The Great Wall of China.<\/p>\n
getty<\/p>\n
From the thunderous canyons of Utah to the misty peaks of China, 2025 reveals a world not only rich in beauty\u2014but in economic might. To chart this landscape, I turned to UBS to rank the world\u2019s richest countries by total net household wealth (in USD billions)\u2014in-line with their 2025 Global Wealth Report<\/a>\u2014based on data from the OECD, IMF, and World Bank. But this isn\u2019t just a numbers game\u2014it\u2019s a guide spotlighting wealth found in mighty cathedrals, bullet trains, and vineyard-laced rivers, too. Where affluence meets artistry, and tradition marries transformation\u2014consider this your passport to the planet\u2019s most prosperous places.<\/p>\n 1. United States From the sandstone cathedrals of Utah to the mist-shrouded forests of the Pacific Northwest\u2014the United States is the wealthiest country in the world (according to total net household wealth). Here, New York pulses with frenetic energy\u2014think steel, steam, and jazz all colliding\u2014while New Orleans sways to a sultry rhythm steeped in soul; where brass bands echo through balconies and beignets dust fingers in powdered sugar. Choose the West Coast for drama\u2014think craggy cliffs and colossal redwoods rising like ancient sentinels. Meanwhile, jewels like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Route 66\u2019s retro diners are chapters in the country\u2019s age-old story.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesThe World\u2019s Best Countries To Visit In 2025, According To Travel ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> China whispers of ancient dynasties, where the Gobi Desert breathes solemn silence\u2014its dunes rippling beneath camel caravans\u2014and Huangshan\u2019s mist-draped peaks evoke delicate ink paintings. Beijing, however, juxtaposes deep-rooted tradition and relentless speed\u2014picture rickshaws and sleek bullet trains threading past imperial palaces and gleaming skyscrapers that shimmer above bustling night markets. Meanwhile, southern vistas dazzle with surreal karst formations rising from rice paddies, and emerald terraced hillsides dotted with water buffalo and bamboo groves. Along its mighty Yangtze River, timeworn pagodas and futuristic skylines coexist\u2014mirroring a civilization both timeless and ever-evolving\u2014where cargo ships glide past LED-lit towers and fishermen cast nets beneath ancient bridges.<\/p>\n 3. Japan In Japan, the past and future shake hands like cherry blossoms in spring\u2019s winds. Kyoto? Think ancient temples, silk kimonos, and the smell of incense flowing from shrines. Meanwhile, its capital of Tokyo pulses with neon-drenched energy, ramen stalls, and skyscrapers crowned with idyllic rooftop gardens. Sleek bullet trains slice through pristine snowfields and sprawling cities\u2014linking lavender fields in Hokkaido with shimmering coral reefs in Okinawa, teeming with clownfish and sea turtles. Meanwhile, the seasons paint the land in lyrical poetry\u2014think blushing sakura in spring and powdery snow that hushes the rugged mountains in winter, where steaming onsen bubble beside lantern-lit ryokan.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesThe World\u2019s Most Beautiful Beaches 2025, According To Travel ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> The UK wears its history like a well-tailored coat\u2014where London\u2019s skyline stitches ornate Gothic spires with gleaming glass towers, and pub laughter spills into centuries-old alleys. Scotland broods beautifully\u2014its misty lochs and windswept moors echoing with legend and lore\u2014where red deer graze beneath ruined abbeys and whisky warms cold hands in stone bothies. Wales, meanwhile, sings in slate and soul\u2014its valleys dotted with woolly sheep and echoed by the lilting notes of male voice choirs drifting from chapel doors.<\/p>\n 5. Germany Lake Sylvenstein, Bavaria, Germany<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Germany is a land of quiet resilience and reinvention\u2014where Berlin pulses with raw creativity\u2014alive with graffiti, avant-garde galleries, and thumping underground beats. Its world-famous Rhine River winds past elite vineyards and storybook villages that seem lifted from enchanted fairy tales. Meanwhile, Bavaria\u2019s snow-capped peaks cradle chalets, smoke curling from chimneys as skiers clatter past biergartens serving pretzels\u2014and Hamburg\u2019s harbor hums with cranes, cargo ships, and the scent of freshly-caught North Sea herring. Autumn arrives in a blaze of golden forests accompanied by the hearty clink of steins\u2014as age-old tradition raise a toast.<\/p>\n ForbesThe World\u2019s Most Visited Countries, According To ResearchBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> India doesn\u2019t simply unfold\u2014it erupts in a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and spirit. Delhi\u2019s chaos dances around crumbling Mughal forts, honking rickshaws, and spice-laden bazaars\u2014brimming with turmeric and cardamom. Mumbai, meanwhile, dreams in glittering Bollywood hues\u2014where street vendors serve vada pav beneath neon billboards. The Himalayas rise in snow-draped majesty\u2014dotted with prayer flags fluttering over yak trails and stone monasteries\u2014while Kerala\u2019s emerald backwaters drift past coconut palms and houseboats with woven canopies. Journey to Rajasthan, blazing with regal splendor in its sandstone palaces and mirrored halls\u2014or trek to Varanasi, where marigold garlands float beside flickering diyas on the Ganges.