Miss World In AFGHANISTAN: Zohra Yusuf Daoud
Zohra Yusuf Daoud is known for being the first and only Miss Afghanistan. She is also an activist and television personality.
Born in 1954 in Mazar-i-Sharif, Zohra Yusuf Daoud grew up in Kabul.
When it was announced that Afghan Life Magazine was holding the first Miss Afghanista pageant, Daoud entered the pageant. She was crowned Miss Afghanistan in December 1972, after beating over a hundred other contestants.
Daoud then went on to work with local television networks and became the host of a popular game show. She also received a degree in French Literature from Kabul University. At 18, she was crowned Miss Afghanistan, was jet-setting with some of Kabul’s biggest pop stars, and was on her way to launching a career in radio and TV. At 25, Zohra Daoud was scrubbing the floors of a Richmond, Va., bakery — a political refugee from one of the world’s most troubled hotspots. Life’s been a bit of a roller-coaster ride, but 29 years after Daoud was judged the country’s most fetching beauty, the world’s first and only Miss Afghanistan has weathered the trip with her grace, humor, and title intact.
After the Soviet invasion in 1979, Daoud fled Afghanistan with her newly born infant and husband, Mohammad Daoud. They arrived in the United States, where they held menial jobs, tried to learn English, and worked towards getting their entire family out of Afghanistan, until finally settling in Southern California.
Since the fall of the Taliban, Daoud has become an outspoken activist on the subject of women’s rights and the promotion of culture and arts in Afghanistan. Daoud has coauthored books and spoken at conferences and summits around the world about women’s rights.
She is also the founder of the Afghan Women Association of Southern California. Daoud still lives in Southern California today. Rush of night classes, English tutorials, flying experience, exams, new contacts, new jobs, getting the rest of the family out of Afghanistan, having babies, and finally, finally settling in. But not quite.
Poised and gracious at 46 in her splendid Malibu, Calif., home more than 20 years after getting to the United States, Daoud today admits that she still suffers from a peculiar sense of alienation.” I feel like an external object in America,” she confesses. “And though I know I probably can’t go back to live in Afghanistan today because I have changed so much and the country has changed so much, I still feel something is missing, the old days are missing, and I have a tremendous sense of responsibility for the country.
She helped her homeland a lot. It’s a responsibility that compelled the Daouds to form the Afghan International Association for Professionals last month to help in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.
Through what could be called the bleakest years in Afghan history, after the Taliban took control of most of the country in 1996, she was on the board of the Afghan Women’s Association of Southern California, fund raising for relief work, drawing attention to the Afghan humanitarian crisis, and meeting with Taliban representatives in the U.S. in vain efforts to engage with the hard-line regime to provide education and health care for women.
On a recent trip to New York to address a seminar on Afghan women organized by Women for Afghan Women, an organization founded in April this year to promote Afghan women’s human rights, Daoud cautioned against rushing Western models of modernization into Afghanistan for fear of a backlash.
As the international community ponders the future of Afghanistan, Daoud is realistic about her role in the reconstruction of her homeland.” I can’t tell you tomorrow I will go to Afghanistan, because I have a family and responsibilities here,” she admits. “But I would like to go back to help people, not to politically challenge them. Afghans have lived through the civil war and Taliban rule, and I can’t impose what I have learned in the West on them. We need to ensure that peace, stability, economic growth, and respect for women’s rights are delivered within the cultural values of Afghan society.”
Miss World In ALGERIA: Nihed Markria
Algeria is returning to the Miss World pageant after a hiatus of 4 years, as Nihad Markariah is the newly crowned Miss Algeria 2018, aka Miss World Algeria 2018. She was crowned Miss World Algeria 2018 on 8th April 2018 at the Algiers School of Hotel & Restaurant Management in Algiers.
AFTER a four-year hiatus, the Miss Algeria pageant crowned its new queen last April 8 at the Algiers School of Hotel & Restaurant Management in Algiers. Nihed Markria, a 21-year-old law student from Oran, bested 13 other finalists for the crown. She is expected to represent Algeria at the 2018 Miss World pageant. Yasmine Hamici from Guelma and Fella Rahli from Algiers placed first and second runners-up, respectively.
