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It's something that us Welsh have always known - we live in a stunning country.

And now it seems the thousands of visitors who flock to our homeland each year agree with us as they've voted it one of the most beautiful countries in the world for 2019.

The top 20 countdown for expert travel publication, Rough Guides, places Wales at number 10, ahead of countries like Finland, Switzerland and Norway, which are renowned for their gorgeous vistas.

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But it's another British nation that takes the world's top spot - Scotland.

Rough Guides asked travellers to vote for the countries they believe to be the most beautiful and there was plenty of praise for Wales.

The guide says of Wales: "There’s a lot of love for this country among our readers – and many of us have nostalgic memories of summer holidays along the coast of Wales.

"With beaches that could rival the Mediterranean (on sunny days at least), plus a slew of historic castles, mountains to climb, coast paths to walk, and of course, buttered Welshcakes to eat, there's a host of entertaining ways to spend your days.

"Twitter user @Dylan1969 recommends visiting for the castles and history, while we think a walk along the Pembrokeshire coastline followed by a hearty lunch in a cosy coastal pub is quite hard to beat."

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And we are completely in agreement. Our beaches are certainly among the best you will find anywhere, with the likes of Three Cliffs and Rhossili Bay in Gower as well as Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire all receiving accolades for their gorgeous, sandy coastlines.

In fact, just last month Three Cliffs in Gower was named in the top 20 beaches in Europe.

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For those who love mountains and national parks, Snowdonia has to be one of the best places in the world to visit.

The park's historic Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, Mount Snowdon, offering the best panoramic views as far as Ireland.

The park is also home to an extensive network of trails, more than 100 lakes and craggy peaks like Cader Idris and Tryfan.

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Wales is, of course, renowned for its castles and among some of the best you can visit are Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Caernarfon.

As well as taking in our history during tours, the bigger castles have a year-round programme of events, including music gigs, festivals, re-enactments and even film screenings.

There are also so many other buildings in Wales that show off different styles of architecture.

(Image: Getty Images)

From the modern-day Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to the fairytale Castle Coch and landmarks like Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Principality Stadium.

And as far as things to do are concerned, Wales is packed with brilliant tourist attractions from Folly Farm and St Fagans' National History Museum to Brecon Mountain Railway and Llechwedd Slate Caverns.

The top 20 most beautiful places in the world

1. Scotland

2. Canada

3. New Zealand

4. Italy

5. South Africa

6. Indonesia

7. England

8. Iceland

9. The United States of America

10. Wales

11. Slovenia

12. Mexico

13. India

14. Finland

15. Switzerland

16. Peru

17. Norway

18. Ireland

19. Croatia

20. Vietnam