I really think you should keep Australia in mind!!

I spent about 6 months traveling this wonderful country and all I can say is if you are in to the great wide open, amazing nature, tropic climate, wild life, amazing beaches, breath taking sunsets on the west coast, beer and of course the friendly 'no worries, mate' Aussies than you should give at a try...

Where do you come from?

cojadate adds: I also spent several months travelling Australia and can also vouch for it as a great country which provides a sense of great sense of open space (which doesn't stop the Ozzies from crowding themselves along the East and South-East coast) and hosts an amazing variety of different landscapes. It is the island-continent after all.