best country in the world essay

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Best Countries 2024

Which country is the best country? Simple answers to this question are easy to find, but change dramatically depending upon personal opinion and one's definition of the word "best". Is it the country with the most wealth ? The one with the greatest personal freedoms? Or perhaps the one with the highest happiness , most Nobel Prize winners , largest actual size , or something else entirely? Scientifically and statistically sound answers, on the other hand, are much more challenging to obtain.

One of the most sophisticated and respected attempts to determine the world's "best" countries is the annual Best Countries rankings , which is generated by the US News and World Report with the help of BAV Group and the University of Pennsylvania 's Wharton School of Business. The Best Countries rankings begin with the selection of the 85 countries most likely to appear in the "best" rankings. These countries produce approximately 95% of global gross domestic product and represent almost 80% of the world's population. More than 17,000 surveys are then conducted regarding these nations, with specific attention paid to 73 specific country attributes. The results of these surveys are then compiled to produce a statistically valid, data-backed ranking of the "best" countries.

Top 10 Best Countries (US News and World Report 2022):*

Best Countries categories

The 73 country attributes surveyed by the Best Countries rankings can be grouped into 10 overarching subranking categories such as Social Purpose, Power, and Cultural Influence, each of which contribute a weighted percentage of the final country rankings. 68 attributes are listed below. The remaining five attributes tracked are used for purposes other than determining the country rankings, and so are not shown.

Profiles of the world's best countries

Switzerland.

A consistent top performer, Switzerland ranked #4 in 2021 and moved to #1 in 2022. Known for its historic neutrality even during World War II , Switzerland led the world in the Open for Business category in 2022 and also scored in the top ten in the categories of Cultural Influence (8th), Social Purpose (8th), Entrepreneurship (7th), and Quality of Life (4th). Switzerland has low unemployment, a skilled workforce, highly developed financial services and high-tech manufacturing industries, and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world. The Swiss have also collected more patents and [Nobel Prizes] per capita than any other citizenry and enjoy one of the world's longest life expectancies of any country.

Third in the 2021 overall rankings and second in 2022, Germany posted top-ten scores in the categories of Entrepreneurship (1st), Agility (2nd), Power (4th), Quality of Life (7th), and Social Purpose (9). Germany commands one of the world's largest economies and is a leading importer and exporter . Germany's economy is populated by skilled workers and led by a service sector strong in telecommunications, health care, and tourism.

Canada took first place in the 2021 rankings and dropped only two spots in 2022. The second-largest country in the world in terms of total area, Canada is the only country among 2022's top five that did not achieve the #1 ranking in at least one of the ten categories. Nonetheless, Canada posted top-ten rankings in Agility (3rd), Entrepreneurship (8th), Open for Business (10th), Quality of Life (3rd), and Social Purpose (5th). Canada boasts a high standard of living and has embraced its multiculturalism admirably. Its economy is driven by a healthy service sector. Canada also has some of the world's largest oil reserves and is one of the world's leading oil producers .

United States

The fourth-best country of 2022 (and sixth-best of 2021) is the United States, which ranked first in both the Agility and Power categories, as well as second in Entrepreneurship and third in Cultural Influence. The reach and impact of the US is significant, from its economic and military influence to its pop culture, spread by music, movies, and television programming. The US has the highest GDP in the world (and the highest GNI/GDI as well), and is one of the most technologically advanced countries . The US also boasts the highest military spending (though arguably not the largest military ).

Sweden (fifth place in 2022, ninth in 2021) ranked first in both Quality of Life and Social Purpose in 2022, and also ranked high in Open for Business (7th), Entrepreneurship (9th), and Agility (6th). Similar to the Swiss, the people of Sweden enjoy quite high life expectancies and have remained largely neutral through many significant military conflicts. While Sweden's taxes are high compared to many other countries, they are often used to benefit society as a whole, such as providing all citizens with no-cost health care and tuition-free university education. Sweden is also among the world's greenest countries , with a high recycling rate . Swedes are also known to be quite generous, and donate the equivalent to roughly 1% of the country's gross national product to aid programs each year.

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• US News Best Countries 2022 Rankings - US News and World Report
• 2020 Best Countries

No, the U.S. Isn’t the Best Country in the World

50 best countries in the world, ranked.

Is it difficult to name just one country when somebody asks you your favorite? Multiple factors might go into assigning this top spot. The culture. The food. The people. Or that crazy, unforgettable adventure you had. There are plenty of travel destination lists out there, but we’re interested in the king of said lists: the 50 best countries in the world.

So, how does a country get included in such a prestigious index? U.S. News & World Report gathered data from a survey of 20,000 people across the globe. It presented a list of 10 attributes: adventure, cultural influence, heritage, entrepreneurship, movers, open for business, power, agility, social purpose and quality of life. And — alas! — this list was born. 

These are the 50 best countries in the world. If your favorite country doesn’t rank where you thought it might, just remember that it’s No. 1 in your book. But, honestly, maybe you should check out some of these far superior destinations. OK, OK, let the debate begin...

• Adventure #33
• Agility #62
• Cultural Influence #46
• Entrepreneurship #75
• Heritage #22
• Open for Business #33
• Quality of Life #58
• Social Purpose #45  

*The numbers listed are the country's ranking for each of the 10 attributes assessed for the 2022 report, which contributed to its overall ranking. 

How Peru Ranks

Peru’s history traces back to the Incan Empire, and Machu Picchu is the country's major tourist attraction that sits high in the Andes Mountains. While you might visit Peru to experience these ancient ruins, the country is also home to plenty of other sites like Colca Canyon (the deepest canyon in the world) and the Amazon rainforest. 

It's also an excellent country for scenic hiking, eating potatoes (yum!) and bird watching, ranking well in the U.S. News' adventure and heritage categories. While you’re there, try a pisco sour, a refreshing drink made using lemon, sugar, egg and ice. But watch it — too many of these will have you face down on the floor.

What ranked Peru on the lower end of this list is its score for power, as it lacks a strong military, international political influence and strong international alliances.

• Adventure #36
• Agility #45
• Cultural Influence #50
• Entrepreneurship #57
• Heritage #35
• Open for Business #42
• Quality of Life #53
• Social Purpose #39

How Chile Ranks

Chile is the long, narrow country that takes up most of the length of South America’s western coastline. From top to bottom, it covers 2,700 miles, with the widest point being 150 miles! Here you’ll find the world’s largest swimming pool, the driest place on Earth, world-class wine, active volcanoes and five UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Among these sites is Easter Island, the mysterious island filled with about 900 moai statues weighing about 14 tons each! So, where did they come from, and how did they get there? It’s still a mystery. 

Like Peru to the north, Chile ranks low in terms of entrepreneurship and power but is strongly tied to its heritage and is good to its citizens.

48. Hungary

• Adventure #49
• Agility #51
• Cultural Influence #55
• Entrepreneurship #35
• Heritage #40
• Open for Business #55
• Quality of Life #33
• Social Purpose #25

How Hungary Ranks

Cheaper than its Western European counterparts, Hungary is a gem of a country. Most travelers who make it here spend time in gorgeous Budapest, famous for its striking Parliament building and lavish bathhouses. But adventurers who seek out places beyond the capital encounter true hidden gems in smaller medieval cities and unspoiled landscapes. 

Hungary shines in social purpose as one of the top 25 countries — an impressive feat for a former Soviet state. It also ranks well for quality of life. Wise up and visit before the word gets out.

47. Vietnam

• Adventure #44
• Agility #53
• Cultural Influence #54
• Entrepreneurship #40
• Heritage #31
• Open for Business #29
• Quality of Life #40
• Social Purpose #78

How Vietnam Ranks

Vietnam shares its borders with Cambodia, Laos and the South China Sea, but it shines bright enough to land on this list. The densely populated country has incredibly beautiful landscapes. Here you’ll find emerald island coves, big beaches and lush jungles. Don’t miss the chance to see the Golden Bridge , a 492-foot pedestrian bridge held up by two giant sculpted hands! 

Even more noteworthy than Vietnam’s landscapes is its food. Vietnamese cuisine is considered some of the healthiest in the world. They like to use a lot of fresh ingredients, including seafood, vegetables and herbs.

46. Philippines

• Adventure #26
• Agility #46
• Cultural Influence #44
• Entrepreneurship #48
• Heritage #42
• Open for Business #18
• Quality of Life #37
• Social Purpose #54

How the Philippines Ranks

The Philippines is made up of 7,641 islands, but only about 2,000 are inhabited. Spain, Japan and the U.S. all colonized the Philippines at one point, and it played a critical role in World War II. 

It’s an excellent place for snorkeling with whale sharks, laying in the sun and riding around in Jeepneys. One thing’s for sure, Filipinos are some of the friendliest people in the world. 

45. Croatia

• Agility #41
• Cultural Influence #43
• Entrepreneurship #44
• Heritage #41
• Open for Business #48
• Quality of Life #29
• Social Purpose #27

How Croatia Ranks

Do you picture Medieval fortresses, Baroque churches and limestone buildings when you think of Croatia? Us, too. This small country lines the Adriatic Sea and includes more than 1,200 islands, isles and inlets (nope, those words don’t mean the same thing). 

You may know Dubrovnik as being the gorgeous backdrop to King’s Landing in the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” In fact, its scenic landscapes and pleasant climate are exactly what earned it a spot on this top 50 list.

44. Czechia

• Adventure #43
• Agility #37
• Cultural Influence #51
• Entrepreneurship #32
• Heritage #49
• Open for Business #63
• Quality of Life #27
• Social Purpose #24

How Czechia Ranks

Czechia is a relatively new country and has established itself as having an advanced economy with high living standards. The country has adopted somewhat of a bohemian lifestyle and heritage. After all, this area of the world was once the Kingdom of Bohemia. 

And let’s not forget that it's famous for its beer — and happens to be the country that consumes the most beer per capita in the world! Perhaps, that’s why it ranks No. 27 for quality of life. Either way, you certainly need to grab a pint at a “hospoda” (pub) the next time you visit.

43. Morocco

• Adventure #24
• Agility #56
• Cultural Influence #38
• Entrepreneurship #59
• Heritage #16
• Open for Business #31
• Quality of Life #52
• Social Purpose #70

How Morocco Ranks

Morocco, aka the Kingdom of Morocco, is about the same size as the state of California. It lies on the northwest coast of Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Did you know it’s only an hour ferry ride away from Spain? 

Architecture in Morocco is incredibly beautiful. Marrakech , specifically, is a photographer’s dream! Famous Moroccan dishes include couscous, pastilla and tajine, all made with memorable flavors that will likely inflict a food coma. Most of the population lives in coastal cities, and it’s deemed one of the top 20 countries with an up-and-coming economy.

42. South Africa

• Adventure #35
• Agility #39
• Cultural Influence #39
• Entrepreneurship #39
• Heritage #23
• Open for Business #74
• Quality of Life #60
• Social Purpose #41

How South Africa Ranks

South Africa has come a long way from its dark past. Today, it’s a world-class destination for tourists who travel to visit vineyards, embark on safaris, go shopping and taste fine dining. 

Cape Town, in particular, is an excellent spot for surfing, shark cage diving and watching sports. Several national parks throughout South Africa offer the best opportunities to spot the Big Five animals .

41. Indonesia

• Adventure #34
• Agility #44
• Cultural Influence #45
• Entrepreneurship #42
• Heritage #27
• Open for Business #21
• Quality of Life #36
• Social Purpose #47

How Indonesia Ranks

There are a lot of islands scattered over the Equator between Asia and Australia, and most of them belong to Indonesia. Because the country is so spread out, there are more than 700 languages and dialects spoken within Indonesia. 

This country is one of the friendliest in the world and a common hub for expats. There are about 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia, and it’s the only place in the world to see Komodo dragons in the wild.

40. Costa Rica

• Adventure #10
• Agility #43
• Cultural Influence #37
• Entrepreneurship #62
• Heritage #43
• Open for Business #19
• Quality of Life #56
• Social Purpose #43

How Costa Rica Ranks

Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America. The tropical nation leads the way in ecotourism by promoting and encouraging sustainability efforts on tours, hotels and restaurants. Fun fact: Costa Rica hosts more than 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03 percent of the planet’s surface. 

The country ranks No. 10 for adventure, as it’s a hub for ziplining, surfing and hiking in a pleasant climate. Locals live by the phrase “pura vida,” meaning “the simple life,” a phrase we should all adopt. 

39. Malaysia

• Adventure #30
• Agility #38
• Cultural Influence #40
• Entrepreneurship #37
• Heritage #33
• Open for Business #14
• Quality of Life #31
• Social Purpose #49

How Malaysia Ranks

Malaysia is another one of the world’s friendliest countries. Plus, it’s a diverse country where you’ll find tall skyscrapers, tropical islands, peaceful tea fields and the world’s largest cave. 

Did you know that you can technically take a road trip from Norway to Malaysia? Tanjung Piai is the southernmost point on the Eurasian landmass. So, if you had the patience, you could drive 5,867 miles through five countries for the most epic road trip ever. Who’s with us?

38. Argentina

• Adventure #11
• Agility #33
• Cultural Influence #33
• Entrepreneurship #43
• Heritage #18
• Open for Business #65
• Quality of Life #46
• Social Purpose #29

How Argentina Ranks

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world (by landmass). It spans from the desert in the north, to vineyards in the middle and the Patagonia region in the south. It’s rich in culture, traditions, literature, music and dancing — specifically tango — ow, ow! This dance was invented in Buenos Aires and is incredibly fun to watch (and perform!). In fact, the entire country earned a 69.2 out of 100 for its sexiness under the adventure category — no joke!

If you get a chance to visit, be sure to catch a soccer game. But know who you’re supporting because locals get really into it.  

• Adventure #74
• Agility #30
• Cultural Influence #42
• Entrepreneurship #26
• Heritage #34
• Open for Business #81
• Quality of Life #44
• Social Purpose #53

How Israel Ranks

Israel lies on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and plays a massive role in global and technological affairs.

For instance, Israel developed the first global instant messenger (brb g2g feed my cat, tlk l8r). Israel is also a prime destination for tourists because it’s filled with incredible beaches, historical sites and other natural wonders. Oh, and it’s a right of passage for visitors to eat their weight in hummus.

• Adventure #66
• Agility #31
• Cultural Influence #35
• Entrepreneurship #27
• Heritage #37
• Open for Business #85
• Quality of Life #48
• Social Purpose #59

How Russia Ranks

We're surprised to see Russia included on the U.S. News & World Report list, given its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Russia’s power is a major influence in ranking No. 23 on the top 50 best countries list. It's possible people voted Russia high in the power category because of its strong military (true), being a world leader (sure) and political influence (a controversial topic in America). 

