What is the best country in the world? This is a difficult question to answer, yet studies and surveys try to do that all the time. One of the most influential is U.S. News and World Report.
What factors should we consider? The culture. The food. The people. The crazy, unforgettable adventure you had? Maybe all these.
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 10 attributes: adventure, cultural influence, heritage, entrepreneurship, movers, open for business, power, agility, social purpose and quality of life.
These are the 50 “best countries” in the world. Some are best for their economy, some have the greatest power, some are leaders in business.
Italy came in at number 15 overall, but guess which country popped up as number 1 when we consider cultural influence and heritage on a global scale?
You guessed it, the Bel Paese, the Boot- in other words Italy! The “Made in Italy” label in everything Italians do assures you of quality, sophistication, creativity and beauty.
Italy beat out France, which came in at number 2, and the United States that squeezed into the number 3 spot.
Here are the overall stats for Italy:
Adventure #2
Agility #21
Cultural Influence #1
Entrepreneurship #21
Heritage #1
Movers #25
Open for Business #41
Power #15
Quality of Life #19
Social Purpose #19
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. Not to mention some of the most beautiful people on Earth. When you’re not drooling over its scrumptious cuisine, you can visit one of its many world heritage sites. It has more than any other country and for this reason, also came in at number 2 for Adventure.
The nation is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, and houses two countries within its borders – the Vatican and San Marino. Not to mention some of the highest peaks in the Alps, where intrepid skiers can challenge themselves.
Italy’s history started with the Etruscans thousands of years ago, an ancient civilization that was eventually supplanted by the Romans in the third century B.C.
Later, Italy’s city-states gave birth to the European Renaissance, when it became the cultural leader of the Western world—and never stopped.
This rich history of genius, style and cultural influence–and above all, and the country’s historical cities, world-renowned cuisine and geographic beauty– put it in the top.
Voters rank Italy No. 1 in the cultural influence and heritage categories for its great food, fashion, attractions and accessibility.
