Every country in the world has something to offer. Think local cuisine, groundbreaking architecture and much more. But beauty is a difficult thing to quantify. That's why the countries of the world are ranked according to various factors. For example, safety and life expectancy are taken into account. Or the wealth of natural resources. The latter takes into account details such as the total number of animal species, the number of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Here are the 40 most beautiful countries in the world, no importance is given to the numbering and order of appearance of each country.
1-Costa Rica
It's easy to indulge in pura vida (pure life) when you're surrounded by misty waterfalls, deserted beaches and protected jungles. In fact, more than a quarter of Costa Rica enjoys some form of environmental protection. For example, Cocos Island National Park is the only island in the eastern Pacific with a tropical forest. In fact, it's a world-class diving destination filled with hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles and dolphins. In addition, there is La Amistad National Park. This is another uniquely diverse site, with cloud forests, glacial valleys and a rare tropical alpine meadow. It is also home to Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica's highest mountain.
2-Iceland
Located just outside the Arctic Circle, Iceland has become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Indeed, travellers flock to the island nation in their millions. They come to witness some of the world's most impressive sights. Like towering volcanoes with gushing waterfalls and expansive underground ice caves. Jökulsárlón, the country's deepest glacial lake, is famous for its floating blue icebergs and gatherings of seals. In Vik, the black sand and basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach are just waiting to be photographed.
3-New Zealand
New Zealand has some breathtaking scenery. There are towering mountains, turquoise lakes and over 9,000 miles of windswept coastline. Just look towards the resplendent fields of pink and purple lupines on Lake Tekapo. Milford Sound is a mountainous fjord where you can live out all your Lord of the Rings fantasies. The splendour also extends beneath the surface of Waitomo's glow worm caves.
4-Austria
Austria is the stuff fairytales are made of. Honestly, we can't believe Disney didn't produce something exclusively inspired by the lakeside village of Hallstatt. In fact, the Alpine slice of the country attracts travellers from all over the world. Whether it's for the ski slopes of the Tyrol, the hiking trails of Innsbruck or the ice caves of Eisriesenwelt Werfen. If you're hoping to see landscapes from the film Sound of Music, head straight for the Hohe Tauern National Park. It's close to Salzburg and offers that perfect combination of snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills.
5-Dominican Republic
You'd be hard pressed to find a Caribbean island with as much charm as the Dominican Republic. It's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. That's because of the long list of beaches and jungles to visit. On the Samaná peninsula, Playa Bonita lives up to its name. It has crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving and plenty of palm trees for your classic tropical gram. If you prefer green to blue, head to Los Haitises National Park on the island's north-east coast. With its unique limestone rock formations and mangrove forests, the park is easily one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic - and perhaps the entire Caribbean.
6-Canada
Oh, Canada. One of the biggest and most beautiful countries in the world. This second largest country in the world has almost too much spectacular scenery to single out favourites. But if we had to choose, we'd start with the remote Torngat Mountains National Park. It's a land of polar bears and caribou, glaciers and fjords, and a stretch of mountains you'll probably never forget. In fact, the country's 48 national parks are well worth a visit, from the peaceful Alberta of Banff to the extreme Kluane of the Yukon.
7-Norway
Norway is the land of glaciers, mountains, northern lights and fjords - mostly fjords. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord in south-west Norway are among the most picturesque in the world. Indeed, they impress with sheer rock faces and dense forests. For something a little more unique (and daring), there's Trolltunga in Hardangerfjord. This jutting rock sits around 2,300 feet above the Ringedalsvatnet lake. It offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the country. And don't forget the Lofoten Islands, which lie off the country's north-west coast. These make Norway one of the most unique countries in the world.
8-Switzerland
Nestled in the Alps, Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world, no matter when you visit. In winter, however, this country becomes a veritable paradise. Its powdery ski slopes and frozen lakes galore are a must. For the best view of the country's natural beauty, stay in the village of Zermatt. In fact, it's such a pristine ski town that people buy bottles of mountain air as souvenirs! Not a fan of skiing? A summer visit to Switzerland is always a good idea. The picturesque shores of Lake Geneva and the badi of Zurich await you for the next family holiday.
9-Mauritius
Just a four-hour flight from Johannesburg, Mauritius is one of the most beautiful and accessible tropical islands off the east coast of Africa. Instagram and Pinterest have sparked renewed interest in the country, thanks to its 'underwater waterfall'. The latter is a visually stunning trickle of sand and silt best seen from above. Add to that a few turquoise lagoons and seas rich in marine life. And it's easy to see why Mauritius is one of the best countries in the world.
