Whether it is natural wonders, awe-inspiring scenery, architecture, pristine beaches or a rich history, each of the world’s 195 nations has its own unique charm and beauty.
Each year, the World Economic Forum release their Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report which ranks the nations of the world based on various factors such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and “attractiveness” of natural assets.
Incorporating the report’s “attractiveness” findings with our own research, here’s our list of the world’s most beautiful countries.
10. Switzerland
It’s not a ‘most beautiful countries’ list without Switzerland.
The exceptionally scenic nation is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, snow skiing, pristine lakes and charming towns and cities such as the Swiss capital of Bern, which boasts a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Old City known for its medieval arcades.
The scenic, French-speaking town of Montreux, located on Lake Geneva, hosts the Montreux Jazz Festival every July – the second largest in the world.
9. Norway
This Scandinavian nation is certainly having a moment.
Travellers are flocking to Norway in droves to visit the dramatic UNESCO-listed Fjords, including the scenic Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, and the spectacular Northern Lights.
The Jostedalsbreen – the largest glacier in continental Europe – the Lofoten Islands off the country’s north-western coast, the scenic cliff of Trolltunga, the picturesque city of Bergen and the capital of Oslo are all must-sees in Norway.
8. Greece
Whether it’s the windmills of Mykonos, the mesmerising Santorini sunsets or the ancient ruins and mystical sites of Athens, nothing inspires an overseas holiday more than images of Greece.
Voted the best country in the world in 2016 by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller, Greece is loved by discerning travellers all over the globe for its historic capital city and enchanting islands, which boast white-washed buildings, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
7. Costa Rica
Teeming with wildlife, untouched beaches and river valleys, Costa Rica’s staggering beauty and natural assets make it one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
The national motto of “pura vida” meaning pure life sums up the laidback vibe of this tiny nation, also known one of the world’s most sustainable countries.
Cocos Island National Park, a world-class diving destination with an abundance of marine life, is the only island in the Eastern Pacific with a rainforest while eco-travel paradise Tortuguero National Park is known for having the largest colony of nesting green sea turtles in the world.
6. New Zealand
Comprised of two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, this island nation is undeniably picture perfect.
Boasting sub-glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, snowy alpine ridges and some of the world’s best hiking trails, it’s of little wonder Peter Jackson opted to film Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in the land of the long white cloud.
5. Australia
Home to the famous Sydney Harbour, kilometres of pristine beaches and the iconic Uluru, Australia’s beauty is undeniable and diverse.
From the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach in Tropical North Queensland and Uluru and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory to The Kimberly in the north of Western Australia and Tasmania’s jaw-dropping Wineglass Bay, there are a host of natural wonders to explore Down Under.
4. Italy
With its enchanting cities of Rome, Venice, Florence as well as the Amalfi Coast and new destination du jour Puglia, there is a lot to love about Italy.
From the rich history and culture to the food and spectacular scenery, it is impossible not to be inspired during an Italian holiday.
The ancient southern Italian city of Matera, known for its cave-dwelling districts, was voted European capital of culture for 2019, while the trulli houses of Alberobello are nothing short of enchanting.
3. Iceland
With its pristine natural beauty, glaciers and Northern Lights season, the Nordic island nation is on everyone’s radar as a must-see travel destination.
Voted the safest country in the world for nine years running, Iceland is home to glacial lakes, lava fields, volcanoes and ice caves and the famous black sands of Reynisfjara.
2. Canada
Known for its raw beauty and plethora of natural wonders, the largest country in North America is a hugely popular destination for travellers and nature buffs.
A summer and winter playground, Canada is home to 60 per cent of the world’s lakes, the glacial Lake Louise in the Banff National Park, Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, Arctic tundra and the spectacular mountains of Whistler-Blackcomb.
The cities of Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto are also known for having some of the best architecture in the world
1.South Africa
Often referred to as a world in one country, South Africa is as diverse as it is beautiful.
Known as one of the best safari destinations in Africa, this nation has diverse scenic beauty, an abundance of wildlife, historical sites, beautiful beaches and a rich, multi-ethnic heritage.
Don’t miss Kruger National Park, the beautiful ‘mother city’ of Cape Town and Boulders Beach, which is home to more than 2000 penguins.
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