9. Monserrat, West Indies
Two-thirds of this Caribbean island have been declared an “exclusion zone” after the Soufrière Hills Volcano spewed forth a devastating series of eruptions from 1995 to 1997. This obliterated the capital city of Plymouth, burying the island’s airport, hospital and many homes. 19 people who refused to move died, but most of the citizens were relocated to the north of the island or emigrated elsewhere. Today there are some attempts to capitalize on this tragedy for tourism purposes, marketing Monserrat as a “modern day Pompeii” with opportunities to see the buried city and observe the active volcano from a safe distance. Just be sure you are tuned into the latest seismic reports as you never know when she’ll blow her top again.
