Kitchen counters easily stained?

We've moved into a new rental home and have quickly noticed the kitchen benches/countertops will permanently stain VERY easily. Anything that should just be wipe-able becomes another permanent eyesore. Even upon moving in there were awful ring stains. I've successfully removed most of it with Barkeepers Friend; but I shouldn't have to use such a product every time we have a minor spill.

Is there some sort of protective glaze or finish we can apply? I'm assuming here that most countertops are treated with such a thing by their manufacturer? We've never had kitchen benches like this.

Would need to know what material the counters are made of in order to know how to care for them.