TOP 10 Most Visited Countries in the World 2010

Ranked #2,059 in Travel & Places, #71,656 overall

by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

For some reasons, I really have to write this lens so that I can tell the whole world, we have to visit other countries to experience something. I have a friend who really don't care what the world have for us. Yeah, he seems to be rude I think. Well, let us go straight to the point! As we are reaching and continuing develops our own country, we should let this opportunity to visit other countries that have been well developed too. They must have something architecture, or very beautiful scenery of their ocean, or maybe their cities are developing amazingly. Something that really different from our own country that we see everyday. Perhaps, we can see those countries as an example to develop our own country, so that our friends, our family or our community or even our races living happily. Yet, I do some researches about those countries that were most visited by international arrivals on year 2010. This ranking was made by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Somehow, this is just a help for us to decide which country we should visit as an example as the country that has many visitors, seems that they really had won showing their country is the best! And also you can promote to your friends and other peoples to visit the country that you think is the best, so that we can raise any country on top of the ranking.

10. Mexico

Federal constitutional republic in North America

Mexico Regional Market : America
International Tourist Arrival (2010): 22.4 million

Mexico Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Felipe Calderón (2006)

Land area: 742,485 sq mi (1,923,039 sq km); total area: 761,602 sq mi (1,972,550 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 112,468,855 (growth rate: 1.1%); birth rate: 19.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 17.8/1000; life expectancy: 76.2; density per sq km: 57

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Mexico City, 19,013,000 (metro. area), 8,591,309 (city proper)

Other large cities: Ecatepec, 1,731,900 (part of Mexico City metro. area); Guadalajara, 1,665,800; Puebla, 1,345,500; Nezahualcóyotl, 1,250,700 (part of Mexico City metro. area); Monterrey, 1,135,000

Monetary unit: Mexican peso





Mexico Map



Incredible beach of Cancun, city of Mexico.



Cabo San Lucas (Spanish pronunciation: Cape Saint Luke). It is known for its sandy beaches, several world-class Scuba diving locations, and the distinctive sea arch El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.



Cadereyta, a Queretaro beauty. Culture and beauty meet at this magic town, where the Queretaro mountain ridge begins.



Literally millions of visitors and tourists who come here to enjoy fine dining at one of the many informal bars within the area of La Condesa, the vibrant night life and to help stage pre-Hispanic Xochimilco. The Ministry of Tourism of Mexico City has more than ten different modules of tourist information in the city itself and also within each of the four bus terminals, these help him settle better and cut straight your travel route field trips to this city.

Mexico Tourism Official Video

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9. Malaysia

Federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia

Malaysia FlagRegional Market : Asia
International Tourist Arrival (2010) : 24.6 million

Malaysia Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

Head of State: Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud (2006)

Prime Minister: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (2009)

Land area: 126,853 sq mi (328,549 sq km); total area: 127,316 sq mi (329,750 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 26,160,256 (growth rate: 1.7%); birth rate: 22.0/1000; infant mortality rate: 15.3/1000; life expectancy: 73.5; density per sq km: 76

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Kuala Lumpur, 3,688,200 (metro. area), 1,403,400

Other large cities: Kelang, 683,200; Johor Bharu, 682,100

Monetary unit: Ringgit





Malaysia Map



Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin tower in the world. Malaysia is known throughout the world for its intoxicating mix of cultures which has proven to be an irresistible draw for people from all around the world. As home to various ethnic groups, many countries regard Malaysia as the shining example of peaceful co-existence regardless of race and creed. At the end of the day, you'd be hard pressed to find another country that can offer you the same heady mix of colours, culture, food, festivities and inspiration as the ones you'd find in Malaysia.



Genting Highlands which entertain you the whole day!



Visit the beautiful island of Sipadan.



Putrajaya, a new Federal Government Administrative Centre.