10-Spain
As well as world-class beaches like Playa de Las Catedrales in Galicia, Spain is home to 15 national parks, five of which are in the Canary and Balearic Islands. Doñana National Park is home to five endangered bird species, as well as picturesque marshes and sand dunes. Teide National Park boasts the highest mountain in the country (Mount Teide) and the third highest volcanic structure in the world (Pico Viejo).
11-Mexico
This country is home to 67 national parks. It also has over 5,000 miles of coastline and landscapes that range from deserts to snow-capped volcanoes. Mexico tops the list of the world's most beautiful countries for a reason. The state of Oaxaca boasts wild, uncrowded beaches and Hierve el Agua. The latter is a collection of natural rock formations and mineral springs. In the southern state of Chiapas, the Sumidero Canyon surprises with its 3,000-foot cliff faces. What's more, its caves and waterfalls are magnificent. Mexico is also working hard to protect its wildlife. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve north-west of Mexico City is home to millions of butterflies every autumn. And the El Vizcaino whale sanctuary is an important breeding ground for grey and blue whales.
12-Australia
Australia's natural beauty is second to none. From the Great Barrier Reef to the wild isolation of the Outback to the vineyards of Victoria, you can find it all. Witnessing the majesty of Uluru should be on every traveller's bucket list. Whether seen from above by helicopter or from a distance at ground level during the technicolour sunset. Another must-see? Tasmania. The island state's mountain wilderness and pristine coastline are remarkably beautiful. That's why it's been named one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
13-Greece
Greece is perhaps best known for the architecture of Athens and the coastal scenes of Santorini. It's one of the most photographed countries in the world on social networks. But there's much more to the country than its immediate associations. Each of the more than 6,000 islands and islets offer views worthy of swooning. Plus, from the cliff-lined beaches of Zakynthos to the epic sunrises of Mykonos. Not a fan of beaches? Visit Epirus, the mountainous and wooded region of north-western Greece.
14-Kenya
There are many reasons to visit Kenya. And we're not just talking about its multitude of resorts and safari camps. The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is the ultimate wildlife spot, with cheetahs, giraffes, black rhinos and some of the world's most diverse birdlife. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak (after Kilimanjaro) and one of Africa's most impressive landscapes, with glacial lakes and forested slopes.
15-Namibia
When it comes to natural beauty, few African countries come close to Namibia. The Namib Desert is the country's shining star, from the otherworldly landscapes of the Skeleton Coast, to the shifting dunes of the Namib Sand Sea, to the strange sun-blackened trees of Deadvlei. The Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, is a granite massif that glows at sunset. Indeed, Brandberg means "Fire Mountain" in Afrikaans. And this is coastal country, so you'd better believe there are beaches. Don't forget the magnificent Fish River Canyon. This is the largest canyon in Africa. Or the rivers and wetlands of the Caprivi Strip.
16-Finland
Most of Finland's best views are to be found in northern Lapland. There the frozen lakes and snow-covered conifers and the occasional appearance of the Northern Lights make this place an enchanted fairytale for every visitor. Around 65% of Finland's total surface area is covered by forest. Including hotspots like Nuuksio National Park, less than an hour from Helsinki and filled with valleys and gorges formed by the Ice Age. In 2017, Finland celebrated its centenary by unveiling its 40th and largest national park: Hossa. It's a huge natural area close to the Russian border, prized for its lake and crystal-clear waters.
17-Chile
Chile occupies some of the most pristine landscapes on our planet: the lunar dunes of Valle de la Luna; the swirling, cerulean surfaces of the marble caves; the gurgling geysers of El Tatio. But when you think of Chile, you probably think of Torres del Paine. The national park is like a microcosm of all the things that make Patagonia such a spectacular place: towering mountains, blue icebergs and mythical lakes galore.
18-Thailand
The number of foreign visitors to Thailand has doubled in the last ten years. And it's easy to see why. There are literally hundreds of islands offering something for every type of traveller. Whether it's the lush jungles of Ko Kut or the crystal clear diving waters of Ko Tao. To spot wild elephants and tigers, spectacular waterfalls and some of the world's oldest rainforests, venture inland to the magnificent Khao Sok National Park.
19-Philippines
There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, and they are easily among the most beautiful in the world. In fact, Siargao is the number one choice for many travellers. The Puerto-Princesa Underground River National Park in Palawan features mangrove forests, one of the world's most impressive cave systems, and an underground river. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island consist of around 1,776 grass-covered domes that are mysteriously uniform in shape. The rice terraces of Banaue and the Philippine Cordilleras offer panoramic views of every imaginable shade of green.
20-Croatia
Situated between the Balkans and Central Europe, Croatia is a land of limestone caves, rolling fields and white pebble beaches. The country's most famous waters lie inland in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a system of waterfalls, caves and 16 terraced lakes that cover the entire spectrum of blue-green colours. The Adriatic coastline is truly unrivalled, dotted with over 1,000 islands surrounded by incredibly clear water. The Dinaric Alps offer even more sublime views and contribute to Croatia's overall landscape. The craggy peaks and caves near the coast turn into rolling farmland in the north-east of the Hrvatsko Zagorje region.