Nihed Markria, a 21-year-old law student from Oran, bested 13 other finalists for the crown. She is expected to represent Algeria at the 2018 Miss World pageant. At the finale, Yasmine Hamici from Guelma and Fella Rahli from Algiers placed first and second runners-up, respectively. Ever since her crowning, Nihad has been preparing for her international competition with dedication and sincerity. She celebrated her 22nd birthday after her coronation on 16th May 2018.
Nihad also supports foundations and charities that help in the treatment of tumors in Oran. A law student from Oran, Nihad, had shared her emotions on being crowned the official representative on her social media. She began by saying, “After a week of my coronation, I am Nihad Markariah, the daughter of the city of Oran, Miss Algeria. On April 8, 2018, I came from this rostrum to thank all the Algerians for their support, especially for the boys and girls of Oran.
Thank you to the queens who were from every state. Your Excellency, Mr. Hamadad Shukr, Special for the brilliant Rasha Mqran.You are my inspiration.”Algeria is yet to pioneer its win at the Miss World pageant.
Miss World In ANGOLA: Núria Assis
The Angolan rising star Núria Assis was elected Miss World Angola 2025 in an event held at the Epic Sana Luanda Hotel, in Luanda, on April 6. She was then interviewed on the popular morning show Sexto Sentido (TV Zimbo) on April 7.
Núria will represent Angola at the 72nd edition of Miss World, set to take place on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Daughter of the acclaimed Angolan musician Eddy Tussa, Núria has quickly made a name for herself in the music industry, where she performs under the stage name “Nur.” She was elected as the result of a combination of popular and the judges’ voting.
Núria has graduated with degrees in Business Administration and Marketing. Before her national win, Núria was crowned Miss Angola Netherlands 2024, representing the Angolan diaspora in the Netherlands. Beyond the spotlight, Núria is deeply committed to humanitarian efforts. She is the founder of “Izenu Mutale,” a social project focused on defending children’s rights, enhancing educational access, and supporting cultural initiatives across Angola.
Miss World Angola received her sash from the hand of Mr World Africa, Salvador Crisball. Luanda, May 8, 2025 – Young Angolan model Núria Assis has been officially approved by the Miss World organization as Angola’s representative in the 2025 edition of the world’s largest beauty pageant.
The Miss World 2025 gala will take place in India from May 7 to 31, bringing together contestants from over 130 countries in a true celebration of culture, beauty, intelligence, and social causes. The event promises to showcase the best of each nation, promoting diversity and women’s empowerment on a global scale.
With this confirmation, Núria Assis assumes the title of Miss World Angola 2025, carrying with her not only Angolan beauty but also a commitment to impactful social projects, which are an integral part of the international pageant’s mission.
Miss World In ARGENTINA: Norma Gladys Cappagli
Norma was born in the city of Buenos Aires. Norma Gladys Cappagli was born on September 20, 1939. She grew up to become a well-known model in her home country of Argentina. Her beauty and grace helped her become a national figure.
Norma Cappagli was an Argentine model and beauty queen who, after being crowned Miss Argentina World 1960, became the first contestant from Argentina to win the title of Ms. World. This win allowed her to represent her country in the international Miss World competition.
The contest took place in London, England. Norma impressed the judges and won the prestigious Miss World title. This was a huge moment for Argentina, as it was their first time winning the global beauty pageant. She was the first model from Argentina to win the title. Her prize was £500 and a sports car. After her reign as Miss World ended, Cappagli worked as a model. In 1962, she recorded the song “Sexy World” with Armando Sciascia. The song is featured in the
TV show Velvet. The song is featured in the TV show Velvet. She died in Fernández Hospital in Buenos Aires on 22 December 2020 after being run over by a bus on 17 December. After winning Miss World, Norma Cappagli continued her career as a model. She became a symbol of beauty and success for many people in Argentina. Her victory brought international attention to her country. She showed that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication.
