The best countries for 2024 were revealed and the US beat Canada for the first time ever
Well, Canada, it's official: We've been knocked down a peg on the world stage after a new ranking just declared the United States a better country than Canada.
That's right — for the first time in the history of the U.S. News Best Countries in the World ranking, our neighbours to the south have officially outranked us. Ouch.
Canada now ranks fourth on the list, slipping from last year's second-place finish, while the U.S. has climbed to its highest-ever position at third. This marks the first time the U.S. has ever beaten Canada since the best country rankings started back in 2016 — and it's also Canada's lowest placement ever. Double ouch.
The ranking is based on a global survey that assesses 89 nations across a range of attributes, including quality of life, economic influence, power and social purpose. Countries are evaluated based on how they're perceived by the world, with this year's list reflecting opinions from nearly 17,000 people.
For eight consecutive years, Canada held steady at number two in the world, with the exception of 2021 when it actually snagged the top spot. But this time around, we've been knocked off the podium. Japan jumped into second place, and Switzerland continues its reign at number one, where it's been hanging out for three years straight.
So, what's behind this North American shake-up? While Canada still ranks high in key areas — we're second in agility and third in social purpose — the U.S. has pulled ahead thanks to its top score in power (no surprise there) and second place in entrepreneurship.
Japan, meanwhile, made a big move by jumping four spots to second, thanks to its influence in innovation and technology this year.
Even though we've dropped to fourth, Canada's still rocking a top-five finish in quality of life (where the U.S. ranks way down at #22), and we're known for being one of the friendliest and most inclusive countries in the world. We're still seen as a great place to live — and let's be honest, that's what really matters, eh?
Here's how the rest of the top 25 shook out this year:
What are the top 25 best countries in the world for 2024?
- Switzerland
- Japan
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- Sweden
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Denmark
- Norway
- France
- Netherlands
- Singapore
- Italy
- China
- United Arab Emirates
- South Korea
- Spain
- Finland
- Austria
- Iceland
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Qatar
Switzerland may still be the world's favourite with its low corruption and high quality of life, but don't count Canada out just yet. We've got our eyes on the prize for 2025!
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The World Happiness Report 2022.