A beautiful beach and spectacular sunset make a perfect setting for love

Latin America seems like the place to find love with six of the top 10 most unmarried people in Central and South America.

With hot weather, hot dancing and hot people, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Argentina and Panama are perfect for romance hunters.

Only two European countries made the love list; Slovenia, whose tourist board aptly runs the slogan “I feel sLOVEnia”, and the tiny Pyrenean principality of Andorra, which is already a popular winter sports destination whose lively après ski scene has doubtless led to plenty of lovin’ – if just for one night only.

The top 10 countries with lowest marriage rates

1. Colombia – 1.7
Proud to be the only country in South America with Pacific and Caribbean coast, Colombia is a spectacularly beautiful place, which must surely make it easy to find romantic settings. A choice of jungle walks, long beaches, Amazon safaris and buzzing, modern cities should mean that there’s plenty of opportunity for finding some love, either with the Latin locals, or with other adventurous visitors.

2. Venezuela 2.7 –
Claiming Andean peaks, a lengthy Caribbean coastline and a peppering of idyllic islands, there’s plenty to lust after here. If you can’t find love with the locals, don’t worry, there’s always the chocolate. The Paria Peninsula is Venezuela’s “Chocolate Coast” where you’ll find some of the world’s finest cocoa bean growers and your love troubles will melt away, just like the chocolate on your tongue.

3. Peru – 2.9
Boasting the world’s highest lake, the globe’s deepest canyon and a section of the planet’s mightiest river, Peru has plenty to woo you, but it’s the culinary offerings that everyone’s talking about. Claiming the “best cuisine of Latin America”, Peru is an ideal place to hook up with other food-lovers. Try Ceviche, Peru’s current “must-eat” that has been hailed as the “new sushi”. A simple, yet delicious dish made of fresh, raw fish, marinated in lime or lemon juice, get a table for two and chow down.

4. Argentina – 3.1
Argentina loves to tango and no dance has more passion than this sultry, sexy skip. The tango clubs of capital Buenos Aires are the place to get up close and personal with real Latin lovers, but be sure to practise your steps before you go, because the way to an Argentinian’s heart, is through their feet.

5. Qatar – 3.2
This oil-rich emirate jutting into the Arabian Gulf tends to be overshadowed by its flashier, splashier cousin, Dubai, but don’t let that put you off. Fish delicacies, spice markets, and sunset cruises around Doha bay are all on offer here, but if you do strike it lucky with a local and get invited in for coffee – be careful how you drink it. You’ll need to accept exactly two cups; drink one or three and you’ll offend your host and blow any chances of post-coffee loving.

5. Slovenia – 3.2
One of the most beautiful yet underrated countries in Europe – Slovenia even has “love” in its name. This coin-sized country is full of romantic scenery, from the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps to the sun-tanned beaches of the Adriatic, to the rolling vineyards of the east; not to mention Lake Bled, probably the most beautiful body of water in the world. Even if you don’t find love in Slovenia, you will almost certainly fall in love with Slovenia.

7. Chile – 3.3
Long and thin, Chile’s tentacle shaped nation offers extremes; deserts at one end, icebergs at the other. Somewhere in the middle you’ll find wine country, where some of the world’s best vino is made. Valle Central is Chile’s most productive grape zone, and a great place to ply any prospective partners with alcohol. Whilst this won’t guarantee love, it will ensure an excellent evening, and most likely a hangover.

8. Panama – 3.3
Panama has endless islands, islets, sublime beaches and pristine waters, but it’s the people who are perhaps its biggest pull. Known for being amongst the friendliest in the world, Panamanians are renowned for their peaceful, get-along and fun loving nature. Add that to the exotic yet affordable attractions such as diving, sailing, and eco-tours, and what’s not to love?

9. United Arab Emirates – 3.5
You better be careful when looking for love in this collection of seven states situated in the Arabian Peninsula. Sex outside of marriage is illegal in the UAE and several love struck couples have found themselves on the wrong side of prison cell bars after getting caught in the act. Saying that, there is a thriving singles scene in places like Dubai, and according to The Guardian, one night stands with strangers are ‘standard weekend behaviour’.

10. Andorra – 3.6
This pint-sized Pyrenean principality is all about the great outdoors. The mountainous country has skiing, hiking and biking in abundance so if you want to impress the local Andorrans, get in shape. The other bonus for love hunters in Andorra is its tax-free status, which means that at the very least, you’re guaranteed a cheap date.

Ones to avoid: world’s most married people

On the other hand, countries for singletons to avoid include: Mongolia, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Vietnam and Iran, which have the highest proportions of marriage people in the world.

1. Mongolia - 19.0
2. Cayman Islands - 16.8
3. Bermuda - 13.7
4. Vietnam - 12.1
5. Iran - 11.0
6. Jordan - 10.1
7. Azerbaijan - 9.4
8. Mauritius - 9.2
9. Algeria - 8.9
10. Jamaica - 8.7

Note: Data is according to The Economist’s Pocket World in Figures, 2010 edition. Figures are number of marriages per 1000 of population.

Source: Skyscanner