<\/p>\n 7. France France seduces with effortless elegance\u2014where Paris sparkles with romantic allure\u2014and its charming caf\u00e9s, graceful bridges, and tree-lined boulevards form a living, breathing canvas. Flaky croissants warm in glowing bakeries, accordion notes drift through the air, and lovers linger by the Seine. Provence, meanwhile, hums with lavender fields, vineyards, and the steady chorus of cicadas. The glittering Riviera glints with coastal glamour\u2014here, sunbathers recline on pebbled beaches, yachts bob in turquoise harbors, and ros\u00e9 flows beneath striped parasols. Normandy, however, stands solemn\u2014its rugged cliffs etched with poignant history, where poppies grow near weathered bunkers and the tide laps quietly at Omaha Beach.<\/p>\n ForbesThe World\u2019s Best River Cruises 2025, According To ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Canada is a breath of fresh air\u2014vast, untamed, and quietly majestic. Vancouver balances salty ocean mist with modern urban sleekness\u2014framed by forested mountains and glassy high-rises, where cyclists glide past sushi bars and cedar-scented trails. Nova Scotia\u2019s rugged coasts, however, crash with maritime soul\u2014think lobster traps and lighthouses blinking through Atlantic fog. Explore its towering Rockies cradling glacial lakes and wandering grizzlies beneath snow-dusted peaks\u2014as canoes glide across Moraine Lake and elk graze near pine-fringed trails.<\/p>\n 9. South Korea South Korea is compact, dynamic, and steeped in tradition. Its capital, Seoul, pulses with neon energy\u2014where royal palaces nestle between glass towers, and night markets sizzle with spicy tteokbokki and grilled squid. Jeju Island, meanwhile, serves volcanic beauty\u2014with its twisting lava tubes, Hallasan\u2019s crater trails, and waterfalls tumbling into emerald pools. And the countryside rolls in green serenity\u2014dotted with mirror-like rice paddies, misty peaks like Jirisan, and temples where monks chant beneath ancient pine trees.<\/p>\n ForbesThe Ultimate Guide To South Africa CruisesBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Italy is a living, breathing masterpiece\u2014where Rome\u2019s ornate fountains and ruins echo with imperial grandeur\u2014from the roar of the Colosseum to the hush of twilight in Piazza Navona. Venice glides on liquid poetry through labyrinthine canals\u2014where gondolas drift\u2014while Florence radiates Renaissance brilliance: its domes and galleries steeped in artistic splendor, like Michelangelo\u2019s David standing in hushed reverence. The Amalfi Coast, however, tumbles into sapphire seas\u2014its lemon groves clinging to cliffs and pastel villages stacked like dreams. Inland, rolling vineyards and terracotta hilltop towns bask in golden light\u2014where wines flows from rustic cellars and church bells mark the slow rhythm of life. Its crowning jewel? Sicily\u2014smoldering with volcanic drama from Mount Etna\u2019s slopes.<\/p>\n 11. Australia Australia roars with untamed, elemental force. Sun-scorched deserts blaze beneath vast skies\u2014where red earth stretches endlessly and kangaroos bound past ghost gums. Meanwhile, primeval rainforests murmur with ancient secrets\u2014thick with strangler figs and screeching cockatoos. Sydney sparkles by the sea\u2014its iconic Opera House catching waves, wind, and golden light\u2014while surfers carve through Bondi\u2019s rolling swells and ferries trace the harbor\u2019s curve. Melbourne, meanwhile, thrives on brooding art, eclectic culture, and shifting mood\u2014think graffiti-laced laneways humming with espresso machines and indie music. While the Great Barrier Reef dazzles beneath the turquoise surface\u2014alive with coral gardens, darting clownfish, and the slow drift of sea turtles.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend A Weekend At Burghley HouseBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Spain pulses with fiery rhythm\u2014where flamenco flares in moonlit plazas and ancient Roman aqueducts stride across golden fields. Barcelona dreams in Gaud\u00ed\u2019s whimsical curves\u2014where chimneys twist like candy and mosaics shimmer in Park G\u00fcell. Madrid, however, bursts with artistic brilliance and kinetic energy\u2014Vel\u00e1zquez and Goya commanding the Prado, while tapas bars buzz with clinking glasses late into the night. Andalusia, meanwhile, glows with Moorish magic\u2014its tiled courtyards scented with orange blossoms, and minarets like the Giralda tower steeped in centuries of history. Heading to the north? Expect crisp cider and winding pilgrim paths that trace ancient footsteps through misty valleys.<\/p>\n 13. Taiwan Taiwan is a mosaic of striking contrasts\u2014where mist-veiled mountains rise steeply and ornate temples glow beside flickering neon signs. Taipei blends incense with cutting-edge innovation\u2014crowned by the soaring spire of Taipei 101 and grounded in night markets where stinky tofu and bubble tea perfume the air. Taroko Gorge, however, carves breathtaking grandeur from marble stone; a natural cathedral of cliffs, where suspension bridges sway above rapids and swallows dart through narrow canyons. Meanwhile, Kenting\u2019s beaches sparkle with tropical charm\u2014lined with palm trees, coral reefs, and roadside stands selling mango shaved ice.