Malaysia Truly Asia Video

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8. Germany

Federal parliamentary republic in Europe

GermanyRegional Market : Europe
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 26.9 million

Germany Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Christian Wulff (2010)

Chancellor: Angela Merkel (2005)

Land area: 135,236 sq mi (350,261 sq km); total area: 137,846 sq mi (357,021 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 82,282,988 (growth rate: -0.06%); birth rate: 8.2/1000; infant mortality rate: 3.9/1000; life expectancy: 79.4; density per sq km: 235

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Berlin (capital since Oct. 3, 1990), 3,933,300 (metro. area), 3,274,500 (city proper)

Other large cities: Hamburg, 1,686,100; Munich, 1,185,400; Cologne, 965,300; Frankfurt, 648,000; Essen, 588,800; Dortmund, 587,600; Stuttgart, 581,100; Düsseldorf, 568,900; Bremen, 527,900; Hanover, 516,300; Duisburg, 513,400

Monetary unit: Euro (formerly Deutsche mark)





Germany Map



Germany is the greatest economic power in Europe and occupies third place on a global scale. German is by consequence a real asset in the professional world and represents, for numerous employers, an essential skill. Mastering this language could prove to be a precious work tool.



Visiting Berlin.



The city's Main River mirrors Germany's most spectacular skyline and Europe's tallest office building.



Germany has a wealth of unspoilt natural landscapes. Its flora and fauna are wonderfully diverse and often unique - perfect for experiencing nature at its best.

Germany The Travel Destination Video

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7. Turkey

Parliamentary representative democracy in Southeastern Europe

Regional Market : Europe
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 27.0 million

Turkey Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Abdullah Gul (2007)

Prime Minister: Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2003)

Land area: 297,591 sq mi (770,761 sq km); total area: 301,382 sq mi (780,580 sq km)

Population (July 2011 est.): 78,785,548 (growth rate: 1.235%); birth rate: 17.93/1000; infant mortality rate: 23.94/1000; life expectancy: 72.5

Capital (2009 est.): Ankara, 3.846 million

Largest cities: Istanbul, 10.378 million; Izmir, 2.679 million; Bursa, 1.559 million; Adana, 1.339 million.

Monetary unit: Turkish lira (YTL)





Turkey Map



Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime



Tourism in Turkey has experienced rapid growth in the last twenty years, and constitutes an important part of the economy. In 2008 there were 31 million visitors to the country, who contributed $22 billion to Turkey's revenues.[101] Other key sectors of the Turkish economy are banking, construction, home appliances, electronics, textiles, oil refining, petrochemical products, food, mining, iron and steel, machine industry and automotive.



Turkey will be the winner in tourism in the Mediterranean this year, according to Wybcke Meier, board member of the German Travel Association (DRV) and managing director of tour company Oger Tur.



Alanya, one of the most fascinating place to visit!

Go Turkey Video

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6. United Kingdom

Constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system in Europe

Regional Market : Europe
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 28.1 million

United Kingdom Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

Sovereign: Queen Elizabeth II (1952)

Prime Minister: David Cameron (2010)

Land area: 93,278 sq mi (241,590 sq km); total area: 94,526 sq mi (244,820 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 61,284,806 (growth rate: 0.2%); birth rate: 10.6/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.7/1000; life expectancy: 79.1; density per sq km: 246

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): London, 7,615,000 (metro. area), 7,429,200 (city proper)

Other large cities: Glasgow, 1,099,400; Birmingham, 971,800; Liverpool, 461,900; Edinburgh, 460,000; Leeds, 417,000; Bristol, 406,500; Manchester, 390,700; Bradford, 288,400

Monetary unit: Pound sterling (£)





United Kingdom Map



England vacations are perhaps the most popular, as London is one of the world's major travel destinations. England vacations can be part of a larger tour of the United Kingdom or can fully suffice as a trip on their own.



UK Tower Bridge. Wherever you plan to spend your time, UK tourist attractions are among the most famous and iconic in the world.



The UK economy was among the hardest hit following the global recession due to its reliance on the financial markets, this, alongside Sterling's depreciation against the US Dollar, makes the UK attractive for Middle East investors.



Amazing Aberystwyth in Wales!

United Kingdom (Great Britain) You're Invited Video

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5. Italy

Unitary parliamentary republic in SouthWestern Europe

Regional Market : Europe
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 43.6 million

Italy Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Giorgio Napolitano (2006)

Prime Minister: Silvio Berlusconi (2008)

Land area: 113,521 sq mi (294,019 sq km); total area: 116,305 sq mi (301,230 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 58,090,681 (growth rate: -0.07%); birth rate: 8.0/1000; infant mortality rate: 5.4/1000; life expectancy: 80.3; density per sq km: 197

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Rome, 3,550,900 (metro. area), 2,455,600 (city proper)

Other large cities: Milan, 1,180,700; Naples, 991,700; Turin, 856,000; Palermo, 651,500; Genoa, 602,500; Bologna, 369,300; Florence, 351,600; Bari, 311,900; Catania, 305,900; Venice, 265,700

Monetary unit: Euro (formerly lira)





Italy Map



Italy plays a prominent role in European and global military, cultural and diplomatic affairs. The country's European political, social and economic influence make it a major regional power.[16][17] The country has a high public education level and is a highly globalised nation.