The first Miss World from Argentina was urgently admitted after being run over by a bus in Recoleta, Buenos Aires, last Thursday. Suffering from the strong attack, she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday afternoon and passed away at the age of 81 at Fernández Hospital. The news was confirmed by Carla Cappagli, Norma’s niece, as she said, “We expected him because of his difficult painting. But she was excellent, without disease problems, with plans.
I feel very helpless.” Carla also said that due to the brutal impact, Norma Cappagli was ‘in a very serious condition and in a pharmacological coma, hospitalized in intensive care’.According to the sources, Norma left her apartment located in the Recoleta neighborhood, where she used to walk in the afternoon. The witnesses revealed that he had crossed the street well, on the pedestrian path. “She was going through Callao with the traffic light when the bus attacked her, according to a police statement that saw the incident.
Now he has judicial intervention since the accident was on public roads”, the niece explained. The 28-year-old driver was arrested for the crime of culpable injuries. After the impact, the woman was left lying on the asphalt with a cut on her scalp and dizzy as a result of the blow from the inmate 30 of line 110. “I want it to be clear that she died because she was run over. Not for anything else. COVID-19 did not affect her during this pandemic, and the negligence of a bus driver is taking her life. We are shattered.
We know that this corner is very dangerous, and that it is not the first time that similar events have occurred”, Carla said.In 1960, Norma Capaggli was elected Miss Argentina and then travelled to London, where she won the Miss World crown, besting fifty women who came to the United Kingdom to participate in the contest. “I never gave importance to the title because the beauty of a person is not measured by physical appearance, but inside.
I never clung to the image”, Norma had expressed in an interview.“I like that people can go out dressed as they want, according to their body, style, without following trends. In my time, it was unthinkable to see people in sneakers. Life is always faced forward, not backward, adapting to things, with determination, with optimism. I enjoyed life, and I still do. I am grateful, and that is what I would like to convey to the young people of today. If you take it that way, age is just a chronology”, she added. Norma was born in 1939. She passed away in 2020.
Miss World In AUSTRALIA: Penelope Plummer
Penelope Plummer (born 26 October 1949) is an Australian actress, model, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss World 1968. The then 18-year-old librarian from Kempsey, New South Wales, became the first contestant from her country to win the title.
The pageant was held in London, United Kingdom. After winning the Miss World Contest, Plummer appeared in The 1969 Bob Hope Christmas Show in Osan, Korea, along with Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret. Penelope Plummer married Michael Clarke on 1 January 1970 in Gosford, New South Wales.
A rose was named “Penelope Plummer” in 1970. Australia had a good run in the 1960s and 1970s at Miss World. In fact, Australia regularly lands at the semis and is the 5th strongest country at the pageant. It is still having a good run with a series of unbroken placements since 2011. The difference is that back then, Penelope’s 1968 victory was duplicated by Belinda Green in 1972. This time around, the crown seems hard to come by.
Ever since Miss World Australia splintered from the now-defunct Miss Australia pageant, the interest of Australians shifted away from Miss World. This is aggravated by the reality that no Australian has won the crown in recent years. The interest down under went to other pageants where the country has a better chance to win. She represented Wales in the Miss World pageant and became the winner of the Miss World 1968 pageant held in London. Penelope Plummer took the top spot in this competition.
Also in 1968, the person who was crowned the highest title of the Miss Universe pageant was Martha Vasconcellos. Meanwhile, Maria da Gloria Carvalho won the title of Miss International.
Miss World In AUSTRIA: Eva Rueber-Staier
Eva Rueber-Staier (born 20 February 1951) is an Austrian actress, television host, model, and beauty queen who won Miss World 1969. Eva Rueber-Staier is the 4,988th most popular actor (up from 5,001st in 2019). She also played the Cadbury’s Flake girl in the 1980s Austrian Skiing advert directed by Ridley Scott.