Power aside, Russia is home to the highest peak in Europe . Lace up those boots because the 18,500-foot volcano called Mount Elbrus is considered an easy peak to climb…

• Adventure #27
• Agility #50
• Cultural Influence #31
• Entrepreneurship #45
• Heritage #6
• Open for Business #69
• Quality of Life #54
• Social Purpose #55

How Egypt Ranks

It’s not news that Egypt is one of the most-visited places in the world, as it’s home to one of the earliest and greatest civilizations. Who could resist the Great Pyramids of Giza and the impressive Nile River? 

The best way to learn about Egypt’s prominent past is a visit to the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (although the opening date is still TBD 2020). This billion-dollar project will showcase thousands of artifacts, including some of the best from King Tut’s tomb. 

34. Saudi Arabia

• Adventure #72
• Agility #34
• Cultural Influence #36
• Entrepreneurship #28
• Heritage #47
• Open for Business #82
• Quality of Life #34
• Social Purpose #64

How Saudi Arabia Ranks

The oil-rich country of Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest exporter of petroleum liquid. The country ranks No. 4 in the movers category, as it’s one of the best places to do business in the Middle East. 

The capital, Riyadh, has the world’s largest camel market . That’s right, you can visit the largest gathering of one-hump camels in this country. (FYI: They like to take selfies!)

• Adventure #9
• Agility #36
• Cultural Influence #19
• Entrepreneurship #41
• Heritage #5
• Open for Business #58
• Quality of Life #39
• Social Purpose #40

How Mexico Ranks

If our Instagram guide to Mexico doesn’t convince you that it deserves a spot on this list, then, well, you’re crazy! Mexico ranks No. 5 in the heritage category for its rich history rooted in Mayan, Aztec and other ancient civilizations. In addition to big beaches, world-class scuba diving and lush jungles, Mexico is home to a number of World Heritage sites. 

Don’t miss Chitzen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. The pyramid-like building was built by the Mayans and is the most popular site for tourists to visit in Mexico. See for yourself, and tell us your theories about how the ancient Mayans built such a structure without modern tools. 

• Adventure #40
• Agility #28
• Cultural Influence #48
• Entrepreneurship #29
• Heritage #32
• Open for Business #46
• Quality of Life #22
• Social Purpose #20

How Poland Ranks

We’ve already ranked Poland as the fifth best country in Europe . Why? Poland is likely responsible for the bagel . Duh. On top of creating God’s gift to Earth, it’s also an affordable country to travel. 

Poland offers natural beauty, incredible cities, exciting food and tons of history. The country is a significant contributor to the arts and science, with five Nobel Prize Laureates, making it a great place to step up your smarts.

• Adventure #48
• Agility #40
• Cultural Influence #34
• Entrepreneurship #31
• Heritage #8
• Open for Business #37
• Quality of Life #38
• Social Purpose #72

How India Ranks

You can’t deny India’s deep-rooted culture. Voters rank it No. 8 in the heritage category for its history, food and many cultural attractions. With a population of 1.4 billion people, India has a fast-growing and diverse economy. 

There’s always something to do in India, whether it’s visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, watching Hindi films at the Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur or lying on a beach in Goa, you definitely won’t get bored. Take it from us — the best time to travel to India is from October to March. 

• Adventure #15
• Agility #32
• Cultural Influence #27
• Entrepreneurship #34
• Heritage #7
• Open for Business #61
• Quality of Life #32
• Social Purpose #57

How Turkey Ranks

After years of regional fighting and terrorism, Turkey is making a comeback. Advancements made to health, education and economy are pushing the country up this list. Turkey has a rich culture and heritage, which contributes to it being the sixth most-visited country in the world . 

Popular sites include Göbekli Tepe, Ephesus and a World War I battlefield. On its own, Istanbul has one of the best art scenes in the world. Check out the Istanbul Biennial if you don’t believe us. 

• Adventure #64
• Agility #25
• Cultural Influence #29
• Entrepreneurship #25
• Heritage #82
• Open for Business #70
• Quality of Life #30
• Social Purpose #81

How Qatar Ranks

Qatar is the richest country on the planet. Qataris enjoy a high standard of living thanks to the country’s oil wealth. Plan ahead, and book a trip to the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. It will be the first time a country in the Middle East will hold such a big competition! 

When you visit, be sure to remember that Qatar gets hot — like 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer hot. So, the best time to visit is from November to April when it’s a measly 90 degrees Fahrenheit on average. 

28. Thailand

• Adventure #5
• Agility #35
• Cultural Influence #24
• Entrepreneurship #36
• Heritage #10
• Open for Business #13
• Quality of Life #35
• Social Purpose #46

How Thailand Ranks

Thailand, also called “The Land of Smiles,” is a comfortable place to start your travels through Southeast Asia. The happy country offers beaches, jungle and incredible food. Oh yeah, we’re going to pause on the food . Thai cuisine is not only limited to pad thai but varies according to the region. In the north, you’ll find warm and flavorful noodle soups like khao soi or tom yum. In the south, you’ll get more green papaya salads and sticky mango rice. 

When you’re not stuffing your face at every hour of the day, Thailand is a comfortable place to travel as there’s a well-known backpacker circuit, friendly locals and an abundance of places to see. 

• Adventure #1
• Agility #26
• Cultural Influence #16
• Entrepreneurship #38
• Heritage #11
• Open for Business #67
• Quality of Life #47
• Social Purpose #35

How Brazil Ranks

Brazil is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Voters rank Brazil the gold medal in the adventure category for being sexy, fun and scenic. The fifth-largest country in the world seems to have it all: an influential sports culture, 4,600 miles of coastline, the Amazon rainforest and beautiful people. (We see you Gisele Bündchen!)

 There’re plenty of bucket list things to do in this country, including hang gliding over Rio de Janeiro, experiencing Iguazu Falls and white water rafting in Brotas. Trust us, you’ll want to plan an extra-long trip to Brazil.

26. Portugal

• Adventure #7
• Agility #22
• Cultural Influence #25
• Entrepreneurship #30
• Heritage #12
• Open for Business #20
• Quality of Life #20
• Social Purpose #21

How Portugal Ranks

The Portuguese have a deep history of global discovery and exploration. At one point, it owned half of the “New World” including Brazil, Africa and Asia. Yet the country itself is worthy of exploration. 

Portugal juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to some of the best beaches in the world . Don’t believe us? We’ll talk to you after visiting Praia da Rocha in Algarve .

• Adventure #4
• Agility #29
• Cultural Influence #12
• Entrepreneurship #33
• Heritage #2
• Open for Business #36
• Quality of Life #28
• Social Purpose #22

How Greece Ranks

What’s not to love about Greece?! Besides its gorgeous and friendly locals, it has a rich history, beautiful scenery, perfect weather and delicious cuisine. Greece is one of the most-visited countries in the world as it’s suitable for travelers of all budgets.

The Greek islands , in particular, offer plenty of opportunities for relaxing, partying and adventure. Might we suggest watching a stunning sunset while sipping a cocktail in Oia? Nai parakaló (yes, please)! 

24. Luxembourg

• Adventure #41
• Agility #27
• Cultural Influence #32
• Entrepreneurship #22
• Heritage #56
• Open for Business #4
• Quality of Life #17
• Social Purpose #16

How Luxembourg Ranks

Luxembourg comes with a lot of superlatives. It’s the wealthiest country in Europe, the smallest country in Europe and one of the most livable countries in Europe . Show-offs. While we’re frankly tired of these European microstates , we have to admit that the local language, Luxembourgish, is pretty cool (to say, not to learn). 

Other things you might not know about Luxembourg? The country produces award-winning wines! Luxembourg ranks No. 4 in the open for business category, meaning voters appreciate the country’s favorable tax environment (wink, wink). 

23. Ireland

• Adventure #16
• Agility #23
• Cultural Influence #30
• Entrepreneurship #24
• Heritage #17
• Open for Business #15
• Quality of Life #16
• Social Purpose #14

How Ireland Ranks

You'll never see more green than on a trip to the Emerald Isle, whose rolling hills beaten by high winds often lead to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The country ranks highly for adventure, which is no surprise given the vastness of its countryside. A tight community culture and a strong love for Guinness beer probably contribute to a great quality of life. 

And while Ireland's economy hasn't always been strong, Dublin has risen as a hub for European companies like Ryanair, landing the island in the top 25 countries for the Open for Business category.

22. Austria

• Adventure #21
• Agility #24
• Cultural Influence #26
• Entrepreneurship #19
• Heritage #15
• Open for Business #17
• Quality of Life #13
• Social Purpose #11

How Austria Ranks

The hills are alive with the sound of music in Austria! When you’re not yodeling from a hilltop, perhaps you might try skiing the mighty Alps. Don’t forget to order a wiener schnitzel and an apfelstrudel to taste the local cuisine. 

Austria’s culture is heavily influenced by Germany, a neighbor and main trading partner. Austrians experience a high standard of living thanks to a strong economy.

21. United Arab Emirates

• Adventure #55
• Agility #18
• Cultural Influence #14
• Entrepreneurship #18
• Heritage #53
• Open for Business #57
• Quality of Life #26
• Social Purpose #61

How the United Arab Emirates Ranks

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two main tourist hubs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is known for being the business capital, full of tall skyscrapers (including the tallest building in the world!) and luxury shopping. 

Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, is the capital of the UAE and home to plenty of luxury resorts ( the rich and famous love to travel here ), sports and sand dunes. Oh yeah, dune bashing is our favorite pastime. 

20. South Korea

• Adventure #51
• Agility #13
• Cultural Influence #7
• Entrepreneurship #6
• Heritage #30
• Open for Business #76
• Quality of Life #24
• Social Purpose #42

How South Korea Ranks

South Korea has a rollercoaster of a political and economic past. Today, it’s the 11th largest economy in the world. The capital, Seoul , is a tech mecca often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Asia.

 If you’re passing through South Korea in transit, Incheon International Airport has ranked as one of the best airports in the world , thanks to a Korean museum, cultural performances, dining options, gardens, free showers and saunas. 

19. Singapore

• Adventure #20
• Agility #15
• Cultural Influence #18
• Entrepreneurship #12
• Heritage #29
• Open for Business #8
• Quality of Life #23
• Social Purpose #26

How Singapore Ranks

Singapore is a relatively new country, as it was founded as a British colony in the 19th century and became an independent nation in 1965. Today, it acts as Asia’s melting pot of cultures. Five languages are spoken in Singapore (Mandarin, English, Malay, Singlish and Tamil). The cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Indian and Western traditions. And its name is Sanskrit for “Lion City.” 

There’s always something to celebrate in Singapore, whether it’s a food festival, sporting event or art exhibit. Whatever you do, don’t chew gum in Singapore . Don’t even try to smuggle it in… 

18. Belgium

• Adventure #38
• Agility #19
• Cultural Influence #23
• Entrepreneurship #15
• Heritage #39
• Open for Business #12
• Quality of Life #11
• Social Purpose #10

How Belgium Ranks

Belgium is known for beer, chocolate and fries, so of course, it has one of the highest quality of life rankings in the world. Besides enjoying the fine things in life, citizens can live peacefully, earning high scores for gender equality, religious freedom and environmental commitment. 

Travelers, too, love visiting colorful historic cities like Bruges, knowing that crime rates are low and safety scores are high.

• Adventure #59
• Agility #11
• Cultural Influence #11
• Entrepreneurship #5
• Heritage #13
• Open for Business #51
• Quality of Life #25
• Social Purpose #73

How China Ranks

China ranks high on the 50 best countries list for its rapid economic development. While the country has a lot of global influence, it’s controversial in terms of its human rights and tightly controlled politics. 

China is one of the most visited countries in the world, if not for the Great Wall, then for the Forbidden City or giant pandas. There are a surprising number of things that are banned in China , including Justin Beiber, fireworks, gambling and Christmas.

• Adventure #3
• Agility #12
• Cultural Influence #5
• Entrepreneurship #23
• Heritage #3
• Open for Business #28
• Quality of Life #18
• Social Purpose #17

How Spain Ranks

What comes to mind when you think of Spain? Flamenco? A tomato war? Running with the bulls? Spain is not only a beautiful country, but it also provides plenty of things for visitors to do. 

Voters rank Spain as No. 3 in the adventure category for the country’s fun, friendly and scenic atmosphere. Vamos! What are you waiting for? Jump on a plane to Spain (hell yeah, that rhymes), eat paella, drink sangria, take a siesta, dance at a discotheque and do it all over again. 

15. Finland

• Adventure #23
• Agility #20
• Cultural Influence #28
• Entrepreneurship #16
• Heritage #46
• Open for Business #3
• Quality of Life #6
• Social Purpose #4

How Finland Ranks

Finland is quirky. The country hosts a wife-carrying race , they drink more coffee than anyone else, and they celebrate a day of failure . Quirkiness aside, Finland is the happiest country in the world. 

It’s also one of the most northern-reaching countries in the world and a prime place to watch the Northern Lights. Don’t worry about visiting during the winter; there are about 2 million saunas in Finland to keep you warm. 

• Adventure #2
• Agility #21
• Cultural Influence #1
• Entrepreneurship #21
• Heritage #1
• Open for Business #41
• Quality of Life #19
• Social Purpose #19

How Italy Ranks

This boot-shaped European country sees more than 40 million tourists each year — and for good reason! It has ancient history, active volcanoes, pebble beaches, top-quality shopping and the best cuisine in the world. (That’s our hot take, come at us.) 

When you’re not stuffing your face with pizza and pasta, visit one of its many world heritage sites. Voters rank Italy No. 1 in the cultural influence and heritage categories for its great food (duh), fashion, attractions and accessibility. That’s amore! 

• Adventure #22
• Agility #17
• Cultural Influence #22
• Entrepreneurship #17
• Heritage #36
• Open for Business #5
• Quality of Life #5
• Social Purpose #2

How Norway Ranks

Ahhh Norway. The Scandinavian country is known for its fjords, Vikings and literary folklore. Norway has a lot of quirky fun facts. For instance, did you know Norwegians invented skis? Or that it’s home to the world’s longest road tunnel? How about the children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: being inspired by the Freia chocolate factory in Oslo?? It’s true! 

Norway’s like that weird uncle who shows up to Thanksgiving and flaunts his accomplishments. So, it’s fair that Norway made it to the top 15. 

12. Netherlands

• Adventure #13
• Cultural Influence #17
• Entrepreneurship #11
• Heritage #26
• Open for Business #11
• Quality of Life #8
• Social Purpose #6

How the Netherlands Ranks

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Grab a bike, and explore the canals that wind through the Netherlands. There are more than 1,000 bridges that connect the country. 

The Netherlands is also a great place to watch tulips blossom, visit ancient windmills and eat cheese. Sound stereotypical? It’s the Dutch experience! 

