1. BHUTAN

Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and strong cultural heritage. The country’s mountainous terrain and environmental preservation policies have made building a railway system difficult. Bhutan prioritizes road transportation, with an extensive network of highways connecting its regions. Due to its small population and focus on sustainable tourism, the need for a railway has been minimal.

2. ICELAND

Known for its otherworldly landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers, Iceland lacks a railway network despite its small population. The country’s harsh weather conditions and challenging topography make constructing railways impractical. Instead, Iceland relies on a network of roads and air travel, with buses connecting towns. The limited demand for rail services and a focus on environmental preservation further reduce the need for a railway system.

3. CYPRUS

This Mediterranean Island once boasted a railway system during British colonial rule. However, after Cyprus gained independence in 1960, the rail network was gradually dismantled. Today, the island relies on an extensive road network for transportation. Given the country’s small size and urbanization, buses and cars remain the preferred methods of travel for both locals and tourists.

4. PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Renowned for its cultural diversity and rugged terrain, Papua New Guinea has minimal rail infrastructure. The country's challenging landscapes, including dense forests and mountains, make it difficult to build and maintain rail systems. The country predominantly depends on road transport, air travel, and coastal shipping to navigate its islands and remote regions. The sparse population density in some areas further complicates the economic feasibility of rail development.

5. MALDIVES

Comprising over 1,000 islands across 26 atolls, the Maldives faces unique geographical challenges that make building a railway network unfeasible. Instead, the Maldives relies heavily on ferries, boats, and air travel to connect its islands. With a strong focus on developing airports and seaports to support tourism, the need for a railway system is negligible.

6. ANDORRA

A tiny, landlocked country nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra has no railway system. The country’s mountainous terrain and small population make the construction of railways a difficult task. Instead, Andorra maintains an efficient road network, with buses connecting its towns. The focus on tourism has encouraged the development of well-maintained roads, which effectively serve the transportation needs of both residents and visitors.

7. MONACO

Monaco, a small city-state on the French Riviera, is known for its luxury and wealth. With its limited size and dense population, the need for a railway system is unnecessary. Monaco's efficient road network, complete with tunnels and elevators, allows for smooth transport across the city. Most places are easily reachable on foot or by public transport, such as buses and taxis, further negating the need for rail infrastructure.

8. YEMEN

Yemen has a rich historical and cultural background but currently lacks a functional railway network. Though the country had railway lines in the past, ongoing political instability and conflict have led to their abandonment and deterioration. Yemen relies on road transport for the movement of passengers and goods. The country’s difficult terrain and insufficient investment in infrastructure have made it challenging to develop an extensive railway system.

9. KUWAIT

Kuwait, a wealthy oil-producing nation, currently has no railway network. However, the country is working on several railway projects, including the ambitious Gulf Railway, which will span 1,200 miles and connect Kuwait City to Oman. This regional network is expected to enhance trade and passenger movement across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Until these projects are completed, Kuwait remains reliant on road-based transportation, with a heavy dependence on cars and trucks for both domestic and international travel. The successful development of rail infrastructure could significantly transform Kuwait’s transportation landscape.