World's 15 least visited countries

It might be hard to believe in this globalised world but some countries - whether for reasons of isolation, war or just a lack of obvious things to do - have slid completely off the tourism map.
So, if you like the idea of boasting that you've been to places your friends haven't even heard of, we've hunted down the world's 15 least visited countries for you. Take a trip to any of these places, and it's a fair bet you won't see too many umbrella-wielding tour guides

15: Mauritania

14: Guinea-Bissau

13: Bhutan

12: Chad

11: American Samoa

10: Comoros

9: Solomon Islands

8: Central African Republic

7: Sao Tome and Principe

6: Turkmenistan

5: Moldova

4: Marshall Islands

3: Tajikistan

2: Kiribati

1:Tuvalu

Antarctica Warming

A team of National Geographic explorers will begin a five-week expedition across the continent's Larsen ice shelf to study how global warming is changing the topography of Antarctica.

Larsen B Ice Shelf Breakup

Over a 35-day period in early 2002, Antarctica's Larsen B ice shelf lost a total of about 1,255 square miles, one of the largest shelf retreats ever recorded. This image, captured by NASA's MODIS satellite sensor on February 23, shows the shelf mid-disintegration, spewing a cloud of icebergs adrift in the Weddell Sea.

Glacier Advance

A stark white lobe of a glacier advances across Antarctica's dry valleys region, so called because of its scarcity of snow. Earth's fifth-largest continent contains more than two-thirds of the world's freshwater in the form of ice, yet some areas receive less than two inches (five centimeters) of precipitation a year.

Penguins on Shore

A group of gentoo penguins nests on an icy shore of Cierva Cove, Antarctica.

Large Iceberg

Global warming is forcing ice shelves to calve, producing icebergs like this monolith jutting into the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Penguin and Chick

An Antarctic gentoo chick stays near its parent for warmth. Gentoos are the fastest underwater swimming birds and can reach speeds of 22 miles an hour

Leopard Seal

A leopard seal plunges through Antarctic waters. Swift and stealthy, adult leopard seals tend to be solitary creatures, hunting alone at the fringes of pack ice.

Neumeyer Channel

Icebergs drift across Antarctica's Neumeyer Channel. The Larsen Ice Shelf Expedition team predicts melting Antarctic shelves and bergs will raise sea levels around the world, flooding hundreds of thousands of square miles and displacing tens of millions of people.

Top 10 Dangerous Mountains to climb

Climbing a mountain is one of the best experiences to have in a lifetime. Being higher up than any soul around for miles and miles is a great experience which everybody should try and enjoy. The tiresome climb will all vanish away in the few moments that you are atop the behemoth of rock which towers above its contemporaries and give you a feeling nothing short of being royalty in your own right.

10. Damavand in Iran

The Damavand is a part of the Elburz range and is one of the most amazing mountain ranges to climb. The mountains are laced with many hot springs which let out an endless supply of steam which come from a dormant volcano. One of the most exquisite climbs at around 5800 meters above sea level, this one is not to be missed.

9. Annapurna in Nepal

The Annapurna is one of the best scenic views that you will find anywhere in the world. The geological diversity that the mountains offer is one to be experienced as you span a section of the great Himalayas which are the highest places on the planet. The sun rises over the mountains and shows off all its grandeur.

8. Denali in Alaska

This Mountain is one of the finest you will ever climb if you do. This giant is the highest peak in North America and stand at around 6200 meters. The ascent offers many challenges but is completely worth it as the horizon keeps changing into many beautiful forms most people only get to see on wallpaper.

7. Citlaltepetl and Iztaacihuatl in Mexico

The two volcanoes stand together to offer the nature’s greatness in its best forms. The twin peaks are a treat to climb and a treat to watch too. The snow capped mountains look like a woman sleeping from afar and is also known as the Sleeping Woman. A relatively easy climb as compared to some others, this one should give you a good boost if you are looking for one.

6. Mount Elbrus

This Russian giant is the watchtower in between Europe and Asia. The climb can get very difficult in some areas as the terrain changes a lot over in some parts. The challenging terrain however is all worth it once you get to see entire countries as you go higher.

5. The Matterhorn

This Mountain is in the Alps in Switzerland and is very well known to climbers. It is the modern day Mecca of the sport of climbing and has a lot of traditional climbs that you can hop along with to the top. The mountain offers the unique experience to be able to climb a huge inverted rock shaped like a cone or a pyramid.

4. Mount Everest

This is the highest place to be. Mount Everest or Sagarmatha as it is known to the locals in Nepal was climbed for the first time in 1953 and since then thousands of people have climbed this mountain. The south face of the mountain is known to be easy to climb and should be a treat to climb too as it offers many amazing views along the ascent.

3. The Andes

The Andes in Peru is one for the geologist. The climbs are all laced with great biodiversity and the views make it all the more better. The Inca trails also fall along the range and are a bonus with the climb if you decide to do it. Incredible river valleys pleasure you all along the way as you walk into a different world in our world.

2. Kilimanjaro

The flat top mountain is the highest on the African continent and offers a unique experience. One of the most exotic climbs is made up of volcanic terrain and the mountain is very big if you consider how large the top is once you get to it. The climb has many different ecosystems all along its way and you will definitely enjoy this one.

1. Mount Khuiten

This is a mountain that is very easy to get lost on. Not because the climb is difficult in any way or not because there are any confusing trails but the views that it offers are so amazingly beautiful. Easily one of the most serene rendezvous with nature this mountain in the Atlai Range in Mongolia is an easy climb as compared to some others on the list but is certainly one of the best.

