The beautiful island 'owned by Britain' named world's second most beautiful country

While every Caribbean island has its allure, few rival the baby powder-soft sand and jewel-toned waves of this British Overseas Territory of Turks and Caicos. And now it has been crowned the second most beautiful country in the world - beating dozens of other dream destinations in a new global poll.

Once a desolate outcrop, the 40-island archipelago is now a certified vacation hotspot, brimming with luxurious beachfront resorts, open-air restaurants, and some of the world's best snorkeling reefs. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales - the territory's most populous island - is often hailed as the region's crown jewel, with astonishingly clear water and pristine shorelines drawing sunseekers from across the globe.

Despite being over 4,000 miles from London, the islands remain closely tied to the UK. As a British Overseas Territory, the UK oversees defence and foreign policy, while King Charles III is recognised as Head of State. The legal system is based on English common law, and although the US dollar is the official currency, British cultural influences remain strong.

With a population of just 45,000, much of Turks and Caicos remains blissfully unspoiled. Visitors can kayak through mangrove channels, dive alongside sea turtles, or simply sip cocktails under a sunset sky - all against the backdrop of calm, turquoise waters.

The only country to surpass it in the poll? Norway, the land of majestic fjords, glacier-carved valleys, pebble-lined beaches, and the cosmopolitan capital of Oslo, where visitors can hike, ski or kayak all within easy reach of the city centre.

But for those craving barefoot luxury, balmy seas, and paradise on tap, Turks and Caicos may well be the ultimate escape.