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U.S. News Best Countries

2022 Rankings

The overall ranking of Best Countries measure global performance on a variety of metrics.
Switzerland is the best country in the world for 2022.

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85 Countries

Switzerland
#1 in Best Countries Overall

Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe
made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It’s one of the
world’s wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.

READ MORE »
$813 billionGDP
8.70 millionPOPULATION
$77,324GDP PC, PPP

Germany
#2 in Best Countries Overall

Germany, the most populous nation in the European Union, possesses one of the largest
economies in the world and has seen its role in the international community grow steadily
since reunification. The Central European country borders nine nations, and its landscape
varies, from the northern plains that reach to the North and Baltic seas to the Bavarian Alps
in the south.

READ MORE »
$4.22 trillionGDP
83.1 millionPOPULATION
$57,928GDP PC, PPP

Canada
#3 in Best Countries Overall

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent, making it the
second-largest country in the world after Russia. The country is sparsely populated, with
most of its 35.5 million residents living within 125 miles of the U.S. border. Canada’s
expansive wilderness to the north plays a large role in Canadian identity, as does the
country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants.

READ MORE »
$1.99 trillionGDP
38.2 millionPOPULATION
$52,085GDP PC, PPP

United States
#4 in Best Countries Overall

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world’s most dominant
economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part
by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television. In November 2020 the
country elected Joe Biden as its 46th president, removing Donald Trump after one term. The
country is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing deep economic
recession. And calls for greater social justice reignited in the country following the death of
Black American George Floyd at the hands of police in May 2020. Public demands to
address racial inequality in the country, expressed in institutions such as the criminal justice
system and health care, spurred similar movements in countries around the world.

READ MORE »
$23.0 trillionGDP
332 millionPOPULATION
$69,288GDP PC, PPP

Sweden
#5 in Best Countries Overall

The Kingdom of Sweden, flanked by Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east,
expands across much of the Scandinavian Peninsula and is one of the largest countries in
the European Union by land mass. Capital city Stockholm was claimed in the 16th century,
and border disputes through the Middle Ages established the modern-day nation.

READ MORE »
$627 billionGDP
10.4 millionPOPULATION
$59,324GDP PC, PPP
Japan
#6 in Best Countries Overall

Japan, one of the world’s most literate and technically advanced nations, is an East Asian
country made up of four main islands. While most of Japan is covered by mountains and
heavily wooded areas, the country’s roughly 126 million people lead a distinctly urban
lifestyle. Long culturally influenced by its neighbors, today the country blends its ancient
traditions with aspects of Western life.

READ MORE »
$4.94 trillionGDP
126 millionPOPULATION
$42,940GDP PC, PPP

Australia
#7 in Best Countries Overall

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also
includes some islands, most notably Tasmania. Indigenous people occupied the land for at
least 40,000 years before the first British settlements of the 18th century.

READ MORE »
$1.54 trillionGDP
25.7 millionPOPULATION
$55,807GDP PC, PPP

United Kingdom
#8 in Best Countries Overall

The United Kingdom is a highly developed nation that exerts considerable international
economic, political, scientific and cultural influence. Located off the northwest corner of
Europe, the country includes the island of Great Britain – which contains England, Scotland
and Wales – and the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The country’s role on the
global stage faces new questions as the nation withdrew from the European Union. , as well
as the policies supporting the eurozone.

READ MORE »
$3.19 trillionGDP
67.3 millionPOPULATION
$49,675GDP PC, PPP

France
#9 in Best Countries Overall

It is difficult to overstate the influence France has on the world, both in the past and today.
Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its reach
extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps above all,
culture. Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and finally,
into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual.

U.S. News and World Report Logo

NEWS

Overall RankingsBest CountriesNewsHome

U.S. News Best Countries

2022 Rankings

The overall ranking of Best Countries measure global performance on a variety of metrics.
Switzerland is the best country in the world for 2022.

More

Rankings

Filters/Sort
0
85 Countries

Switzerland
#1 in Best Countries Overall

Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe
made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It’s one of the
world’s wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.

READ MORE »
$813 billionGDP
8.70 millionPOPULATION
$77,324GDP PC, PPP

Germany
#2 in Best Countries Overall

Germany, the most populous nation in the European Union, possesses one of the largest
economies in the world and has seen its role in the international community grow steadily
since reunification. The Central European country borders nine nations, and its landscape
varies, from the northern plains that reach to the North and Baltic seas to the Bavarian Alps
in the south.

