Brazil shot up this year's rankings: in 2019, it was ranked 30th in the world.
US News noted the country's huge size and draw as a tourist attraction, but also its upheaval, perhaps increased under the country's controversial president Jair Bolsonaro.
"Occupying half of South America's land mass, Brazil is the giant of the continent – both in size and in population. Brazil's history is filled with economic turmoil, veering from boom to bust, and its culture is a melting pot that has traditionally welcomed the world.
"Brazil is one of the world's top tourist destinations. However, the country in the 21st century confronts serious questions touching on poverty, inequality, governance and the environment."