Switzerland is the best country in the world for the third year running, according to the annual ranking of the world's nations released by U.S. News & World Report.
The list compiles the results of surveys from 21,000 people of 80 nations who scored their homelands based on 65 attributes that included happiness, education, influence, economic opportunity, and more.
Attributes were grouped into nine subrankings that rolled into the Best Countries ranking: Adventure, Citizenship, Cultural Influence, Entrepreneurship, Heritage, Movers, Open for Business, Power and Quality of Life.
The 2019 Best Countries report and rankings are based on how global perceptions define countries in terms of a number of qualitative characteristics, impressions that have the potential to drive trade, travel and investment and directly affect national economies.
Switzerland is seen as excelling in many areas in the Best Countries report, such as business-oriented metrics, providing a high quality of life and being a leader in innovation. Respondents in the Best Countries survey consider Switzerland the top country in terms of economic stability, access to capital, a strong legal framework and prestige.
Countries that command cultural influence are often synonymous with fine food, fashion and easy living. They are trendsetters. Their products have that certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes them fly a little faster off the shelves. Their music, television and movies are absorbed by other cultures, becoming part of a wider global conversation. Therefore when it comes to cultural influence, Italy - celebrated for its culinary traditions, classical art and designer clothing - is once again No. 1.
France even though ranking No.2 in cultural influence right behind Italy, its overall score puts it at No.10 worldwide! Need I say more?
Did you know Swedes are some of the world’s most generous people, donating about 1 percent of gross national product to humanitarian aid programs each year? According to this study it is also the Best Countries for Women.
However, I might add that Canada beat Switzerland in one important ranking. For the fourth consecutive year, Canada ranks No. 1 overall for providing the best quality of life.
