Best Countries in the World (2024 Ranking)

Which are the best countries in the world? What position is the United States in the 2024 ranking of the best countries in the world? Find out below.

Best Countries in the World

Let’s start by considering the best countries for investment and business, the best country to live in and the good country index leaders.

Best Country for Investment and Business: Singapore

According to CEOWORLD magazine, Singapore has been declared the best country in the world for investing or doing business in 2024. Its strategic location, robust economy, and business-friendly policies make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors.

The table below shows the top 60 countries in the list.

World’s Best Countries To Invest In Or Do Business For 2024

 

Good Country Index Leader: Sweden

The Good Country Index ranks countries based on their contributions to the global community. As of 2023, Sweden holds the top position. Sweden’s strong performance in health, well-being, prosperity, and environmental sustainability contributes to its leadership.

Best Country to Live In: The Netherlands

The CEOWORLD Magazine 2024 report recognizes The Netherlands as the best country for its citizens to live in. Factors such as quality of life, healthcare, education, and safety contribute to its high ranking. Germany and New Zealand follow closely in second and third place, respectively.

The top 50 countries on the list are presented in the table below.

Best Countries to Live in the World, 2024

 

Remember that rankings can vary based on different criteria, so it’s essential to consider individual preferences and needs when evaluating countries. Each nation has its unique strengths and challenges, making the choice subjective.

Best Countries in the World (2024)

This ranking for the best countries in the world is based on the following attributes: entrepreneurship, agility, social purpose, and quality of life (as determined by the most recent gross domestic product per capita data).

Switzerland is ranked first in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best countries in the world. The United States rose once more in the annual rankings. Actually, the United States and Sweden moved into the top 5 of the 2023 rankings.

Switzerland made the top spot because of its strong business climate.

Carlo Bastasin, a nonresident senior fellow in The Brookings Institution’s Foreign Policy program, says, “From a financial or industrial point of view, some of the major companies intermediating raw materials – oil, for instance – are based in Switzerland.”  He added that the country may benefit in perception from its tradition of neutrality in times of international conflict.

This ranking came about through a thorough assessment of everything that defines a country, from its standard of living to its cultural influence.

Top 25 Best Countries in the World

The ranking is based on a comprehensive evaluation of several key factors:

  1. Quality of Life: Healthcare, education, safety, and overall living standards.
  2. Economic Strength: GDP, economic growth, and financial stability.
  3. Cultural Influence: Heritage, arts, entertainment, and cultural exports.
  4. Political Stability: Government effectiveness, rule of law, and political stability.
  5. Environmental Sustainability: Commitment to sustainability and environmental practices.
  6. Social Purpose: Human rights, social justice, and equality.
  7. Global Influence: Diplomatic influence, military strength, and global alliances.

Based on global opinion, these 25 nations are the best countries in the world.

1. Switzerland

As we have said, Switzerland is currently the best country in the world. The country is well-known for its history of neutrality. It ranks fourth in terms of quality of life and first in terms of openness to business while also being regarded as the most politically stable and safe place.

2. Canada

Canada is the world’s second-largest country by land mass and second-best country in terms of perceived quality of life and agility. It also ranks highly in terms of social purpose, friendliness, and safety.

3. Sweden

Sweden is the third-best country overall. It leads in both perceived quality of life and social purpose. The country also received high ratings for its concern for human rights, social justice, and the environment.

4. Australia

Australia is ranked fourth overall in the rankings of the best countries in the world. The country ranks fifth in agility and ninth in perceived quality of life and social purpose, as well as in areas such as happiness, scenery, and safety.

Australia’s vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne, coupled with its high standards of living and stunning natural wonders, make it a desirable place to live.

5. United States

The United States ranked fifth overall. The world’s largest economy is also considered the most powerful, ranking first in agility, second in entrepreneurship, and third in cultural influence.