21-Portugal
After soaking up all that Lisbon has to offer, venture outside Portugal's capital to really discover just how beautiful the country is. In fact, the Algarve region is ideal for road trips. Here, you can stop and enjoy lines of truly magnificent beaches with sheer cliffs. In addition, Portugal's Douro is one of the best places to visit thanks to the spectacular views created by the steeply terraced vineyards beside the river. These are similar to those of the Moselle in Germany or the LaVaux vineyards in Switzerland. And don't forget the Azores, an Atlantic island chain of nine volcanic islands brimming with hedges of blue hydrangeas.
22-Cyprus
European tourists have been flocking to the beaches of Cyprus for years. With average daily temperatures in the 80s, Cyprus is beach-friendly until October. But pack a jumper, as nights can be chilly. If you tire of the Mediterranean sun and sand... you can head further inland to a countryside filled with pine trees and almonds.
23-Venezuela
Few countries come close to Venezuela in terms of sheer natural beauty. In fact, this country boasts the highest waterfall in the world. Indeed, the 3212-foot cascades of Angel Falls are 19 times higher than Niagara. They are located in the lush Canaima National Park. They are by far the most popular attraction in the country. Mount Roraima also dazzles, with vertical cliffs stretching through the clouds. The Los Roques archipelago boasts white sand beaches, mangrove swamps and spectacular reefs.
24-Botswana
Botswana has many national parks and safari camps for travellers. But the country's main attraction is undoubtedly the lush Okavango Delta. This is a 49-million-acre river delta in northern Botswana. The region is a real-world Eden. In fact, cheetah, zebra, buffalo and rhino roam freely here. Visit during the African winter, after the rains when the delta floods. The growth along the waterways attracts tons of wildlife.
25-Montenegro
The poet Lord Byron once described Montenegro's Adriatic coast as "the most beautiful meeting of land and sea". The entire country has a population roughly the size of Stockholm. But it more than makes up for its small size in stretches of sand, surf and untouched green spaces. The curved bay of Kotor is a mixture of Lake Como and the fjords of Norway. It is dotted with former Turkish and Greek colonies and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Further inland, the Biogradska Gora National Park is home to one of the last three primeval forests in Europe, which have mature ecosystems due to the fact that they are more or less intact.
26-Oman
This tranquil country at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula is nothing like you'd expect. Although Oman has sand, it is mountainous, coastal and even pastoral depending on where you visit. In fact, former editor Hanya Yanagihara recommends establishing a base in Muscat, then venturing a few hours towards the Jabal Akhdar mountains. These are covered in dusty green olive trees and refreshing cool air. Another treat? The region's rose and apricot trees, a dizzyingly rich addition to any hike.
27-Nepal
In Nepal, unique experiences and breathtaking scenery go hand in hand. Home to eight of the world's 10 highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, the country is famous among trekkers and adventure seekers. The Gokyo Lakes are the highest freshwater lake system in the world. Here, the vibrant glacier-fed waters are surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In addition, Chitwan National Park is home to rare populations of rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. Sagarmatha National Park is the ideal place to spot snow leopards and red pandas.
28-Brazil
There's no shortage of Brazilian grandeur, whether you're standing beneath the horseshoe-shaped Iguaçu Falls, kayaking through the incomparable Amazon or looking down from the top of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago off the north-east coast, is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The Lençóis Maranhenses national park has blinding white sand dunes juxtaposed with turquoise lagoons. Then there's the biodiversity. Indeed, the greatest biodiversity on the planet, to be exact. It's not uncommon to spot jaguars, spider monkeys, piranhas, giant water lilies and mangroves among millions of other species.
29-The Seychelles
Yet another magnificent island nation in Africa. The Seychelles are loved by many travellers. As are Prince William and Kate Middleton, who spent their honeymoon here in 2011. Aside from its celebrity status and luxury resorts, the nation's ultimate attraction is its natural beauty, with pristine white beaches and untouched jungle ecosystems. In fact, the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so beautiful and transcendent that many locals regard it as the true site of the Garden of Eden.
30-Slovenia
Nestled between Italy and Austria, with a slice of the Alps and an opening onto the Mediterranean, Slovenia apparently has a bit of everything. The Julian Alps are striking from every angle. But they become particularly impressive when set against the backdrop of the emerald green waters of Lake Bled. And then there are the forests, which cover half of the country's surface.