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In PlymouthBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Kinderdijk, Netherlands<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n The Netherlands flows with quiet grace\u2014where iconic windmills turn lazily above tulip fields and narrow canals thread through cities like winding veins\u2014mirrored by gabled houses and drifting houseboats. Amsterdam blends artistic richness with laid-back elegance\u2014where Rembrandt\u2019s brushstrokes linger in the Rijksmuseum, and cyclists glide past caf\u00e9s and stroopwafel stands along leafy streets. Rotterdam, meanwhile, rises bold and modern\u2014with angular architecture like the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge slicing across the water.<\/p>\n 15. Switzerland Filisur, Switzerland<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Switzerland is precision wrapped in poetry\u2014where jagged Alpine peaks pierce the heavens and crystalline lakes mirror storybook villages. Zurich hums with meticulous order and understated charm\u2014where trams glide past chocolate shops, and the Limmat River sparkles beneath stone bridges. Geneva, meanwhile, radiates diplomacy and cosmopolitan grace\u2014its lakeside promenades framed by swans and sailboats, and the Jet d\u2019Eau rising like a silver plume. Lucerne bridges past and present with its medieval architecture and modern pulse\u2014frescoed facades lining the Reuss River, while concert halls and boutiques buzz nearby.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In CirencesterBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Atlantic Forest, Brazil<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Brazil dances between untamed wilderness and wonder. The Amazon murmurs with ancient breath\u2014its vast canopy alive with chattering macaws, shimmering tree frogs, and pink river dolphins. Meanwhile, cities like Rio de Janeiro shimmer with golden coastlines, samba beats, and carnival spirit\u2014where Christ the Redeemer watches over and dancers swirl in feathered splendor through Lapa\u2019s lively streets. Salvador, meanwhile, blends colonial fa\u00e7ades with rich Afro-Brazilian heritage\u2014where drum circles echo in Pelourinho\u2019s cobbled squares and thunderous Igua\u00e7u Falls roar through emerald jungle mist.<\/p>\n 17. Russia St. Petersburg, Russia<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia\u2014with 11 time zones, 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a wide range of climates and landscapes. Major cities include Moscow, its capital\u2014known for the Red Square\u2014and St. Petersburg. Other notable destinations include Lake Baikal\u2014the world\u2019s deepest freshwater lake\u2014and the Trans-Siberian Railway, which crosses the country from west to east.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In GuernseyBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Hong Kong rises in a dazzling vertical rhythm\u2014where sleek towers pierce the sky as incense curls from temple courtyards. Victoria Harbour sparkles with darting ferries and mirrored reflections\u2014while alleyways buzz with sizzling street food, clinking chopsticks, and Cantonese chatter. From steamy dim sum in bustling teahouses to rooftop bars overlooking glittering skylines\u2014the city blends ancient soul with modern edge. Beyond the urban sprawl, head to Lantau Island for misty trails and spiritual calm beneath the serene gaze of the Big Buddha.<\/p>\n 19. Mexico Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Mexico tells its tale in murals, soulful music, and memory. Ancient pyramids like Chich\u00e9n Itz\u00e1 pierce jungle skies\u2014while colonial plazas echo with mariachi melodies and the scent of roasted corn. In sprawling Mexico City, bold flavors burst from market stalls\u2014think tacos al pastor sizzling beside woven baskets of chilies. Meanwhile, Oaxaca simmers with smoky mezcal, hand-dyed textiles, and mole rich with spice and tradition. Hidden cenotes glisten beneath Yucat\u00e1n\u2019s limestone veil\u2014cool, sacred pools where turquoise water meets tangled roots and whispered legend.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In GuernseyBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Indonesia stretches across the sea like a shimmering constellation of islands. Bali breathes incense\u2014its emerald rice terraces stepping gently through lush, tropical green\u2014where offerings of frangipani and rice adorn temple steps. Meanwhile, Jakarta races with urban rhythm\u2014scooters weaving through twilight streets grilling satay\u2014and Komodo\u2019s prehistoric dragons bask on tropical shores. Java whispers through misty ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, while Sumatra\u2019s dense jungles echo with wild calls of orangutans swinging through fig trees and the rustle of monsoon rain.<\/p>\n 21. Belgium Belgium charms with quiet elegance. Its capital, Brussels, balances regal grandeur with political gravitas\u2014cobbled streets curving past chocolate shops, Art Nouveau fa\u00e7ades, and bustling caf\u00e9s pouring Trappist ales. Meanwhile, Ghent glows with soaring Gothic towers and shimmering canal reflections. Bruges, however, enchants with horse-drawn carriages, and lantern-lit squares echoing with carillon bells\u2014while in Wallonia, dense forests cradle ivy-draped castles, and the misty Ardennes invite slow walks past wild boar tracks and hidden valleys. Golden beer, warm waffles, and spirited festivals mark the rhythm of Belgian life\u2014sweet, savory, and steeped in tradition.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In BakewellBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Camping under the Northern Lights.