6. Japan

Japan now ranks sixth in the list of the best countries in the world. The country, which is primarily made up of four islands, ranks third in terms of entrepreneurship, fourth in terms of agility, and fourth in terms of cultural influence. It also ranks highly in terms of technological expertise, digital infrastructure, and forward-thinking.

7. Germany

Germany is currently the seventh-best country in the world. It ranks among the top five in terms of entrepreneurship, power, and agility. It is also praised for its perceived economic stability and progressiveness.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand is ranked 8th overall. It is regarded as the most beautiful and friendliest country in the world, as well as the top country for a comfortable retirement.

9. The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is ranked ninth overall, with high marks for entrepreneurship (ranked fourth) and power (ranked fifth). It is also regarded as one of the best countries for education and one of the most powerful nations.

10. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is ranked 10th overall in the list of the best countries in the world. The country is ranked first in gender equality, first in racial equity, and eighth in quality of life.

11. France

France is ranked eleventh overall, second in cultural influence, fourth in heritage, and seventh in power. It is also one of the most fashionable, modern, and prestigious countries in the world.

12. Denmark

Denmark is ranked twelveth overall, second in terms of quality of life, and third in terms of social purpose. It also ranks highly in terms of gender equality and is regarded as one of the best countries for women.

13. Norway

Norway ranks 13th overall and second in terms of social purpose. It is also ranked second in terms of commitment to climate goals and first in terms of environmental concern.

14. Italy

Italy is ranked 14th overall but first in heritage and cultural influence.

15. Finland

Finland is ranked 15th overall. The country ranks sixth in terms of quality of life, fifth in terms of climate-related perceptions, and first in terms of transparency.

16. Spain

Number 16 in the ranking of the best countries in the world is Spain. It is also ranked third for heritage and third for adventure.

17. China

China is the world’s most populous country. It is ranked in 17th place overall in the list of best countries. It is ranked second in terms of power and fifth in terms of entrepreneurship. China is also regarded as the best country in which to start a business.

18. Belgium

Belgium is ranked 18th overall in the 2022 rankings of the best countries in the world. In terms of racial equality and transparency, the Western European country is highly regarded. It is also regarded as one of the best countries for women and for raising children.

19. Singapore

Singapore is ranked the 19th best country in the world. It is regarded as one of Asia’s four economic tigers, along with Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. The country is also ranked 10th in movers and 15th in agility.

20. South Korea

The 20th best-ranked country is South Korea. It is ranked sixth in terms of power and sixth in terms of entrepreneurship.

21. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates, one of the most liberal Persian Gulf countries, is ranked 21st overall. It ranks first in movers and ninth in power.

22. Austria

Austria, which ranks 22nd overall, is regarded as one of the best countries for social purposes. The country is also regarded as one of the best places in the world to raise a family.

23. Ireland

Ireland is ranked No. 23 overall. It is known for its scenery and friendliness. It also ranks high among the best countries for solo travel and is regarded as one of the happiest.

24. Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a small Western European country, is ranked 24th overall. The country is also ranked fourth in terms of business openness. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious countries, with a favorable tax climate.

25. Greece

Greece is ranked 25th overall in the list of the best countries in the world. The country receives high marks for its heritage, friendliness, adventure, and fun.

The 10 Lowest-Ranked Countries in the World

  • 78. Cameroon
  • 79. Algeria
  • 80. Myanmar
  • 81. Honduras
  • 82. Serbia
  • 83. Uzbekistan
  • 84. Kazakhstan
  • 85. Lebanon
  • 86. Belarus
  • 87. Iran

Critical Issues Taken into Consideration in Ranking the Best Countries in the World

Critical criteria for the 2024 best countries ranking are as follows:

  1. Strong business climate
  2. Economic stability
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Standard of living
  5. Cultural integration/influence
  6. Political stability
  7. Neutrality
  8. Power and agility
  9. Social purpose
  10. Friendliness and safety
  11. Technological expertise, digital infrastructure, and forward-thinking
  12. Environmental concern/commitment to climate concerns
  13. Gender equality
  14.  Heritage
  15. Education
  16. Racial Equality
  17. Quality of life
  18. Favorable tax climate
  19. Travels
  20. Family/children’s life

The global COVID-19 crisis and inflation were other factors taken into consideration.

China, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia had some of the highest pandemic-response approval percentages. At the same time, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland received the highest marks for a broader “health conscious” and “well-developed public health system.”

Regarding inflation and the overall state of the world economy, experts predict that the global economy will decline and inflation will worsen. These parameters were used in the ranking.

Top 10 Best Countries in the World to Live in

The Human Development Report provides arguably the most comprehensive and practical analysis of which countries are best to live in.

This annual report, compiled by the United Nations, expresses global satisfaction with life, providing an overview of what it’s like to be alive on earth in this day and age.

It is, without a doubt, one of the best resources for determining which countries have the happiest, healthiest, and most stable populations in comparison to the rest of the world.

The Human Development Report essentially summarizes how people feel about our planet as a whole. It then goes on to discuss in detail which countries are best to live in, comparing the world’s most satisfied populations with the world’s most unhappy populations.

The variables that this official UN report takes into account include gender equality, literacy, average life expectancy, and financial stability.

The following are the top countries in the world to live in:

  1. Norway
  2. Ireland
  3. Switzerland
  4. Canada
  5. Iceland
  6. China
  7. Germany
  8. Sweden
  9. Australia
  10. Netherlands
  11. Denmark
  12. Finland

Best Countries for Business

Here are the top 20 best countries for business, according to forbes.com.

  1. United Kingdom
  2. Sweden
  3. Hong Kong
  4. Netherlands
  5. New Zealand
  6. Canada
  7. Denmark
  8. Singapore
  9. Australia
  10. Switzerland
  11. Ireland
  12. Taiwan
  13. Finland
  14. Germany
  15. Norway
  16. South Korea
  17. United States
  18. Spain
  19. Japan
  20. Belgium

Top 10 countries with the highest human development index

Here are the ten countries with the highest human development indexes:

  1. Norway – 0.957
  2. Switzerland – 0.955
  3. Ireland – 0.955
  4. Hong Kong – 0.949
  5. Iceland – 0.949
  6. Germany – 0.947
  7. Sweden – 0.945
  8. Australia – 0.944
  9. Netherlands – 0.944
  10. Denmark – 0.94

Source here.

Most Powerful Countries

The top three most powerful countries in the world are:

  • United States
  • China
  • Russia

Most Agile Countries

The top three most agile countries in the world are:

  • United States
  • Germany
  • Canada

Best Countries for Social Purpose

The best countries in the world for social purposes are:

  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Denmark

Best Countries for Women

The top three best countries in the world for women and children’s rights are as follows:

  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Finland

Most Forward-Looking Countries

The top three most forward-looking countries in the world are:

  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • United States

Best Countries For Racial Equality

The top three best countries in the world for racial equality are:

  • Netherlands
  • Sweden
  • Norway

Conclusion

With a reputation for political neutrality, peaceful civility, and the pursuit of the finer things in life, it should come as no surprise that Switzerland has topped the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Countries in the World list for 2024 for the fourth time in a row.

David Reibstein said, “While the world is in turmoil, Switzerland is at peace.”

The fact that the United States has never been ranked the No. 1 country in the world is surprising.

The 2024 rankings highlight countries that excel in providing a high quality of life, economic stability, and progressive social policies. Nations like Switzerland, Canada, and Germany demonstrate that a balanced approach to economic development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability is key to being a top country. As global challenges continue to evolve, these countries serve as models for balancing growth with societal and environmental well-being.

With that said, we would love to get your views about this ranking and tell us where you feel is the best nation to live in both now and in the future. Please use the comment section below. Thank you.

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