The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Countries According to Forbes
- Stephan Cabibel
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
When Forbes asked the question — which country deserves the title of most beautiful on Earth? — one nation rose above the rest: Indonesia. With an extraordinary blend of islands, landscapes, marine life, and vibrant culture, Indonesia captured hearts and imaginations worldwide.
Why Indonesia Tops the List?
Island paradise with incredible variety — With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers beaches, jungles, volcanoes, rice terraces and coral reefs.
Nature and biodiversity — From lush tropical forests to rich coral reefs off Bali and beyond, Indonesia’s ecosystems are globally renowned.
Visual appeal & natural wonders — Forbes gave Indonesia a natural-beauty score of 7.77/10, highlighting its coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and underwater life.
Picture taken in the Komodo National Park
Other Countries That Make the Top
While Indonesia is ranked #1, Forbes’ top 10 most beautiful countries list includes several stunning destinations across continents — each for their own unique charms.
New Zealand — Known for mountain peaks, rolling hills, glaciers and an epic diversity of natural landscapes that feel almost cinematic.
Colombia — From majestic mountains to lush jungles and Caribbean-coast beaches, Colombia stands out as one of the most breathtaking places in the Americas.
Tanzania — Its vast savannahs, wildlife reserves, and the dramatic Kilimanjaro region offer wild beauty seldom found elsewhere.
Mexico — Combining deserts, jungles, mountains, and coastlines — Mexico’s ecological and cultural diversity earned it a spot in the top 5.
Kenya, India, France, Papua New Guinea, ... and others — each offers its own brand of beauty: from wild nature and spectacular landscapes to cultural richness and history.
Read the full article on Forbes' website here
What “Beautiful” Really Means?
Beauty — as Forbes frames it — is more than just pretty beaches or sweeping mountains. The ranking considers a mix of factors:
Diversity of landscapes (islands, jungles, mountains, deserts, coastlines)
Biodiversity and natural ecosystems (forests, reefs, wildlife)
Cultural, historical, and human-made heritage adding depth to natural beauty (cities, architecture, traditions)
The “wow” factor — a sense of wonder, escape, adventure, and uniqueness you can’t find everywhere.
This means that a “most beautiful country” can mean different things depending on what kind of beauty you value — serene beaches, rugged mountains, vibrant culture, wildlife, or a mix of all.
Why This Matters for Travelers
Choosing one “most beautiful country” is subjective, but rankings like Forbes’ help shine a spotlight on global destinations you might not yet know — and inspire travel dreams beyond the usual tourist paths.
If you’re the kind of traveler who seeks diversity (beaches + mountains + culture + nature), you might plan a trip to Indonesia or Mexico. If you prefer wilderness and dramatic landscapes, New Zealand, Tanzania or Colombia could be your paradise.
For us, Indonesia is, without a doubt, one of our favorite countries. We are captivated by the incredible diversity across its islands and are always moved by the warmth of its people. Beneath the surface, the underwater world is simply breathtaking, with vibrant reefs and dreamlike beaches waiting to be discovered.
Our days were filled with cruising the Komodo Islands, snorkeling with manta rays, hiking untamed islands, stargazing under open skies, or tracking orangutans in Sumatra’s lush jungles. Every moment feels like pure nature and complete freedom, that’s what makes Indonesia feel truly magical to us.
Final Thought
Beauty in the world doesn’t belong to one place, it’s scattered everywhere. What the Forbes list does is remind us how vast and varied this beauty can be.
From archipelagos in the tropics to snowy mountain ranges, from ancient jungles to colourful cultures: every corner of the planet has something breathtaking to offer.
Maybe the “most beautiful country” isn’t one, but rather any country that moves you, depending on what you seek.
Comments