<p class="ingestion featured-caption">Miss Cambodia is among the women who made history at this year's Miss Universe.Hector Vivas/Getty Images</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Multiple contestants made history at the 73rd Miss Universe competition on Saturday.</li><li>Countries such as North Macedonia and the Maldives made their competition debut.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-universe-national-costume-contest-outfits-photos-2024-11">Miss Universe</a> came back bigger than ever.</p><p>This year, 125 women competed for the iconic crown — 41 more contestants than in 2023.</p><p>Some countries, like Cuba and Samoa, returned to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-universe-women-competing-this-year-2024-11">Miss Universe</a> stage after a long hiatus, while others made their grand debut.</p><p>The 2024 competition also featured the oldest-ever Miss Universe contestant and the first contestant to wear a hijab in the pageant. </p><p>Here's a look at all the women who made history on this year's stage.</p>