Switzerland has been named as the best country in the world for the second time in a row, according to the 2018 US News & World Report.
The new ranking evaluated 80 countries around the world, taking note of economic influence, power, citizenship and quality of life.
After Switzerland, rounding up the top five spots are Canada, Germany, UK, and Japan, with noted progressive social and environmental policies, according to analysts.
In a statement, Y&R Global CEO said:
“For the countries that rose to the top of this year’s rankings, it is once again clear that military vigor and economic power are no longer the key determinants to a country’s brand success.”
Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway topped subcategories for their famously progressive social policies. Norway has been named as the top country for citizenship –taking into consideration records on human rights, religious freedom, and gender equality — while Denmark has been ranked as the best country for women.
The Philippines ranked 49 out of 80 overall, landing at the 16th spot for best countries for adventure. Meanwhile, the United States did not make it to the top 10 list, but was ranked as the most powerful country in the world.
For the first time ever, the survey also asked respondents to share their opinions on world leaders: Canada Prime Minister’s Justin Trudeau and Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel were considered to be the most respected leaders, while US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin received the worst disapproval ratings.
Here are the 10 best countries around the world, and the subcategories they figured in.
10. Netherlands
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: most business-friendly, most modern, entrepreneurship, quality of life, best countries to headquarter a corporation, raising kids, travel alone, most transparent countries, green living, women
9. France
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: cultural influence, power, heritage & richest traditions, most influential, education, starting a career
8. United States
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: cultural influence, entrepreneurship, power, most forward-looking, most influential, education
7. Australia
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: cultural influence, most modern, quality of life, most-forward looking, best countries to headquarter a corporation, raising kids, traveling alone, green living, investing in, education, retiring comfortably, women
6. Sweden
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: most business-friendly, cultural influence, most modern, entrepreneurship, quality of life, best countries to headquarter a corporation, raising kids, transparency, green living, education, retiring comfortably, women
5. Japan
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: cultural influence, entrepreneurship, power, up & coming economies, most-forward looking, most influential, green living, education
4. United Kingdom
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: cultural influence, entrepreneurship, power, starting a business, most forward-looking, most influential, transparency, education, starting a career
3. Germany
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: most modern, entrepreneurship, quality of life, power, most forward-looking, headquartering a corporation, most influential, transparency, green living, education, women
2. Canada
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: most business-friendly, most modern, entrepreneurship, quality of life, starting a business, most forward-looking countries, headquartering a corporation, raising kids, transparency, green living, education, retiring comfortably, women
1. Switzerland
Included in the top 10 for the following subcategories: most business-friendly, cultural influence, most modern, entrepreneurship, quality of life, starting a business, most forward-looking countries, headquartering a corporation, raising kids, transparency, green living, education, retiring comfortably, women
Most Powerful: United States
For Women: Denmark
For Education: UK
To Start a Business: Thailand
To Headquarter a Corporation: Switzerland
For Comfortable Retirement: New Zealand
Thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