READ MORE »
$4.22 trillionGDP
83.1 millionPOPULATION
$57,928GDP PC, PPP

Canada
#3 in Best Countries Overall

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent, making it the
second-largest country in the world after Russia. The country is sparsely populated, with
most of its 35.5 million residents living within 125 miles of the U.S. border. Canada’s
expansive wilderness to the north plays a large role in Canadian identity, as does the
country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants.

READ MORE »
$1.99 trillionGDP
38.2 millionPOPULATION
$52,085GDP PC, PPP

United States
#4 in Best Countries Overall

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world’s most dominant
economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part
by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television. In November 2020 the
country elected Joe Biden as its 46th president, removing Donald Trump after one term. The
country is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing deep economic
recession. And calls for greater social justice reignited in the country following the death of
Black American George Floyd at the hands of police in May 2020. Public demands to
address racial inequality in the country, expressed in institutions such as the criminal justice
system and health care, spurred similar movements in countries around the world.

READ MORE »
$23.0 trillionGDP
332 millionPOPULATION
$69,288GDP PC, PPP

Sweden
#5 in Best Countries Overall

The Kingdom of Sweden, flanked by Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east,
expands across much of the Scandinavian Peninsula and is one of the largest countries in
the European Union by land mass. Capital city Stockholm was claimed in the 16th century,
and border disputes through the Middle Ages established the modern-day nation.
READ MORE »
$627 billionGDP
10.4 millionPOPULATION
$59,324GDP PC, PPP

Japan
#6 in Best Countries Overall

Japan, one of the world’s most literate and technically advanced nations, is an East Asian
country made up of four main islands. While most of Japan is covered by mountains and
heavily wooded areas, the country’s roughly 126 million people lead a distinctly urban
lifestyle. Long culturally influenced by its neighbors, today the country blends its ancient
traditions with aspects of Western life.

READ MORE »
$4.94 trillionGDP
126 millionPOPULATION
$42,940GDP PC, PPP

Australia
#7 in Best Countries Overall

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also
includes some islands, most notably Tasmania. Indigenous people occupied the land for at
least 40,000 years before the first British settlements of the 18th century.

READ MORE »
$1.54 trillionGDP
25.7 millionPOPULATION
$55,807GDP PC, PPP

United Kingdom
#8 in Best Countries Overall

The United Kingdom is a highly developed nation that exerts considerable international
economic, political, scientific and cultural influence. Located off the northwest corner of
Europe, the country includes the island of Great Britain – which contains England, Scotland
and Wales – and the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The country’s role on the
global stage faces new questions as the nation withdrew from the European Union. , as well
as the policies supporting the eurozone.

READ MORE »
$3.19 trillionGDP
67.3 millionPOPULATION
$49,675GDP PC, PPP

France
#9 in Best Countries Overall
It is difficult to overstate the influence France has on the world, both in the past and today.
Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its rea
U.S. News and World Report Logo
NEWS

Overall RankingsBest CountriesNewsHome

U.S. News Best Countries

2022 Rankings

The overall ranking of Best Countries measure global performance on a variety of metrics.
Switzerland is the best country in the world for 2022.

More

Rankings

Filters/Sort
0
85 Countries

Switzerland
#1 in Best Countries Overall

Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe
made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It’s one of the
world’s wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.

READ MORE »
$813 billionGDP
8.70 millionPOPULATION
$77,324GDP PC, PPP

Germany
#2 in Best Countries Overall

Germany, the most populous nation in the European Union, possesses one of the largest
economies in the world and has seen its role in the international community grow steadily
since reunification. The Central European country borders nine nations, and its landscape
varies, from the northern plains that reach to the North and Baltic seas to the Bavarian Alps
in the south.
READ MORE »
$4.22 trillionGDP
83.1 millionPOPULATION
$57,928GDP PC, PPP

Canada
#3 in Best Countries Overall

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent, making it the
second-largest country in the world after Russia. The country is sparsely populated, with
most of its 35.5 million residents living within 125 miles of the U.S. border. Canada’s
expansive wilderness to the north plays a large role in Canadian identity, as does the
country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants.

READ MORE »
$1.99 trillionGDP
38.2 millionPOPULATION
$52,085GDP PC, PPP

United States
#4 in Best Countries Overall

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world’s most dominant
economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part
by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television. In November 2020 the
country elected Joe Biden as its 46th president, removing Donald Trump after one term. The
country is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing deep economic
recession. And calls for greater social justice reignited in the country following the death of
Black American George Floyd at the hands of police in May 2020. Public demands to
address racial inequality in the country, expressed in institutions such as the criminal justice
system and health care, spurred similar movements in countries around the world.