11. New Zealand

• Adventure #6
• Cultural Influence #20
• Entrepreneurship #20
• Heritage #25
• Open for Business #9
• Quality of Life #10
• Social Purpose #7

How New Zealand Ranks

Don’t underestimate this small but mighty country located at the bottom of the world. An impressive mountain range and empty beaches are scattered throughout the country. Kiwis (a term for New Zealanders) are notorious adventurers. They invented bungee jumping and jet boating, two thrills that should be on everyone’s bucket list! 

New Zealand is also a top spot to experience wildlife … and sheep! (There’s a myth that there are 20 sheep for every one Kiwi .) Sheep aside, voters accredited New Zealand with being an excellent country for citizenship, adventure and quality of life. 

10. Denmark

• Adventure #29
• Cultural Influence #21
• Entrepreneurship #10
• Heritage #45
• Open for Business #6
• Quality of Life #2
• Social Purpose #3

How Denmark Ranks

There’s a lot of hype around Denmark. If Denmark can’t be the best in the world, it’s definitely the best in Europe . You may have even heard that it’s one of the happiest countries in the world. (Affordable housing, health care and transit will do that for you.) 

While jobs are plentiful, crimes barely exist and Danes just don’t seem to be too concerned about the future. But it’s not perfect — Denmark affords all these with one of the highest income tax rates in the world. Still, Denmark’s high quality of life boosts it to No. 10 on the top 50 countries list.

• Adventure #12
• Agility #14
• Cultural Influence #2
• Entrepreneurship #13
• Heritage #4
• Open for Business #34
• Quality of Life #15
• Social Purpose #15

How France Ranks

France isn’t just fine cuisine, historic architecture and high fashion shopping — it’s one of the most influential countries in the world. It’s one of the oldest countries and has contributed plenty of economic, scientific, artistic and political influences to the whole world. 

France is a popular tourist destination, not only for Paris, but also places like Nice, Bordeaux and the French Alps. (We even created an offbeat guide to France !) When in France, do as the French do. Let your hair down, drink fine wine, eat a baguette, shop couture and relax with a capital “R.” 

8. United Kingdom

• Adventure #37
• Agility #10
• Cultural Influence #6
• Entrepreneurship #4
• Heritage #14
• Open for Business #32
• Quality of Life #12
• Social Purpose #12

How the United Kingdom Ranks

The United Kingdom has been a part of our history books for as long as we can remember. With plenty of contributions to literature, science and technology throughout the years, the U.K. is a significant global influence. 

Visiting the U.K. comes with historical landmarks, varying dialects, fish and chips, and stunning architecture. The country ranks high on the list for cultural influence, no doubt, thanks to the Royal Family and its ancestral past. 

7. Australia

• Adventure #8
• Cultural Influence #10
• Entrepreneurship #14
• Heritage #19
• Open for Business #16
• Quality of Life #9
• Social Purpose #9

How Australia Ranks

Crikey! What do you think of when Australia comes to mind? Kangaroos? Steve Irwin? The Great Barrier Reef? That’s fair. While Australia is known for having some of the most interesting  ( and scariest ) wildlife in the world, it’s also a relatively peaceful and small country (its population is just 25 million for such a big landmass!). 

Australians are very progressive when it comes to environmental issues, as it sits in the part of the world where there’s a thin ozone layer . Voters rank Australia No. 9 for quality of life, attributing the country to being safe, economically stable and having a well-developed health system. Sounds about right, mate!

• Adventure #28
• Cultural Influence #4
• Entrepreneurship #3
• Heritage #9
• Open for Business #39
• Quality of Life #14
• Social Purpose #23

How Japan Ranks

Japan leads the way when it comes to technology and education. It also has the third-largest economy in the world by being the biggest producers of cars, electronics and steel. Aside from the hefty accolades, Japan holds onto its traditional culture rooted in food, art, gardening and sport. 

The Japanese have one of the longest life expectancies in the world , with locals living to be (on average) 85.3 years old. Pass the tea, please. They’re obviously doing something right!

• Adventure #19
• Cultural Influence #13
• Entrepreneurship #9
• Heritage #38
• Open for Business #7
• Quality of Life #1
• Social Purpose #1

How Sweden Ranks

Life is good in Sweden. The government spends money on public services, while college education and healthcare are free. There must be something in the water because the Swedes have one of the longest life expectancies in the world. 

Stockholm is a beautiful and historic capital city, but be sure to venture to other areas of the country, including Kosterhavet for snorkeling, Gothenburg for the food and Lapland for the Northern Lights. Ahh, it’s time for Fika. 

4. United States of America

• Adventure #32
• Cultural Influence #3
• Entrepreneurship #2
• Heritage #20
• Open for Business #53
• Quality of Life #21
• Social Purpose #18

How the United States Ranks

Come to the United States for the hot dogs, baseball games and the Grand Canyon, and stay for Jennifer Aniston. Ha, we’re kidding. But seriously, the United States is such a vast and populated country that it provides an endless list of things to do and see. 

You could spend years looking for the best ice cream in every state or sampling the best American breakfast foods . You could even host your trivia night dedicated to U.S. facts ! While globally, the U.S. is a powerful country, it still experiences issues on the homefront such as racial tensions, gun violence and income inequality, which prevents it from being higher on this list. 

• Adventure #17
• Cultural Influence #15
• Entrepreneurship #8
• Heritage #28
• Open for Business #10
• Quality of Life #3
• Social Purpose #5

How Canada Ranks

Oh, Canada! We can’t underestimate the second-largest country in the world! The friendly nation is full of national parks, 10 percent of the world’s forests and the world’s longest coastline. 

Canadians experience a high standard of living, and no, it’s not because of Tim Hortons (yes, that helps). It’s because of its strong economy. Although it ranks so high, we can’t get past the fact that Canada’s lowest recorded temperature was as cold as Mars . Brrr, eh? 

• Adventure #42
• Cultural Influence #9
• Entrepreneurship #1
• Heritage #21
• Open for Business #23
• Quality of Life #7
• Social Purpose #13

How Germany Ranks

It’s no doubt that Germany has one of the leading economies in the world, but it’s also a significant cultural hub. Many of the world’s firsts (inventions and discoveries) come from Germany. 

You can thank them for Daylight Savings Time, the electric elevator and the teddy bear. When you’re not drinking beer and eating bratwurst in Germany, explore the magical Neuschwanstein Castle , medieval Freiburg and edgy Berlin. Ja!

1. Switzerland

• Adventure #14
• Agility #16
• Cultural Influence #8
• Entrepreneurship #7
• Heritage #24
• Open for Business #1
• Quality of Life #4
• Social Purpose #8

How Switzerland Ranks

Herzliche glückwünsche to Switzerland (that’s German for “congratulations”)! The mountainous Central European country ranks No. 1 on the top 50 countries list. This neutral nation ranks high for its wealth, diversity, low unemployment and its overall breathtaking landscape. 

Did you know that Swiss people consume the most chocolate per capita in the world? No wonder it’s ranked the best country in the world. 

Honorable Mention: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is often nicknamed the “teardrop of India” or “the pearl of the Indian Ocean.” But no matter what it’s called, it’s a small island located on the southeast coast of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is a relatively young nation that claimed independence in 1948. Now, it’s a hub for tourism drawn by ancient Buddhist temples, beautiful beaches, traditional (spicy) food and lush jungles. 

FYI: Sri Lanka is the leading tea producer in the world! Tea enthusiasts can learn all about the country’s history with tea at the Ceylon Tea Museum . While the country’s economy is certainly on the up-and-up, the main factor keeping Sri Lanka on the lower end of this list is the way it treats its citizens, scoring poorly in gender equality, caring about human rights and trustworthiness.

Honorable Mention: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is teeming with culture and suave dance moves. It’s the site of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas and the first European settlement. The capital city, Santo Domingo, is where the first Catholic cathedral, first university and first hospital were established in the Americas. (There really are a lot of “firsts” associated with this Caribbean country.) 

The Dominican Republic is also known for producing some of the best baseball players in the world, such as Bartolo Colón and Robinson Canó! When you visit this country, be sure to try merengue, a Latin style of dancing that’s sure to bring out your two left feet. Plus, the country’s waterfalls and ocean activities make it an adventurer’s paradise.

Honorable Mention: Panama

Receiving placements within the top 50 in previous years, these countries deserve an honorable mention.

Panama is a narrow country in Central America, most famous for the Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Did you know it takes a ship eight to 10 hours to make its way through the canal?! Geez, that’s a time commitment. 

Besides this necessary feat in history, Panama is the only place in the world where you can watch the sunrise in the Pacific and sunset on the Atlantic. It just takes an aggressive hike up to the highest point in the country, Volcan Baru. Sweat-provoking? Yes. Worth it? Definitely. 

Panama attracts several foreign corporations from near and far due to its scarce regulation of tax-exempt offshore banking. And, of course, its beautiful beaches attract tourists seeking adventure.

The 17 best countries in the world for people who want to run their own businesses — and enjoy a high quality of life

• US News & World Report has released its fifth annual Best Countries list, which ranks 73 countries based on global perceptions.
• US News partnered with BAV Group and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School to evaluate each country on 65 attributes grouped into nine subrankings. Over 20,000 people hailing from 36 countries were surveyed.
• Entrepreneurship and Quality of Life  carried the most weight when determining rankings.
• Ten out of the top 17 countries are in Europe. Switzerland placed No. 1 for the fourth year in a row, and the UK dropped out of the top five for the first time. Four Nordic countries made the cut.
• Canada replaced Japan in the No. 2 spot — good news for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle !
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For the fifth year in a row, US News & World Report has released their ranking of the best countries in world . For 2020, US News ranked 73 countries based on global perceptions. In partnership with BAV Group and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, US News surveyed over 20,000 people across the globe and evaluated countries on 65 metrics. To secure a place on this year's list, countries had to rank among the top 150 countries in the world in the 2017 U.N. Human Development Index as well as among the top 100 countries in terms of GDP, foreign direct investment inflows, and international tourism receipts, according to 2017 World Bank data. Countries that did not meet these four criteria or that didn't report this data were excluded. US News sent its survey to participants that would be "broadly representative of the global population." Those that participated hailed from 36 countries across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

The 65 metrics on which countries were evaluated were grouped into nine subrankings : adventure, citizenship, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power, and quality of life. Each subranking carried a different weight in contributing to the final ranking, with Entrepreneurship and Quality of Life yielding the most influence — 17.87% and 16.77%, respectively. Here, in ascending order, are the top 17 countries:

Highlights: Widespread cultural influence; steeped in history; huge tourism industry; economy experiencing notable growth in northern Italy

Highest subranking: Heritage (No. 1 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 18 out of 80

Source: US News & World Report

16. Singapore

Highlights: Known for its safety and security; one of the world's wealthiest nations; home to one of the world's busiest ports; low unemployment; booming electronics and pharmaceutical sectors 

Highest subranking: Open for Business (No. 5 out of 73) 

2019 overall ranking: No. 15 out of 80 

Highlights: Largest population in the world; world's second largest economy and one of the fastest growing; economic growth has reduced the number of people living in poverty

Highest subrankings: Power (No. 3 out of 73) and Movers (No. 3 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 16 out of 80

14. Finland

Highlights: International leader in education; ranks highly with regard to overall quality of life, civil rights, and freedom of press; first country to legalize universal suffrage; international trade makes up one-third of its GDP 

Highest subranking: Citizenship (No. 6 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 14 out of 80 

13. Denmark

Highlights: Government perceived as stable, transparent, and progressive; universal health care system; free higher education; high social mobility

Highest subranking: Quality of Life (No. 2 out of 80)

2019 overall ranking: No. 13 out 73

Highlights: Widespread cultural influence; wealthy, high-income nation; one of the world's largest economies; large tourism sector

Highest subranking: Cultural Influence (No. 2 out of 80)

2019 overall ranking: No. 10 out of 73

11. New Zealand

Highlights: Nuclear free zone; birthplace of many famous figures, including the first man to summit Everest; large investment in education; uninhabited wilds are ideal for outdoor exploration

Highest subranking: Adventure (No. 7 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 12 out of 80

Highlights: Wealthy nation; one of the world's leading petroleum exporters; higher education is by and large free; rich literary tradition 

Highest subranking: Citizenship (No. 3 out 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 9 out of 80

9. Netherlands

Highlights: Reputation as a tolerant society; first country to legalize same-sex marriage; world's highest concentration of museums; 20,000 miles of bike paths encourage an active life; leading exporter of agriculture

Highest subranking: Citizenship (No. 4 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 11 out of 80 

Highlights: Committed to sustainability, human rights, and public service; equal wealth distribution; free healthcare and college education

Highest subranking: Citizenship (No. 1 out of 73)

2019 ranking: No. 6 out of 80 

7. United States

Highlights: World's most dominant power, economically and politically; widespread cultural influence; home to top universities 

Highest subranking: Power (No. 1 out of 73) 

2019 overall ranking: No. 8 out of 80

6. United Kingdom

Highlights: Large banking and tourism industries; London a major international finance center; major contributions to the arts and sciences

Highest subranking: Entrepreneurship (No. 4 out of 73) 

2019 overall ranking: No. 5 out of 80

5. Australia

Highlights: High life expectancy; major cities score high in livability; wealthy nation;  progressive legislation with regard to same-sex marriage and the environment

Highest subranking: Quality of Life (No. 5 out 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 7 out of 80

Highlights: Skilled and affluent workforce; one of the world's largest economies; thriving telecommunications, health care, and tourism sectors; leader in imports and exports; birthplace of many notable cultural figures

Highest subranking: Entrepreneurship (No. 1 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 4 out of 80

Highlights: Highly literate and technologically advanced; third-largest economy in the world; one of the world's largest producers of automobiles and electronics 

Highest subranking: Entrepreneurship (No. 2 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 2 out of 80

Highlights: National policy of multiculturalism; high standard of living; hi-tech industrial economy; world's fifth-largest oil producer

Highest subranking: Quality of Life (No. 1 out of 73)

2019 overall ranking: No. 3 out of 80

1. Switzerland

Highlights: One of the world's wealthiest countries; strong economy with low corporate tax rates; political neutrality; diverse cultural makeup; high number of Nobel Prize winners and registered patents

Highest subranking: Open for Business (No. 2 out of 73) 2019 overall ranking: No. 1 out of 80

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• Main content

The 20 Best Countries in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

For years, we've asked our readers to tell us their favorite countries in the world via our annual Readers’ Choice Awards . Now in its 36th iteration, the list continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from the best hotels in the world to the top airlines , cruises , islands , and luggage . This year, you traveled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritizing destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next. Here are the 20 best countries in the world, as voted by Traveler readers.

