Battle Of The Best
If nations were ranked based on their "sexiness," which one would take the lead? According to a recent list by U.S. News & World Report, the world's sexiest countries have been identified. The ranking was based on feedback from over 17,000 people worldwide, who were asked how strongly they associated the word "sexy" with each of 80 countries.
The term "sexy" can be interpreted in many ways—from sensual appeal to general attractiveness—but the survey intentionally left the definition open-ended, allowing participants to decide for themselves. The final list highlights the top 15 countries based on these perceptions. For reference, Japan came in at 69th place.
◆15th place: The Philippines
While other Asian countries faced difficulties climbing the ranks, the Philippines stood out by securing a top spot.
A major highlight was Kelsey Merritt making history as the first Filipina to walk in a Victoria's Secret fashion show, bringing global attention to the country.
◆14th place: Russia
Natalia Vodianova, originally from Russia, is a globally recognized fashion model and actress.
Meanwhile, Milla Jovovich, known for her Hollywood career, has Ukrainian roots and Russian heritage.
◆13th place: Portugal
Victoria's Secret Angel Sara Sampaio proudly represents Portugal on the global fashion stage. Alongside her, Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also brings fame to the country, having been born on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean.
Both figures have helped put Portugal in the spotlight for their exceptional talent and international appeal.
◆12th place: Morocco
Well-known model Iman Hammam has Dutch roots but is of Moroccan and Egyptian heritage. She launched her modeling career after being discovered in Amsterdam.
Since then, she has gained recognition for her striking looks and diverse background in the fashion industry.
◆11th place: Dominican Republic
Amelia Vega, who won the 52nd Miss Universe pageant, is among the prominent figures from the Dominican Republic. The country is also home to model Clarissa Molina, who was crowned Miss Dominican Republic in 2015, as well as model Arlenis Sosa.
Additionally, actress Erika Toyohara, known for voicing the lead character Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," has Dominican heritage, further highlighting the nation's cultural influence.
◆10th place: France
Audrey Tautou, best known for her role as the enigmatic heroine in the 2001 film "Amélie," hails from France.
In 2023, she surprised many by making a special appearance on the runway at Ami Paris. Her presence caught attention, showcasing that her beauty remains captivating even as she enters her 40s.
◆9th place: Greece
Greece is widely known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning islands, which rank among the world’s top resort destinations.
The country has produced notable talents such as singer Konstantinos Argyros and actress Athina Oikonomakou, who have both gained popularity nationally and beyond. Their success adds to Greece’s vibrant cultural reputation on the global stage.
◆8th place: Thailand
Thailand ranked 8th on the list, making it the highest-ranking Asian country in terms of perceived sexiness. Among its most well-known stars is Lisa from the global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, as well as actress and model Urassaya Sperbund, popularly known as Yaya, and fellow actress-model Davika Hoorne.
American model and television personality Chrissy Teigen also has ties to Thailand, as her mother is Thai, further extending the country’s influence and allure on the international stage.
◆7th place: Colombia
Actress Sofia Vergara was born in Barranquilla, a city in northern Colombia known for its vibrant culture. She has been recognized by Forbes magazine as the world’s highest-paid TV actress for five years in a row, a testament to her immense popularity and success.
In addition to her earnings, she frequently tops lists celebrating beauty and glamour, including rankings of the world’s most beautiful women.
◆6th place: Spain
Ursula Corberó, best known for her role as Tokyo in the hit Netflix series Money Heist, hails from Spain. In the show, she portrays a bold and charismatic leader of a gang of robbers, earning widespread recognition for her performance.
Beyond acting, she holds the title of the most-followed woman on Instagram in Spain, highlighting her strong influence both on-screen and online.
◆5th place: Argentina
Every year in January and February, Argentina hosts its largest carnival in the eastern city of Gualeguaychú. The event is famous for its high-energy parades featuring elite dancers who captivate audiences with their striking performances.
Dressed in elaborate, feathered costumes, these performers bring vibrant color and rhythm to the streets, making the carnival a major cultural highlight in the country.
◆4th place: Mexico
Salma Hayek, a renowned American actress with Mexican roots, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of artist Frida Kahlo in the 2002 film Frida. Her performance was widely praised and marked a major milestone in her career.
In 2008, she married François-Henri Pinault, the billionaire CEO of Kering, a major force in the global fashion industry.
◆3rd place: Costa Rica
Charlie Jordan, an American model originally born in Costa Rica, has gained widespread attention for her striking looks and signature beauty mark. Her popularity extends far beyond the runway, with a strong social media presence that includes over 4.6 million followers on Instagram.
Her blend of international roots and modern appeal has helped solidify her status as a rising star in the modeling world.
◆ 2nd place: Italy
The family gave rise to Monica Bellucci, often referred to as "The Jewel of Italy" for her timeless elegance and beauty. Her daughter, Deva Cassel, is now making a name for herself in the modeling industry, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Despite her young age, Deva has drawn widespread attention for her striking features and mature presence, which many find surprising for someone still in her teens.
◆1st place: Brazil
The state is best known for the iconic Rio Carnival, an extravagant celebration where samba dancers from across the country come together to perform in dazzling costumes. Among the many talents from Brazil, singer and actress Marcia hails from the state of São Paulo.
Bruna Marquezine, a well-known actress who was previously in a relationship with Brazilian soccer star Neymar, is also from São Paulo, highlighting the region's strong presence in Brazilian entertainment and pop culture.