9 Countries Where You Won’t Find a McDonald’s

Today, McDonald’s is presented in 120 countries around the world, and the total number of restaurants has reached 38 thousand. The fast-food giant even managed to enter markets like Iraq, Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Some countries will change the name, while others will serve as test polygons for all sorts of possible innovations before their global implementation. But even a giant like McDonald’s is not all-powerful and omnipresent.

Here are nine countries where you will not be able to have a Big Mac (at least not yet).

1. Iceland

In 2009, the Icelandic krona collapsed, and all three McDonald’s restaurants in Reykjavik were forced to close. On the ashes of McDonald’s, rose the local fast food restaurant chain Metro, which has a similar menu but uses local products.

2. Macedonia

The MacDonalds business has lived and flourished in Macedonia for 16 years. All seven restaurants were closed in 2013 due to disputes over the franchise agreement and contractual obligations between the European office and the Macedonian franchise owner. Too bad, so sad.

3. Montenegro

In Montenegro, there was a small McDonald’s mobile point in Podgorica and Budva, but the business did not last long. The restaurant was eventually banned by the country’s authorities. This was their attempt to resist globalization and secure the healthy lifestyle of their nation. At least they tried.