The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular Italy tourism spots.Trevi Fountain is a large baroque fountain in the Trevi rione in Rome, Italy. It is one of the most famous fountains in the world. The legend tolds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.So, many visitors always throw the coins into it.



The Italian lakes, such as Como and Maggiore, are picturesque sites set in Alpine valleys, that people have enjoyed coming to for over 150 years.



Visit the famous Colosseum, a historical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome.

Magic Italy Video

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4. Spain

Parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy in Southwestern Europe

Regional Market : Europe
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 52.7 million

Spain Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

Ruler: King Juan Carlos I (1975)

Prime Minister: José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (2004)

Land area: 192,819 sq mi (499,401 sq km); total area: 194,896 sq mi (504,782 sq km)1

Population (2010 est.): 40,548,753 (growth rate: 0.0%); birth rate: 9.5/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.1/1000; life expectancy: 80.2; density per sq mi: 210

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Madrid, 5,130,000 (metro. area), 3,169,400 (city proper)

Other large cities: Barcelona, 1,528,800; Valencia, 741,100; Seville, 679,100

Monetary unit: Euro (formerly peseta)





Spain Map



It is a developed country with the twelfth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, and very high living standards, including the tenth-highest quality of life index rating in the world, as of 2005.



Barcelona Tower, one of the greatest tower in the world!



Today, the climate of Spain, historical and cultural monuments and its geographic position together with its facilities make tourism one of Spain's main national industries and a large source of stable employment and development. The Spanish hotel star rating system has requirements much more demanding than other European countries, so at a given rating Spanish accommodations worth higher.



There are fantastic beaches with incredible view of the sea.

I Need Spain Video

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3. China

A single-party state governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Asia

Regional Market : Asia
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 55.7 million

China Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Hu Jintao (2003)

Prime Minister: Wen Jiabao (2003)

Land area: 3,600,927 sq mi (9,326,411 sq km); total area: 3,705,407 sq mi (9,596,960 sq km)1

Population (2011 est.): 1,336,718,015 (growth rate: 0.493%); birth rate: 12.29/1000; infant mortality rate: 16.06/1000; life expectancy: 74.68

Capital (2009 est.): Beijing, 12.214 million

Largest cities: Shanghai, 16.575 million; Chungking (Chongquing) 9.401 million; Shenzhen 9.005 million; Guangzhou 8.884 million (2009)

Monetary unit: Yuan/Renminbi





China Map



China's landscape is vast and diverse, with forest steppes and the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts occupying the arid north and northwest near Mongolia and Central Asia, and subtropical forests being prevalent in the wetter south near Southeast Asia. The terrain of western China is rugged and elevated, with the towering Himalaya, Karakorum, Pamir and Tian Shan mountain separating China from South and Central Asia.



The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songtsen Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China. Today the Potala Palace has been converted into a museum by the Chinese.



The tourism industry is growing at an annual rate of 10.4%. By 2020, China will be the world's top tourist destination as visitors from around the world flock to sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing (pictured). China will also be the No. 4 exporter of tourists, according to research firm Research & Markets.



China owns many islands. These beautiful islands are an important part of China's tourism resources. Every year numerous tourists all over the world come here for vacation

China Tour Video

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2. United States

Federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district

Regional Market : Americas
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 59.7 million

United States Tourism Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Barack H. Obama (2009)

Vice President: Joseph Biden (2009)

Land area: 3,539,225 sq mi (9,166,601 sq km); total area: 3,718,691 sq mi (9,631,420 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 310,232,863 (growth rate: 0.9%); birth rate: 13.8/1000; infant mortality rate: 6.1/1000; life expectancy: 78.2; density per sq mi: 85

Capital (2003 est.): Washington, DC, 570,898

Largest cities (2003 est.): New York, 18,498,000 (metro area), 8,085,742 (city proper); Los Angeles, 12,146,000 (metro area), 3,819,951 (city proper); Chicago, 8,711,000 (metro area), 2,869,121 (city proper); Houston, 2,009,960; Philadelphia, 1,479,339; Phoenix, 1,388,416; San Diego, 1,226,753; San Antonio, 1,214,725; Dallas, 1,208,318; Detroit, 911,402

Monetary unit: dollar





United States Map



Tourism in the United States is a large industry that serves millions of international and domestic tourists yearly. Tourists visit the US to see natural wonders, cities, historic landmarks and entertainment venues. Americans seek similar attractions, as well as recreation and vacation areas.



