Canada ranks high among 100 best countries in the world
A ranking of the world’s best countries has been released, and Canada placed pretty high.
U.S. News and World Report revealed its 2026 Best Countries list on Thursday, which evaluates 100 nations to help citizens, business leaders and policy makers understand how each country is serving its people.
“We evaluate countries not just by their economic output, but by their ‘operational health’ – encompassing everything from civic engagement and infrastructure to environmental stewardship and health care,” reads the report’s methodology.
The following factors were taken into account when ranking the best countries in the world: Culture and tourism, economic development, governance, health, infrastructure, natural environment, opportunity, and Civic Health.
Three zipliners ride high over the Niagara parkway area with Horseshoe Falls in the distance (Chris Allan/Shutterstock)
Out of 100 countries, Canada managed to rank in the top 20 best nations at 19th place. It received an overall score of 69.5 out of 100, landing its highest score in culture and tourism. Culture and tourism examine a country’s global influence, heritage, and cultural attractions.
“Canadians pride themselves on encouraging all of their citizens to honour their own cultures. In 1971, Canada adopted a national policy of multiculturalism, which celebrates the country’s diversity,” reads the report.
It did note that the country faces challenges related to the concerns of Indigenous people and the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec.
“While constitutional guarantees allow the province wide-ranging cultural and linguistic autonomy, movements for complete independence come in waves,” it adds.
The report also highlighted Canada’s biggest cultural exports — artists and writers like Joni Mitchell, Avril Lavigne, and Drake, to name a few.
Canada’s lowest scores were for natural environment, civic health and economic development.
The United States beat out Canada by one spot, grabbing 18th place. The number one spot went to Switzerland with an overall score of 78.8. It scored particularly high for culture and tourism, economic development, governance and opportunity.
“Switzerland has low unemployment, a skilled labour force and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook,” reads the report. “The country’s strong economy is powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech manufacturing industry.”
Rounding out the top three best countries in the world are Denmark in second place and Sweden in third place.
Check out the full ranking.
Canada recently also ranked high among the top five best countries globally for higher education.