"As subjective as beauty can be, we did use some concrete data points when creating our list. First, we considered the US News & World Report list of the most scenic places from its 2024 Best Countries ranking. This is based on the perceptions of nearly 17,000 people from around the globe. The top 10 countries from the US News list are all included below."
"We also considered countries with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Italy (with 60 sites, Italy has the most of any country in the world). Sustainability and efforts to preserve natural beauty also played a role: We've included Sweden, which has topped multiple lists as the greenest nation on the planet. In addition to the above, we considered both natural allure as well as cultural landmarks, including top-notch architecture, museums, parks, and palaces."
Twenty-one countries are presented as particularly beautiful based on a combination of public perception data, heritage designations, sustainability, and outstanding natural and cultural attractions. The US News & World Report 2024 Best Countries scenic ranking and responses from nearly 17,000 people informed selection, and the top 10 from that ranking are included. UNESCO World Heritage Site counts factored into evaluation, with Italy noted for holding 60 sites. Sustainability and conservation efforts influenced choices, with Sweden highlighted for environmental leadership. The compilation emphasizes both natural allure—waterfalls, mountains, caverns—and cultural assets like architecture, museums, parks, and palaces.
Read at Architectural Digest
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