78. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲

Rarely visited, Turkmenistan issued fewer than 1000 tourist visas in 2015. The national animal is the akhal-teke horse, which has its own national holiday. 🐴

77. Kutaisi, Georgia 🇬🇪

Kutaisi is Georgia's third-largest city, and was the home of the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology. The main landmark is Bagrati Cathedral, named after Bagrat III, whose Bagrationi dynasty ruled in Georgia for over 1000 years (though only seven Bagrats).

76. Jamaica

Jamaica is the only country without any blue, red or white in their national flag. In 2017, the island was home to the world's oldest person (117 years old) and fastest sprinter (not the same person).

75. Istanbul, Turkey

The only city that spans two continents, in the only country that shares its name with a large bird. The largest bird that ever existed was the New Zealand moa, which could reach heights of 3.6 metres. It became extinct in the 15th century, around the same time Istanbul became Turkish.

74. Loch Ness, United Kingdom

Over a million tourists visit each year in search of the monster, though its existence is yet to be proven. Unlike that of Scotland's national animal, the unicorn.

73. Oman

Birthplace of the khanjar, a dagger shaped like a banana. According to legend the first one was invented by a sultan, whose crooked creation was quickly adopted by loyal subjects.

The world's largest chandelier can be found in the capital, Muscat, above the second largest carpet. The largest carpet is in Abu Dhabi, beneath the second largest chandelier.

And the Winner Is...

...Roswell! After a record number of votes were received from around the globe, it seems this planet was outvoted by another one. Congratulations to Roswell, 2017's Snow Globe of the Year. Here are the final rankings of the top 4:

4th. Vienna, Austria

3rd. Manarola, Italy 🥉

2nd. Mount Fuji, Japan 🥈

1st. Roswell, United States 🥇

Charlize Theron hands out trophy at lavish Monte Carlo ceremony - artist's impression

Thank you to everyone who voted. You can view Roswell's original entry here. New posts will resume after New Year. 🔮

Snow Globe of the Year 2017!

It's that time of year again! Following last year's spectacularly successful inaugural edition, in which Utrecht hopped into first place, Snow Globe of the Year is looking to find 2017's trendiest destination for snow globe admirers.

Voting is now open for the next 2 weeks, and all 71 snow globes from the archives are eligible, minus Utrecht. To cast your vote, please use the comment section below naming as many favourites as you wish.

24-carat gold trophy - artist's conception

The deadline is 00:00 UTC, Sun 24 Dec, and the winner will be revealed later that day, possibly at a glamorous ceremony in Monte Carlo. Happy voting!