She has lived in an Elizabethan Grade II listed house in Pinner for 23 years with her current husband, publisher Brian Cowan, and son Alexander. She now produces metalwork sculptures; some were exhibited during Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum’s “Open Studios 2008. She won the title of Miss Austria and participated in the Miss Universe 1969 contest, in which she was a top 15 semi-finalist. She is an Austrian actress and model who won the title of Miss Austria 1968. She also went on to win the Miss World 1969 pageant. During her tenure, she starred in the Bob Hope USO tour in Vietnam. She portrayed Rubelvitch, the secretary of KGB head General Gogol, Eva Rueber-Staier is one of the few “beauty queens” to have appeared in a James Bond film, the others being Marguerite LeWars (Annabel Chung), Aliza Gur (Vida), Claudine Auger (Domino Derval) and Denise Perrier (Marie) in the James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), For Your Eyes Only (1981) and Octopussy (1983). Although it was a minor role, Rueber-Staier is one of the few actresses to have appeared in several films of the franchise in the same role.
Rueber-Staier was married to Brian Cowan, a publisher, and lived with him for 23 years, and had a son named Alexander. Actress And Miss World 1969 Eva Rueber-Staier with Actor Robin Nedwell. Eva Rueber-Staier is An Austrian Actress And Former Miss World. Rueber-Staier was Born In 1951 In Bruck An Der Mur, Styria.
She Won The Title Of Miss Austria And Participated In The Miss Universe Contest In 1969, In Which She Was A Top 15 Semifinalist. She Went On To Win The Miss World Pageant That Same Year. During Her Tenure, She Starred In The Bob Hope USO tour in Vietnam.
Miss World In BANGLADESH: Aklima Atika Konika
The most recent winner of Miss World Bangladesh is Aklima Atika Konika, who was crowned Miss World Bangladesh 2025. She will be representing Bangladesh at the Miss World 2025 pageant.
Miss World Bangladesh is a national beauty pageant in Bangladesh that annually selects representatives to compete in Miss World, one of the Big Four international beauty pageants. The Reigning Miss World Bangladesh is Aklima Atika Konika. She has been appointed as Miss World Bangladesh 2025.
The Reigning Mr World Bangladesh is B Proshad Das, who was sashed by the outgoing titleholder, Mahadi Hassan Fahim. Omicon Entertainment and Antar Showbiz jointly created Miss World Bangladesh to be the country’s first nationwide pageant for 2 years ( 2017–2018 ). The event’s mission is to support Sun City, South Africa. Shaila Simi was awarded the empowerment of women and the opportunity to represent Bangladesh at an international level. In 2019, Omicon Entertainment got the license, and they have been holding the event professionally.
In October 2017, Jannatul Nayeem Avril became the first winner of Miss World Bangladesh. She was dethroned a week later, after it was discovered that she was not 26, but 27 years old, and had been previously married to Jessia Islam, the runner-up, who took over the title and had the rights to represent Bangladesh at Miss World 2017.
The Miss Bangladesh Contest was first organized in 1994, but the event did not attract national media attention. In 1994, Anika Taher first represented Bangladesh at the beauty pageant Miss World 1994 held in the Miss Ruposhi Dhaka, Bangladesh award in 1998. Sonia Gazi (who was Miss Bangladesh 2000) received media attention. Bangladesh has not sent a representative to Miss World since 2001.
The pageant returned briefly for one year in 2007 and was organized by Apurbo.com and sponsored by Motherland Group/CinevisionHowever, the winner did not take part in Miss World. After 16 years, Antar Showbiz created Miss World Bangladesh to allow Bangladesh to participate in the “Miss World” pageant again. Since 2024, the winner of the Miss Bangladesh Beauty Pageant has represented Bangladesh at Miss Earth, one of the Big Four international beauty pageants.
Miss World In BELARUS: Svetlana Kruk
Svetlana Kruk was from Grodno, Belarus, and was born on June 2, 1979. She studied mathematics at the University of Grodno and later studied economics at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia.
In 1998, she went to Minsk to join the biggest modelling school in Belarus, the “Nacional’Naja Shkola Krasoty”. While there, there were tryouts for the first-ever Miss Belarus contest. She impressed the judges and was invited to the content.
She prepared for the contest for about six months and won the title of Miss Belarus on March 18, 1998. She received $300 and an electric kettle for winning the competition. Kruk’s victory qualified her for Miss Europe 1999, where she placed in the Top 15. She won the Vice-Miss award at Miss CIS 1999. She competed at Miss World 2000, but did not finish in the Top ten.
