Top 10 Countries With No McDonald’s (Yes, Really)

1. Iceland: The Land of Fire, Ice—and Zero Big Macs

Iceland once had three McDonald’s restaurants, but they all closed in 2009 after the country’s dramatic financial collapse. Import costs for ingredients became unsustainable, making it impossible for the chain to maintain competitive prices.

According to multiple reports, Icelanders were shocked when the last locations closed, but local burger joints quickly filled the gap. Today, Icelanders enjoy their own take on fast food, like the famous “Búllan” burger.

Despite tourism booms, McDonald’s hasn’t returned. As of 2025, there are still no plans for a comeback, with Icelanders showing a strong preference for local flavors and homegrown chains.

2. North Korea: Fast Food Forbidden

North Korea remains one of the most closed-off nations on earth, and that extends to fast food giants like McDonald’s. There has never been a single McDonald’s restaurant in the country as of 2025, and it’s unlikely there will be one any time soon.

The North Korean government tightly controls all business operations, and Western brands are generally unwelcome. Interestingly, there are rumors of “underground” burgers made to mimic McDonald’s, but these aren’t sanctioned by the company.

Even Coca-Cola and other American brands are restricted or only available through diplomatic channels. The fast food scene here is strictly local, with dishes like “hambak steak” or Korean-style meat patties served in domestic eateries.

3. Iran: Sanctions and Self-Sufficiency

Iran has never hosted a McDonald’s, primarily because of longstanding U.S. sanctions and political tensions.

American companies are barred from operating in the country, and that includes the Golden Arches. In response, Iran has developed its own fast food culture, with local chains like “Mash Donald’s” and “Super Star” popping up across its cities.

These homegrown versions have become so popular that many Iranians don’t see the need for the real thing. As of 2025, there’s no official movement toward lifting restrictions on American franchises, and McDonald’s absence continues to be a point of national pride for some Iranians.

4. Bermuda: Law Bans Fast Food Chains

Bermuda’s government has a law that prohibits foreign fast food franchises from operating on the island, a unique stance in today’s globalized world. This law dates back to 1977, and it was reaffirmed in 2015 with the “Prohibited Restaurants Act.” The legislation is meant to protect local businesses and preserve the island’s distinctive culture.

McDonald’s, Burger King, and other major chains have never been allowed to set up shop. Instead, Bermuda’s food scene is dominated by local seafood shacks and independent cafes.

As of 2025, the ban remains firmly in place, and locals seem content with their own culinary traditions.

5. Macedonia (North Macedonia): No Golden Arches Since 2013

North Macedonia once had several McDonald’s locations, but all were shut down in 2013 after a dispute between the franchise owner and the parent company. Since then, not a single McDonald’s has reopened, making North Macedonia one of the few European countries without the chain.

Local media in 2024 reported on occasional rumors of a possible return, but nothing has materialized. Residents have adapted by turning to regional fast food options like “Vkusno” and “Sedmica.” Even with the country’s growing tourism industry, McDonald’s remains absent, and there are no current negotiations on the horizon.

6. Yemen: Conflict and Instability

Yemen has never had a McDonald’s, largely because of ongoing conflict and deep economic challenges. The war that began in 2015 has devastated infrastructure and made foreign investment nearly impossible.

As of 2025, the security situation remains unstable, and the country’s priorities are far removed from global fast food expansion. Local eateries serve traditional dishes such as “shafoot” and “saltah,” and any kind of Western fast food is rare, often limited to imitations in major cities.

With international sanctions and safety risks persisting, McDonald’s has made no moves toward entering the Yemeni market.

7. Syria: War Blocks the Golden Arches

Syria’s civil war, which started in 2011, has made the country inaccessible to foreign franchises like McDonald’s. The company has never operated in Syria, and ongoing violence, sanctions, and economic collapse ensure that situation won’t change anytime soon.

Syrians have turned to their own fast food traditions, with shawarma and falafel reigning supreme on the streets of Damascus and Aleppo. Reports in 2024 noted attempts to open burger joints styled after Western chains, but these are all locally owned and operated.

The absence of McDonald’s is just one small part of Syria’s broader isolation from the international business world.

8. Afghanistan: No Place for Fast Food Giants

Afghanistan has never had a McDonald’s, and recent geopolitical changes have made it even less likely that the chain will arrive. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the country’s relationship with Western brands has become even more complicated.

Security issues, lack of infrastructure, and political uncertainty are major deterrents for international companies. As of 2025, the fast food scene in Kabul and other cities relies on local Afghan restaurants and small-scale burger stands.

There’s little appetite—or practical opportunity—for global franchises like McDonald’s to enter the market.

9. Vatican City: Too Small for a Big Mac

Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, has never had a McDonald’s. With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, mostly clergy and Swiss Guards, there simply isn’t enough demand.

The Vatican’s unique character and strict zoning rules also make it an unlikely candidate for fast food chains. Neighboring Rome, however, has plenty of McDonald’s outlets, just a short walk from the Vatican walls.

As of 2025, there are no public plans to allow any chain restaurants within Vatican territory, keeping the spiritual center of Catholicism free from the Golden Arches.

10. Zimbabwe: Economic Hardship Keeps Chains Out

Zimbabwe has never had a McDonald’s, despite periodic rumors over the years. The country’s ongoing economic crisis, currency problems, and political instability have made it nearly impossible for international chains to set up shop.

In 2024, local media reported on renewed interest by foreign investors, but no concrete plans have emerged. Zimbabweans rely on local eateries and South African fast food brands like Chicken Inn and Steers.

As of 2025, the absence of McDonald’s is just another reminder of the country’s challenging business environment.

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