<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Sweden whispers through ancient forests and glacial fjords. Stockholm spreads gracefully across islands\u2014where opulent royal halls meet waterfront promenades lined with fishing boats and open-air museums. Meanwhile, Gothenburg offers maritime warmth and cozy caf\u00e9s bursting with cinnamon buns. In Lapland, reindeer roam beneath dancing auroras\u2014their hooves crunching snow near fire-lit cabins\u2014while summer brings endless golden light to wildflower-strewn meadows, berry-laden trails, and lakes that mirror pine silhouettes. Wooden cottages dot the countryside here\u2014and fika rituals slow the day with coffee and sweet cardamom.<\/p>\n 23. Denmark Denmark flows with graceful simplicity and soul. In Copenhagen, cyclists glide past copper spires and winding canals\u2014cinnamon pastries in hand. Meanwhile, along the rugged coast, windswept dunes shift beneath ever-changing skies\u2014while salty sea breezes carry whispered stories of Viking ships and seaside villages. Roskilde\u2019s stately cathedral stands solemn and proud\u2014its royal tombs steeped in centuries of candlelit reverence\u2014while chalk-white M\u00f8ns Klint plunges into the deep Baltic blue, where fossil hunters comb the shore and peregrine falcons wheel overhead.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesWhy A Douro River Cruise Is The Best Way To See PortugalBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Empty Quarter Desert Dunes<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Saudi Arabia blends desert sands with futuristic ambition. Its capital, Riyadh, rises with gleaming glass towers beside spice-scented souks\u2014where vendors offer saffron, oud, and cardamom. Meanwhile, Jeddah stretches along the shimmering Red Sea\u2014its coral-stone architecture framing bustling art galleries and seafood grills. AlUla stuns with sculpted sandstone cliffs, ancient Nabatean tombs, and moonlit stargazing among rock formations\u2014while the vast Empty Quarter whispers with endless dunes and camel caravans. In Asir, however, misty mountains cradle flower-filled villages\u2014their painted houses and terraced hillsides blooming with lavender and wild basil.<\/p>\n 25. Singapore Singapore thrives in contrast\u2014where tropical rainforest meets a gleaming skyline, and sizzling hawker stalls hum beneath soaring glass domes. Marina Bay glows with architectural flair and waterfront spectacle\u2014from the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum to nightly light shows. Meanwhile, heritage districts pulse with spice, color, and centuries-old tradition: Kampong Glam\u2019s textile shops and perfume houses, Chinatown\u2019s lantern-strung markets, and Little India\u2019s gold bangles and jasmine garlands. And island ferries link the mainland to sun-drenched shores like Sentosa\u2014where palm trees frame beach bars and zip lines.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In BathBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Turkey bridges worlds\u2014where East meets West in a swirl of spice, carved stone, and spirit. Istanbul pulses with history\u2014its skyline crowned with slender minarets, grand domes, and bustling bazaars filled with copperware, carpets, and the scent of roasted chestnuts. Meanwhile, Cappadocia floats with hot air balloons over honeycombed valleys and cave dwellings carved into soft rock. The Aegean coast cradles ancient ruins like Ephesus\u2014alongside shimmering turquoise bays dotted with wooden gulets\u2014while towering Mount Ararat looms in the rugged east.<\/p>\n 27. Poland Poland carries its layered past with resilient pride. Krak\u00f3w\u2019s medieval heart beats beneath soaring Gothic towers and the echo of church bells over market stalls. Meanwhile, Warsaw rebuilds with striking glass fa\u00e7ades and solemn memory\u2014where modern museums rise beside war-scarred monuments. Gda\u0144sk glows with golden light and a rich maritime legacy\u2014think shipyards, amber shops, and spires meeting the Baltic breeze. The Masurian Lakes? Shimmering in forested calm. Journey south to the Tatra Mountains\u2014crisp and alpine\u2014where jagged peaks rise above chapels, grazing sheep, and winding shepherd paths.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesThe 10 Best River Cruises In Europe 2025, According To ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Austria sings in alpine harmony\u2014where snow-capped mountains rise like grand symphonies, and valleys echo with cowbells and folk songs. Its capital, Vienna, blends imperial splendor with caf\u00e9 culture\u2014boulevards lined with baroque fa\u00e7ades, golden chandeliers, and the scent of warm apple strudel. Meanwhile, Salzburg serves up Mozart\u2019s legacy\u2014its concert halls and manicured gardens steeped in classical charm. Visit Innsbruck\u2014cradled by snowy peaks and pastel-hued streets\u2014where ski lifts meet medieval arcades. Or, head to the Wachau Valley\u2014rolling with terraced vineyards, hilltop castles, apricot orchards, and riverside abbeys reflected in the Danube River.<\/p>\n 29. Israel Israel is a small country in the Middle East bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea\u2014with a population of over 9 million and two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic. Jerusalem is the capital and a major religious center\u2014while Tel Aviv serves as the economic and cultural hub. The terrain includes coastal plains, desert (Negev), and mountainous regions. While key sites include the Dead Sea, Masada, and the Old City of Jerusalem.