Each region in the mainline Pokémon games has borrowed aspects of real-world countries, a feature the 9th Generation of Pokémon will likely implement as well. As of yet, there is no conclusive evidence to identify which country Pokémon Gen 9 will reference, but there are a number of locations that are currently unrepresented in the games.
While the first few Pokémon regions like Kanto and Johto were based on different areas of Japan, the most recent titles in the series have looked to the outside world for inspiration. The Alola region of Pokémon Sun and Moon, for example, shares many traits with the islands of Hawaii. Similarly, Pokémon Sword and Shield's Galar region is based on the United Kingdom.
Because of this trend, it's likely the next generation's region will also be based on some real-world country. And there are plenty for developers to choose from. Here are a few other never-before-utilized countries that could lend themselves to the setting of Pokémon Gen 9.
Countries That Could Influence Pokémon's Gen 9: Argentina
The country of Argentina might lend itself well to a new Pokémon region. Offering a number of different ecosystems, Argentina is an incredibly biodiverse country. Developers could use this fact to introduce a variety of new Pokémon that inhabit multiple biomes. Some of the nation's animals - such as jaguars, flamingos, and guanacos - have no Pokémon modeled after them yet and could be candidates for new designs. The region's routes could let players venture along rivers and across mountains, as well as through a range of hot and cold climates. Major urban areas, such as Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires, could be the model for Gen 9's cities.
Countries That Could Influence Pokémon's Gen 9: Egypt
Having Egypt as the basis for Pokémon Gen 9's region could expand the concept of traveling using Pokémon. Multiple regions employ Pokémon as transportation, such as through Sun and Moon's Poké Ride system and Sword and Shield's Flying Taxis. However, a large region based around Egypt could be filled with deserts and thus difficult to traverse by foot. Gen 9 could let trainers ride Pokémon freely through the arid environments to get from city to city. There are already Pokémon inspired by Egypt, such as Cofagrigus, but such as region could be the basis for new Pokémon inspired by ancient Egypt's pantheon of gods.
Countries That Could Influence Pokémon's Gen 9: South Korea
If South Korea is chosen as a model for Pokémon Gen 9's region, it could be the most advanced region the series has seen yet. South Korea is known for its advancements in science and technology, so a region based around the country could introduce new items to benefit Pokémon. An advanced, industrial region could also lead to the creation of new man-made Pokémon, either accidentally (like Trubbish) or intentionally (like Mewtwo). Additionally, a South Korea-themed region could reintroduce Pokémon Contests that have elements of K-pop, a facet of South Korean entertainment that is popular even outside of the country. Since contests will be returning in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, it could make sense to include them again in the newest mainline Pokémon game.