barbados is different. It’s the "bearded one." A Portuguese explorer named it that because the fig trees there have long, hanging roots that look like wispy beards. It’s also the birthplace of rum. If you haven't had a proper rum punch on a beach in Bridgetown, you haven't lived.

What People Get Wrong About the "B" Countries

One of the biggest misconceptions involves Bangladesh. People think it’s just a place that floods. While it is low-lying, it’s also home to the Sundarbans—the largest mangrove forest on Earth and a massive tiger sanctuary. It’s a vibrant, chaotic, and incredibly hospitable place that most travelers skip because they’re scared of the logistics.

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Then there’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. People still associate it with the 1990s conflict. But in 2026, it’s one of the most underrated spots in Europe. It has the last remaining jungle (Perućica) in Europe. The blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture in Sarajevo is something you won't find anywhere else.

Bahrain often gets overshadowed by Dubai or Qatar. But Bahrain has a history that goes back to the Dilmun civilization. It was a hub for the pearl trade long before anyone found oil. Today, it’s a weirdly cool mix of ancient burial mounds and high-tech Formula 1 tracks.

The Full List (UN Member States)

1. Bahamas
2. Bahrain
3. Bangladesh
4. Barbados
5. Belarus
6. Belgium
7. Belize
8. Benin
9. Bhutan
10. Bolivia
11. Bosnia and Herzegovina
12. Botswana
13. Brazil
14. Brunei
15. Bulgaria
16. Burkina Faso
17. Burundi

Note: You might see places like Bermuda or the British Virgin Islands on some lists, but those are territories, not independent countries.

Real Insights for 2026

If you're planning a trip to any of these spots this year, keep a few things in mind. Noctourism—traveling to see the stars or avoid the daytime heat—is huge right now, especially in places like the Kalahari in Botswana or the Atacama-adjacent parts of Bolivia.

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Also, look into "Blue Health" escapes. The coastal "B" countries like Bulgaria (with its Black Sea resorts) and Belize are leaning hard into wellness retreats that focus on the healing power of the ocean.

Actionable Next Steps

• Check your visa requirements: Bhutan and Belarus have very specific, often changing, entry rules. Don't just show up.
• Look for shoulder seasons: For Brazil, avoid Carnival if you hate crowds (and high prices). May or October are often better for actually seeing the country.
• Learn a few phrases: In Benin or Burkina Faso, a little French goes a long way. In Brazil, it's Portuguese—not Spanish!
• Invest in a good filter: For countries like Bangladesh or Burundi, a portable water purifier is a lifesaver.

Geography isn't just about lists. It's about the weird stories that make a place what it is. Whether it's a "bearded" island or a country that's "swollen with anger," the "B" countries are some of the most fascinating places you'll ever visit.