The Ten Most Live-able Cities in the World

In an annual survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, four Australian cities are listed in the top ten of the most liveable cities in the world. Living conditions in these cities were analyzed according to several factors like political stability, environment, health care, culture, education, and infrastructure.

In this beauty contest for cities of some sort, Vancouver emerged as the world’s most liveable city in 2011. If you are looking to find a perfect place to live at Odusee then it would make sense to choose the world’s most live able city.

1. Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) – 98.0

The 2010 Winter Olympics host grabbed the gold medal for an unprecedented fifth straight time by beating other cities as the world’s most liveable city. Despite having murder rate higher than the national average, the hosting of the Olympics may have provided the big boost in the city’s infrastructure and tourism thereby helping Vancouver retain the title.

2. Melbourne, Victoria (Australia) – 97.5

Melbourne, the most liveable city in Australia for the second straight year, has edged out rival Sydney for the top spot. From politics to sports, both cities have vied for Australia’s best but the city still managed to cling into its Marvellous Melbourne heritage by becoming one of the “best” cities in the world.

3. Vienna (Austria) – 97.4

Vienna is the top European city to be included in the list because of its old-world charm and sophistication. If you take a walk into the city’s fairy tale streets and buildings, not to mention the unforgettable sights and sounds, then you will know why Vienna is one good place to live.

4. Toronto, Ontario (Canada) – 97.2

Being one of the most ethnically diverse urban centres in the world, Toronto has emerged as one of the favourite places to live. Unlike their American counterparts, Canadian cities like Toronto have vibrant downtown communities that encourage people to live peacefully.

5. Calgary, Alberta (Canada) – 96.6

Calgary may not a typical large North American metropolitan city but it is the most favoured tourist destination for people who are into winter sports and ecotourism. With a number of major mountain resorts in the city and suburbs.

6. Helsinki (Finland) – 96.2

The picturesque city of Helsinki made it to the top ten most liveable cities in 2011 because of its friendly and hardworking people that made it an interesting place to live. It is a modern city that pride itself for its rich cultural heritage

7. Sydney, New South Wales (Australia) – 96.1

Despite being Australia’s largest city, Sydney has fallen behind Melbourne in the rankings. Unfortunately, the city’s growth was hampered by the policies of the New South Wales government such as the restrictions imposed on land release for housing.

8. Perth, Western Australia (Australia) – 95.9

Being the most populous city in the western end of Australia, Perth has emerged as a surprising entry in the list. It is the country’s fastest growing city brought about its growing tourism sector and music and performance arts scene.

9. Adelaide, South Australia (Australia) – 95.9

Adelaide is a new entry in the list because of its notable festivals and sporting events. Famous for its food and wine, the city remains one of the most liveable cities in the region according to the Property Council of Australia in 2011. Aside from being home to numerous educational institutions and research centres, it is also has leading defence industry complexes.

10. Auckland (New Zealand) – 95.7

Auckland, New Zealand’s capital has been a favourable destination for people who live the peace and serenity of the countryside and the wild and breathtaking outdoor attractions of nature.

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World

A number of surveys have said that the following countries are the most powerful today:

1. The United States of America

This country is the largest economy today and has the strongest army as well as a very powerful democracy. It is also said to be a superpower and its media is very influential as well. It has built itself and its power ever since it gained independence and is only getting more powerful. The country controls international relations and is a part of a number of influential bodies.

2. Russian Federation

The Russian Federation has the second most powerful army and controls a number of states in the Central Asian area. It has a very large population and immense world area. These factors allow it to stay independent and prevent external forces from meddling in the political, economic and financial issues of the country. Because of its size, Russia has the resources to become a superpower.

3. Peoples Republic of China

Peoples Republic of China is said to have the 4th largest GNP in the world. It has gained supremacy only recently over Britain and France. It has a large army and immense potential to become the most powerful country in the world.

4. France

France is a part of the UN Security Council and is said to be the fifth most powerful country in the world. It is a great nuclear power and influences many African nations. The French have a large army which helps in maintaining law and order. It is a G7 economy and part of the European Union.

5. Britain

Britain is part of the UN Security Council as well. It has powerful nuclear weapons and the democracy is considered to be the most stable as well. As a G7 economy and as a leading country in areas like music, films and media, the country has immense influence when it comes to world politics. It is a part of the European Union as well

6. Japan

Japan has an extremely large economy and is a leading democratic power. The population of the country is large but since the competition is intense, it features below USA, China, France and Britain.

7. India

India is very populous and has a well-known democracy which gains its power from the detailed Constitution of India. The economy is growing at a staggering rate and the nuclear weapons are becoming more and more powerful.

8. Germany

Germany has the third largest economy in the world and features in the list of the most powerful European Union members. However, it was greatly affected during the two World Wars which hampered its influence over the world.

9. Pakistan

Pakistan has a very large Muslim population and powerful nuclear weapons. It is a united country but since it spends a hefty sum on military dictatorship, it has not become truly powerful. In addition to that, even though it has good resources, the battles with India have made the country very weak in these terms as well. Therefore, if it can replenish these resources and find a way to balance its political standing, it will be able to become more powerful.

10. Brazil

The Republic of Brazil is very large and is part of Latin America. It is said to hold the largest Portuguese speaking population in the world. In addition to that, the media of the country is quite stable and its relations with the rest of the world are quite secure.