The Grand Canyon of Arizona attracts approximately 4.41 million visitors each year.



Many of the largest hotel, casino and resort properties in the world are located on the Las Vegas Strip. Nineteen of the world's 25 largest hotels by room count are on the Strip, with a total of over 67,000 rooms. One of the 19, the Las Vegas Hilton, is an "off-Strip" property but is located less than 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east of the Strip.



Disneyland Park is a theme park located in Anaheim, California, owned and operated by the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division of the Walt Disney Company.

Discover United States Video

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1. France

Unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe

Regional Market : Europe
International Tourist Arrivals (2010) : 76.8 million

France Travel Guide Official Website

Facts & Figures

President: Nicolas Sarkozy (2007)

Prime Minister: François Fillon (2007)

Land area: 210,668 sq mi (545,630 sq km); total area: 211,209 sq mi (547,030 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 64,057,792 (growth rate: 0.5%); birth rate: 12.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 3.3/1000; life expectancy: 81.1; density per sq km: 100

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Paris, 9,854,000 (metro. area), 2,110,400 (city proper)

Other large cities: Marseille, 820,700; Lyon, 443,900; Toulouse, 411,800; Nice, 332,000; Nantes, 282,300; Strasbourg, 272,600; Bordeaux, 217,000

Monetary unit: Euro (formerly French franc)





France Map



France attracted 78.95 million foreign tourists in 2010, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world. France offers mountain ranges, coastlines such as in Brittany or along the Mediterranean Sea, cities with a rich cultural heritage, châteaux (castles) like Versailles, and vineyards. Tourism is accountable for 6% of the country's income (4% from French tourists travelling inside France and 2% from foreign tourists), and contributes significantly to the balance of payments.



Seafront at Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes département.



The Alps is one of the great mountain range systems of Europe, stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany to France in the west.



The Périgord, one of the main battlegrounds of Hundred Years' War between the French and English in the 14th and 15th centuries, is also the land of 1001 medieval and Renaissance castles like Puymartin, Losse, Hautefort and Beynac situated mainly along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers.

Destination France by National Geographic

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Guestbook Comments

  • TheLastResort Dec 4, 2011 @ 4:26 am | delete
    Nice lens, made me think about some future holidays - though I'm not sure I want to be crowded by so many tourists :)
  • CAMpics Nov 26, 2011 @ 10:25 am | delete
    Fantastic informative lens. I didn't guess the no 1 destination!
  • maddeesna2h Nov 25, 2011 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    thx to all of u!! keep enjoying reading my lens. =))
  • totalhealth Nov 23, 2011 @ 3:36 pm | delete
    beautiful list of top places to visit. they are all beautiful.
  • pencilonpaper Nov 23, 2011 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    I like this top 10 list you've ensemble. Perfect countries for a holiday destination as you can tell from the breath taking pictures.
    Thanks for sharing!
  • Northwestphotos Nov 21, 2011 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Great photos! I especially enjoyed the architecture in Spain.
  • cffutah Nov 19, 2011 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    great site, really enjoyed my reading here today, blessed and liked this.
  • goo2eyes Nov 18, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    thank you for your visit. congratulations to your pollytaker rookie trophy. as you can see, i have lenses with quizzes and polls. you will earn more pollytaker trophies. i have included you in my lens entitled - Squids starting with M, Are you in this List? check it out in a few minutes.
  • maddeesna2h Nov 18, 2011 @ 2:03 pm | delete
    then, lets go together @niceman91!
  • maddeesna2h Nov 18, 2011 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    thank you @WorldVisionary3! =))
  • niceman91 Nov 18, 2011 @ 6:48 am | delete
    I've been to malaysia and i love them so much!my next winter trip will be France.hehe.Thanks for the very great lens!you are so genius! :)
  • WorldVisionary3 Nov 18, 2011 @ 6:16 am | delete
    Absolutely gorgeous photos! Thumbs up.

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maddeesna2h

I'm just an ordinary guy who loves to see many exciting places!

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