Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant organized by the Miss Universe Organization. It is one of the four major global beauty contests, along with Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth. The title “Miss Universe” was first introduced in 1926 at the International Pageant of Pulchritude, which continued annually until 1935, when the Great Depression and events leading to World War II caused its suspension.
The modern Miss Universe competition was founded in 1952 and held in Long Beach, California. It was first broadcast on television in 1955. CBS began airing the combined Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants in 1960 and separated them into individual broadcasts by 1965.
The number of participants varies yearly due to the franchise system, but since 1989, the pageant has consistently featured over 70 countries. Recent additions include Bhutan in 2022 and Pakistan in 2023, with Pakistan not only debuting but also reaching the semifinals as a Top 20 contestant that year.
The last country to win the Miss Universe crown on its debut appearance was Botswana in 1999, and Nicaragua is the most recent nation to secure its first victory in 2023. As of 2024, only two countries have participated in every Miss Universe competition since it began: Canada and France.
In earlier years, official rules required that contestants must not have been previously married, had a marriage annulled, or be mothers or guardians of a child. Winners were also expected to remain unmarried throughout their reign. However, in August 2022, the Miss Universe Organization announced that married women, mothers, and pregnant women are now eligible to compete, with the rule taking effect in 2023.
The minimum age to enter the competition remains 18. Still, in September 2023, it was revealed that the upper age limit would be removed, allowing any adult woman to compete for the Miss Universe title starting in 2024. Previously, contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years old by the start of the competition.
In recent years, Miss Universe contestants have also been required to hold at least a university degree or be actively working professionals by the time they enter their national competitions.
Contestants from the United States hold the most wins, with a total of 9 titles. Venezuela comes next with 7 crowns, followed by Puerto Rico with 5. The Philippines and Sweden each have 3 winners in this competition.
Throughout the years, the Miss Universe pageant has provided a stage for women across the globe to highlight not only their physical beauty but also their intelligence, grace, and commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.