Miss Universe 1972, the 21st Miss Universe pageant, was held on 29 July, 1972 at the Cerromar Beach Hotel in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Kerry Anne Wells earned Australia's first Miss Universe crown. Georgina Rizk of Lebanon, was not allowed to crown her successor due to government restrictions because of fears of a terrorist attack. Lebanon did not compete in 1972 and Georgina could not be there to crown Miss Universe 1972. Wells was crowned by Miss Universe 1970, Marisol Malaret of Puerto Rico and Miss Universe 1971 1st Runner-Up Toni Rayward.
Judges included actress Lynn Redgrave and Miss Universe 1967, Sylvia Hitchcock.
It was the first edition to be held outside the continental United States.