In the latest Best Countries Ranking 2024 by US News & World Report, Switzerland has been named the best country in the world for the third consecutive year. The Central European nation continues to dominate the list, excelling in factors such as quality of life, business openness, and stability. Meanwhile, India dropped three positions, ranking 33rd, compared to 30th in last year’s survey.
Switzerland Leads the Global Rankings
Switzerland, known for its stability, scenic landscapes, and business-friendly environment, has now secured the top spot in the Best Countries Ranking for the seventh time since the survey’s inception. The rankings are based on global perceptions of 89 countries, with each nation evaluated across 10 subcategories, including adventure, agility, heritage, entrepreneurship, and quality of life. While Switzerland excelled in areas like quality of life and entrepreneurship, its lowest rank was in the heritage category.
Following Switzerland in the top five are Japan, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notably, European countries dominated the top 25, further highlighting their strong global standing.
India’s Ranking Drops
India, despite its growing influence on the world stage, ranked 33rd in the 2024 survey, three spots lower than last year. While India performed well in the movers category, which assesses a country’s resilience and adaptability (ranking 7th), it struggled in areas such as social purpose and adventure, which significantly impacted its overall ranking. India also ranked highly in the heritage category, coming in at 10th place, a reflection of its rich cultural history.
Asia was represented in the top 25 by Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea, while the UAE and Qatar were the only Middle Eastern countries to make the cut.
The Survey and Its Methodology
The Best Countries Ranking 2024 is based on a survey of 16,960 individuals across 36 countries. The ranking evaluates countries on 73 attributes grouped into 10 sub-rankings. These include factors such as entrepreneurship, cultural influence, power, and quality of life, all of which are designed to provide a broader view of a country’s success beyond just economic power.
The model used for the rankings was developed by the Wharton Business School, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced approach to evaluating the qualitative attributes that contribute to a country’s global perception.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s consistent performance across multiple categories, combined with its reputation for stability and business openness, helped it secure the top spot in the 2024 Best Countries Ranking. For India, while its heritage and adaptability continue to be strengths, it faces challenges in areas like social purpose and adventure, which have caused its drop in the rankings. As countries continue to evolve, these rankings provide valuable insight into how nations are perceived on the global stage.
Sources By Agencies
