Fresh water is becoming one of the world’s most critical resources as rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources shrink. A closer look at global data shows that one country holds a far larger share of the planet’s usable fresh water than any other.

Water has shaped civilisation in the past, continues to do so today, and will have an even greater impact in the future. Freshwater sources are shrinking each day, and availability is declining, largely due to human activity. In the pursuit of extraction and development, people have depleted the soil and polluted water bodies, from lakes and rivers to oceans. Yet, despite the vast presence of water on Earth, very little of it is actually usable.

Only a small share of the planet’s water is fresh, found in rivers, lakes, glaciers, and underground aquifers. When global agencies measure renewable freshwater resources, one country consistently stands apart: Brazil.

Data compiled by institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank show that Brazil possesses a huge amount of freshwater sources that includes lakes, rivers and underground water.

Brazil draws much of its freshwater strength from the Amazon basin, the largest river system on Earth by volume.

Other countries like Russia and Canada are also on the list.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES?

Several other countries also hold significant freshwater resources, though at a much smaller scale.

Russia benefits from sprawling river networks and Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world.

Canada’s water wealth is rooted in geography. The country is dotted with more than two million lakes, many of them formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.

The Great Lakes, shared with the United States, alone account for about 20 per cent of the world’s surface fresh water. Long river systems, vast wetlands, and extensive groundwater reserves add to this natural advantage.

The United States and China also rank high due to their size and diverse river systems.

Even in Canada and Russia, concerns remain over ecosystem protection, industrial use, and the rights of Indigenous communities to clean and accessible water.

India has freshwater sources in the form of glaciers and thousands of lakes spread across the Himalayan region. The north-east of the country also has a rich and diverse range of freshwater resources.

The contrast becomes sharper in countries with large populations. India, for instance, has major rivers such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra, yet ranks low in per-capita freshwater availability because demand far exceeds supply.

Measured purely by natural endowment, Canada holds the largest share of fresh water on the planet.

Trending island travel this year

Island travel is set to dominate holiday plans in 2026, with travellers looking for places that offer nature, culture and a slower pace of life. From the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, certain islands are seeing a sharp rise in global interest due to better air connectivity, renewed tourism focus and wider exposure through travel media and popular culture. According to Conde Nast Traveller, these six islands are emerging as top choices for 2026, appealing to travellers seeking beaches, heritage, food and outdoor experiences in one trip.

1. Gozo, Malta

Gozo is gaining attention as a quieter alternative to mainland Malta. Known for its rugged coastline, clear waters and historic villages, the island offers a slower pace compared to larger Mediterranean destinations. Visitors are drawn to its ancient temples, countryside walks and diving spots. Improved transport links and growing interest in lesser-known European islands have pushed Gozo into the spotlight for 2026.

2. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues to trend as an island destination that offers variety in a single trip. Travellers can move from beaches to hill country to wildlife parks within hours. The island is known for its cultural sites, tea plantations, national parks and surf-friendly coastlines. Competitive travel costs and renewed global interest have made Sri Lanka one of the most searched island destinations for the coming year.

3. Zakynthos, Greece

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, remains popular for its dramatic landscapes and clear blue waters. The island is best known for Navagio Beach, but it also offers quieter villages, turtle conservation areas and traditional Greek food. Its mix of scenic beauty and lively tourist areas makes it attractive to both families and younger travellers planning summer holidays in 2026.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius stands out as a premium island destination in the Indian Ocean. It attracts travellers with its beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, along with a strong resort culture. Beyond resorts, the island offers hiking trails, waterfalls and a mix of Indian, African and European influences in food and culture. Rising interest reflects demand for long-haul island holidays with reliable infrastructure.

5. Fuerteventura, Spain

Fuerteventura is trending for its wide sandy beaches and open landscapes. Part of Spain’s Canary Islands, it is popular for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. The island’s dry climate and relaxed atmosphere make it attractive for travellers looking for nature-based holidays.

6. Kos, Greece

Kos is emerging as a compact and easy-to-explore Greek island. It offers beaches, ancient ruins and short travel distances between towns. Visitors are drawn to its mix of history, coastal scenery and laid-back lifestyle, making it a growing choice for European island travel in 2026.

From walled cities to cliff-hugging capitals, these pint-sized nations prove that small doesn’t mean less. In just 24 hours, you can cross entire borders, sample local cuisine, and still have time for a sunset view.

The world is mammoth; however, some nations are so compact that, with a good plan and comfortable shoes, you could realistically see the main highlights in a single day!

And yes, these are fully sovereign countries – not territories – and while traveling to them may take longer, once you arrive, their size works very much in your favor.

Here are eight such nations that are so small that you can explore them to bits in a single day!

1. Vatican City

Don’t let the “city” in its name trick you – Vatican City is the smallest country on Earth with an area of about 0.44 km sq. You could walk across the entire country in under an hour (we aren’t kidding!), though you will want to slow down once you reach St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

It may be tiny, but it comfortably fills a full day with art, architecture, and crowds moving at a very polite shuffle.

