You’d be hard-pressed to find a country that doesn’t offer any natural assets, but some are more naturally gifted than others.
Though the natural beauty of a country might seem like a tough thing to rank, the World Economic Forum took on the task, ranking 136 countries by what natural resources they offer for the 2017 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report.
So, what makes a country quantifiably the most naturally beautiful? The report takes into account several factors, including the number of World Heritage natural sites, the total known number of species and protected areas, and the natural tourism digital demand. And, of course, they also looked at the attractiveness of natural assets. World Heritage natural sites are recognized as having “outstanding universal value.” Natural tourism digital demand measures how many searches are related to the country and specific key words, including “beaches,” “animal watching,” and “diving.” Finally, a survey on how much sway the natural assets of a country had in bringing in tourists helping the WEF finalize the rankings.
Starting from number 15, here are the top ranked countries for natural resources.
15. Kenya
Landing in the 15th spot on the list is Kenya, and anyone who’s visited will understand why. In the southwestern part of the country, the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is home to giraffes, kudu, cheetahs, lions, and black rhinos. Northeast of the capital city, Nairobi, is Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, and in the north, spilling into Ethiopia, is Lake Turkana, where Nile crocodiles and hippopotamuses breed. Here’s how to see the great wildebeest migration.
14. Indonesia
It seems logical that a country that is home to the world’s only population of Komodo Dragons — giant, aggressive lizards — would make it on the list. Komodo National Park is set on volcanic islands, where 5,700 of the lizards live. Of course, Indonesia is a string of islands, so it has much more to offer as well, from beaches in Bali to rainforests in Sulawesi.
10. United States
From the Redwood Forests to the Gulf Stream waters, America already is pretty great. With 58 national parks including the Grand Canyon, Papahānaumokuākea (northwest of the Hawaiian Archipelago) and Glacier National Park, you could spend a lifetime exploring and never get bored.
9. Spain
Any traveler who enjoys serious hikes has Spain’s Camino de Santiago on their list. With trails snaking across the country to the final destination in northwest Spain (one of the most popular routes runs about 500 miles), it covers some serious — and seriously beautiful — ground. Doñana National Park, where five threatened bird species live, and Garajonay National Park in the Canary Islands, which houses a huge laurel forest, are also worth a visit.
8. Tanzania
Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain peak, as well as the Serengeti. In the latter wildebeest, gazelles and zebras live, and UNESCO calls their migration to watering holes while being followed by predators “one of the most impressive natural events in the world.”
7. Thailand
The fact that Thailand is listed in the top 10 is no surprise to anyone who has seen this country. From the stunning islands that run down the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand to the gorgeous rock formations of Krabi, there’s no shortage of beach destinations. But outside the coastal regions there is also lots to enjoy, including Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, home to elephants and tigers.
4. Peru
Coming in at the fourth most naturally beautiful country in the world is the home of the incredible Incan ruins, Machu Picchu. But it’s not just the world-famous sanctuary that gives the South American country bragging rights. Peru also boasts Mount Huascarán, in the world’s highest tropical mountain range, and Rio Abiseo National Park, which is home to another 36 archeological sites.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica comes in third on the overall list, but the tiny country ranks second in natural tourism digital demand and attractiveness of natural assets. Cocos Island National Park has bragging rights for being the only island in the eastern Pacific with a rainforest, and Tortuguero National Park is known for its sea turtles.
2. Mexico
It’s no real surprise that Mexico landed close to the top of the most beautiful destinations. Between the ruins of Tulum, Sian Ka’an’s networks of tropical rainforests, marshes and mangroves and the stunning Revillagigedo Islands, there’s plenty of beauty. Mexico also has a wealth of wildlife. Check out the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino and the stunning Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve for a dose.
