There are no McDonald’s restaurants in several countries, this is the reason

A symbol of globalization – but not everywhere

McDonald’s started in the United States in 1940 and is now present around the world with more than 38,000 restaurants and nearly 2 million employees. The “Golden Arches” icon is a symbol of globalization and Western consumer culture for many. For example, in Hungary, the first restaurant opened in 1988 on Régiposta Street became a symbol of catching up with the West.

Where is there no McDonald’s – and why?

According to the 2025 data from the World Population Review, McDonald’s does not operate in more than 80 countries. This is rarely due to a lack of demand – it is more likely to be due to political, economic or cultural decisions. According to Flavor365’s analysis, in many cases the shortage is caused by weak infrastructure, high operating costs, local gastronomic traditions or resistance to globalization.

Among the larger countries, the brand is not present in Nigeria, Iran or Bangladesh, while in smaller states such as Iceland, Cuba or North Korea, its operation is explicitly banned or made impossible.

Highlighted Examples

• Russia: The chain withdrew in 2022 due to geopolitical sanctions.
• Iceland: The restaurants closed in 2009 due to the economic crisis and high import costs.
• Bolivia: Local consumers rejected the fast food model for cultural reasons.
• North Korea and Cuba: They were never allowed to operate for political-ideological reasons.

Countries where it used to exist but has since closed

Several places where McDonald’s used to operate but have since closed their restaurants. Iceland, North Macedonia, Bermuda, Jamaica, Barbados, San Marino, and Bolivia are all on this list. The decisions were usually driven by economic crises, franchise problems, or the dominance of local competitors.

Bannings and restrictions

Some countries have officially banned McDonald’s, such as Bermuda, Iran, North Korea, Yemen, or Zimbabwe. In these cases, decision-makers typically cite the protection of local gastronomy or public health reasons.

It reveals more than we think

The absence of McDonald’s often goes beyond the opening or closing of a fast food restaurant: it also provides an insight into the economic situation, cultural identity, and relationship to Western values ​​of a given country. Where it is present, it acts as a tangible sign of globalization; where it is absent, local political and cultural resistance redraws the global map.