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To Regnum The Crown, TurkeyBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Norway glows with natural drama\u2014deep fjords slicing into the land like ancient scars, and waterfalls tumbling into glassy inlets. Oslo blends sleek Scandinavian design with serenity\u2014its waterfront promenades, floating saunas, and forested parks offering quiet escape. Farther north, the sky shimmers with ethereal auroras and the glow of the midnight sun over snow-dusted tundra. Fishing villages, however, cling to rugged coasts\u2014their red cabins perched between sea and stone, drying cod hanging from wooden racks. Meanwhile, intricate stave churches\u2014carved with dragons and saints\u2014rise like solemn guardians of tradition amid pine forests and mountain mist.<\/p>\n 31. Thailand Rainforest, Thailand<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Thailand is a tapestry of contrasts\u2014emerald rice fields sway in the breeze, and weathered ruins in Sukhothai whisper of ancient kingdoms through crumbling stupas and stone Buddhas. In Bangkok, the city pulses through neon-lit alleys, gilded shrines, sizzling street food stalls, and rooftop lounges perched above the winding Chao Phraya River. Meanwhile, the misty northern highlands cradle Chiang Mai\u2019s serene temples, lantern-lit nights, and bustling craft markets filled with silk and silver. Its southern coast unfurls into island dreams: think Phuket\u2019s coral gardens, longtail boats skimming turquoise bays, and Koh Samui\u2019s palm-fringed shores dotted with coconut groves.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To Lou Calen, ProvenceBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Lake Pukaki, New Zealand<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Like nature\u2019s living masterpiece\u2014New Zealand is raw, wild, and profoundly spiritual. Towering glaciers carve dramatic fjords into the rugged coastline\u2014while ancient volcanoes rise from fern-filled valleys wrapped in mist. Auckland\u2019s skyline dances with white sails, glass towers, and dormant volcanic cones\u2014Wellington, however, spins stories through indie films, fusion cuisine, and vibrant street art. Head to Queenstown and you\u2019ll leap into adrenaline-fueled days with snow-capped peaks, mirrored alpine lakes, jet boats, and winding trails. Meanwhile, Fiordland murmurs in cascading waterfalls and moss-draped cliffs\u2014while M\u0101ori traditions anchor the land with intricate wood carvings, haka chants, and sacred sites like Rotorua\u2019s steaming geysers.<\/p>\n 33. Portugal Portugal moves to a rhythm of sea and soul. Lisbon climbs hills with mosaic-tiled fa\u00e7ades, rattling vintage trams, and panoramic viewpoints glowing at dusk over terracotta rooftops. Meanwhile, Porto pours its heart into velvety port wine, gilded baroque churches, and winding cobbled streets lined with azulejos. Visit Coimbra\u2014singing with scholarly pride\u2014its centuries-old university halls echoing with fado melodies. Or head to the Algarve\u2014stretching into golden coves, sea caves, and cliffside villages kissed by seagull cries. Its UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley flows with vineyard serenity\u2014think terraced slopes, stone farmhouses, and river bends steeped in the scent of ripening grapes.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To The Rebello Hotel & SpaBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Dubai, United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n The UAE is a dazzling vision in motion\u2014where golden desert silence meets bold architectural ambition. Dubai reaches skyward with gleaming glass towers, opulent malls, and bustling souks scented with saffron, oud, and cardamom. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi balances regal grandeur with serene grace\u2014its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque radiant in white marble, floral mosaics, and crystal chandeliers. Sharjah preserves rich cultural depth through world-class museums, literary festivals, and coral-stone heritage districts. Ras Al Khaimah, however, offers rugged escapes among jagged mountain shadows, windswept wadis, and ancient forts. From falcons to fast cars, dhow boats to futuristic skylines, tradition and innovation race side by side.<\/p>\n 35. South Africa Cape Town, South Africa.<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n South Africa is a land of rhythm and resilience\u2014where Cape Town\u2019s iconic Table Mountain towers over Bo-Kaap\u2019s candy-colored houses, and murals splashed across breezy streets. Johannesburg pulses with gold-rush grit, jazz clubs, and buzzing markets\u2014while the Garden Route winds past ancient yellowwood forests, misty cliffs, and elephant crossings near Knysna. Kruger National Park, however, awakens with untamed life at dawn\u2014think lion roars echoing across the golden savanna and hyenas cackling in the distance. Meanwhile, in Stellenbosch, oak-lined avenues lead to centuries-old vineyards\u2014where heritage is poured into every glass of Chenin Blanc or Pinotage.