McDonald’s started in 1940 with one single restaurant just outside of Los Angeles, in the city of San Bernardino, California. Today, the fast-food company is one of the most iconic American enterprises, and the world’s second-most popular franchise, as of 2025. Spanning more than 41,000 locations across over 100 nations, McDonald’s is virtually everywhere. But the company is notably absent in a number of countries. Sometimes, the decision is based on political interests, and other times, it simply doesn't appeal to the local market.
So, which countries don’t have McDonald’s? Click on to find out.