Chandigarh’s Harnaaz Sandhu was recently crowned Miss Universe, bringing home the title 21 years after Lara Dutta Bhupathi won the coveted crown. As we bask in the glory of the win, check out the destinations that have hosted the Miss Universe pageant over the decade, and take a look at the countries that won in these years. By Anushka Goel
On the morning of December 13, 2021, India woke up to celebrations galore – Chandigarh’s Harnaaz Sandhu had been crowned Miss Universe, bringing home the title 21 years after Lara Dutta Bhupathi won the title. Being only the third Miss Universe from India (Lara won in 2000 and Sushmita Sen in 1994), Sandhu’s win has put the light on pageants yet again, with the whole country celebrating together.
While we bask in the glory of the win, check out the nations that have been hosts of the Miss Universe pageant over the last decade and the countries that took home the title.
Countries that have hosted Miss Universe in the last decade
2011: Brazil
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Brazil was the host of the 2011 pageant, which saw Angola take home the crown. Brazil has been on the travel map for a long time, due to its beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and Portuguese influences. From Christ the Redeemer to the colourful Rio Carnival, the country has a lot to offer to tourists.
2012: The USA
The USA hosted the 2012 edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which also saw the host country winning the coveted crown. The country, which has hosted 37 pageants in the past, has a lot to offer to tourists – from beaches to vast farmlands to beautifully constructed (and busy!) cities, which tourists can explore at leisure.
2013: Russia
Venezuela emerged winner in the 2013 edition of the pageant, which was hosted by Russia. The largest country in the world, which is currently in an air travel bubble agreement with India, has breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine and a lot of cultures to offer to visitors, which they can indulge in when they visit.
2014-15: The USA
Colombia won the 2014 Miss Universe pageant, which was hosted in Florida, the USA. The state has a vast coastline apt for beach bums and is a popular destination for travellers.
The 2015 pageant, which was hosted in Las Vegas, saw the Philippines take home the crown. Las Vegas is known for its nightlife and casinos and is a great place for party lovers.
2016: The Philippines
The 2016 edition of Miss Universe saw the previous year’s winner, the Philippines, turned host, in which France took home the crown. The island nation is known for its clear waters, gorgeous rock formations and pristine beaches, drawing in tourists year after year.
2017: The USA
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South Africa won the 2017 edition of the pageant, which was conducted in Las Vegas, the USA. The place, apart from its buzzing nightlife and casinos, is also known for an Elvis Presley impersonator marrying off couples. Famously, this is also the place Ross and Rachel were married after a night of binge drinking and partying.
2018: Thailand
The Philippines took home the coveted crown at the 2018 pageant, which was hosted by Thailand. The country, which recently opened up to travellers from India, has beautiful beaches and islands for tourists to explore. It’s also a popular wedding destination for Indians.
2019-20: The USA
The last two Miss Universe pageants before 2021 were held in the USA. While South Africa took home the crown in 2019, the 2020 winners were Mexico, known for its exotic beaches and delicious, spicy cuisine. And the USA, the host for these two years, is a mix of cultures and landscapes that tourists can explore at length.
2021: Israel
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India took away the coveted crown after 21 years at the Israel edition of the Miss Universe pageant. The country has a lot to offer to tourists, from the beautiful beaches in Tel Aviv to experiencing the Dead Sea, along with a whole lot of history and culture.
Related: Ex Miss Universe Lara Dutta Bhupathi Shares Her Travel Goals With Us