View this gallery as a full list of the top 20 countries in the world with scores here .

All eyes will be on Paris this year, as the city prepares to host the Summer Olympics. Following the reconstruction of Notre-Dame and this year's much-publicized battle with bedbugs , the City of Light is embracing the spirit of reinvention. That means playful design hotel openings , Dominique Crenn’s first restaurant in her home country, renewed efforts to clean up the Seine (with the goal of making it swimmable, no less), and a slew of French Asian artisans and chefs shaking up the cultural scene. Well beyond the confines of the capital, there are new adventures to discover, from the low-key surf scene in Hossegor to a buzzy African-inspired restaurant in Nîmes to a wave of modernist-tinged openings in the perma-chic French Riviera . And much, much farther afield, the overseas territory of French Polynesia made our list of the 24 best places to go in 2024 . The 118-island archipelago, which is reinvesting in its native flora and restoring coral, will play host to the Olympic surfing competitions this year.

19. Sri Lanka

This South Asian nation packs a wallop into a single teardrop-shaped island only slightly larger than the state of West Virginia: Think high-elevation tea plantations that are eye-vibratingly green, national parks where sloth bears and endangered elephants roam, and friendly surf towns that, if you squint, might remind you of Costa Rica or Nicaragua some decades years ago. (May we suggest Ahangama , with its indie-music venues, locavore cafés, and eco-boutiques?) And then there’s the capital city of Colombo , where you can shop for local spices, fly kites along the waterfront, or even charter a yacht. As Sri Lanka has worked in recent years to secure its spot as a global tourism contender, it has faced quite a few challenges, from the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings to the pandemic. Now, it’s looking to regain the trust of visitors with its trademark hospitality and warm nature—not to mention an ever-expanding roster of new hotels and resorts .

18. Austria

Vienna has long been a favorite stop on European grand tours, but despite the city’s Hapsburg-era pomp and splendor, it’s far from a dusty museum piece. Leaders recently announced plans to be carbon neutral by 2040, led by a hyperlocal culinary scene that has welcomed such innovations as a city snail farm and an urban collective that uses grounds from the city’s famed coffee house scene to grow mushrooms. Outside the capital, visitors still flock to alpine ski villages and jewel-box-like Salzburg , but other destinations are bubbling to the surface. Making our Hot List recently is The Cōmodo , an artfully repurposed 1960s health resort on the edge of the country’s largest national park in the mountain village of Bad Gastein. And, this year, the country celebrated its third European Capital of Culture—following Graz in 2003 and Linz in 2009—the spa town of Bad Ischl, where the healing salt waters have been attracting royalty and other elites since the early 1800s.

17. South Africa

South Africa has always been a favorite first stop on the continent for international travelers, and it’s becoming increasingly accessible thanks to new direct routes. But even if you’ve visited before, you might not recognize the place: Joining the illustrious ranks of the country’s famed safari resorts and wineries are a slew of new openings , including a revitalized weekend market in Johannesburg and buzzy beach clubs in the heart of Cape Town. Beyond the wildlife watching that has made South Africa a favorite destination for generations of safari goers, new adventures await around every corner: Take lessons with the country’s first Black African free-diving instructor, the mermaid-esque Zandile Ndhlovu ; retrace Viola Davis’s footsteps in the filming locations from The Woman King (South Africa stood in for the former West African Kingdom of Dahomey); or collaborate on your own bespoke African-print bomber jacket with local Joburg fashion designer Sebo Marobela .

16. United Kingdom

Thanks to Brexit and a new monarch, it’s safe to say that the United Kingdom hasn’t seen such an intense period of transition since perhaps the Margaret Thatcher era. But despite the changes, most of the things we all know and love about the country are still intact, such as London’s dazzlingly diverse restaurant scene and its wide array of free museums (the National Portrait Gallery reopened its doors last summer after a three-year renovation). History is always being reimagined and remixed in these parts: Take, for instance, the landmark Old War Office, which has been transformed into Raffles London at The OWO , or the renovated 1511 Thornbury Castle , where you can now make like a Tudor-era noble and book an overnight stay. Up in the north of England, Yorkshire made it onto our list of the best places to go in 2024, thanks to its emerging culinary scene, and adventures await beyond the borders of England as well—foraging for mushrooms in Wales , tapping into maritime history in Northern Ireland , or hopping between swimmable tidal pools on the coast of Scotland .

15. Germany

With its fairytale castles , charming small towns , and festive Christmas markets , Germany has always loomed large as a tourist magnet, whether you’re exploring it by train, river cruise, or road trip . While the country may seem tradition-bound, it’s also not afraid of trying something new, which might mean immersive art shows taking over unexpected spaces in Berlin or a $120 million, high-tech medi-spa opening in the pastoral North Frisian Islands. There are new contemporary-art-filled places to stay , buzzy neighborhoods (like Munich’s meatpacking district, Schlachthofviertel ), and even an expanding fleet of ultra-eco-friendly, hydrogen-powered passenger trains that emit only steam and condensed water. Of course, the classics are just as beautiful as they’ve always been: When, for instance, you enjoy the healing thermal springs of Baden-Baden , you’re taking part in a millennia-old tourist tradition that dates back to the pre-Roman Celts.

14. Croatia

The secret’s out: This Balkan country may have been off-the-beaten path a decade or so ago, but it’s rapidly gaining in popularity, thanks to increased direct flights, an influx of cruises, and especially the popularity of Game of Thrones . Croatia is feeling the growing pains of its success, with spots like Dubrovnik and Split becoming every bit as overtouristed as Venice or Amsterdam, but there are plenty of areas around the country that reward exploration: dining at family-farm restaurants and sampling local olive oil in Istria , zipping around by speedboat off the coastline of Trogir , road-tripping through vineyards and oyster farms on the Dalmatian Coast , or sailing among the restful Kornati Islands , which are dotted with oak forests, centuries-old churches, and fortified villages. The result? What local Dalmatians call fjaka —that sweet feeling of doing absolutely nothing.

13. Iceland

Long celebrated as a rugged adventure outpost, Iceland is the kind of edge-of-the-world place where your trip just might be interrupted or postponed by a volcanic eruption or mini-earthquakes—but is worth the wait. These days, urban life is just as alive and exciting as the geothermal activity bubbling underground: Think pilgrimage-worthy restaurants (like Ox , a speakeasy-style tasting-menu spot), see-and-be-seen design hotels ( The Reykjavík Edition ), and a robust roster of new natural wine bars, cocktail lounges, and innovative food halls.

As the Golden Circle becomes increasingly crowded with international visitors taking advantage of IcelandAir’s “stopover” program , the country is gently nudging travelers off the beaten path. The relatively new Diamond Circle , for instance, weaves a 155-mile loop through northeastern Iceland, stopping at waterfalls, mud pits, lava caves, and hot springs. And in 2023, the fan-favorite Blue Lagoon —which boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant of its own, Moss —expanded its footprint with the new Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll , a cozy retreat in a part of the country’s rugged interior that’s so remote even many Icelanders haven’t stepped foot there.

12. Australia

We’ll never stop loving Sydney and Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef , but the overarching theme for Aussie tourism in the past few years has been a resounding: “But there’s so much more out there!” There’s almost a passing of the baton going on among the country’s creative-minded cities: Way out west, Perth enjoyed its status as the country’s fast-growing boomtown, followed by Hobart, Tasmania , which welcomed a game-changing art museum and design hotel . Ready for its big close-up is Queensland’s oft-ignored capital city of Brisbane , which is newly accessible thanks to direct routes from the United States and will see such skyline-transforming additions as the Queen’s Wharf entertainment precinct (with a six-star Rosewood) and a $100-million performing arts venue. And when the first World’s 50 Best Hotels list was released back in September, Brisbane’s modernist-tinged The Calile ranked the highest in the region. On the exact opposite side of the country, Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region made our list of the world’s best places to go in 2024 , thanks to increased cruise itineraries to the area and the newly launched Aboriginal Cultural Expedition.

Istanbul has always sat at the crossroads of the world, where the thin ribbon of the Bosphorus divides Asia from Europe, and East from West. It's taken its position to new heights with a game-changing international airport that opened in 2019 and gained fandom among our readers for its modern design and impressive duty-free shopping zone. Returning visitors will find all the things they love about Istanbul still intact, from its minaret-filled skyline to its thrilling food scene , but there are plenty of fresh offerings, including a burgeoning contemporary gallery scene in artsy Karaköy . Farther afield, the Turquoise Coast attracts jet setters with its traditional hammams and party-centric resorts alike, while the surrounding Aegean region has seen an explosion of modern wineries amid its ancient ruins. And speaking of antiquity, there’s a brand new (yet very old) reason to head out east into Anatolia: In 2021, UNESCO inscribed the 8,000-year-old Arslantepe Mound on its list of World Heritage Sites.

10. Switzerland

With its cow-studded green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and glitzy ski resorts, Switzerland is the kind of place that most people think they know. But this country in the heart of Europe is worth another look. Take, for instance, its notoriously expensive largest city, Zürich , which never seems to get enough credit for its progressive outlook , oft-overlooked art and music scenes , and a skyline shaped by staggeringly diverse architectural voices, including Le Corbusier, Santiago Calatrava, and Shigeru Ban. Its Alpine ski towns, with big names like Verbier, Davos, and Zermatt, meanwhile, are expanding their offerings beyond the snow season: The Engadin Valley , home to St. Moritz, has become a warm-weather hot spot, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, electric mountain bikes for rent, and all manner of adventure sports, including paragliding, kitesurfing, and even class-4 whitewater-rapids rafting through Giarsun Gorge. But, of course, the classics still sing. After tackling the country’s rugged terrain, you’ve earned a stay in the new Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern , a stunningly remade Belle Epoque grande-dame hotel originally opened in 1906.

Oslo has spent the past several years getting out of the shadow of its grander Scandinavian peers, like Stockholm and Copenhagen, with attention-grabbing openings like the Sommerro hotel and the new National Museum and buzzy districts like harbor-side Bjørvika , home to the new Munch Museum. But the capital city is a mere gateway for exploring the country and its fjord-filled coastline—recently recalculated as the second-longest in the world after Canada. This year, a must-visit stop is Bodø , the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle, which will see a lineup of cultural events celebrating Sámi culture and the opening of a new hotel made almost entirely out of wood. For the best way to get around these parts, you can’t beat Hurtigruten , a historic coastal ferry company that also doubles as a pleasure cruise line, a cargo vessel, a mail ship, and an expedition outfitter. The beloved institution celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2023 by partnering with renowned Norwegian chefs like Halvar Ellingsen for boundary-pushing onboard menus (think reindeer tartar and elk bone marrow) and introducing new itineraries to Svalbard and the North Cape.

With a war between Israel and Hamas plunging the area into chaos and uncertainty, the region looks quite different than it did during the Readers’ Choice Awards voting process—and depending on where you're traveling, may need to be avoided until the situation on the ground changes. But before the latest conflict, Israel had been attracting travelers by investing in future developments while keeping an eye firmly on its past: Archaeologists, for instance, recently uncovered a 2,000-year-old synagogue in the ancient city of Migdal,; Tel Ashkelon, the largest Roman-era basilica in the Middle East, has also been undergoing restoration. In Jerusalem , a vibrant dining scene emerged, including in the winding alleyways of Machane Yehuda Market, while Bauhaus-rich Tel Aviv has added a slew of new hotel properties to its design-forward repertoire. As experts recently told readers in our update on the region , it’s best to postpone trips, not cancel them: “Do not give up on visiting Israel,” said Susan Weissberg from Wyllys Professional Travel. “It is the most fascinating country in the world, no matter what your religion is, and this too shall pass.”

7. Portugal

This Iberian Peninsula country has spent the past decade transforming from a budget-minded underdog destination to a major player that can rival the likes of Spain and Italy. From the start, even as it suffered under a forty-year authoritarian regime and a flailing economy, Portugal was brimming with delights that bordered on sensory overload: the intricate blue-and-white patterns of azulejo tiles, the intoxicating aroma of oven-fresh pastéis de nata, the mournful chords of live fado music , the bracing chill of a crisp vinho verde or the nectary sweetness of a port. With its jaunty yellow trams and hilltop São Jorge Castle, Lisbon is an easy-to-adore starting point for first-timers, but an increasing number of direct flights to Porto are inviting travelers to explore the second city’s contemporary cultural scene and must-try restaurants . And then? Portugal rewards repeat visitors with a choose-your-own-adventure that might include the terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, the underrated wineries and burgeoning beach towns of the Alentejo region , the surfer havens of the Algarve , and the absurdly scenic hamlets scattered throughout. Now, thanks to new direct flights from the U.S., even the Hawaii-like volcanic landscapes of the Azores are right at your fingertips.

When the World’s 50 Best Bars list was announced earlier this year, the top spot went to an innovative Barcelona cocktail lounge called Sips , and it shared the top five with fellow Barcelona speakeasy Paradiso , which is hidden inside a pastrami shop in the trendy El Born district. If you’ve spent any time in the country, especially after nightfall, you probably already know this obvious fact: The Spanish know how to party, and they love to do it in style, from the sherry and flamenco bars of Andalusia to the beach clubs of bohemian Formentera to the tapas bars of Barcelona . In an ironic twist, some of the country’s most notoriously party-hardy spots are moving in the opposite direction, shedding their reputations for debauchery to become serious cultural hubs. A new generation of creatives in Mallorca , for instance, are getting back to the land, with homey design hotels and natural wineries, while a host of boutique hotels and Michelin-star restaurants in Marbella is enticing visitors to explore beyond the (admittedly gorgeous) beachfront and into the previously underrated Old Town.

5. New Zealand

Ever since Peter Jackson cast his home country as Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings film franchise, visitors have viewed this island nation as a place of almost mythical beauty, from the crystalline mountains lakes and sweeping fjords to misty rainforests and geothermal valleys. Culturally diverse Auckland remains the most popular point of entry for international travelers, but new lodges and trails are making it easier than ever before to venture far out into the country’s vast wilderness. Among the most dazzling openings in recent years is Flockhill Lodge , a 36,000-acre high-country sheep station in the Southern Alps that now doubles as an ultra-luxe retreat, while other properties are finding clever ways to honor the land (such as regenerative farming ) and especially the country’s Māori heritage. And for something wildly unique, consider a flight on the world’s first winery airline, Invivo Air , which flies between Auckland and Queenstown and includes an eight-step wine tasting at 18,000 feet.