31-Peru
The panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its mysterious stone walls are worth a plane ticket to Peru alone. But the country has more to offer than Inca ruins. The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is known for its terraced farming and epic birdwatching. The Paracas Nature Reserve, an easy day trip from Lima, is another ecologically rich area, where Humboldt penguins waddle freely on red sand beaches. And don't forget the deep, shimmering blue waters of Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
32-Sri Lanka
It's been just over a decade since the end of Sri Lanka's brutal civil war. But the country has bounced back to become one of the world's favourite travel destinations. With ramshackle temple ruins, lush green tea plantations and wide golden beaches, it's ideal. Animal lovers should take special note, as the country has tons of options for wildlife spotting. Udawalawe National Park and Gal Oya National Park contain hundreds of elephants, while Yala National Park is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world. And tea lovers, this tip is for you: stay at Thotalagala, a seven-suite hotel near Dambatenne, the world's most famous tea estate, planted in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton.
33-Japan
Japan is at once serene and exhilarating, ancient and unexpected. The subtropical islands of Ogasawara offer pristine beaches, exceptional snorkelling and whale watching, and forests teeming with 195 species of endangered birds. Lone Mount Fuji is the country's most iconic landmark, rising above villages and reflecting off lake surfaces. Even the cities here abound in natural beauty: see the scattering of cherry blossom and the bamboo forest of Arashiyama in Kyoto, or the quiet, grassy parks of Tokyo.
34-United States
You could spend a lifetime exploring the beauty and diversity of America. Hawaii's vertical Na'Pali Coast is easily one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. Alaska's Denali National Park is worth braving the extremely low temperatures. And perhaps you've heard of a charming little tourist destination known as the Grand Canyon?
35-Italy
Few regions of the world can claim such an intense range of natural beauty, from craggy peaks and rolling green hills to breathtaking coastlines. There's nothing quite like driving along the winding, Cyprus-lined roads of Tuscany, past lush green hills and golden fields dotted with sunflowers. The Dolomites are also among the most beautiful mountains you'll find anywhere; the San Pellegrino pass is one of its best spots for climbing and skiing.
36-Turkey
Turkey's landscapes are varied, breathtaking and even a little special. Many of the best views can be found in Asian Anatolia, such as the fairy chimneys and rock pillars of Cappadocia, or the craggy peaks and alpine pastures of the Kaçkar Mountains. In the Aegean region, the frozen waterfalls and stacked pools of Pamukkale ensure that you'll never be satisfied with your hotel's infinity pool again. The Turquoise Coast (or Turkish Riviera) is another prime location, especially if you're looking for perfect beaches, mountain views and a Mediterranean climate.
37-South Africa
South Africa is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering easy access to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) in places like the Kruger National Park. Looking for penguins? Boulders Beach is just an hour's drive south of Cape Town. If you can believe it, the landscapes here are even more diverse than the wildlife, from wildflower-filled Namaqualand to the Drakensberg mountains that rise up to the Blyde River Canyon. Even in Cape Town's urban areas, you only have to look up to see the iconic Table Mountain and Lion's Head.
38-India
Home to Himalayan peaks and Indian Ocean beaches, India's terrain can only be described as breathtaking. Kerala is easily one of the most beautiful states in the country, with elephants and tigers, networks of lush lagoons and tea plantations. There are incredible stretches of sand even outside Kerala, such as Marina Beach in little-known Tamil Nadu, or Chandipur Beach in Orissa, where the tides recede almost five kilometres offshore. The Valley of Flowers National Park is spectacular, with hundreds of species of alpine flowers carpeting the Western Himalayas in chromatic glory.
39-Morocco
Sunset over Ait Benhaddou - Ancient city in Morocco North Africa
Morocco has some of the most colourful and exciting cities in Africa, but even Marrakech and Fez play second fiddle to the country's natural landscape. First, you have the undeniable magic of the Sahara, where the rose-gold dunes turn almost pink and purple as the sun nears the horizon. The High Atlas range separates the Sahara from the sea, with epic ridges and secluded valleys. You even have the choice of two different coasts: the Atlantic, with arched sandstones and wild beaches; and the Mediterranean, where views of Spain are a surprising reminder that you're not as far away as you might have imagined.
40-Tunisia
Tunisia's incredible landscape deserves recognition. From the Sahara to the mountains to the beaches, Tunisia has a lot to offer. Echkeul National Park is one of the most unspoilt places in northern Tunisia. In fact, this park is exceptionally rich in flora and fauna. It is home to around 230 animal species and over 500 plant species. For beach lovers, the pristine beaches of Bizerte will leave you breathless. There are also a variety of breathtaking beaches in Tabarka and Djerba, from north to south. Finally, if you love the desert, the south is rich in expanses of dunes and oases. The Tunisian Sahara is also home to rare gems such as the village of Matmata, Chot Jrid and the Corbeille de Nefta.