Want to see the stars clearly? These 5 countries are among the world’s darkest

For many travellers, a good night out means a restaurant, a lively market or a city lit up after sunset. But there is another kind of night-time experience that is drawing attention: one where the lights disappear and the stars take over. Away from crowded cities and artificial light, the night sky can become an attraction in itself. On a clear night, travellers may get a much better view of stars, constellations and, in the right conditions, the Milky Way.

A 2026 ranking by World Population Review has highlighted five countries in its list of the world’s darkest countries, based on radiance per 1,000 people. The list includes Vatican City, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Oman. The ranking, however, needs some context. The measure is based on radiance relative to population and does not simply mean that every part of these countries has exceptionally dark skies. For travellers looking specifically for stargazing, remote areas away from major cities are generally more relevant.

Vatican City

Vatican City is an unusual name to find on a list of the darkest countries. The tiny city-state records the highest figure in the ranking at 527.9 radiance per 1,000 population. That does not make it a dark-sky destination. In fact, Vatican City is highly illuminated and is best known for its cultural and historic attractions rather than stargazing. Visitors come here for landmarks such as St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, making it a very different experience from the desert destinations elsewhere on the list.

Qatar

Qatar records 429.4 radiance per 1,000 population. Beyond Doha’s brightly lit urban landscape, the country’s desert offers a very different setting after sunset. The area around Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea, is particularly popular for desert excursions. Travellers can combine an evening in the desert with camping, traditional activities and, when conditions are right, a chance to look up at a much less crowded night sky.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a figure of 267.1 radiance per 1,000 population. Its vast desert landscapes provide plenty of open space away from major urban centres. For travellers, a desert night can be part of a wider trip involving dune drives, camping, sunset views and traditional gatherings. The appeal is simple: far from city lights, the horizon stretches out in every direction and the night feels very different from an urban evening.

Libya

Libya ranks fourth with 229.8 radiance per 1,000 population. Much of the country is covered by the Sahara, giving it enormous areas with little urban development. From a geographical point of view, that makes the country an interesting entry on a list focused on darkness and artificial light.

However, Libya is not a destination travellers should approach like a typical tourism spot. Anyone considering travel should check the latest government travel advisories, entry rules and local security conditions before making plans.

Oman

Oman completes the top five with 226.6 radiance per 1,000 population. The country’s landscape makes it particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy spending time outdoors after dark. Oman has deserts, rugged mountains and a long coastline, offering plenty of opportunities to get away from densely populated areas. A trip can combine desert camping and stargazing with mountain drives, coastal landscapes and visits to traditional towns and villages.

When the night sky becomes the attraction

Dark-sky travel is less about ticking off a landmark and more about finding a place where artificial light does not dominate the view. Weather, moonlight and local light pollution can all affect what travellers see. Even in a country with large remote areas, the best stargazing usually requires getting away from towns and choosing a clear night. For travellers used to city skies, simply stepping outside after sunset and seeing a dense spread of stars can be an experience in itself.