For American travelers, Ireland has always felt a bit like an old cardigan: cozy, easy, and comfortable—the kind of place you can take multiple generations of family members to trace your genealogical roots or to scope out centuries-old castles and fireplace-warmed pubs. But there’s also a decidedly youthful wind whipping across the Emerald Isle . The capital city is emerging as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking tech hubs, nicknamed Silicon Docks for the prevalence of tech giants and startups headquartered along the Grand Canal Dock. This infusion of big thinkers (with big wallets) has blown the dust off the island’s traditionalist culture. Now, in addition to crossing Trinity College’s Long Room off your bucket list, you might also find yourself foraging for nettles and pears with Takingaleaf founder Miceal Murray or sipping whiskey at Teeling, the first new distillery to open within the city in more than 125 years. Beyond the capital, Ireland is dotted with remote hotels and Airbnbs that allow you to spend the night everywhere from an island lighthouse in County May to a Scandi-chic cabin in County Monaghan. And if you’re in the mood for something farther afield, it doesn’t get much more rugged than the Aran Islands, the filming location and inspiration for The Banshees of Inisherin .

Greece is attracting record-breaking tourist numbers, and the crystal Aegean waters are beckoning us back to some of your favorite islands in the world: postcard-perfect Santorini , mythology-steeped Mykonos , and massive Crete , with its reemerging viticultural scene. That roster of dreamy islands is ever-expanding, with more and more visitors venturing out to under-the-radar Paros , car-free Hydra , blissfully secluded Zakynthos , beach-filled Ios , and wild, windswept Tinos . And be sure not to ignore Athens . As it rebuilt itself after a paralyzing debt crisis, the ancient city leaned into a scrappy, creative energy that has yielded forward-thinking restaurants, avant-garde galleries, and hip hotels that rank Athens among Europe’s unexpectedly coolest capitals. And for those really looking for an adventure—albeit a slow one—consider a journey into Zagorohoria , a collection of 46 traditional stone villages scattered around the Pindus Mountains in Greece’s rugged northwest. Here, you’re likelier to encounter truffle hunters, bubbling hot springs, and monasteries with Orthodox frescoes than sun-seeking partiers.

As Stanley Tucci’s popular CNN travelogue proved, there aren’t enough days in the year to uncover all the dolce vita that Italy has to offer. Beyond the hotspots in Florence , Venice , Milan , and Rome , the country is blessed with seemingly infinite villages and underrated cities to explore and fall in love with. Palermo’s stunningly restored Villa Igiea , for instance, brought the glitterati back to Sicily , which is still riding high off its role in HBO’s The White Lotus , while Bergamo and Brescia —two former rivals who were epicenters of the early pandemic—put aside their differences to jointly hold the title of 2023 Italian Capital of Culture. Of course, one of Italy’s enduring legacies is its world-renowned cuisine, which the government has officially nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. And you don’t have to look far to see what all the fuss is about: Italy is a food lover’s paradise, where you can immerse yourself in the millennia-old Jewish cuisine of Rome, take part in a transformative cooking class in Tuscany , or try something completely new-to-you (like torta al testo ) in landlocked Umbria .

Japan was dealt a bad hand, when its turn at the Summer Olympics fell during an international pandemic. And though they were much-delayed, the Games reminded viewers worldwide what they loved—and missed—about the island nation: the traditions, the design culture, the futuristic innovation. Now that the country has reopened for visa-free tourism, you’ll still find the incredible restaurants , the ultra-relaxing onsens , the Shinto temples, the cherry blossoms, and the impeccably clean and efficient high-speed trains , which run along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world. But there’s always something new popping up in this whizz-bang nation of the future. A buzzy gin scene ? Sure. A hilltop castle from 1599 where you can book overnight stays? Check. Oh yeah, and new galleries and exhibits on Naoshima Island , ultra-stylish glamping resorts , and a growing roster of sushi bars helmed by female chefs —still a major rarity in this tradition-bound country. And now there are fantastic excuses to venture far out to the country’s extreme north and south: New UNESCO World Heritage designees include the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in the north and a chain of islands in the archipelago’s southwestern stretches that are entirely uninhabited by humans and filled with endangered species.

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The best countries in the world: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

For years, we’ve asked our readers to tell us their favourite countries in the world via our annual Readers’ Choice Awards . The list continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from the best hotels in the world to the top airlines, cruises, islands, and luggage. This year, you travelled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritising destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next. Here are the best countries in the world, as voted by Traveller readers.

All eyes will be on Paris this year, as the city prepares to host the Summer Olympics. Following the reconstruction of Notre-Dame and this year's much-publicised battle with bedbugs, the City of Light is embracing the spirit of reinvention. That means playful design hotel openings, Dominique Crenn’s first restaurant in her home country, renewed efforts to clean up the Seine (with the goal of making it swimmable, no less), and a slew of French Asian artisans and chefs shaking up the cultural scene. Well beyond the confines of the capital, there are new adventures to discover, from the low-key surf scene in Hossegor to a buzzy African-inspired restaurant in Nîmes to a wave of modernist-tinged openings in the perma-chic French Riviera. And much, much farther afield, the overseas territory of French Polynesia made our list of the 24 best places to go in 2024 . The 118-island archipelago, which is reinvesting in its native flora and restoring coral, will play host to the Olympic surfing competitions this year.

18. Sri Lanka

This South Asian nation packs a wallop into a single teardrop-shaped island only slightly larger than the state of West Virginia: Think high-elevation tea plantations that are eye-vibratingly green, national parks where sloth bears and endangered elephants roam, and friendly surf towns that, if you squint, might remind you of Costa Rica or Nicaragua some decades years ago. (May we suggest Ahangama, with its indie-music venues, locavore cafés, and eco-boutiques?) And then there’s the capital city of Colombo, where you can shop for local spices, fly kites along the waterfront, or even charter a yacht. As Sri Lanka has worked in recent years to secure its spot as a global tourism contender, it has faced quite a few challenges, from the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings to the pandemic. Now, it’s looking to regain the trust of visitors with its trademark hospitality and warm nature – not to mention an ever-expanding roster of new hotels and resorts.

17. Austria

Vienna has long been a favourite stop on European grand tours, but despite the city’s Hapsburg-era pomp and splendour, it’s far from a dusty museum piece. Leaders recently announced plans to be carbon neutral by 2040, led by a hyperlocal culinary scene that has welcomed such innovations as a city snail farm and an urban collective that uses grounds from the city’s famed coffee house scene to grow mushrooms. Outside the capital, visitors still flock to alpine ski villages and jewel-box-like Salzburg, but other destinations are bubbling to the surface. Making our Hot List recently is The Cōmodo , an artfully repurposed 1960s health resort on the edge of the country’s largest national park in the mountain village of Bad Gastein. And, this year, the country celebrated its third European Capital of Culture – following Graz in 2003 and Linz in 2009 – the spa town of Bad Ischl, where the healing salt waters have been attracting royalty and other elites since the early 1800s.

16. South Africa

South Africa has always been a favourite first stop on the continent for international travellers, and it’s becoming increasingly accessible thanks to new direct routes. But even if you’ve visited before, you might not recognise the place: joining the illustrious ranks of the country’s famed safari resorts and wineries are a slew of new openings, including a revitalised weekend market in Johannesburg and buzzy beach clubs in the heart of Cape Town. Beyond the wildlife watching that has made South Africa a favourite destination for generations of safari-goers, new adventures await around every corner: Take lessons with the country’s first Black African free-diving instructor, the mermaid-esque Zandile Ndhlovu ; retrace Viola Davis’s footsteps in the filming locations from The Woman King (South Africa stood in for the former West African Kingdom of Dahomey); or collaborate on your own bespoke African-print bomber jacket with local Joburg fashion designer Sebo Marobela.

15. United Kingdom

Thanks to Brexit and a new monarch, it’s safe to say that the United Kingdom hasn’t seen such an intense period of transition since perhaps the Margaret Thatcher era. But despite the changes, most of the things we all know and love about the country are still intact, such as London’s dazzlingly diverse restaurant scene and its wide array of free museums (the National Portrait Gallery reopened its doors last summer after a three-year renovation). History is always being reimagined and remixed in these parts: take, for instance, the landmark Old War Office, which has been transformed into Raffles London at The OWO , or the renovated 1511 Thornbury Castle, where you can now make like a Tudor-era noble and book an overnight stay. Up in the north of England, Yorkshire made it onto our list of the best places to go in 2024, thanks to its emerging culinary scene, and adventures await beyond the borders of England as well – foraging for mushrooms in Wales , tapping into maritime history in Northern Ireland, or hopping between swimmable tidal pools on the coast of Scotland.

14. Germany

With its fairytale castles , charming small towns , and festive Christmas markets , Germany has always loomed large as a tourist magnet, whether you’re exploring it by train, river cruise, or road trip. While the country may seem tradition-bound, it’s also not afraid of trying something new, which might mean immersive art shows taking over unexpected spaces in Berlin or a $120 million, high-tech medi-spa opening in the pastoral North Frisian Islands. There are new contemporary-art-filled places to stay, buzzy neighbourhoods (like Munich’s meatpacking district, Schlachthofviertel), and even an expanding fleet of ultra-eco-friendly, hydrogen-powered passenger trains that emit only steam and condensed water. Of course, the classics are just as beautiful as they’ve always been: when, for instance, you enjoy the healing thermal springs of Baden-Baden , you’re taking part in a millennia-old tourist tradition that dates back to the pre-Roman Celts.

13. Croatia

The secret’s out: this Balkan country may have been off-the-beaten path a decade or so ago, but it’s rapidly gaining in popularity, thanks to increased direct flights, an influx of cruises, and especially the popularity of Game of Thrones . Croatia is feeling the growing pains of its success, with spots like Dubrovnik and Split becoming every bit as overtouristed as Venice or Amsterdam, but there are plenty of areas around the country that reward exploration: dining at family-farm restaurants and sampling local olive oil in Istria , zipping around by speedboat off the coastline of Trogir, road-tripping through vineyards and oyster farms on the Dalmatian Coast, or sailing among the restful Kornati Islands, which are dotted with oak forests, centuries-old churches, and fortified villages. The result? What local Dalmatians call fjaka – that sweet feeling of doing absolutely nothing.

12. Iceland

Long celebrated as a rugged adventure outpost, Iceland is the kind of edge-of-the-world place where your trip just might be interrupted or postponed by a volcanic eruption or mini-earthquakes – but is worth the wait. These days, urban life is just as alive and exciting as the geothermal activity bubbling underground: Think pilgrimage-worthy restaurants (like Ox, a speakeasy-style tasting-menu spot), see-and-be-seen design hotels (The Reykjavík Edition), and a robust roster of new natural wine bars, cocktail lounges, and innovative food halls.

As the Golden Circle becomes increasingly crowded with international visitors taking advantage of IcelandAir’s “stopover” program, the country is gently nudging travellers off the beaten path. The relatively new Diamond Circle, for instance, weaves a 155-mile loop through northeastern Iceland, stopping at waterfalls, mud pits, lava caves, and hot springs . And in 2023, the fan-favourite Blue Lagoon – which boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant of its own, Moss – expanded its footprint with the new Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, a cosy retreat in a part of the country’s rugged interior that’s so remote even many Icelanders haven’t stepped foot there.

11. Australia

We’ll never stop loving Sydney and Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef, but the overarching theme for Aussie tourism in the past few years has been a resounding: “But there’s so much more out there!” There’s almost a passing of the baton going on among the country’s creative-minded cities: way out west, Perth enjoyed its status as the country’s fast-growing boomtown, followed by Hobart, Tasmania, which welcomed a game-changing art museum and design hotel. Ready for its big close-up is Queensland’s oft-ignored capital city of Brisbane, which is newly accessible thanks to direct routes from the United States and will see such skyline-transforming additions as the Queen’s Wharf entertainment precinct (with a six-star Rosewood) and a $100-million performing arts venue. And when the first World’s 50 Best Hotels list was released back in September, Brisbane’s modernist-tinged The Calile ranked the highest in the region. On the exact opposite side of the country, Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region made our list of the world’s best places to go in 2024, thanks to increased cruise itineraries to the area and the newly launched Aboriginal Cultural Expedition.

Istanbul has always sat at the crossroads of the world, where the thin ribbon of the Bosphorus divides Asia from Europe, and East from West. It's taken its position to new heights with a game-changing international airport that opened in 2019 and gained fandom among our readers for its modern design and impressive duty-free shopping zone. Returning visitors will find all the things they love about Istanbul still intact, from its minaret-filled skyline to its thrilling food scene, but there are plenty of fresh offerings, including a burgeoning contemporary gallery scene in artsy Karaköy . Farther afield, the Turquoise Coast attracts jet setters with its traditional hammams and party-centric resorts alike, while the surrounding Aegean region has seen an explosion of modern wineries amid its ancient ruins. And speaking of antiquity, there’s a brand new (yet very old) reason to head out east into Anatolia: In 2021, UNESCO inscribed the 8,000-year-old Arslantepe Mound on its list of World Heritage Sites.

9. Switzerland

With its cow-studded green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and glitzy ski resorts, Switzerland is the kind of place that most people think they know. But this country in the heart of Europe is worth another look. Take, for instance, its notoriously expensive largest city, Zürich , which never seems to get enough credit for its progressive outlook, oft-overlooked art and music scenes, and a skyline shaped by staggeringly diverse architectural voices, including Le Corbusier, Santiago Calatrava, and Shigeru Ban. Its Alpine ski towns, with big names like Verbier, Davos, and Zermatt , meanwhile, are expanding their offerings beyond the snow season: The Engadin Valley, home to St. Moritz, has become a warm-weather hot spot, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, electric mountain bikes for rent, and all manner of adventure sports, including paragliding, kitesurfing, and even class-4 whitewater-rapids rafting through Giarsun Gorge. But, of course, the classics still sing. After tackling the country’s rugged terrain, you’ve earned a stay in the new Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, a stunningly remade Belle Epoque grande-dame hotel originally opened in 1906.

Oslo has spent the past several years getting out of the shadow of its grander Scandinavian peers, like Stockholm and Copenhagen, with attention-grabbing openings like the Sommerro Hotel and the new National Museum and buzzy districts like harbour-side Bjørvika, home to the new Munch Museum. But the capital city is a mere gateway for exploring the country and its fjord-filled coastline – recently recalculated as the second-longest in the world after Canada. This year, a must-visit stop is Bodø, the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle, which will see a lineup of cultural events celebrating Sámi culture and the opening of a new hotel made almost entirely out of wood. For the best way to get around these parts, you can’t beat Hurtigruten, a historic coastal ferry company that also doubles as a pleasure cruise line, a cargo vessel, a mail ship, and an expedition outfitter. The beloved institution celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2023 by partnering with renowned Norwegian chefs like Halvar Ellingsen for boundary-pushing onboard menus (think reindeer tartar and elk bone marrow) and introducing new itineraries to Svalbard and the North Cape.

