Countries That Starts With X & End With X
Out of 195 recognized countries in the world, there are 0 countries that starts with X.
According to linguistic research from Cornell University, the letter “X” appears in only about 0.17% of all English words, making it one of the rarest starting characters in global geography and language.
Regions where the letter X appears in place names are mostly found in Asia and Africa, particularly in China (like Xinjiang and Xiamen) and Mexico’s historical terms.
The dominant religions in these areas include Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, reflecting the cultural mix of these regions.
Most of these X-named places lie near the Pacific Ocean or inland Asian territories.
This rarity highlights how unevenly letters are distributed in country names worldwide.
The letter “X” may not lead any nation’s name, but it still marks some fascinating regions worth learning about.
No Countries That starts with X
There are no countries in the world whose names start with the letter X in English. Out of the 26 letters in the alphabet, only “W” and “X” do not begin any country’s name.
However, a few nations — such as Mexico in North America and Luxembourg in Europe — contain the letter “X” within their names.
So, while “X” doesn’t start any country, it still makes a small appearance on the world map!
Why Are Country Names Starting with “X” So Rare?
Country names beginning with the letter X are extremely rare because very few languages naturally use “X” as an initial sound.
In English and most world languages, words rarely start with “X,” and when they do, it’s usually pronounced like a “Z” (as in xylophone) or borrowed from Greek or Latin roots.
Since most countries are named after tribes, places, or historic figures, not linguistic imports, “X” simply never became a common starting letter for country names.
Places and Regions That Start with “X”
While no country begins with the letter “X,” several regions, provinces, and cities around the world do.
These names often come from Chinese pinyin or local languages that use “X” in transliteration. Here are some notable examples:
Xinjiang, China
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is located in northwestern China. Its name means “New Frontier.”
It’s a vast area known for its deserts, mountains, and diverse cultures — roughly the size of Western Europe.
Xizang (Tibet), China
Xizang is the Chinese name for Tibet. “Xi” means West and “Zang” relates to treasure. While internationally known as Tibet, on Chinese maps it appears as Xizang, starting with “X.”
Xai-Xai, Mozambique
Xai-Xai is a coastal city and the capital of Gaza Province in Mozambique. The name comes from the local Changana language, meaning “the place where one can rest.” It’s a scenic port city with beaches and riverside views.
Xi’an, China
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities, famous for the Terracotta Army. Its name means “Western Peace.” It’s a historical capital that once marked the eastern end of the Silk Road.
Major Cities Starting with X
| City | Country | Population |
| Xi’an | China | 6,501,190 |
| Xiamen | China | 3,531,347 |
| Xinyang | China | 1,590,668 |
| Xuchang | China | 1,265,536 |
| Xianyang | China | 1,034,081 |
| Xining | China | 767,531 |
| Xai-Xai | Mozambique | 127,366 |
| Xankandi | Azerbaijan | 53,100 |
🇺🇸 North American Cities That Start with “X”
| City | Country | Population |
| Xalapa | Mexico (Veracruz) | 424,755 |
| Xochimilco | Mexico (Mexico City) | 415,007 |
| Xicoténcatl | Mexico (Tamaulipas) | 89,795 |
| Xenia | United States (Ohio) | 26,783 |
| Xanadu | United States (Utah) | 58,657 |
No Country Starts or Ends with the Letter X
In English, no country name begins or ends with the letter X.
However, there are two countries that contain an “X” in their names — Mexico in North America and Luxembourg in Europe.
These are the only examples where the rare letter “X” appears in any country’s name.
Conclusion
While no country in the world starts with the letter “X,” the letter still holds a unique place in geography — marking historic cities, ancient regions, and cultural centers across Asia, Africa, and North America.
Its rarity reminds us how language, history, and culture shape the way we name the world around us. Even though “X” doesn’t open any country’s name, it continues to symbolize mystery, exploration, and the unknown on our global map.
Discover more in our Countries Start With series, and count on Travelgoaround, your trusted USA travel planning expert, to design the perfect journey you’ve always dreamed of.
