Ralph Waldo Emerson once advised would-be travelers not to follow where a path might lead, but instead to go where there is no path and make a new trail. While it might not be the easiest choice to go on an adventure into the unknown, it can be enlightening, surprising, and more enjoyable than anticipated.

In celebration of upcoming summer travel and vacation, we're exploring 50 of the world's least-known countries. Since 1990, over 30 new countries have been added to the world, reported CNN and IBN. This means our maps never stay the same for very long, and if you want to stay on top of your geography, you better be paying attention to international policy.

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In fact, there may soon be a few more new countries in Europe and North America, if the separatists get their way. Venice, Scotland, Quebec and Catalonia are all poised to vote on the issue of separation from the countries to which they currently belong, reported PolicyMic.

For now, take a look at 50 countries and territories that often get overlooked when spinning the globe in search of a new travel destination. From islands in the Pacific like Vanuatu and Palau to the hidden European treasures of Andorra and Liechtenstein, you're sure to learn a thing or two about the rest of the world.

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