7. Portugal

This Iberian Peninsula country has spent the past decade transforming from a budget-minded underdog destination to a major player that can rival the likes of Spain and Italy. From the start, even as it suffered under a forty-year authoritarian regime and a flailing economy, Portugal was brimming with delights that bordered on sensory overload: the intricate blue-and-white patterns of azulejo tiles, the intoxicating aroma of oven-fresh pastéis de nata, the mournful chords of live fado music, the bracing chill of a crisp vinho verde or the nectary sweetness of a port. With its jaunty yellow trams and hilltop São Jorge Castle, Lisbon is an easy-to-adore starting point for first-timers, but an increasing number of direct flights to Porto are inviting travellers to explore the second city’s contemporary cultural scene and must-try restaurants. And then? Portugal rewards repeat visitors with a choose-your-own-adventure that might include the terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, the underrated wineries and burgeoning beach towns of the Alentejo region, the surfer havens of the Algarve , and the absurdly scenic hamlets scattered throughout. Now, thanks to new direct flights from the US, even the Hawaii-like volcanic landscapes of the Azores are right at your fingertips.

When the World’s 50 Best Bars list was announced earlier this year, the top spot went to an innovative Barcelona cocktail lounge called Sips, and it shared the top five with fellow Barcelona speakeasy Paradiso, which is hidden inside a pastrami shop in the trendy El Born district. If you’ve spent any time in the country, especially after nightfall, you probably already know this obvious fact: the Spanish know how to party, and they love to do it in style, from the sherry and flamenco bars of Andalusia to the beach clubs of bohemian Formentera to the tapas bars of Barcelona . In an ironic twist, some of the country’s most notoriously party-hardy spots are moving in the opposite direction, shedding their reputations for debauchery to become serious cultural hubs. A new generation of creatives in Mallorca, for instance, are getting back to the land, with homey design hotels and natural wineries, while a host of boutique hotels and Michelin-star restaurants in Marbella is enticing visitors to explore beyond the (admittedly gorgeous) beachfront and into the previously underrated Old Town.

5. New Zealand

Ever since Peter Jackson cast his home country as Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings film franchise, visitors have viewed this island nation as a place of almost mythical beauty, from the crystalline mountains lakes and sweeping fjords to misty rainforests and geothermal valleys. Culturally diverse Auckland remains the most popular point of entry for international travelers, but new lodges and trails are making it easier than ever before to venture far out into the country’s vast wilderness. Among the most dazzling openings in recent years is Flockhill Lodge, a 36,000-acre high-country sheep station in the Southern Alps that now doubles as an ultra-luxe retreat, while other properties are finding clever ways to honour the land (such as regenerative farming) and especially the country’s Māori heritage. And for something wildly unique, consider a flight on the world’s first winery airline, Invivo Air, which flies between Auckland and Queenstown and includes an eight-step wine tasting at 18,000 feet.

For American travellers, Ireland has always felt a bit like an old cardigan: cosy, easy, and comfortable – the kind of place you can take multiple generations of family members to trace your genealogical roots or to scope out centuries-old castles and fireplace-warmed pubs. But there’s also a decidedly youthful wind whipping across the Emerald Isle. The capital city is emerging as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking tech hubs, nicknamed Silicon Docks for the prevalence of tech giants and startups headquartered along the Grand Canal Dock. This infusion of big thinkers (with big wallets) has blown the dust off the island’s traditionalist culture. Now, in addition to crossing Trinity College’s Long Room off your bucket list, you might also find yourself foraging for nettles and pears with Takingaleaf founder Miceal Murray or sipping whiskey at Teeling, the first new distillery to open within the city in more than 125 years. Beyond the capital, Ireland is dotted with remote hotels and Airbnbs that allow you to spend the night everywhere from an island lighthouse in County May to a Scandi-chic cabin in County Monaghan. And if you’re in the mood for something farther afield, it doesn’t get much more rugged than the Aran Islands, the filming location and inspiration for The Banshees of Inisherin .

Greece is attracting record-breaking tourist numbers, and the crystal Aegean waters are beckoning us back to some of your favourite islands in the world : postcard-perfect Santorini , mythology-steeped Mykonos , and massive Crete , with its reemerging viticultural scene. That roster of dreamy islands is ever-expanding, with more and more visitors venturing out to under-the-radar Paros , car-free Hydra , blissfully secluded Zakynthos, beach-filled Ios, and wild, windswept Tinos . And be sure not to ignore Athens. As it rebuilt itself after a paralysing debt crisis, the ancient city leaned into a scrappy, creative energy that has yielded forward-thinking restaurants, avant-garde galleries, and hip hotels that rank Athens among Europe’s unexpectedly coolest capitals. And for those really looking for an adventure – albeit a slow one – consider a journey into Zagorohoria, a collection of 46 traditional stone villages scattered around the Pindus Mountains in Greece’s rugged northwest. Here, you’re likelier to encounter truffle hunters, bubbling hot springs, and monasteries with Orthodox frescoes than sun-seeking partiers.

As Stanley Tucci ’s popular CNN travelogue proved, there aren’t enough days in the year to uncover all the dolce vita that Italy has to offer. Beyond the hotspots in Florence , Venice , Milan , and Rome , the country is blessed with seemingly infinite villages and underrated cities to explore and fall in love with. Palermo ’s stunningly restored Villa Igiea , for instance, brought the glitterati back to Sicily, which is still riding high off its role in HBO’s The White Lotus , while Bergamo and Brescia – two former rivals who were epicentres of the early pandemic – put aside their differences to jointly hold the title of 2023 Italian Capital of Culture. Of course, one of Italy’s enduring legacies is its world-renowned cuisine, which the government has officially nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. And you don’t have to look far to see what all the fuss is about: Italy is a food lover’s paradise, where you can immerse yourself in the millennia-old Jewish cuisine of Rome, take part in a transformative cooking class in Tuscany, or try something completely new-to-you (like torta al testo ) in landlocked Umbria.

Japan was dealt a bad hand, when its turn at the Summer Olympics fell during an international pandemic. And though they were much-delayed, the Games reminded viewers worldwide what they loved – and missed – about the island nation: the traditions, the design culture, the futuristic innovation. Now that the country has reopened for visa-free tourism, you’ll still find the incredible restaurants, the ultra-relaxing onsens, the Shinto temples, the cherry blossoms, and the impeccably clean and efficient high-speed trains, which run along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world. But there’s always something new popping up in this whizz-bang nation of the future. A buzzy gin scene? Sure. A hilltop castle from 1599 where you can book overnight stays? Check. Oh yeah, new galleries and exhibits on Naoshima Island, ultra-stylish glamping resorts, and a growing roster of sushi bars helmed by female chefs are still a major rarity in this tradition-bound country. And now there are fantastic excuses to venture far out to the country’s extreme north and south: New UNESCO World Heritage designees include the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in the north and a chain of islands in the archipelago’s southwestern stretches that are entirely uninhabited by humans and filled with endangered species.

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Which Is 'the Best Country in the World'?

Best countries.

The feat of rating the world's countries from best to worst seems megalomaniac, but the U.S. News and World Report has been successfully publishing a ranking based on these sprawling criteria since 2016. Last week, the 2023 edition was released, showing that the United States had slipped one spot to rank 5. However, looking at all eight editions of the report so far, the U.S. ranked even lower than in 2023 in between 2017 and 2021.

The global dislike for then-President Donald Trump has been cited as a reason why the U.S. fared poorly between 2017 and 2020. Averaging out all scores countries have earned, the U.S. shares a 7th rank with Australia.

In 2022, the U.S. was back in rank 4 - its inaugural 2016 score - after gaining more points for indicators of quality of life and social purpose. Increases in the entrepreneurship as well as the cultural and natural heritage scores also saw the country improve its standing opposite other nations that year, leading to a much higher score when comparing to previous years. Despite ranking first for entrepreneurship in 2023, overtaking both Germany and Japan since 2021, the U.S. saw a big drop in the "open for business" category and is now ranked 59th for the metric, down from 53rd. As a result, its overall score dropped one rank this year. The U.S. is also ranked first for power and agility.

Germany, on the other hand, lost points for agility, meaning fewer respondents see it as modern, responsive and progressive, as well as in the category movers, which means fewer think of it as unique and dynamic. The country dropped five ranks compared with 2022. Japan meanwhile struggled in the categories entrepreneurship, openness for business, power and social purpose. With 2021 being the first survey carried out after Brexit was finalized, the U.K. saw a drop in that year and has since lost even more ground.

The U.S. World & News Report ranking is mainly based on surveys that show how people all over the world view specific countries. Answers are then structured into 10 subrankings which are weighted for GDP per capita at purchasing power parity.

The top 8 of the ranking has been mostly uniform over the years, with the exception of 2021 and 2023 when New Zealand was featured, first in rank 7 and then in rank 8, while first Sweden and then the United Kingdom ranked 9th those years.

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Canada is the No. 1 Country in the World, According to the 2021 Best Countries Report

The sixth annual Best Countries report reveals the importance of social justice as a global ambition, the unexpected societal byproduct of the COVID-19 crisis and the influence of conspiracy theories.

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 13, 2021— For the first time, Canada takes the top spot overall in the 2021 Best Countries Report, a ranking and analysis project by U.S. News & World Report; BAV Group, a unit of global marketing communications company VMLY&R; and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

This year, the model that powers this report has evolved in response to a transformational year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cultural, economic, political and technological influences remain important, and two new categories have been added: social purpose and agility. Together, this broad range of categories determines how the 78 countries studied are ranked on the world stage.

“Nations are impacted on many critical fronts by how they are perceived globally – from foreign relations to international business to tourism. These perceptions are ever-evolving in a rapidly changing world,” said Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer at U.S. News. “The 2021 Best Countries analysis combines data and storytelling to explore how countries compare on a host of global issues.”

Key themes from the 2021 Best Countries Report

• For the first time, Canada is the No. 1 overall country. Japan and Germany finish Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, while Switzerland, the previous No. 1 overall country, falls to No. 4. Australia remains as the No. 5 overall country followed by the United States, which rises one position to No. 6 overall.
• Canada ranks No. 1 in quality of life and social purpose. It is also perceived as having a good job market, caring about human rights and is committed to social justice. Additionally, the country finished No. 1 in being viewed as not corrupt and respecting property rights.
• Social justice is a global ambition. Eighty percent of global citizens feel aligned with social justice, a broad term that refers to movements calling for addressing racial and gender inequities, while 76% also agree that a country is stronger when it is more racially and ethnically diverse. Canada and the Nordic countries are viewed as the most committed to social justice, while the U.S. sits at No. 18. And on the specific topic of racial equality, the U.S. only manages to achieve No. 69, behind both China and Iraq.
• Women are viewed as effective leaders. Eighty-three percent of global citizens believe there is a leadership crisis in the world today. The majority of respondents view women leaders in a positive light, as 68% agree that countries led by women tend to be better managed.
• A nation’s perceived agility is the most important driver of strength in 2021. Across the countries measured, agility accounts for per capita GDP variations the most – underscoring that it is essential for any country to be seen as adaptable, progressive and responsive. The new Agility subranking carries the greatest weight among the 10 subrankings. The U.S. leads the world in perceived agility, but is not among the top 10 in adaptability, coming in at No. 13 on this attribute.
• The influence of conspiracy theories. A majority of respondents (75%) agree that conspiracy theories are a threat to society. However, 39% believe that governments have made up the COVID-19 pandemic to control their citizens.

“This year the model behind the Best Countries report has been updated and evolved in response to 2020, a year like no other,” said John Keaveney, WPP advisor and head of Analytics & Insight, BAV Group. “From the death of George Floyd and the subsequent rise of the social justice movement, to the need for quick and decisive action by our governments and scientists to tackle the threat from COVID-19, all such seismic events now play a role in the way citizens rate a nation and its society as a whole. By combining more traditional measures of a nation’s power and influence with our new dimensions of Social Purpose and Agility, we are now able to more accurately measure the strength and perceptual equity of any country in 2021.”

In addition to the overall rankings, the report also includes:

• 25 subrankings and “Best for” Lists
• The third annual Origin Index, in which respondents were asked to pick the countries they would prefer to buy goods from as a measure of each country’s brand power.
• Articles examining gender inequality , a closer examination of Canada’s vaccine rollout and treatment hesitancy among the country’s First Nations communities, how well the world is recovering economically and the impact the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol has had on views about the United States.

The 2021 Best Countries rankings methodology gathered from a proprietary survey of more than 17,000 business leaders; college educated individuals that are middle class or higher; and general citizens who are nationally representative of their country. “Countries should care about their image – it is not just a beauty contest. The impressions others have of a country affects its economy through tourism, foreign trade and foreign direct investment,” said David Reibstein, professor of marketing at the Wharton School.

The Best Countries project includes in-depth news articles, an interactive data explorer, photos and commentary from global experts in government, business and academia. It is part of U.S. News’ Government Rankings initiative, which measures government performance at the international, state and local levels and includes the Best States and Healthiest Communities projects.

To view the full rankings and search country profiles, visit https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries and follow coverage on Facebook and Twitter using #BestCountries.

2021 Best Countries rankings

*See the full rankings here .

• Switzerland
• United States
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• The Netherlands

Most Powerful     

Most Agile  

For Social Purpose

Most Forward-Looking

• South Korea

For Racial Equality

Media Contact: Jessica L. Lewis, [email protected] , 202-955-2203

About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A digital news and information company focused on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and News, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

About BAV Group BAV Group is a global consultancy with expertise in consumer insights and brand marketing strategy. Using BrandAsset® Valuator, a proprietary brand management tool and global database of consumer perceptions of brands, BAV informs strategic and creative solutions that drive business results. Over 28 years, BAV has captured data and consumer insights on more than 60,000 brands in 50 countries around the world, evaluating 75 brand image and equity dimensions that matter. BAV Group is a unit of global marketing communications company VMLY&R, a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). Visit bavgroup.com to learn more.

About the Wharton School Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the  Wharton School  of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000  undergraduate ,  MBA ,  executive MBA  and  doctoral  students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through  Wharton Executive Education’s  individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 99,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit  www.wharton.upenn.edu .

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Majority of Americans say U.S. is one of the greatest countries in the world

The share of Americans who say the United States stands above all other nations in the world has declined modestly over the past four years, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. There has also been an increase in the share who say other countries are better than the U.S.

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand the American public’s view of the United States’ standing in the world. For this analysis, we surveyed 8,480 U.S. adults from July 10 to 16, 2023. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. Recruiting our panelists by phone or mail ensures that nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. This gives us confidence that any sample can represent the whole population (see our Methods 101 explainer on random sampling).

To further ensure that each survey reflects a balanced cross-section of the nation, the data is weighted to match the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology and the methodology for this report .

Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its methodology .

Today, two-in-ten Americans say the U.S. “stands above all other countries in the world.” About half (52%) say the U.S. is “one of the greatest countries, along with some others,” while 27% say “there are other countries that are better than the U.S.”

Opinions about the nation’s global standing have changed slightly since 2019. That year, 24% said the U.S. is the single greatest nation, 55% said it is one of the best countries, and 21% said other countries are better than the U.S.

Much of this recent change in attitudes has come from Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Four years ago, 40% of Republicans said the U.S. stands above all other nations, compared with 31% today. And the share of Republicans saying other countries are better has nearly doubled, from 9% to 17%.

At the same time, Democrats and Democratic leaners have grown slightly more likely to say there are other countries that are better than the U.S.: In 2019, 31% said this, compared with 36% today.

Age divides in attitudes about U.S. persist

As has been the case for more than a decade, views of how America compares with other countries differ by age. Roughly four-in-ten adults ages 18 to 29 (43%) say other countries are better than the U.S. – the highest share of any age group.

Age differences are evident within both partisan coalitions. Half of Democrats under age 30 say other countries are better than the U.S., as do 40% of those 30 to 49. By comparison, just 25% of Democrats 50 and older say this.

Among Republicans, 28% of adults under 30 say other countries are superior to the U.S., compared with 12% of those 50 and older. And younger Republicans are considerably less likely than older Republicans to say the U.S. is the greatest nation: 16% of those ages 18 to 29 say this, compared with 26% of those 30 to 49, 36% of those 50 to 64 and 41% of those 65 and older.

How partisans’ views of U.S. standing have changed over time

Republicans have long been more likely than Democrats to see the U.S. as the single greatest nation, while Democrats have been more likely to say there are other countries that are better. Still, the most frequent response among both Republicans and Democrats continues to be that the U.S. is one of the world’s greatest countries, along with others.

The share of adults saying the U.S. stands above all other countries dropped significantly in telephone surveys conducted between 2011 and 2019. While the decline in views of the United States’ global standing was concentrated among Democrats during these years, the decline over the past four years is concentrated among Republicans.

Note: Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its methodology .

• National Conditions
• Partisanship & Issues
• Politics & Policy
• U.S. Global Image

Hannah Hartig is a senior researcher focusing on U.S. politics and policy research at Pew Research Center .

Public’s Positive Economic Ratings Slip; Inflation Still Widely Viewed as Major Problem

Americans are less likely than others around the world to feel close to people in their country or community, americans’ dismal views of the nation’s politics, americans are more pessimistic than optimistic about many aspects of the country’s future, how americans’ views of the u.s. compare with international views of the u.s., most popular.

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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Here Are the 10 Best Countries for Writing Your Career's Next Chapter

For once, a ranking of nations that isn't led by all the scandinavian countries..

If you're looking to inject a little adventure into your career, you're in search of new opportunities or just desperately need a change, it might be time to make a big move .

I mean literally, maybe you should get all your most important stuff and move it far from where it is right now. The expat life could be calling you; or are you just going to let the ease and inertia of allowing each day to melt into the next determine the course of your life?

If any of this is resonating with you at all, I've got a handful of destinations for you to consider. HSBC surveyed expats around the world and ranked 33 countries on categories that included living, how a place can help enable your aspirations and family-friendliness.

Average those three together and you get this very diverse overall top ten:

1. Switzerland 2. Singapore 3. Canada 4. Spain 5. New Zealand 6. Australia 7. Turkey 8. Germany 9. United Arab Emirates 10. Vietnam

Switzerland may come as no surprise to people - it's one of those European countries that just seems to be very friendly to anything that involves ranking nations. Totally the prom king/queen of national ratings. A high quality of life, earning potential and great education help it earn top honors here. 

Some other notable nations, in case you're wondering: the United States comes in at 23, mainland China at 26, France at 17, the UK at 27 and Japan at 32. I was interested to see India at number 18, above Sweden at 20, which also tends to be a place that these sorts of rankings usually favor more.

Drill down a little more into the data that HSBC gathered with the help of YouGov, and there are some surprises. For example, how about the nation ranked first in terms of work/life balance?

You might imagine yourself surfing the shores of Australia after-hours, but the survey says the small middle-eastern nation of Bahrain is the place where it's easiest to leave work at work. (Australia is number 5 and nearby New Zealand ranks second, so your beach and breakers daydreaming isn't all that far off, after all.)

Let's say you're feeling a little stuck in your career, or that you'll never move up until someone retires. Expats say a move to Hong Kong could help your career progression better than anywhere else on Earth. If you're already in the United States though, you might want to stay put, because the US ranks number two.

But pulling up all your roots and starting over on the other side of an ocean is a daunting proposal. The HSBC also ranks countries based on "Ease of settling in" and the easiest country for setting up a new life comes as a shocker: fantastic but sometimes tumultuous Turkey. 

The nation on the border of Europe and Asia also ranks at the top in terms of "cultural, open and welcoming communities." 

And, of course, there are over 150 more countries that HSBC's survey doesn't even include, so the possibilities are many. 

In particular, the survey gives short shrift to Latin America, including only Mexico and Brazil in its rankings. A few years ago, I researched the best places to move for my family to have an adventure, learn some spanish and take advantage of the exchange rate. We ended up living in Ecuador for a short time and loving it.

For the more career and entrepreneurially-minded, Argentina and Chile also offer lots of great experiences and opportunities. 

To start to get a sense of what part of the world might be the best setting for the next chapter of your life, there's lots of data out there, and you can start with HSBC's expat explorer right here .

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102 Third World Countries Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

When it comes to writing an essay on third world countries, there are a plethora of topics to choose from. These countries face a range of challenges, from poverty and lack of access to healthcare to political instability and environmental issues. To help you get started on your essay, here are 102 third world country essay topic ideas and examples:

• The impact of colonialism on third world countries
• The role of foreign aid in third world development
• The effects of globalization on third world economies
• Gender inequality in third world countries
• The challenges of urbanization in third world countries
• The impact of climate change on third world countries
• The role of NGOs in third world development
• The effects of corruption on third world economies
• The challenges of access to clean water in third world countries
• The impact of conflict and war on third world countries
• The role of education in third world development
• The challenges of healthcare in third world countries
• The effects of poverty on third world societies
• The role of microfinance in third world economies
• The challenges of food insecurity in third world countries
• The impact of natural disasters on third world countries
• The role of infrastructure development in third world countries
• The challenges of child labor in third world countries
• The effects of HIV/AIDS on third world populations
• The role of agriculture in third world economies
• The challenges of access to electricity in third world countries
• The impact of migration on third world societies
• The role of women in third world development
• The effects of urbanization on third world environments
• The challenges of access to education in third world countries
• The impact of foreign debt on third world economies
• The role of technology in third world development
• The effects of political instability on third world countries
• The challenges of access to healthcare in rural third world areas
• The impact of globalization on third world cultures
• The role of tourism in third world economies
• The effects of deforestation on third world environments
• The challenges of access to sanitation in third world countries
• The impact of child marriage on third world societies
• The role of religion in third world development
• The effects of natural resource extraction on third world economies
• The challenges of access to clean energy in third world countries
• The impact of international trade on third world economies
• The role of microenterprise in third world development
• The effects of urban sprawl on third world environments
• The challenges of access to internet in third world countries
• The impact of child labor on third world economies
• The role of entrepreneurship in third world development
• The effects of deforestation on third world economies
• The challenges of access to healthcare in urban third world areas
• The impact of foreign investment on third world economies
• The role of education in empowering women in third world countries
• The effects of political corruption on third world societies
• The challenges of access to clean water in rural third world areas
• The impact of climate change on third world agriculture
• The role of NGOs in providing disaster relief in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world poverty rates
• The challenges of access to education for girls in third world countries
• The impact of foreign aid on third world healthcare systems
• The role of microfinance in empowering women in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world water resources
• The challenges of access to healthcare for marginalized populations in third world countries
• The impact of foreign debt on third world education systems
• The role of technology in improving access to education in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world air quality
• The challenges of access to clean water for indigenous populations in third world countries
• The impact of natural disasters on third world education systems
• The role of NGOs in promoting gender equality in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world transportation systems
• The challenges of access to healthcare for refugees in third world countries
• The impact of foreign investment on third world infrastructure
• The role of education in empowering youth in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world waste management
• The challenges of access to clean water for nomadic populations in third world countries
• The impact of climate change on third world fisheries
• The role of NGOs in promoting sustainable development in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world energy consumption
• The challenges of access to healthcare for displaced populations in third world countries
• The impact of foreign aid on third world housing
• The role of education in promoting peace and reconciliation in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world biodiversity
• The challenges of access to clean water for migrant populations in third world countries
• The impact of natural disasters on third world urban planning
• The role of NGOs in promoting environmental conservation in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world cultural heritage
• The challenges of access to healthcare for elderly populations in third world countries
• The impact of foreign investment on third world tourism
• The role of education in promoting social inclusion in third world countries
• The effects of urbanization on third world public transportation
• The challenges of access to clean water for indigenous communities in third world countries

These are just a few examples of the many topics you could explore in an essay on third world countries. Whether you are interested in economics, politics, social issues, or environmental concerns, there is a wealth of material to draw from when writing about these developing nations. By choosing a topic that interests you and conducting thorough research, you can create a compelling and informative essay that sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing third world countries today.

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67 Third World Countries Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best third world countries topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good research topics about third world countries, 📌 most interesting third world countries topics to write about.

• Third World War Will Be Over Water The severity of the case of water scarcity can be best explained by the inclusion of the problem of water as one of the main goals of one of the greatest development frameworks in the […]
• Third World Feminism and Its Challenges As a conclusion, Sa’ar states that “it is rooted in the code of familial commitment, which is primarily masculine and includes women only secondarily,” which makes it difficult for women to commit to the family, […]
• Third World Countries and the Barriers Stopping Them to Escape Poverty The phrase Third World was initially used in the Cold War period to represent those countries that were neither on the West NATO nations referred to as the first world countries, nor on the East-Communist […]
• The Third World Countries: Development and Communication This paper examines the problems that prevent the development of the third world countries and the reasons why the western countries continue to progress on the other hand.
• Agricultural Modernization in Third World Countries Due to underdevelopment in third world countries, the state considered the need for integrated rural development to reduce poverty in rural areas.
• Third World Countries Development: Pieterse and Escobar Views Both Pieterse and Escobar are in agreement when it comes to the “crisis of development” in Third World countries. Pieterse argued that it is time to question the goals, agents, and methods of development.
• Nestle’s Baby Formula and Third World Countries This was one of the company’s major faults which led to the international scandal and boycott of Nestle’s products in Third World countries.
• Education in the third world The meeting led to development of a framework for the achievement of education for all. Prior to allocation of resources to third world nations, donors often analyze the political will of the concerned government and […]
• History of Sovereignty of Third World Countries Thus, the first meeting- Bandung of the people of color in the history of humanity occurred in Asia after World War II.
• Global Education as the Key Tool for Addressing the Third World Poverty Issue Global education leads to improvements in the state economy and finances. Global education helps resolve the unemployment problem.
• “Preventable Health Issues in Third World Countries”: Drivers of the Problem and Possible Solution The documentary also reveals the poor conditions of the healthcare systems in the Third World, where people have to ride a horse or walk on foot to reach the doctor.
• Development Programs Effectiveness in the Third World Countries The foundation of this critique is the disillusionment regarding the effectiveness of the development programs offered to the third world countries in earlier periods.
• Globalization and Imperialism in the Third World In the face of globalization, communication as in the use of language and style in music, speech and art form the primary material for intercultural transmission in various forms of the media.
• Third World Women and Men Some of these practices are unethical and “inhuman”, the purpose of this research paper, therefore, is to discuss how bias some of these practices are and how the affect the millions and millions of third […]
• Humanitarian Aid in Third World Countries One does not have to hold a Ph.D.in psychiatry to realize that people’s continuous commitment to promoting the idea that Western countries have a “moral obligation” to provide humanitarian aid to citizens of Third World […]
• Economic Development and the Third World But to understand them more properly it is important to consider the definition of development as it is and see the basic features that are typically attributed to the concept of development in the modern […]
• Environment & Leadership Style in Third World Countries The very concept of populism is referred to be a contested one in the relevant discourse of social sciences. Critics also view populism in opposition to neo-liberalism on a number of ground that raises the […]
• Small Medical Business in Third World Countries To identify the health care problems specifically in expensive medications, in a sample of person who have been in the third world countries. To identify the traditional and herbal medicines that enhances the small business […]
• The Mystery of Capital in the Third World The dominance of the West has grown since its victory in the Cold war and today, it controls most marketplaces to the disadvantage of most economies.
• Third World Countries: Legal System Implementation Their fight for capitalism has failed due to the rulings that find them guilty of trying to manipulate the written law of the country.
• Product Dumping in Third World Countries Even if there are no rules, regulations or bans in the countries these products are exported to, allowing the sale and export of goods that have been proven to be dangerous are to become complicit […]
• Globalization Effects on the Economies of the Third World This means that it affects the growth of the country in a number of ways given the fact that foreigners are allowed to invest freely. Dollar observed that the living standards of the poor in […]
• Cuban Model as a Solution to Economic Problems in the Third World? Its form of sidelining capitalists/capitalism is a detriment to it The model should undergo a restructuring so as to be effective and efficient in Third World countries.
• Providing a Financial Aid to the Third World Countries One of the reasons why, during the course of the late 20th century, it became a commonplace practice among ‘progressive’ politicians in the West to advocate the idea of aid, is that during this time […]
• Sweatshops and Third World Poverty When discussing about the role of multinationals in developing countries and the way they treat the economies, the writers are of the opinion that to avoid negative outcomes and promote the spirit of international corporation, […]
• Racism, Colonialism and the Emergence of Third World According to Strong the superior race is the Anglo-Saxon, a race formed by the interbreeding of the Americans and the English people.
• Modernization, Postmodernism and the Third World In addition it holds the reality of being dependent on the interested parties and the nature of those interests. The argument for the significance of the term implies that there has been establishment of decentralization […]
• Analysis of the Third World Debt Crisis and Its Causes Much as the developed nations and the international donors are to blame for the problems facing the developing countries, third world countries also share the blame due lack of proper debt management policies.
• Ethical Implications of Businesses in Third World Economies The sensation in people around developing nations is that this globalization phenomenon results in the advancement in the economy, but they forget the implications embedded in the transformation.
• The Poverty Demography Trap in Third World Countries: Empirical Evidence from Tanzania
• Third World Countries Religion And Democracy
• The Corporate Obligations When Operating in Third World Countries
• Third World Countries Major Problems
• Nestle’s Baby Formula and Third World Countries
• Third World Countries Globalization Economy
• The Roots of Equality in Third World Countries
• How Globalization Effects Third World Countries
• Third World Countries and Problems of Trade
• Climate Change In Third World Countries
• The Serious Hunger Probelm of Two African Third World Countries Ethiopia and Sudan
• How Has The 2008 Recession Affected Third World Countries
• The Personal and Societal Benefits of Missionary Trips to Third World Countries
• Fair Trade and Coffee in Third World Countries
• How International Monetary Fund Has Assisted in the Underdevelopment of Third World Countries
• Crime and Injustices against Women in the Third World Countries
• Faith and Religious Extremism in the Third World Countries
• Sources and the Nature of Ebola Virus and Reasons for its Prevalence in Third World Countries
• Social Networking and Third World Countries
• Endemic and Epidemic Diseases in Third World Countries
• Evaluation Islamic Banks Internet Cards in Third World Countries
• Socially Responsible and Ethical Marketing Decisions: Selling Tobacco to Third World Countries
• The Problems and Solutions of Developing Research Culture in Third World Countries
• The Controversy Surrounding the Production of Nuclear Weapons in Third World Countries
• Multinational Corporations Responsibilities Toward the Third World Countries
• How Are Third World Countries Depicted in Contemporary Advertising
• Ethnocentricism and Its Effects on Third World Countries
• The World Banks Role In Developing Third World Countries
• Modernity and Third World Countries
• Health and Environmental issues in the Middle East and Third World countries
• The Challenge and Solutions of the Rapid Growth of Shanty Towns in Third World Countries
• Marketing Decisions: Selling Tobacco to Third World Countries
• The Major Factors Contributing to the Rise of Poverty in Third World Countries
• The Moral Necessity And Biblical Mandate Of Providing Special Education Programs In Christian Schools In Third World Countries
• The Problem With Western Perspectives on Child Labour in Third World Countries
• The Problems Facing Third World Countries Politics
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• Our Country Essay

500 Words Essay On Our Country

India, our country is the finest example of ‘unity in diversity. People from different backgrounds and religions live here in peace and harmony. Moreover, our country is known for having a variety of languages. So much so that you will find a different language at every 100 kilometres in our country. Through our country essay, we will take you through what India is.