She continued to compete in beauty pageants, winning “Miss Beauty Millennium International 2012” and winning Mrs. Universe LTD 2013 (which is not related to Mrs. Universe). She has also modeled. She won the 2017 Mrs. Globe competition and also captured the Miss Success and Miss Participant of the Year awards at the event.
Participation in international competitions: “Miss Commonwealth-1999” (runner-up), “Miss Europe-1999” (top-10), “Miss World-2000” (reaching the 1/2 finals – the highest achievement of the Belarusian girls in this competition), “Missis Beauty Millenium International 2012” (1st place), “Miss Universe 2013” (1st place), “Mrs. Globe-2017” (1st place)Svetlana Kruk graduated with honours from the Faculty of Applied Mathematics at the Pedagogical University of Grodno. Svetlana got her second higher education in Russia – at the Higher School of Economics.
She managed to work as a model in Italy, the US, and Russia. She married and left for Moscow, where she works in her main profession, teaching mathematics. She took part in the competition “Teacher of the Year 2010” in Moscow, in which she was named one of the ten best teachers in Moscow. She has been awarded the government award for services to Russian education.
She continues to take part in various beauty contests. In all the competitions as well as in interviews, she says she is Belarusian despite the fact that she has been living in Moscow for a long time and has dual citizenship. In her interviews, Svetlana emphasizes that her family is her priority today. She raises three children.
Miss World In BENIN: Rolene Strauss
Rolene Strauss (born 22 April 1992) is a South African beauty queen who won Miss South Africa 2014 and was later crowned Miss World 2014.
She is the third South African woman to be crowned Miss World, after Penelope Anne Coelen in 1958 and Anneline Kriel in 1974. Strauss is currently the chairperson of the non-profit organisation The Strauss Foundation. Strauss was a medical student at the University of the Free State. She was born in Volksrust, South Africa, to Theresa, a nurse, and Hennie Strauss, a doctor. She is a test tube baby. In her own words,
“I’m a test tube baby and I believe my passion for health was born with me”.
Strauss became engaged to D’Niel Strauss (no relation) in December 2014. They were later married on 6 February 2016, at the Laurent Wedding venue in Somerset West. Their first child, a son, was born in January 2017. In February 2020, she gave birth to her second son. Rolene Strauss is a devout Christian.
Strauss won her first title at age 15, when she won the Elite Model Look South Africa competition in 2007. Strauss was later placed in the top 5 of Miss South Africa 2011, where Melinda Bam became the winner. She returned three years later to compete, representing Bloemfontein, and was crowned Miss South Africa 2014.
As Miss South Africa 2014, Strauss was expected to compete at both Miss Universe 2014 and Miss World 2014. Strauss competed in the Miss World 2014 contest in London, United Kingdom, and during the final question and answer round, Strauss was asked, “Why should you be the next Miss World?” to which Strauss responded by stating:
I believe that the story of my book is more meaningful than my cover. Being proudly South African, I have firsthand experience that unity, respect, and forgiveness exist, and those are the aspirations of the Miss World Organization. So, it would be amazing to represent an organization that is a beacon of hope to the world. She was eventually crowned as Miss World 2014 at the end of the event, becoming the third South African to win Miss World since the pageant’s inception in 1951. Because of this, she could not compete at Miss Universe 2014.
Ziphozakhe Zokufa, her first runner-up, stepped in as Miss South Africa 2014 and represented the country at the Miss Universe 2014 competition. After being crowned Miss World 2014, Strauss began her responsibilities as Miss World and has since travelled to Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Kenya, Jamaica, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, the United States, among other countries to fulfil her various obligations in the role.
Strauss was invited as a judge in Miss World 2018, becoming the first and so far the only Miss World from the 2010s to become a judge in a Miss World finals.
Miss World In BHUTAN: Tsomo Karchung
Miss Bhutan is a national beauty pageant based in Bhutan. The first Miss Bhutan pageant was held in 2008; the first winner of Miss Bhutan, Tsokye Tsomo Karchung, participated in the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant, an annual international beauty contest promoting environmental awareness.
