UK ranked ahead of South Africa in world’s most beautiful countries list

When Rough Guides puts out a ranking of the most beautiful countries in the world, we pay attention.

The travel and publishing company has been circling the globe for 41 years, producing brilliant travel guides for all sorts of budgets.

If anyone recognises true beauty in a place, it’s the reader and contributors of Rough Guides.

And the good news is South Africa has achieved top-10 status amongst the most beautiful countries in the world list, reports BusinessTech.

MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD 2024

The way Rough Guides determines the most beautiful countries in the world is through reader votes.

The categories considered include landscapes, culture, people, architecture and food … to name but a few.

So, we’ll count down the top 10 for you now …

10. SOUTH AFRICA

That’s right, Mzansi cracks number 10 on the most beautiful countries in the world thanks to our diversity of scenery, raw natural landscapes, oceans, culture, landscape, wine, people and food, says the guide.

Also, we’re the only African country in the top 20.

9. GREECE

The European destination ranks for its wonderful food, scenic vistas of white buildings, and the fact that it boasts one of the richest collections of historic monuments in the world.

8. AUSTRALIA

Diversity in culture, laidback people and renowned attractions, such as Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and the picturesque beaches along the coasts is what travellers love about Oz.

7. NORWAY

Breathtaking nature and unassuming people secures the Scandinavian nation seventh position in the ranking of most beautiful countries in the world. From stunning fjords to enchanting Lapland, the landscapes are pristine, say readers.

6. UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

From Scottish mountains, to the lakes of Cumbria.

The pretty Cotswold towns to its fine cities with rich heritage.

Not to mention its great museums and galleries.

The UK is central a real favourite with elderly travellers.

5. FRANCE

The largest country in the EU is, of course, home to the city of love – a true bastion for arts and culture.

But there’s also the snow-capped French Alps and Pyrenees.

Vines and lavender fields of Provence.

And the pristine beaches and exquisite cuisine of the riviera.

4. SWITZERLAND

This mountainous country has jumped nine places in the most beautiful countries in the world.

Spectacular scenery includes beautiful lakes and mountains.

Hike the Eiger in the Jungfrau region, or take a charming mountain train through Zermatt and the Matterhorn.

Geneva, and Zurich are exceedingly cosmopolitan cities, too.

3. CANADA

Travellers love the North American expanse for its untouched landscapes and wide-open spaces.

The snow-covered mountains are a major draw for skiers and snowboarders.

While Toronto and Montreal offer world-class amenities.

2. ITALY

It drops one slot from the number one ranking last year. Dolomite mountains, the Italian Lakes, vineyards of Tuscany, the Amalfi coast and the islands Sicily and Sardinia, are just the beginning.

Then there’s the capitol city of Rome, romantic Florence and Venice, and Italy’s world-renowned food.

What could possible beat that?

1. NEW ZEALAND

Ranks top in the most beautiful countries in the world for the first time ever.

The contrasting scenery, from mountains and beaches, to diverse people and cultures, all play host to thrilling outdoor adventures, says the guide.

Do you agree with the list? Let us know!