READ MORE »
$23.0 trillionGDP
332 millionPOPULATION
$69,288GDP PC, PPP

Sweden
#5 in Best Countries Overall

The Kingdom of Sweden, flanked by Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east,
expands across much of the Scandinavian Peninsula and is one of the largest countries in
the European Union by land mass. Capital city Stockholm was claimed in the 16th century,
and border disputes through the Middle Ages established the modern-day nation.

READ MORE »
$627 billionGDP
10.4 millionPOPULATION
$59,324GDP PC, PPP

Japan
#6 in Best Countries Overall

Japan, one of the world’s most literate and technically advanced nations, is an East Asian
country made up of four main islands. While most of Japan is covered by mountains and
heavily wooded areas, the country’s roughly 126 million people lead a distinctly urban
lifestyle. Long culturally influenced by its neighbors, today the country blends its ancient
traditions with aspects of Western life.

READ MORE »
$4.94 trillionGDP
126 millionPOPULATION
$42,940GDP PC, PPP

Australia
#7 in Best Countries Overall

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also
includes some islands, most notably Tasmania. Indigenous people occupied the land for at
least 40,000 years before the first British settlements of the 18th century.

READ MORE »
$1.54 trillionGDP
25.7 millionPOPULATION
$55,807GDP PC, PPP

United Kingdom
#8 in Best Countries Overall

The United Kingdom is a highly developed nation that exerts considerable international
economic, political, scientific and cultural influence. Located off the northwest corner of
Europe, the country includes the island of Great Britain – which contains England, Scotland
and Wales – and the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The country’s role on the
global stage faces new questions as the nation withdrew from the European Union. , as well
as the policies supporting the eurozone.

READ MORE »
$3.19 trillionGDP
67.3 millionPOPULATION
$49,675GDP PC, PPP

France
#9 in Best Countries Overall
It is difficult to overstate the influence France has on the world, both in the past and today.
Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its reach
extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps above all,
culture. Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and finally,
into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual.

READ MORE »
$2.94 trillionGDP
67.5 millionPOPULATION
$50,729GDP PC, PPP

Denmark
#10 in Best Countries Overall

The Kingdom of Denmark emerged in the 10th century and includes two North Atlantic island
nations, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Along with Sweden and Norway, it forms
Scandinavia, a cultural region in Northern Europe.

READ MORE »
$397 billionGDP
5.86 millionPOPULATION
$64,651GDP PC, PPP

Load More
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Cultural Influence
Entrepreneurship
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The Flag draped entrance to the United Nations Building in Geneva Switzerland.
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Herdsmen take part in the "Alpabzug" (drive from the mountain pasture), on Friday, Aug. 26,
2022, on the Saemtis Alp in Bruelisau, Switzerland. During summer all over the alpine
regions, cattle herds feed on alpine pastures high up in the mountains and are moved down
at the end of summer. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)
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WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: A vendor sells American Flags to spectators waiting for the
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BEST COUNTRIES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
&
Best Countries is a rankings, news and analysis project created to capture how countries are
perceived on a global scale. The rankings evaluate 85 countries across 26 rankings drawn
from a survey of more than 17,000 global citizens, measuring 73 dimensions that have the
potential to drive trade, travel and investment and directly affect national economies.
BEST COUNTRIES

BEST STATES

HEALTHIEST COMMUNITIES

NEWS

THE REPORT

PHOTOS
ELECTIONS

EVENTS

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Copyright 2023 © U.S. News & World Report L.P.
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Choicesch extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps
above all, culture. Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and
finally, into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual.

READ MORE »
$2.94 trillionGDP
67.5 millionPOPULATION
$50,729GDP PC, PPP

Denmark
#10 in Best Countries Overall

The Kingdom of Denmark emerged in the 10th century and includes two North Atlantic island
nations, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Along with Sweden and Norway, it forms
Scandinavia, a cultural region in Northern Europe.

READ MORE »
$397 billionGDP
5.86 millionPOPULATION
$64,651GDP PC, PPP

Load More
Next:
Adventure
Other Rankings
Adventure
Agility
Cultural Influence
Entrepreneurship
Heritage
Movers
Open for Business
Power
Quality of Life
Social Purpose

RECENT ARTICLES
BEST COUNTRIES

Poll Finds Varied Support for Refugees

BEST COUNTRIES

Haitians Struggle With Path to the U.S.

