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<\/p>\nA ranking of the world\u2019s best countries has been released, and Canada placed pretty high.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe evaluate countries not just by their economic output, but by their \u2018operational health\u2019 \u2013 encompassing everything from civic engagement and infrastructure to environmental stewardship and health care,\u201d reads the report\u2019s methodology.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Three zipliners ride high over the Niagara parkway area with Horseshoe Falls in the distance (Chris Allan\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
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\u2019s global influence, heritage, and cultural attractions.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanadians 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\u2019s diversity,\u201d reads the report.<\/p>\n
It did note that the country faces challenges related to the concerns of Indigenous people and the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile constitutional guarantees allow the province wide-ranging cultural and linguistic autonomy, movements for complete independence come in waves,\u201d it adds.<\/p>\n
The report also highlighted Canada\u2019s biggest cultural exports \u2014 artists and writers like Joni Mitchell, Avril Lavigne, and Drake, to name a few.<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s lowest scores were for natural environment, civic health and economic development.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSwitzerland 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,\u201d reads the report. \u201cThe country\u2019s strong economy is powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech manufacturing industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rounding out the top three best countries in the world are Denmark in second place and Sweden in third place.<\/p>\n
Check out the full ranking<\/a>.<\/p>\n