The 10 best countries in the world, ranked

Population: 6 million

GDP: $400.1 billion

Denmark — made up of a peninsula that juts out from continental Europe and more than 400 named islands in the North Sea — was 13th on last year's list of best countries in the world.

Although the Nordic nation finished 10th among the best countries in 2024, it finished first in several categories, including quality of life and social purpose. The latter category weighed human rights, the environment, and equality.

U.S. News also named Denmark the best country for raising kids and the best country for racial equality.

Population: 5.2 million

GDP: $242.1 billion

New Zealand dropped one spot from last year but still remained in the top 10.

The small island nation in the Pacific Ocean ranked fifth on the list of best countries for a comfortable retirement and second on the list of best countries for social purpose.

New Zealand, however, did not make it into the top 20 countries best for cultural influence or power.

Population: 68.5 million

GDP: $3.2 trillion

Even after its exit from the EU in 2020, the United Kingdom remains a desirable place to live.

While it finished ninth in 2023, the UK made a small leap to the eighth spot this year.

The UK ranks highest in entrepreneurship and power — both fourth — but made no appearance in the adventure category and placed 15th out of 89 countries in heritage.

Population: 84.1 million

GDP: $4 trillion

Germany was also ranked the seventh-best country in the world in 2023. Germany ranked first for entrepreneurship and is the second-best country to start a career in.

However, Germany did not crack the top 20 for best countries to retire in or best countries to travel alone in.

Population: 10.6 million

GDP: $590 billion

Sweden sat comfortably at third on last year's list.

But even at its current No. 6 spot, it ranked high in other categories like quality of life and social purpose — second in both.

It's also the best country for women and the best country for green living.

Sweden did not finish in the top 20 for power or influence.

Population: 26.8 million

GDP: $1.7 trillion

Australia fell from fourth last year to fifth this year, though its ranking was propelled by a third-place ranking for agility.

Australia ranked eighth for quality of life and adventure and ninth for social purpose. It is also the fourth-best country for a comfortable retirement and third-best for a headquartering a corporation.

Population: 38.8 million

GDP: $1.7 trillion

This year, Canada fell from second to fourth place, though it still ranked in the top five for quality of life, social purpose, and agility.

The Commonwealth nation ranked sixth for entrepreneurship and landed in the top 10 for comfortable retirement, raising children, and education.

Canada ranked 15th on the list of business-friendly countries and 14th on the one for influential countries.

Population: 336 million

GDP: $27.4 trillion

The United States rose to third this year from fifth last year, its highest placement in the overall list since the best countries ranking began nine years ago.

The US ranked first for agility and power, as well as second for entrepreneurship. The US was also third for cultural influence behind Italy and France, and took the top spot for most influential country and countries with the best education.

The US, though, did not make the top 20 for quality of life, adventure, or business-friendliness. The US was also notably not included in the top 20 of best countries for retirement — a finding echoed by many US citizens who have moved abroad for a cheaper, more comfortable retirement.

Population: 123.2 million

GDP: $4.3 trillion

Japan jumped to second place overall from sixth place last year.

It ranked third for entrepreneurship and fifth for cultural influence.

Japan ranked eighth for power, agility, and "movers" which U.S. News defined as "ones to watch."

Japan also ranked highly in business and careers categories such as forward-looking countries, best countries to invest in, and top countries to start a career.

However, Japan did not crack the top 20 for being business-friendly, the best place to visit, or having a social purpose.

Population: 8.9 million

GDP: $819 billion

Switzerland consistently ranked high among many of U.S. News' key criteria.

Switzerland ranked third for quality of life, fifth for entrepreneurship, and second for being open to business. It also topped the lists of countries for comfortable retirement and starting a career.

However, it ranked comparably lower, 19th, for "movers," which is also an indicator for countries with high-potential economies.

It ranked outside the top 20 for the heritage category, which considered cultural traditions.