BEST COUNTRIES

Pew Surveys Same-Sex Marriage Attitudes

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Is Brexit to Blame for U.K. Inflation?

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Switzerland, Bern, daily life.
U.S. News Unveils 2022 Best Countries
The Flag draped entrance to the United Nations Building in Geneva Switzerland.
The 25 Best Countries
Herdsmen take part in the "Alpabzug" (drive from the mountain pasture), on Friday, Aug. 26,
2022, on the Saemtis Alp in Bruelisau, Switzerland. During summer all over the alpine
regions, cattle herds feed on alpine pastures high up in the mountains and are moved down
at the end of summer. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)
Why Switzerland Is No. 1
Three giraffe on Kilimanjaro mount background in National park of Kenya, Africa
Photos: Best Countries Around the World
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: A vendor sells American Flags to spectators waiting for the
start of the Independence Day firework show at the Washington Monument on July 4, 2022
in Washington, DC. Crowds lined the National Mall to watch the capitals annual fireworks
show celebrating the Fourth of July. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
The Power of Brand America
Reuters
10 Worst Countries for Gender Equality
See All Best Countries News

BEST COUNTRIES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
&
Best Countries is a rankings, news and analysis project created to capture how countries are
perceived on a global scale. The rankings evaluate 85 countries across 26 rankings drawn
from a survey of more than 17,000 global citizens, measuring 73 dimensions that have the
potential to drive trade, travel and investment and directly affect national economies.
BEST COUNTRIES

BEST STATES

HEALTHIEST COMMUNITIES

NEWS

THE REPORT

PHOTOS

ELECTIONS

EVENTS

U.S. News & World Report

About
Editorial Guidelines
Contact
Press
Advertise
Newsletters
Jobs
Site Map
Store
Copyright 2023 © U.S. News & World Report L.P.
Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice/California Privacy Notice/Your Privacy
Choices MORE »
$2.94 trillionGDP
67.5 millionPOPULATION
$50,729GDP PC, PPP

Denmark
#10 in Best Countries Overall

The Kingdom of Denmark emerged in the 10th century and includes two North Atlantic island
nations, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Along with Sweden and Norway, it forms
Scandinavia, a cultural region in Northern Europe.

READ MORE »
$397 billionGDP
5.86 millionPOPULATION
$64,651GDP PC, PPP

Load More
Next:
Adventure
Other Rankings
Adventure
Agility
Cultural Influence
Entrepreneurship
Heritage
Movers
Open for Business
Power
Quality of Life
Social Purpose

RECENT ARTICLES
BEST COUNTRIES

Poll Finds Varied Support for Refugees

BEST COUNTRIES

Haitians Struggle With Path to the U.S.

BEST COUNTRIES

Pew Surveys Same-Sex Marriage Attitudes

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Switzerland, Bern, daily life.
U.S. News Unveils 2022 Best Countries
The Flag draped entrance to the United Nations Building in Geneva Switzerland.
The 25 Best Countries
Herdsmen take part in the "Alpabzug" (drive from the mountain pasture), on Friday, Aug. 26,
2022, on the Saemtis Alp in Bruelisau, Switzerland. During summer all over the alpine
regions, cattle herds feed on alpine pastures high up in the mountains and are moved down
at the end of summer. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)
Why Switzerland Is No. 1
Three giraffe on Kilimanjaro mount background in National park of Kenya, Africa
Photos: Best Countries Around the World
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: A vendor sells American Flags to spectators waiting for the
start of the Independence Day firework show at the Washington Monument on July 4, 2022
in Washington, DC. Crowds lined the National Mall to watch the capitals annual fireworks
show celebrating the Fourth of July. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
The Power of Brand America
Reuters
10 Worst Countries for Gender Equality
See All Best Countries News

BEST COUNTRIES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
&
Best Countries is a rankings, news and analysis project created to capture how countries are
perceived on a global scale. The rankings evaluate 85 countries across 26 rankings drawn
from a survey of more than 17,000 global citizens, measuring 73 dimensions that have the
potential to drive trade, travel and investment and directly affect national economies.
BEST COUNTRIES

BEST STATES

HEALTHIEST COMMUNITIES

NEWS

THE REPORT

PHOTOS

ELECTIONS

EVENTS

U.S. News & World Report

About
Editorial Guidelines
Contact
Press
Advertise
Newsletters
Jobs
L.P.
Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice/California Privacy Notice/Your Privacy
Choices