Unfortunately there is currently no other way, but we are working on it, to find a solution for the problem/requirement. (We will probably support the MaxMind GeoIP data (for which a user would need to register and download the data, either paid or free), but also try to provide only country data on our own. – It is not easy to obtain the geo data… the services are usually not for free any more… additionally we have to consider the privacy issues…).
I will get back to you as soon as we find, discussed and agreed on a solution…