There’s nothing quite like the smell of a Whopper sizzling on the grill, right? But when you’re out exploring the world, you might find yourself asking: where can you actually get a Burger King?
It’s a fast-food giant, sure, but it doesn’t have the same global reach as McDonald’s. Let’s dive into the flame-grilled realm of Burger King and take a look at the countries that have embraced the King – and those that haven’t.
To read about the Great Hungry Jacks War click here.
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How Many Countries is Burger King in?
Burger King is the second-largest fast-food burger chain in the world, proudly operating in over 100 countries and territories. That’s nothing to scoff at, but McDonald’s still reigns supreme with a bigger global footprint. As of 2024, Burger King boasts around 19,000 locations worldwide, with a presence spanning from the Americas to Asia and even parts of Africa.
But, like most fast-food chains, the Burger King empire has its limits. You won’t find those flame-grilled burgers just anywhere, and in some places, they’ve come and gone.
5 Surprising Countries That Have a Burger King
1. Iraq
You wouldn’t expect it, but Burger King landed in Iraq as early as the 2000s. It started with American military bases, but now you can grab a Whopper in a few key cities like Baghdad and Erbil. While still limited in its expansion, it’s a symbol of how fast food finds its way into even the most war-torn regions.
2. Vatican City
This tiny country, home to the Pope, might seem like an odd location for a fast-food chain, but there’s a Burger King just outside the Vatican walls. Catering mostly to tourists, it’s a quick stop for those wanting something a bit more familiar after a day of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica.
You can read about the Vatican here.
3. Armenia
In a small but growing market, Burger King launched its first restaurant in Armenia in 2017. It’s part of the fast-food boom happening in this part of the Caucasus, and while you can get your Whopper, don’t expect too many variations just yet.
4. Georgia
No, not the American state. Burger King has been making steady progress in the Republic of Georgia, a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Interestingly, McDonald’s entered Georgia before Burger King, but both now compete fiercely for the fast-food throne.
5. Cambodia
Though McDonald’s has mysteriously avoided Cambodia, Burger King jumped into the market with a vengeance. It’s now one of the few global fast-food chains operating in the Kingdom, with restaurants scattered across Phnom Penh. It’s become quite popular, especially with the younger crowd.
You can read about the Best Burger in Phnom Penh here.
5 Surprising Countries That Don’t Have a Burger King
1. North Korea
Not a huge shocker, but no, Burger King hasn’t yet penetrated the hermit kingdom. Although there have been whispers over the years of fast food making its way into Pyongyang, it seems we’re a long way from grabbing a Whopper on Kim Jong Un’s turf.
You can though get a burger in Pyongyang.
2. Nepal
Despite Nepal’s booming tourism industry, Burger King hasn’t opened its doors here yet. McDonald’s and KFC are also missing from the scene, leaving local chains and independent burger joints to rule the market.
To read about communism in Nepal click here.
3. Iceland
Iceland made waves when McDonald’s pulled out of the country during the 2008 financial crisis. But guess what? Burger King hasn’t made a comeback either. Locals don’t seem to miss it much, and smaller, locally sourced burger places have become the go-to.
4. Bolivia
In an unexpected move, Bolivia shut down all its Burger King outlets back in 2002. The reason? It wasn’t profitable enough, and the public didn’t really take to the fast-food culture. It’s now one of the few countries in South America where Burger King hasn’t re-entered the market.
5. Ghana
Despite its growing economy and interest from international businesses, Ghana remains without a Burger King. It’s not that fast food doesn’t exist here – KFC is doing well, for example – but the King hasn’t arrived just yet.
Countries That Used to Have a Burger King
1. Iceland
As mentioned earlier, Iceland’s financial meltdown led to McDonald’s and Burger King shutting their doors for good. These days, locals take pride in supporting their homegrown burger joints, so don’t expect either chain to return soon.
2. Lebanon
Lebanon had its fair share of Burger King outlets, but a mix of political instability, economic troubles, and competition led to the chain withdrawing. For now, the Lebanese have to make do with local burger chains and KFC, which is still holding on.
3. Israel
Israel once had a thriving Burger King market, but in 2010, the local franchisee decided to rebrand the restaurants as Burger Ranch, a homegrown competitor. This led to the disappearance of the Burger King brand, although rumors of a return have circulated for years.
4. Venezuela
With the country’s economic collapse, fast-food chains like Burger King have struggled to stay afloat. While there are still a few locations, many have closed their doors due to hyperinflation and supply chain issues.
Former Countries With Burger King
Like McDonald’s, Burger King also has the unique honor of having operated in countries that no longer exist. The most iconic example? Yugoslavia. Back in the day, Yugoslavia had both Burger King and McDonald’s as symbols of westernization creeping into the socialist bloc. After the breakup, Burger King pulled out of most of the successor states.
To read about communist McDonald’s click here.
Final Thoughts
While McDonald’s may have a bigger global reach, Burger King’s flame-grilled empire is still going strong in over 100 countries. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote island nation, there’s a good chance you can find a Whopper somewhere nearby – but don’t be too surprised if the King hasn’t made it to your travel destination just yet.
So, next time you’re wandering the streets of Phnom Penh or Baghdad, keep an eye out for the familiar red and yellow logo – and grab yourself a flame-grilled taste of home.