What you always wanted to know about Miss Universe
Some interesting facts and figures about the biggest beauty pageant in the world.
How many women compete?
Delegates from 75 to 85 countries take part in the pageant every year.

Any age requirements delegates must meet?
As of 1993, Miss Universe delegates must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age by February 1st in the year they compete in the national competition.
Can delegates be married?
No. Delegates may not be married or pregnant. They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to a child. The titleholders are also required to remain single throughout their reign.
How are the semi-finalists chosen?
All delegates are judged in three areas of preliminary competition:
Interviews: Judges spend time with each delegate to learn about her successes, goals and ambitions.
Swimsuit Competition: Each delegate wears one of a variety of swimsuit styles provided by a sponsor.
Evening Gown Competition: Each delegate wears a gown she has chosen for herself.
All scores are entered into a computer and are then tallied in each of the three categories. The delegates with the highest aggregate scores are named the semi-finalists. The competition is narrowed twice more to produce the winner.
How are the Titleholders and runners-up chosen?
Once the finalists are named, their scores are discarded, and they begin competing anew. In the final competition, the same three areas are judged. The judges' scores in these categories are tallied and the winners are named live on the air.
What prizes and gifts do the winners and the contestants receive for participating in the event?
Miss Universe 2002 received the following:
A year long salary as Miss Universe
A luxury New York City riverside apartment for the year of her reign
Personal Appearance Wardrobe valued at $20,000
Personal Services valued at $27,500
CBS casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization
Specially designed Miss Universe tiara valued at $20,000 from Mikimoto
A two year scholarship valued at $45,000 from The School for Film amd Television
A $3,000 cas prize and a years supply of cosmetics valued at $500 from Arpeggio International
A $3,000 cash prize and a swimwear wardrobe valued at $1,000 from Bluepoint Appare
A gift from Maurice Lacroix
Stuart Weitzman, a fashion footwear wardrobe valued at over $1,200 and a specially designed, one of a kind, “Miss Universe” shoe valued at $1,000
HOYA CRYSTAL trophy valued at $3,200
First Runner up
$3,000 cash award,
Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200
Second Runner up
$2,000 cash award
Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200
Third Runner up
$1,000 cash award
Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200
Fourth Runner up
$1,000 cash award
Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200
Semi-Finalists
$500 cash award
Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200
Delegate Gifts
2002 Miss Universe‚ delegates will receive the following:
Competition and fashion swimwear from BLUEPOINT
MIKIMOTO
from MAURICE LACROIX
A commemorative Miss Universe bronzer and an assortment of cosmetics from
Arpeggio International
Competition and fashion footwear by STUART WEITZMAN
A Miss Universe tote bag
A HOYA
ALOE UP suncare products
Softlips Lip Protectant
Rohto eye drops
Claire's - TBD
Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit and Girlosophy: A Love Survival Kit by Anthea Paul
Bluepoint Apparel Swimsuit and Fitness Award
$3,000 Cash Prize and a commemorative Hoya Crystal trophy valued at 3,200
Photogenic Award
$1,000 Cash Prize and a commemorative Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200
Congeniality Award
$1,000 Cash Prize and a commemorative Hoya Crystal trophy valued at $3,200 awarded to the delegate selected by her sister delegates as the most charismatic and inspirational
National Costume Award
A commemorative Hoya Crystal Trophy valued at $3,200 awarded to the winner of the National Costume Show and a $1,000 cash prize
National Costume Award 1st Runner up
A commemorative Hoya Crystal Trophy valued at $3,200
National Costume Award 2nd Runner up
A commemorative Hoya Crystal Trophy valued at $3,200
What happens to the winners after they are named?
Part of each titleholder's prize package is an employment contract with the Miss Universe Organization (now Miss Universe, L.P., LLLP). To fulfill that contract, the titleholder becomes a representative of the company for one year.
Miss Universe is provided with a deluxe apartment in New York City and travel the world meeting dignitaries, speaking on behalf of the company, meeting with charitable organizations and appearing at events held by official sponsors.
Who sponsors the Events?
Clairol, Bikini.com, Sacha Cosmetics, Aromes du Jardin, Sprint, Donald J Pliner, Maurice Lacroix, and Hoya are just a few of the many corporate sponsors of the Miss Universe.
Source: Miss Universe LP, LLP