Making it three golds in three years, Switzerland has retained its title of the best country in the world, according to the annual report from U.S. News. The alpine nation was given high praise for its great quality of life and entrepreneurship.

Best countries in the world revealed by new U.S. News ranking

Every year, U.S. News ranks 87 different countries around the world from worst to best. To do this, the company uses a proprietary survey of 17.000 people from around the world and evaluates 89 different countries’ performance across more than 73 attributes. These are collected under 10 subcategories ranging from entrepreneurship and quality of life to power and heritage. 

For the ninth edition of the ranking, the report had a strong focus on countries that are likely to grow and develop in the future, those that offer the highest quality of life and the nations with the best conditions for both entrepreneurs and workers. 

Switzerland rated as the best country on Earth for 2024

For the third time in a row, Switzerland has been rated as the best country in the world. In fact, the alpine nation has taken first in all but two of the U.S. News rankings since it was created (Germany in 2016 and Canada in 2021). On the podium for 2024, Switzerland was joined by Japan, which went from sixth in 2023 to second, and the US, which ranked fifth last year.

U.S. News wrote that while Switzerland did not place first in any subcategory, its strong all-around performance ensured its place in the top spot. The country’s strongest categories were “Open for Business”, “Quality of Life” and “Entrepreneurship”, coming in second, third and fifth respectively.

Why is Switzerland rated so highly?

The report argued that Switzerland’s dynamic economy, political stability, education system and lower taxes were some of the main reasons for the high score. For quality of life, low crime rates, strong public transport and a well-maintained natural environment propelled the country to the top of the list.

Finally, writing in the report the former Swiss ambassador to Germany, Thomas Borer, said that Switzerland’s reputation as a bubble - shielded from global instability and price fluctuations - means it is increasingly attractive in a “less and less predictable world.”  “Everything is predictable [in Switzerland]... The economy is predictable, but also the lifestyle is very predictable. Everything works very well,” he added.

Cost of living remains an issue in Switzerland

However, there were some areas to improve. As any expat who has recently started renting a house or apartment in Switzerland will tell you, the country ranked near the bottom for affordability. Other factors, such as issues with official processes and bureaucracy, were also challenged.

While Switzerland placed top overall, different nations placed first in each category. Brazil took first place in the “Adventure” category, the US placed first for “Agility” and “Power”, Italy was top for its “Cultural Influence”, the United Arab Emirates was the most up-and-coming nation having ranked first for “Movers”, Luxembourg was the most “Open for Business”, and Denmark was top for “Quality of Life” and “Social Purpose.”

10 best countries in the world in 2024

In all, here are the 10 best countries in the world, according to U.S. News:

1. Switzerland
2. Japan
3. United States
4. Canada
5. Australia
6. Sweden
7. Germany
8. United Kingdom
9. New Zealand
10. Denmark

For more information about the ranking, check out the official study.