2. Monaco

Monaco is a 2.0 km sq proof that small countries can still feel extravagant. Sitting along the French Riviera, this tiny country packs luxury hotels, a historic palace, a major casino, and a Formula One racetrack into an area smaller than many city parks.

You can walk through most neighbourhoods in a day, with plenty of time still left for coffee breaks. Cute, isn’t it?

3. Nauru

Nauru, with an area of 21 km sq, is the smallest island nation in the world. A single coastal road circles the entire country, making it easy to get around in one day.

Visitors can explore coral cliffs, inland limestone formations, and World War II remnants without ever straying far from the sea.

It is quiet, remote, and refreshingly unrushed, perfect for anyone on a lookout for a tropical downtime.

4. Tuvalu

The low-lying atolls scattered across the Pacific gave birth to a tiny country named Tuvalu, which is just 26 km sq in size! Most visitors spend time on Funafuti, the laid-back capital of this place.

This country is less about landmarks and more about atmosphere: beaches, lagoons, village life, and wide-open ocean views. In one day, you can see much of what Tuvalu offers – and still have time to watch the sun set over the water. Dreamy, yes!

5. San Marino

San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics, and of course, among the smallest countries on this planet with an area of 61 km sq.

Perched atop the Mount Titano, it is surrounded entirely by Italy and garners attention for its historic hotspots, medieval streets, and famous Three Towers. A day is more than enough to explore the old town, enjoy the views, and appreciate how much history fits into such a small space.

6. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is slightly larger (160 sq km area) than the others on this list, but still compact enough for a one-day overview. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, it offers Alpine scenery, museums, vineyards, and the capital city of Vaduz – all within proximity.

With good planning, you can cover culture and nature in the same afternoon.

7. Marshall Islands

With an area of 181 km sq, Marshall Islands are spread across many atolls. Those who visit this country mostly focus on the main population centres.

Clear lagoons, reef snorkeling, and visible World War II history define the experience. While island-hopping takes planning, the core sights can comfortably fit into a day once you are on the ground.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis

A two-island country in the Caribbean with an area stretching to 261 km sq, this stunning destination has a lot you can explore in just 24 hours – right from historic forts and coastal towns to beaches and even parts of the rainforest.

Efficient ferries and short driving distances make it possible to sample both islands without rushing too much.

Planning a cherry blossom trip to Japan? What if your journey could go beyond crowded sakura spots? Here are five offbeat experiences that reveal an unforgettable side of Japan

Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2026 are expected to bloom from late March to early April across central regions, with full bloom typically lasting just one week. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain the most sought-after destinations for first-time visitors, drawing crowds eager to witness the fleeting pink spectacle that defines Japan’s most photographed and celebrated season.

While cherry blossoms remain a defining travel moment, Japan offers experiences that stretch far beyond flower-viewing traditions. Travellers often arrive for hanami but leave captivated by the country’s cultural curiosities, wellness rituals, and unusual communities. For those willing to step off the crowded sakura trail, Japan reveals immersive, lesser-known encounters that showcase its layered traditions and distinctive modern eccentricities.

Cat Island: Aoshima Island is one of Japan’s rare “cat islands,” where more than a hundred cats roam freely through a quiet fishing village. Here, felines outnumber humans nearly six to one, curling up in abandoned homes or wandering narrow streets. Growing internet fame has drawn increasing tourists, often overwhelming the island’s small resident population while preserving its oddly tranquil charm.

Hakone’s Unusual Spa Rituals: Traditional bathing meets playful wellness innovation in Hakone’s themed spa pools. Visitors can soak in green tea, coffee, wine, or sake baths, each believed to offer health benefits. Sake baths are said to help reduce freckles and ageing spots, while green tea sourced from surrounding mountains is linked to improved skin and immunity. Wine baths are often associated with rejuvenation rituals.

Kyaraben Workshops: Kyaraben, or character bento, transforms simple lunch ingredients into edible art. Using rice, seaweed, and vegetables, participants learn to recreate cartoon characters, animals, and pop culture icons through intricate food arrangement. These workshops highlight Japan’s culinary precision while revealing how food presentation reflects care, creativity, and emotional expression within everyday Japanese domestic culture.

Shukubo Temple Stays: Staying in a shukubo offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience life inside a Buddhist temple. Guests participate in meditation sessions and traditional vegetarian temple meals, providing a pause from modern distractions. Many temples operate on cash-only systems, and room packages often include dinner and breakfast, creating a structured yet deeply calming introduction to monastic living traditions.

Animal cafés across Japan, especially in Tokyo districts like Harajuku and Akihabara, offer visitors time-limited interactions with animals ranging from Shiba Inus and cats to owls, hedgehogs, micro pigs, and capybaras. Typically operating through paid entry with beverage service, these venues reflect Japan’s fascination with therapeutic companionship and carefully curated animal interaction experiences.