Nothing enhances relaxation more than admiring beautiful views. Which country has the most of them? British travel agency Rough Guides decided to answer this question. They asked their readers to rank countries by their beauty.
However, since the agency is English-language, the countries featured are familiar to European and American eyes. That's why Russia isn't even in the top twenty, but we all know it's the most beautiful country. That's why it was ranked 10th.
10. Russia
Our country is the largest in the world. And a larger territory means a greater diversity of landscapes, and therefore, more places worth visiting. Russia's climate ranges from arctic to subtropical.
- In the north, travelers admire the northern lights, endless ice fields, and vibrant summer grasses.
- In the south, people bask in the Black Sea in the summer and ski down the mountains in the winter.
- In the east, people enjoy a vast green sea of forests and swim in the clear waters of the most beautiful lake in the world – Lake Baikal.
- However, the true symbols of Russia are the humble daisies and birch groves that have become a favorite in central European Russia. They are modest, yet filled with a quiet charm. Just like the Russian people.
9. USA
Perhaps American national pride was hurt by the fact that the United States only ranked ninth in the top 10 most beautiful countries. Well, you can't be exceptional in everything.
This vast country encompasses all of the Earth's climate zones. Landscapes to suit every taste can be found there: from the snow-capped forests of the north to the scorching deserts of the south. It also boasts the tropical coast of California, the ominous swamps of Louisiana, the idyllic rural landscapes of Maryland, and the vast expanses of the prairie.
8. Iceland
Surprisingly, tourists have embraced Iceland's rugged northern beauty, with its jet-black beaches (thanks to volcanic rock), the magnificent veil of the northern lights, and its overall somber atmosphere. All of this provides a welcome contrast to the more traditional beauty of other countries.
We recommend that travelers take a dip in the hot springs – you can swim in them even in winter.
7. Mexico
This ancient land, home to great and, alas, vanished peoples of the past, is distinguished by its striking beauty. Travelers setting foot on Mexican soil for the first time don't know where to go. Should they head to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, where they can play "sloth" while basking in the shallows, or to the urban exotica of Mexico City? Or should they venture into the very heart of the country, beckoning with the mysterious ruins and mysteries of ancient civilizations?
The country's landscapes stretch from the classic white sand beaches of the California coast, through the deserted, cactus-covered areas of the country's center, all the way to the lush tropical forests of the south.
Mexico is a potent blend of indigenous cultural traditions and Spanish colonialism, giving the world some of the finest examples of contemporary art. And also sombreros, tequila, tacos, and Salma Hayek!
6. Indonesia
Exotic Indonesia has captured the hearts of travelers with its diverse landscapes, rivaled only by the diversity of its peoples.
The Indonesian archipelago comprises 17,500 islands. Each island is at least slightly different from its neighbors, both in its natural beauty and its inhabitants. More than 500 different languages are spoken in the country!
Some of the most popular destinations are Bali and Lombok, where tourists admire unique religious buildings and surfers enjoy conquering the waves.
People go to the island of Borneo to experience the tropical wilderness. You might be lucky enough to see the "man of the forest," an orangutan, in its natural habitat.
5. South Africa
The only African country on the list is undoubtedly beautiful. And vast—its area is roughly the size of Spain next to France. Besides Table Mountain, which serves as the country's calling card, people come here to feed the penguins, who peacefully stroll along some of the best beaches in the world, just steps from the capital, Cape Town.
And in the hills of the Western Cape, grapes are grown, the full sweetness of which can be experienced during a tasting of local wines.
4. Italy
Few regions in the world have received as much praise for their beauty as Italy. This small country boasts a striking diversity of landscapes: from the gentle slopes of Chianti, home to the finest grape varieties, to the sparkling sandy beaches of the Amalfi Coast and the rugged, understated beauty of the Dolomites.
Italy is also simply strewn with ancient and medieval architectural monuments. Rome, Florence, and Venice are steeped in history and romance, and their tiled-roofed houses seem straight out of a fairy tale.
And only the lazy did not sing the praises of Italian food, and then, probably, because their mouths were full.
3. New Zealand
The Lord of the Rings truly revealed the beauty of this island nation to the world. Director Peter Jackson borrowed New Zealand's landscapes for his version of Middle-earth. New Zealanders themselves have long known the beauty of their homeland, which they affectionately call the Godzone, which translates as "God's private domain.".
As for visitors, few who arrive in New Zealand fail to fall in love with its green hills, vast beaches, primeval forests, snow-capped mountains, and dormant volcanoes. Adding to the country's charm is its unique ecosystem, where flightless birds have taken the place of mammals.
2. Canada
The land of maple syrup, wild geese, and beavers took a respectable second place in the list of the most beautiful countries. The vast expanses of this North American nation have never been fully conquered by humans.
The Yukon Province remains wild, and despite its size (51 TP3T of the country's land area), it is home to only 0.11 TP3T of Canada's population. In stark contrast, densely populated Toronto and Montreal offer tourists a full taste of Canadian urban culture and admire monuments dating back to the early settlers.
British Columbia's mountains are a magnet for skiers and snowboarders, and Instagram users love taking selfies against the backdrop of the turquoise waters of the beautiful (and very cold) Lake Louise.
1. Scotland
When asked which country is the most beautiful, the majority of Rough Guides readers named Scotland. While we Russians may be offended by the Eurocentricity (and even more so by the Anglocentricity) of the survey, it's hard to argue with Scotland's beauty.
Wind-kissed rocky shores, crystal-clear mountain lakes, majestic castles and valleys of wondrous beauty, covered in a carpet of heather and a multitude of other flowers... Aren't these some of the most beautiful places in the world?
Add to this a thousand-year-old history and excellent whiskey, and it becomes clear why Scotland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And the Scottish government is committed to developing the infrastructure necessary for travelers' comfort. Even on the slopes of the Scottish Highlands, you can play golf, cycle, and hike.
Just don't bring home a bagpipe as a souvenir - your neighbors won't thank you.