Miss World 2008 was the 58th edition of the Miss World pageant, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 13 December 2008.
Originally, the pageant was going to take place in Kyiv, Ukraine, but because of the ongoing 2008 Russo-Georgian diplomatic crisis in neighbouring South Ossetia, the Miss World Organization decided to move the pageant away from Eastern Europe.[3]
Miss World 2008 contestants were judged based upon the criteria of glamour, beauty, intelligence and poise.[3][59] Some of the judges were representatives of the Miss World Organization.[3] Some of the contestants, such as Ksenia Sukhinova, communicated with the judges using a translator.[1] Judges for the event were:
Julia Morley – Chairwoman of the Miss World Organization.
Thailand – Miss Thailand World was not held this year due to the death of Princess Galyani Vadhana, so last year's 1st runner-up, Ummarapas Jullakasian represented Thailand.
Philippines – Janina San Miguel was replaced by Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner-up, Danielle Castaño due to Janina's personal decision to give up her crown.[60]
Sweden – Jennifer Palm Lundberg placed 3rd Runner-up in the Miss World Sweden pageant, but won the title when each of the original top three placers declined the crown after disagreements over the winner's contract.
Vietnam – Miss Vietnam 2008 Trần Thị Thùy Dung was not allowed to compete after she was found ineligible. The 1st Runner-up Phan Hoàng Minh Thư and the 2nd Runner-up Nguyễn Thụy Vân also were not allowed to compete. After that, Dương Trương Thiên Lý, the 2nd Runner-up of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 was designated to represent Vietnam.[citation needed]
Macedonia – Suzana Al-Salkini withdrew due to lack of funding and sponsorship, but she did compete the following year at Miss World 2009.
Nepal – The organiser of the Miss Nepal pageant said it was postponing the contest scheduled for 23 August 2008 to an unknown date, after the Maoist women's wing, which has trained its sights on Miss Nepal, announced a Kathmandu Valley shutdown on the day to prevent the event.
Panama – Kathya Saldaña had problems with the regional organisation and didn't obtain a South African visa in time.
Romania – Due to lack of funding and sponsorship
Slovenia – Due to lack of funding and sponsorship
Suriname – Mireille Nederbiel was not allowed to compete in Miss World by the decision of pageant organizers.