Bikini Parade 2012: Guinness World Record

Best education system? Not so much. Best quality of life? Don't think so. But when it comes to bikini parades, America leads the way.

Australia set the previous Guinness World Record for longest bikini parade last year, with 357 participants. But that comparatively puny number was crushed this month in Panama City, Florida, when 450 participants marched the good ol' US-of-A into its rightful place at the top.

One Panama Beach marcher summed up the significance of the historic event. "This is the most exciting day of my life, tears were coming out of my eyes, I’m so proud of the United States,” said Karly Quinn.

While chanting, "U-S-A! U-S-A," the 450 women walked one mile across Panama City Beach to break the record.

Panama City Beach officials couldn't be more proud of their community's place in history. "We are thrilled to have challenged and broken the record for the World’s Largest Bikini Parade,” said Dan Rowe, president of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.