Why is Scotland the world’s most beautiful country?

Reflections of the Kilchurn Castle in Loch Awe, Scotland at sunset, Scotland. — AFP

Scotland's wild, rugged beauty outranked every other destination to be named the most beautiful country in the world by readers of Rough Guides.

A look at the top three spots suggests that readers seem to be particularly enamoured with countries that boast large, open spaces and dramatic natural scenery, as Canada and New Zealand round out the podium.