Miss Universe 1972
| Miss Universe 1972 | |
|---|---|
Kerry Anne Wells | |
| Date | 29 July 1972 |
| Presenters | Bob Barker |
| Venue | Cerromar Beach Hotel, Dorado, Puerto Rico |
| Broadcaster | CBS (international) Telemundo (official broadcaster) |
| Entrants | 61 |
| Placements | 12 |
| Debuts |
|
| Withdrawals |
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| Returns |
|
| Winner | Kerry Anne Wells Australia |
| Congeniality | Ombayi Mukuta (Zaire) |
| Best National Costume | Carmen Ampuero (Peru) |
| Photogenic | Anne-Marie Roger (Belgium) |
Miss Universe 1972 was the 21st Miss Universe pageant, held at the Cerromar Beach Hotel in Dorado, Puerto Rico on 29 July 1972. It was the first edition to be held outside the continental United States.
At the end of the event, Miss Universe 1970 Marisol Malaret crowned Kerry Anne Wells of Australia as Miss Universe 1972. It is the first victory of Australia in the pageant's history. Georgina Rizk of Lebanon, was not allowed to crown her successor due to government restrictions because of fears of a terrorist attack.
Contestants from sixty-one countries and territories participated in this year's pageant. The pageant was hosted by Bob Barker in his sixth consecutive year, while Helen O'Connell provided commentary and analysis throughout the event.