The world’s most ethical destinations

Every year, Ethical Traveler reviews the policies and practices of hundreds of nations in the developing world. It then selects ten that are doing the most impressive job of promoting human rights, preserving environment, and upholding civil society while creating a sustainable, community-based tourism industry. By visiting these countries, Ethical Traveler asserts, we can use our economic power to support best practices.

Each country selected as a Best Ethical Destination offers the opportunity to experience unspoiled natural beauty, and to interact with local people and cultures in a meaningful, mutually enriching way. The countries on this list are actively improving the state of their people, government and environment. They are the destinations most worth your money and your leisure time.

Ethical Traveler is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, and a project of the Earth Island Institute. No money or donations of any kind are solicited or accepted from any nations, governments, travel bureaus or individuals in the creation of its annual list.

And which countries made the 2013 list? Take a guess – and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!

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10. Uruguay

For most Indians, Uruguay comes to mind only in relation to soccer but this coastal nation in eastern Latin America. Ethical Traveler commends Uruguay for its “extensive human rights laws, including the most liberal LGBT rights in South America.” In fact, Uruguay goes further than most First World nations in recognizing same-sex civil unions, allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and legally permitting same-sex adoption and ... more
10. Uruguay

For most Indians, Uruguay comes to mind only in relation to soccer but this coastal nation in eastern Latin America. Ethical Traveler commends Uruguay for its “extensive human rights laws, including the most liberal LGBT rights in South America.” In fact, Uruguay goes further than most First World nations in recognizing same-sex civil unions, allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and legally permitting same-sex adoption and enforcing anti-discrimination laws to prevent discrimination over sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Uruguay also scores high on environmental criteria. The six-city Uruguay tour covering the capital Montevideo and the cities of Colonia, Punta del Este, La Paloma, Piriápolis and La Barra - José Ignacio is very popular with tourists, many of whom flock to the six major hot springs in the country. The Montevideo Carnival in February is also a huge attraction.

In India, Uruguay has an embassy in New Delhi (Address: B-8/3, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057 Phone: 91-11-2615-1991/2/3)

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