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesThe Ultimate Guide To MSC \u2018Virtuosa\u2019By Lewis Nunn<\/a> County Donegal, Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Ireland sings with story and spellbinding scenery. Dublin blends literary lore with lively pubs, Georgian townhouses, and cobbled streets echoing with Yeats and Wilde. Meanwhile, Galway dances to the beat of fiddles, painted shopfronts, and salty Atlantic winds swirling through Eyre Square. The wild west of Ireland reveals sea cliffs like Slieve League, hushed peat bogs, and winding roads threading through Connemara\u2019s granite hills and glassy lakes. Meanwhile, ancient castles rise from misty riverbanks\u2014like Trim and Kilkenny\u2014as woolly sheep graze across emerald pastures. Visit its world-famous Giant\u2019s Causeway\u2014where hexagonal basalt columns stride into crashing surf, steeped in myth and legend.<\/p>\n 37. Greece Acropolis of Athens, Greece<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Greece glows with myth and golden light. Athens crowns its skyline with the Acropolis\u2014its marble columns gazing over lively squares with clinking glasses of ouzo and the smell of grilled souvlaki. Meanwhile, the Cyclades sparkle with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-lined alleys, and sapphire waters lapping at hidden coves. Crete offers rugged gorges, sun-dappled olive groves, and Minoan palaces echoing ancient grandeur. Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront caf\u00e9s, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels. Gawp at Meteora\u2019s monasteries\u2014perched atop towering stone pillars\u2014while across the Aegean, ferries weave between island gems where laughter spills from seaside tavernas and sunsets linger over glorious harbors.<\/p>\n Read More:Forbes3 Epic Hotels In The Netherlands For 2025By Lewis Nunn<\/a> Snowy Licancabur volcano in Chile.<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Chile stretches across extremes\u2014scorching desert heat in the north vs glacial silence in the south. Santiago nestles between snow-dusted Andes\u2014alive with Neruda\u2019s poetry, leafy plazas, and bustling caf\u00e9s. Meanwhile, Valpara\u00edso tumbles in technicolor down steep coastal hills\u2014its graffiti-covered walls, creaky funiculars, and bohemian spirit telling stories of art and rebellion. The Atacama glows with flamingo-dotted salt flats, geysers at dawn, and stargazing under skies so clear they feel infinite. The Lake District, however, mirrors snow-capped volcanoes in glassy waters\u2014while Patagonia howls with wind, jagged peaks, and untamed wilderness. Don\u2019t miss world-famous Easter Island\u2014where ancient moai statues stand solemn\u2014guardians of mystery.<\/p>\n 39. Finland Finland is a land of enchanting wonder. Helsinki blends sleek Nordic design with coastal calm\u2014where Alvar Aalto buildings rise near harbors dotted with ice, and saunas steam beside the sea. Meanwhile, in Lapland, reindeer wander through snowy forests beneath the dancing green ribbons of the aurora borealis. Ancient pine woods brim with wild blueberries and lingonberries\u2014while glassy lakes invite brisk summer swims, and smoke-scented wooden cabins glow with candlelight in the hush of falling snow.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & SpaBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Czechia enchants with layers of whimsy\u2014Prague\u2019s skyline pierces the sky with gilded spires, as the Vltava glides beneath Charles Bridge and lantern-lit embankments. \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov curls around its river like a fairytale\u2014its turreted castle, frescoed walls, and cobbled lanes steeped in medieval charm. Meanwhile, Olomouc surprises with baroque fountains, buzzing student caf\u00e9s, and lively squares framed by pastel facades. Deep forests hide moss-covered chapels and rustic breweries with smoky lagers\u2014while across the rolling countryside, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance chateaux, and Art Nouveau villas stitch together a living mosaic of folklore.<\/p>\n 41. Romania Transylvania, Romania<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Romania breathes haunting mystery into every landscape. Its capital, Bucharest, tells tales through grand boulevards, Belle \u00c9poque mansions, and the imposing Palace of the Parliament. Meanwhile, Transylvania unfolds with misty medieval towns like Sibiu and Bra\u0219ov, vampire lore, and fortress-like castles such as Bran and Corvin perched on forested cliffs. The wild Carpathians cradle shepherds, brown bears, and winding trails through pine-covered peaks\u2014while Bucovina\u2019s painted monasteries glow with sacred frescoes in vivid golds. In the Danube Delta, silence reigns\u2014broken only by pelican wings, rustling reeds, and drifting river mist that veils the labyrinth of wetlands.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To Calcot & Spa: The CotswoldsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Colombia bursts with color and unshakable spirit. Bogot\u00e1 climbs with colonial plazas, Andean views, and street art splashed across La Candelaria\u2019s walls. Meanwhile, Medell\u00edn blooms with eternal spring\u2014its hillsides alive with orchids and sky-sailing cable cars. Cartagena glows with coral-stone ramparts, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and Caribbean heat pulsing through its plazas. Cali, however, dances to its own rhythm\u2014full of salsa soul echoing from open-air clubs\u2014while coffee country is dotted with fincas, wax palms, and the scent of fresh harvest. Head deep in the Amazon\u2014and you\u2019ll discover ancient life whispering through tangled canopy, drifting river mist, and the haunting calls of capuchinbirds.