Unity in Diversity- Our Country Essay

India is a unique country that harbours different kinds of people that speak different languages, eat different foods and wear a variety of clothes. What makes our country special is that despite so many differences, people always live together in peace.

Our country, India, lies in South Asia. It is a large country that is home to approximately 139 crore people. Moreover, India is also the biggest democracy in the whole world. Having one of the oldest civilizations, it is a very rich country.

Our country has fertile soil that makes it the largest wheat producer in the whole world. India has given birth to famous personalities in the field of literature and science. For instance, Rabindranath Tagore, CV Raman, Dr Abdul Kalam, and others are Indians.

It is a country that is home to thousands of villages. Similarly, the fields of India are fed by the mighty rivers. For instance, Ganga, Kaveri, Yamuna, Narmada, and more are rivers of India.

Most importantly, the coasts of our country are guarded by the deep oceans and the mighty Himalayas are our natural frontiers. Being a secular state, India has a variety of religions that prosper happily together.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Famous Things of Our Country Essay

The culture of our country is immensely rich and famous worldwide. The different languages we speak and the different Gods we worship does not create differences between us. We all share the same spirit.

The spirit of India runs throughout the country. Further, India is famous for having a lot of tourist spots. For instance, the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Gateway of India, Hawa Mahal, Charminar, and more are quite popular.

These attractions bring together people from all over the world. Similarly, we have Kashmir which is known as paradise on earth. The natural beauty of Kashmir, the mighty rivers and gorgeous valleys truly make it a paradise.

Besides that, India is famous for having a very rich food culture. There are so many cuisines found within our country that it is not possible to have it all in one trip. We get to have the best of everything due to the richness.

Conclusion of Our Country Essay

All in all, our country has a thousand-year-old culture. It is also given the world the gifts of yoga and Ayurveda. Besides that, India has contributed significantly to the field of science, music, maths, philosophy, and more. It is an essential country in almost every sphere globally.

FAQ on Our Country Essay

Question 1: What makes our country special and different from other countries?

Answer 1: Our country is special and unique as it is responsible for giving many inventions to the world like the number zero, the game of chess, the value of pi, and more. There are around 90,000 kinds of animals in our country and about 50,000 plant species.

Question 2: How can we improve our country?

Answer 2: We can improve our country by sharing resources so we lower our ecological footprint. Further, it is essential to promote education and empower women. We must work together to reform the system so everyone gets a better life in our country.

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The best country is better than the rest.

Drew Binsky, from Arizona, has traveled to every country in the world since he began checking places off his list in 2012, according to his website .

He’s enjoyed visiting Indigenous tribes in Africa and driving around Cuba, but one country stood out to him.

The world traveler deemed the Philippines the best country.

“I think it’s the most beautiful country in the world, super safe and full of nice people,” Binsky told UNILAD .

“It’s like everything you could want in one country.”

However, that doesn’t mean he wants to spend every day in the beautiful Asian country.

Instead, Binsky plans to move to Dubai with his wife one day specifically for the “culture.”

The content creator has become an expert traveler, but he has had some difficulties as he’s bounced around the globe.

The man explained that he had the hardest time getting into Venezuela thanks to his American passport.

“I ended up getting the visa from the Venezuelan embassy but they were difficult because of the sanctions and political tensions between the US and Venezuela, but I was able to get one last minute,” he said.

Binsky has joined DJ Randy “R Dub!” Williams on the exclusive list of people who have visited every country in the world.

While Binksky’s experiences inspired him to document his life, Williams’ accomplishments pushed him to create his own country.

“I ran out of countries, so I created my own,” Williams, a late-night “slow jams” radio host,  told CNN .

“One of the reasons I created Slowjamastan was because, after 193 countries, I wanted a 194th!”

Another reason was his “mounting concern and strong disdain for those embarrassing, funny, rubber things they call ‘Crocs’,” he told The Post.

Slowjamastan sits on an 11.07-acre plot of desert land located off Southern California’s Route 78 in October 2021 for $19,000.

The United Territories of the Sovereign Nation of the People’s Republic of Slowjamastan was declared sovereign on Dec. 1, 2021.

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More From Forbes

The 20 best cities to live in the world, ranked in a 2024 report.

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View of the historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster Church on the Limmat River.

What are the best cities to live in the world? Every year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) evaluates cities across the globe for their liveability, releasing the much-anticipated Global Liveability Index 2024 .

The EIU’s report examines 173 cities using 30 indicators divided into several categories, including stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure, then ranks them on a 100-point scale. The aim? To show how comfortable these cities are to live in.

The World’s Best City to Live

For the third consecutive year, Vienna, Austria—a place celebrated for its unmatched blend of cultural richness and essential public services—claims the title of the world’s best city to live.

“This year, Vienna once again got perfect scores (of 100) for four of the five categories, although its score for culture and environment was a less-perfect 93.5, owing to a lack of major sporting events,” Barsali Bhattacharyya, deputy industry director at EIU, told me in an interview.

Vienna has been named the world's best city to live for the third year in a row. Pictured here: St. ... [+] Charles Church "Karlskirche" Church.

Overall, Western Europe remains the world’s most liveable region with eight cities in the top 20. Coming in second on the list—also for the third year in a row—is Copenhagen, Denmark. Zurich, Switzerland ousted Melbourne, Australia to take the third place on the list in 2024 (a position it held in 2022). Compare these results to 2023 and 2022 .

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, global trends.

So what do the results say about global liveability? This year’s report reveals a positive trend, primarily driven by significant improvements in healthcare and education in developing nations. However, these gains are somewhat offset by declining scores in several top-tier cities. Geopolitical risks also had an impact on the overall index.

“Global liveability has risen fractionally over the past year but risks to stability remain,” says Bhattacharyya. “High inflation, accompanied by interest rates and other economic headwinds, has led to frequent protests worldwide.”

One surprise in this year’s results, according to Bhattacharyya: “Overall, cities across the developing world have significant strides in improving their liveability standards, while those in rich countries have seen a decline in scores.”

The Best Cities to Live in the U.S.

Again this year, the U.S. didn’t crack the list of top 20 best places to live—but it moved up, with Honolulu taking the top spot as the best U.S. city to live for the second year in a row. Honolulu ranked 23 on the overall list—a two point increase from 2023, when it was number 25 overall. Honolulu performed well due to its robust educational facilities. It also scored strongly on stability as compared to other U.S. cities.

One notable trend in the U.S. is that smaller cities tend to outperform the biggest metropolises. Besides Honolulu at the top, Pittsburgh (number 3), Boston (number 7) and Minneapolis (number 10) made the list of the top 10 places to move in the U.S. “The U.S.’s most populous cities, such as New York (70th) and Los Angeles (58th), have impressive scores for their cultural offerings, but weaker ratings for stability and infrastructure,” says Bhattacharyya.

Across North America, the scores dropped—and housing was a big reason, especially in Canada. Toronto dropped from the top 10 in 2023 to the 12th position for 2024. “The main reason for the decline in North America’s scores in this year’s index is a lower infrastructure score for Canada on account of low housing supply,” says Bhattacharyya. “As in some other advanced economies, Canadian house price growth accelerated markedly during the pandemic, when mortgages were quite cheap. The combination of low housing supply and strong population growth, further driven by high levels of immigration, has led to record-low vacancy rates.”

There were several issues at play in the U.S. “Cities in the U.S. face a few well-established structural problems that affect their scores in our index,” says Bhattacharyya. “Foremost among these is a greater incidence of social unrest, which is often rooted in racial inequalities. Moreover, weak gun-control laws mean that crime is often violent and fatal and undermines social cohesion.”

The coastline of Honolulu, Hawaii, which was named the best place to live in the U.S.

The Biggest Changes

Despite dominating the top 20 with eight cities on the list, Europe faces challenges, recording the largest overall decline due to deteriorating stability scores. A surge in protests across Western Europe—spanning issues from far-right extremism to EU agricultural policies—reflects underlying societal tensions that could threaten future stability.

The biggest leap up the ranks globally was made by Hong Kong, which saw improvements in its score for stability. Hong Kong has also registered improvement in its healthcare facilities over the years. “Although not quite back to its pre-2019 scores, Hong Kong’s political landscape has stabilized, with the risks of disruptions from mass protests now negligible,” says Bhattacharyya. “The national security law and the local regulations introduced earlier in 2024 have restored political stability.”

But there are some drawbacks in Hong Kong, according to Bhattacharyya. “This change in score reflects a huge tradeoff to Hong Kong’s civil society, as evidenced by the city’s plunging score in our separately published Democracy Index.”

Meanwhile, there are stark contrasts in the Middle East and North Africa region. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has significantly impacted Tel Aviv, which has plummeted by 20 places to rank 112th.

On the other hand, Gulf cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have seen major improvements in their liveability scores. “This year, Dubai has joined Abu Dhabi in achieving the highest tier of liveability in our index (i.e. a score of 80 or above). Both cities score highly on stability, infrastructure and education and have seen steady improvements in overall ratings over the past few years,” says Bhattacharyya.

Saudi Arabia also performed well. “In the past few years, Saudi Arabian cities have seen strong investment in domestic infrastructure, education and health in order to become more attractive to foreign tourists and expatriates, and diversify their economies,” says Bhattacharyya. “These efforts have been rewarded with movements up the rankings.”

Read on for the rankings of the best cities to live around the world and in the United States.

A view of traditional houses in the Nyhavn area of Copenhagen, Denmark, which was named the world's ... [+] second best city to live for the third year in a row.

Ranked: The 20 Best Cities To Live in the World

1. Vienna, Austria

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

3. Zurich, Switzerland

4. Melbourne, Australia

5. Calgary, Canada (tied with Geneva)

5. Geneva, Switzerland (tie)

7. Sydney, Australia (tied with Vancouver)

7. Vancouver, Canada (tie)

9. Osaka, Japan (tied with Auckland)

9. Auckland, New Zealand (tie)

11. Adelaide, Australia

12. Toronto, Canada

13. Helsinki, Finland

14. Tokyo, Japan

15. Perth, Australia

16. Brisbane, Australia

17. Frankfurt, Germany (tied with Luxembourg)

17. Luxembourg, Luxembourg (tie)

19. Amsterdam, Netherlands

20. Wellington, New Zealand

Honolulu has been named the best city to live in the U.S. and the 23rd best place to live in the ... [+] world. Here, a surfboard-lined alley off the commercial shopping district of Kalakaua Avenue by Waikiki Beach.

Ranked: The 10 Best Cities To Live In The U.S.

1. Honolulu, Hawaii (overall ranking: 23)

2. Atlanta, Georgia (overall ranking: 29)

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (overall ranking: 30)

4. Seattle, Washington (overall ranking: 34)

5. Washington D.C. (overall ranking: 38)

6. Chicago, Illinois (overall ranking: 39)

7. Boston, Massachusetts (overall ranking: 45)

8. Miami, Florida (overall ranking: 47)

9. San Francisco, California (overall ranking: 49)

10. Minneapolis, Minnesota (overall ranking: 50)

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The Editorial Board

To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave the Race

By The Editorial Board

The editorial board is a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values . It is separate from the newsroom.

President Biden has repeatedly and rightfully described the stakes in this November’s presidential election as nothing less than the future of American democracy.

Donald Trump has proved himself to be a significant jeopardy to that democracy — an erratic and self-interested figure unworthy of the public trust. He systematically attempted to undermine the integrity of elections. His supporters have described, publicly, a 2025 agenda that would give him the power to carry out the most extreme of his promises and threats. If he is returned to office, he has vowed to be a different kind of president, unrestrained by the checks on power built into the American political system.

Mr. Biden has said that he is the candidate with the best chance of taking on this threat of tyranny and defeating it. His argument rests largely on the fact that he beat Mr. Trump in 2020. That is no longer a sufficient rationale for why Mr. Biden should be the Democratic nominee this year.

At Thursday’s debate, the president needed to convince the American public that he was equal to the formidable demands of the office he is seeking to hold for another term. Voters, however, cannot be expected to ignore what was instead plain to see: Mr. Biden is not the man he was four years ago.

The president appeared on Thursday night as the shadow of a great public servant. He struggled to explain what he would accomplish in a second term. He struggled to respond to Mr. Trump’s provocations. He struggled to hold Mr. Trump accountable for his lies, his failures and his chilling plans. More than once, he struggled to make it to the end of a sentence.

Mr. Biden has been an admirable president. Under his leadership, the nation has prospered and begun to address a range of long-term challenges, and the wounds ripped open by Mr. Trump have begun to heal. But the greatest public service Mr. Biden can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election.

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