Country That Starts With I: List of 8 Countries

It may surprise you to learn that only eight countries in the world start with the letter “I.” While they share the same first letter, the pronunciation of that “I” can vary significantly.

That’s because the letter represents different phonemes—the distinct sound units used in language. For example, the “I” in big is a short /ɪ/ sound, while in kite, it becomes the longer /aɪ/, based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

Interestingly, these “I” sounds are some of the most widespread globally. According to data from Phoible.org, over 92% of the world’s 3,000+ spoken languages and dialects include a form of the “I” sound, making it one of the most universally used phonetic features.

Beyond their linguistic value, these “I” countries span an incredible range of environments and cultures. From Iceland’s icy winters averaging -1°C to India’s blistering summers reaching 45°C, and from Italy’s classical ruins to Indonesia’s lush rainforests and 17,000+ islands, each offers a unique identity shaped by geography, language, and climate—all connected by a single, powerful letter.

Countries That Start With “I” – Overview Table

The following table provides quick insights into each country that starts with i, including their continent, population (2025), official currency, and region.

Countries That End With the Letter “I”

Interestingly, there are also several countries whose names end in ‘i’. These nations, many located in Africa and Oceania, reflect linguistic diversity and colonial history. Here’s a quick table before diving into detailed descriptions.

• Haiti
• Eswatini
• Burundi
• Brunei
• Kiribati
• Djibouti
• Fiji
• Malawi
• Mali

Conclusion

Exploring the country that starts with i reveals a fascinating mix of global players—ranging from economic powerhouses like India and Italy, to culturally rich yet smaller nations like Iceland and Ireland. These countries contribute significantly to the world stage across technology, heritage, diplomacy, and natural beauty.

Meanwhile, countries that end with the letter “i” also add a unique dimension to global diversity. From the pristine beaches of Fiji to the cultural legacy of Haiti and Mali, these nations reflect the richness of human civilization spread across all continents.

Whether you’re a student, researcher, or just a curious reader, understanding these countries enhances your global literacy. And now, the next time you come across a trivia question or a geopolitical discussion, you’ll know just how diverse and impactful the country that starts with i can be.