Do you know countries where coca-cola is not sold? Since its invention in 1886, Coca-Cola has become one of the most popular and recognizable beverages on the planet.
It is available in over 200 countries around the world, but there are some places where it’s not sold. From North Korea to Cuba, these are some of the countries you won’t find a bottle or can of Coke.
Whether because of political issues or religious beliefs, these countries have opted to keep Coca-Cola off of their shelves.
List of countries where coca cola is sold
– United States
– Canada
– Mexico
– Brazil
– China
– India
– Japan
– South Korea
– Australia
– New Zealand
– South Africa
– Argentina
– Colombia
– Venezuela
Where coca cola is not sold
– North Korea
– Cuba
– Iran
– Syria
– Belarus
– Zimbabwe
– Burma (Myanmar)
– Yemen
– Bhutan
– Turkmenistan
Burma – After almost 60 years, Coca-Cola is on sale again in Burma
After a long absence of nearly 60 years, Coca-Cola has re-entered the Burmese market – offering a refreshing alternative to the country’s local beverage brands.
Consumers may now purchase the iconic drink from local outlets in Burma’s two most populous cities, Yangon and Mandalay.
This means Coca-Cola is present in over 200 countries worldwide, with its availability reaching even remote geographical regions.
As a brand with such vast reach and an international presence, it’s no surprise that it has become one of the world’s most recognize products.
North Korea – One of the few countries where Coca-Cola is not sold
Despite its worldwide presence, there are a few countries where Coca-Cola is yet to be sold, one such being North Korea.
This can be attributed to the economic trade embargo against the country that has been in place since 1950, making it very difficult for the beverage giant to establish itself and legally conduct business – something Coca-Cola is just not willing to ignore or break.
It’s also important to note that this situation sadly applies to all foreign companies trying to do business in North Korea, as many different markets and products remain unsold and off-limits in the country due to ongoing economic sanctions.
Cuba – Another country where Coca-Cola is not currently sold
With its iconic logo one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, Coca-Cola is enjoyed around the globe.
Yet, there remains one prominent location where it is still not available. Cuba has been subject to a trade embargo by the United States since the late 1960s and until that ends, it looks likely that Coke will remain unsold there.
Despite decades of civil unrest and instability, Coca-Cola continues to be highly sought after in Cuba, with reports indicating illegal importing and smuggling of cans being commonplace on the island.
This only highlights how popular the brand is, even in circumstances where there are long-standing restrictions in place preventing access.
Iran – Sanctions prevent Coca-Cola from being sold in the country
It is well-known that Coca-Cola has one of the most recognizable brands worldwide, so it is surprising to some that there are still countries where the drinks giant has yet to enter.
One such example lies in Iran – due to ongoing sanctions, Coca-Cola remains excluded from the Iranian market and therefore cannot be found on shelves within the country.
It is true that other countries have restrictions on its sale but none have been subjected to such a comprehensive ban as Iran
Even in neighboring areas like Afghanistan, Coca-Cola can be purchased with ease, highlighting Iran’s unique position among countries where its products remain conspicuously absent.
Sudan – Sanctions prevent Coca-Cola from being sold there
Although Coca-Cola’s trademark red can has become an iconic global symbol of refreshment, not everyone has access to the beverage yet.
One exception is Sudan, where trade sanctions prevent the selling of the popular soda in parts of the country.
The measures were put in place in 1997 and are still active today, but there are hopes that a reduction in economic barriers will result in more countries being able to enjoy the same experience of drinking Coke as other parts of the world.
Unfortunately for now, Sudaneses are still unable to purchase cans off their local supermarket shelves.
Nepal – Coca-Cola cannot operate in the country.
Although Coca-Cola products have been available across the globe for years, Nepal is one country that remains untapped.
This is due to a unique rule set in place by the Nepalese authorities which require all foreign companies to be owned by at least 51% of Nepalese citizens.
As a result, Coca-Cola have not been able to operate in Nepal, thus making it an untouched market when it comes to the famous soft drinks brand.
Conclusion
Despite Coca-Cola being a global brand and its drink’s availability in over 200 countries worldwide, there are areas where the giant beverage manufacturer has been unable to break boundaries due to political and economic restraints.
With Burma now included in the list of countries that can enjoy the sweet taste of Coke, we are left wondering if other places like North Korea, Cuba and Sudan will ever have access to the world’s leading soft drinks.
The restrictions on foreign companies operating in Nepal add further complexity to the issue, leaving us speculating how long it’ll take for citizens from these nations to try this iconic beverage.
Nevertheless, with ever changing landscapes and potentials for growth, nothing is certain and we must only wait for these barriers to be broken down.Until then, let’s raise a glass of Coca-Cola for peace and continual progress throughout our globe.
