Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has released its list of top 10 countries to visit in 2015 and the top spot went to Singapore.

Lonely Planet judged the travel destinations on a number of criteria, reports The Guardian, including whether they are deemed up-and-coming or whether there are any special developments or events coming up. Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence next year. It was praised for its heritage, flashy shopping centers and new attractions, including the Marina Bay and National Art Gallery.

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The Southeast Asian country beat out Namibia, Lithuania, Nicaragua and Ireland, ranked respectively from second to fifth place. Coming in sixth was the Republic of Congo, an up-and-coming pick they deemed to have the potential to be a top ecotourism destination in Africa thanks to its national parks, barely touched rainforests and improved tourism infrastructure.

Other nations included on list (named in order) were Serbia, the Philippines, St. Lucia and Morocco.

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Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015 yearbook includes a total of 16 themed lists. Other travel destinations to be ranked first included Tunisia (best value destination), Gallipoli (best region) and Washington D.C. (best city).

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