<\/p>\n 43. Kazakhstan Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Unfolding in epic scale, Kazakhstan is where wild horses gallop across boundless steppes, and salt lakes shimmer in hues of pink and silver. Almaty blends leafy boulevards, snow-capped peaks, and lingering Silk Road echoes in bustling bazaars and steaming teahouses. Meanwhile, Nur-Sultan rises with bold ambition\u2014its skyline sculpted in steel, glass, and futuristic spires like Bayterek Tower. The Caspian Sea laps at desert shores\u2014where oil rigs meet wind-swept dunes\u2014while ancient nomadic traditions live on in felted yurts, golden eagle hunts, and stories passed by firelight beneath star-strewn skies.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To Another Place: The Lake DistrictBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Hungary flows with quiet grandeur\u2014where Budapest straddles the shimmering Danube, its twilight-lit bridges linking Buda\u2019s castle hills to Pest\u2019s domed Parliament and ruin bars tucked in crumbling mansions. The cities of Debrecen and Szeged hum with academic life, paprika-scented markets, and glowing Art Nouveau facades. Meanwhile, Lake Balaton sparkles with sailboats drifting across turquoise waters, children splashing near pebbled shores, and vineyards climbing gentle hills. The Great Plain stretches beneath poetic skies where herds graze and mirages dance\u2014while thermal springs bubble in ornate bathhouses like Sz\u00e9chenyi\u2014their steam rising through vaulted ceilings.<\/p>\n 45. Qatar Pearl-Qatar island in Doha<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Qatar balances deep-rooted tradition with transformation\u2014as its capital, Doha curves along the Persian Gulf with high-tech museums like the National Museum of Qatar, shimmering skyscrapers in West Bay, and souks perfumed with spice, oud, and rosewater. Katara and Msheireb pulse with creativity\u2014think art galleries, film screenings, and restored wind towers celebrating the nation\u2019s soul\u2014while the Pearl gleams with waterfront caf\u00e9s, luxury boutiques, and yacht-filled marinas. Inland, dunes ripple beneath vast desert skies, ancient forts like Al Zubarah stand watch, and camel tracks trace timeworn paths. Falconry displays, dhow boat races, and majlis gatherings with cardamom coffee keep Qatar\u2019s cultural roots alive.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To Homewood Hotel And SpaBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Where contrasts coexist with quiet elegance? Luxembourg. Its capital clings to dramatic cliffs, where medieval ramparts overlook glass-boxed financial towers and cobbled lanes wind past Gothic spires. Wander through The Grund, where the Alzette River hugs stone bridges and ivy-draped facades\u2014while Kirchberg pulses with contemporary art, bold architecture, and the hum of EU institutions. Beyond the city, morning mist drapes over castle turrets like Vianden\u2019s, and vineyards ripple in tidy rows along the Moselle. The Mullerthal region, however, invites hikers into a fairytale realm of mossy ravines, sculpted sandstone trails like the Schiessent\u00fcmpel waterfall, and whispering forest paths.<\/p>\n 47. Bulgaria Bulgaria is a land of living tradition. Sofia rests on ancient Roman ruins\u2014its skyline pierced by golden Orthodox domes, leafy parks, and boulevards humming with espresso caf\u00e9s and bookstalls. Meanwhile, Plovdiv\u2019s cobbled streets wind past colorful art galleries, Ottoman houses, and Roman amphitheaters that echo with centuries of creativity. The Balkan Mountains rise with stoic grace\u2014sheltering cliffside monasteries like Rila, winding shepherd trails, and forests steeped in Slavic myth. Along the Black Sea coast, however, golden resorts shimmer beside sleepy fishing villages, sunken shipwrecks, and hidden coves. Come June, the Rose Valley bursts into fragrant bloom, and folklore dances through fire-lit festivals, embroidered costumes, and tales passed from generation to generation.<\/p>\n Read More:ForbesAn Insider\u2019s Guide To The Ned, LondonBy Lewis Nunn<\/a> Mlynky village, Slovakia<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n Slovakia unfolds like a storybook\u2014picture Bratislava\u2019s old town leaning into the Danube\u2014dressed with pastel fa\u00e7ades, winding alleys, and medieval towers. The High Tatras pierce the sky with dramatic grandeur\u2014offering glacial lakes like \u0160trbsk\u00e9 Pleso, rugged hiking trails, and snow-dusted peaks that shimmer in alpine light. Meanwhile, Bansk\u00e1 \u0160tiavnica whispers mining glory through baroque fa\u00e7ades, hillside chapels, and hidden courtyards. Ko\u0161ice, with its soaring St. Elisabeth Cathedral and art-filled lanes, bridges centuries of heritage with modern flair\u2014while across the countryside\u2014wooden churches, embroidered folk costumes, and village festivals preserve Slovak soul.<\/p>\n 49. Croatia Croatia is a mosaic of sea, stone, and enduring spirit. Dubrovnik\u2019s ancient ramparts guard marble lanes that shimmer under Adriatic light\u2014echoing with church bells and caf\u00e9 laughter. Meanwhile, Split breathes through Diocletian\u2019s Palace\u2014its Roman columns framing lively piazzas shaded by palms and centuries-old walls. Zagreb invites strolls past bookshops, markets, and Austro-Hungarian fa\u00e7ades. Inland, however, Istria tempts with truffle-scented taverns, rolling vineyards, and hilltop towns like Motovun. Sailing along the Dalmatian coast, you\u2019ll spot crystalline waters lapping against sun-bleached beaches, olive groves, and island gems like Hvar and Kor\u010dula\u2014scattered like pearls across the deep blue.