Switzerland is the best place to live

For the second consecutive year, Switzerland tops the overall list of the world’s Best Countries, a rankings and analysis project by U.S. News & World Report; global marketing and communications services company WPP; and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Why is Switzerland the best place to live?

We probably all knew that Switzerland is the best place to live and we did see this coming but there are some specific reasons why it is so:

“Switzerland’s enduring success in the Best Countries rankings not only highlights its entrepreneurial strength, quality of life, and positive global image, but also underscores its transformation towards an economy increasingly rooted in science and precision technology. Exploring consumers’ attitudes towards topics high on the agenda – innovation, climate change, healthcare, inflation and social media to name a few – provides a nuanced understanding of the intricate global landscape, helping brands to craft strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and adapt to evolving societal priorities around the world.”
David Roth, chairman of WPP BAV

Key themes from the 2023 Best Countries Survey and Report

“A nation’s economy, as well as its potential for success in key areas such as trade, travel and investment, hinges in part on how it is perceived globally. The 2023 Best Countries rankings and report examine these perceptions as they relate to several qualitative characteristics, giving policymakers and residents of various nations a helpful glimpse into their country’s perceived value.”
Morgan Felchner, U.S. News executive editor, news and events.

As the world experiences record-breaking temperatures, most agree on the impact of climate change. Eighty-eight percent of respondents agreed to some extent with the statement, “The effects of climate change are real,” while 71% agreed with the statement, “I am willing to make financial sacrifices to address climate change.”
In the U.S. and Sweden, fewer consider universal healthcare a human right. Outside of the United States, the only country that saw less than 85% agreement that universal healthcare is a human right was Sweden (83%), which is perceived as having the No. 1 well-developed public health system and to be the most health-conscious of all countries included in the survey.
Inflation remains a global concern. Against the backdrop of many countries grappling with high inflation rates over the past year, 84% of respondents believe inflation will continue to get worse – although that share is down slightly from 85% in 2022.
Western and Eastern countries disagree on the benefits of social media. Several countries in Asia (China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand) and the Middle East (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) saw more than 80% of their respondents express agreement that social media has a positive effect on society, while many of Western nations saw a majority or near-majority of their respondents disagreeing with the statement.
Global support for immigration is slightly declining. Fifty-nine percent of respondents – down from 61% in 2022 – agreed to some extent with the statement, “My country should be more open to immigration.”

The best 10 countries

Switzerland
Canada
Sweden
Australia
United States
Japan
Germany
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Netherlands

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.