Rebecca Manzi Switzerland tops the 2024 Best Countries Report by U.S. News, followed by Japan and the U.S., highlighting quality of life, economic stability, and business environment.
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For a third year in a row, Switzerland has been rated the best country in the world in 2024 by the Best Countries Report published by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking compares 89 nations based on 73 different attributes, including quality of life, economic stability, cultural influence, and business environment.
Informed by a global survey of nearly 17,000 people in 36 countries, the report offers a look at how nations are viewed on the world stage. Switzerland holds onto the number-one spot for the third year in a row, further solidifying its position among the rankings with several first-place finishes in key categories.
A model of stability and quality of life
It ranked third in the aspects of quality of life, fifth for entrepreneurship, and second for openness to business, making it a model for economic and social stability. The country is also recognized for its dedication to social justice and human rights, and for providing quality education.
Japan and the United States make gains
Silver went to Japan, which, though down a rank from last year, showed significant strides over previous years in innovation and technological capability. The United States grabbed bronze, the highest ranking for that country to date. Strong on culture and entrepreneurial spirit, the country scored exceptionally well in power and economic agility.
European dominance and emerging Asian influence
The report highlights the dominance of European countries, as 15 of them feature in the top 25 ranking list. In Asia, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea made it to the list, while Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar secured respectable positions. Iceland and Kuwait are new entrants on the ranking, meeting the threshold required for inclusion for the first time.
It also represents a double-digit drop for countries like Israel, that fell 10 positions, and Ukraine, that dropped 12 spots. Really, what that shows is how geopolitical conflicts-the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East-have hurt global perception of these countries.
Top 10 countries in the Best Countries Report
- Switzerland
- Japan
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- Sweden
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Denmark
Source: U.S. News
