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 nine attributes — adventure, citizenship, cultural influence, heritage, entrepreneurship, movers, open for business, power and quality of life — to participants who assessed how closely they associated an attribute with a nation. And — alas! — this list was born.
We used this data to present to you the 50 best countries of 2020. 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...
50. Panama
* The numbers listed are the country's ranking for each of the nine attributes assessed in the survey, which contributed to its overall ranking.
How It Ranks
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.
As No. 50 on the list, the country ranked on the lower end for most of the attributes, except for being open for business. In fact, 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.
How It Ranks
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.
That said, its low scores in entrepreneurship, power and quality of life keep this country from breaking into the top 45.
How It Ranks
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.
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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 ranks No. 17 for adventure, as 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. What the Philippines lacks is well-distributed political power, receiving a 0.6 out of 100 — yikes!
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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 sexy dance was invented in Buenos Aires and is incredibly fun to watch (and perform!). In fact, the entire country earned a 67.8 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.
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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. 8 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.
How It Ranks
The Czech Republic 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 the Czech Republic is 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. 24 for quality of life. Either way, you certainly need to grab a pint at a “hospoda” (pub) the next time you visit.
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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. 4 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.
How It 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?
How It Ranks
The oil-rich country of Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest exporter of petroleum liquid. The country ranks No. 10 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!)
How It 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.
How It Ranks
Israel’s ranking is the same as in 2019, according to the U.S. News Report (consistency is key, people!) The country 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.
How It 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.
How It 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 (although, don’t expect to get a Greek accent like Lindsay Lohan).
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)!
How It 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.
How It Ranks
You can’t deny India’s deep-rooted culture. Voters rank it No. 6 in the heritage category for its history, food and many cultural attractions. With a population of 1.3 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.
How It 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.
How It Ranks
Russia’s power is a major influence in ranking No. 23 on the top 50 best countries list. Yup, 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…
How It 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.
How It 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. 1 in the open for business category, meaning voters appreciate the country’s favorable tax environment (wink, wink).
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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!
How It 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…
How It 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.
How It 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.
How It 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. 13 on the top 50 countries list.
How It 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.”
How It 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.
How It 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 10.
How It 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!
How It 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.
7. United States of America
How It 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 in the top five of this list.
How It 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.
How It 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. 5 for quality of life, attributing the country to being safe, economically stable and having a well-developed health system. Sounds about right, mate!
How It 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!
How It 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!
How It 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?
How It 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 for 2020.