<\/p>\n 50. Uruguay Uruguay flows with understated charm. Montevideo\u2019s sweeping Rambla hugs the coast\u2014where locals sip mate in ritual and tango melodies drift from shaded plazas\u2014while Colonia del Sacramento preserves its colonial soul in cobbled streets, lantern-lit alleys, and vine-covered adobe walls. Punta del Este buzzes with beachside glamour\u2014its sleek high-rises, art installations, and golden sands drawing sunseekers and surfers alike. Meanwhile, inland, the pampas stretch wide and golden\u2014dotted with rustic estancias, grazing cattle, and gauchos on horseback beneath story-filled skies. From coastal calm to countryside tradition, Uruguay moves to a quiet rhythm\u2014warm, grounded, and timeless.<\/p>\n More From ForbesForbesThe World\u2019s Best Countries To Visit In 2025, According To Travel ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a>ForbesThe World\u2019s Most Beautiful Beaches 2025, According To Travel ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a>ForbesThe World\u2019s Most Visited Countries, According To ResearchBy Lewis Nunn<\/a>ForbesThe World\u2019s Best River Cruises 2025, According To ExpertsBy Lewis Nunn<\/a>ForbesHow To Spend A Weekend At Burghley HouseBy Lewis Nunn<\/a>ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In PlymouthBy Lewis Nunn<\/a>ForbesHow To Spend The Perfect Weekend In CirencesterBy Lewis Nunn<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Great Wall of China. getty From the thunderous canyons of Utah to the misty peaks of China,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":66721,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[84,1294,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-66720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-economy","tag-business","tag-economy","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66720"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66720\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 163,117<\/p>\n
\n2. China
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 91,082<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 21,332<\/p>\n
\n4. United Kingdom
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 18,056<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 17,695<\/p>\n
\n6. India
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 16,008<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 15,508<\/p>\n
\n8. Canada
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 11,550<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 11,041<\/p>\n
\n10. Italy
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 10,600<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 10,500<\/p>\n
\n12. Spain
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 9,153<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 6,081<\/p>\n
\n14. The Netherlands
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 5,366<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 4,914<\/p>\n
\n16. Brazil
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 4,835<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 4,608<\/p>\n
\n18. Hong Kong
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 3,821<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 3,783<\/p>\n
\n20. Indonesia
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 3,591<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 3,207<\/p>\n
\n22. Sweden
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 2,737<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 2,258<\/p>\n
\n24. Saudi Arabia
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 2,247<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 2,125<\/p>\n
\n26. Turkey
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 2,022<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,874<\/p>\n
\n28. Austria
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,798<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,724<\/p>\n
\n30. Norway
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,598<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,581<\/p>\n
\n32. New Zealand
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,551<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,405<\/p>\n
\n34. United Arab Emirates
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,292<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,027<\/p>\n
\n36. Ireland
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 1,014<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 938<\/p>\n
\n38. Chile
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 842<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 821<\/p>\n
\n40. Czechia
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 799<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 720<\/p>\n
\n42. Colombia
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 688<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 579<\/p>\n
\n44. Hungary
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 465<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 450<\/p>\n
\n46. Luxembourg
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 301<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 281<\/p>\n
\n48. Slovakia
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 276<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 259<\/p>\n
\nTotal Wealth (USD Billion): 226<\/p>\n