She took part in the 8th Edition of Miss Earth, Miss Young International in Taiwan, and Miss Safari 2008 in Kenya. The second Miss Bhutan was held in 2010, where Sonam Choden Retty was the winner and held the title for the longest period (2010-2021). The third edition of Miss Bhutan was held only after a decade; Tashi Choden took the title and is now the reigning queen. She is the first one in the country to represent in the Miss Universe.
The Miss Bhutan is organized and produced by MPC Bhutan Entertainment, a film production company based in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On October 10, 2008, MPC Bhutan Entertainment organized the Miss Bhutan pageant and launched its first Miss Bhutan beauty pageant. The Founding President of Miss Bhutan Pageant is Karma Tshering. The selection of the Miss Bhutan finalists and eventually the winner of the pageant is based on the decision of a panel of judges on the performance and physical attributes of the candidates and not by a public voting system. The winner of Miss Bhutan receives a cash prize of Nu 100,000.
The Miss Bhutan crown, designed in Bhutan, is worth another Nu 100,000. In 2008, the winner represented the country at the Miss Earth beauty pageant. Although there was no swimsuit round in the actual Miss Bhutan contest, the winner is trained in an enclosed area for the swimsuit competition in preparation for the international Miss Earth competition.
77 contestants from all across Bhutan registered for the Miss Bhutan 2008, but only 20 contestants were shortlisted in the main event after the preliminary round. On November 9, 2008, Miss Bhutan 2008 Tsoki Tsomo Karchung participated in the 8th edition of Miss Earth beauty pageant, which was held at the Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines. Eighty-five women arrived from October 19, 2008, in the Philippines. After a hiatus of 12 years, the Miss Bhutan pageant made a triumphant return, generating widespread excitement and attention. The event witnessed a notable surge in participation by exceptionally talented women, surpassing previous editions.
Tashi Choden emerged as the victor, attaining the coveted title of Miss Bhutan 2022 and subsequently securing the historic distinction of becoming the first Bhutanese representative at the esteemed Miss Universe pageant. Additionally, Sonam Pelden and Eden Zangmo earned the distinctions of 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively, in the pageant. In the aftermath of Miss Bhutan 2010, renowned for its commitment to promoting social causes through beauty, the organization has consistently facilitated opportunities for women across the nation.
It has catalyzed numerous aspiring female participants, showcasing exceptional talents during the pageant. Notably, Sonam Choden Retty earned the prestigious title of Miss Bhutan 2010, while Kinley Yangden Dorji and Tenzin Norden secured the positions of 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively, further exemplifying the pageant’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of exceptional women.
Miss Bhutan 2008 marked a significant milestone as Bhutan’s inaugural national pageant, introducing a refreshing and inspiring platform for the nation’s citizens. This pioneering event attracted a cadre of exceptionally talented women whose accomplishments resonated with thousands of women across the country, ushering in a new era in Bhutanese cultural and societal norms.
Notably, Tsokye Tsomo Karchung emerged as the first-ever Miss Bhutan, attaining both the prestigious title and subsequent recognition as one of the country’s most accomplished women. She also took the titles of Miss Photogenic and Miss Talent. Shelkar Choden secured the position of 1st runner-up, while Tshering Pem claimed the distinction of 2nd runner-up, contributing to the pageant’s legacy of celebrating and promoting remarkable female achievements.
The grand finale of Miss Bhutan 2008 was held on 10 October 2008 in the YDF Auditorium, the nation’s biggest auditorium hall. The pageant was judged by five famous personalities and two international judges, Kelly Dorji, an actor/model popular in the Bollywood Film Industry, and Charm Osathanond, Miss Thailand 2006. Miss Bhutan represented Bhutan in Miss Earth 2008, Miss Young International in Taiwan, and Miss Safari 2008 in Kenya.
The Bhutan Information Communication and Media Authority (BICMA), Bhutan’s media regulatory body, did not allow the contest to use the Gross National Happiness tag, as they believed its use didn’t correspond with beauty contests.