Where does Hungary rank on the list of the best countries in the world?
The ranking of the best countries in the world made by U.S. News & World Report was published recently. Here’s where they have placed our beloved Hungary on the list.
U.S. News & World Report’s list
As Mfor writes, the 2024 Best Countries in the World report by U.S. News & World Report ranked 89 nations, with Hungary placed 54th overall. Highlighting global perception rather than aesthetics, the rankings consider multiple factors. According to David Reibstein of the Wharton School, the list emphasises a country’s strong international image.
Cultural influence, for example, includes entertainment relevance, modernity, and brand presence. Hungary ranked 55th in this category. Countries were assessed across ten categories, including economic and social power, entrepreneurship, business openness, agility, social goals, quality of life, drive or motivation, cultural influence, heritage and adventure, with each scored out of 100 to determine the best countries in the world.
Hungary’s place on the list
Hungary ranked 54th in the 2024 Best Countries in the World list, a slight drop from its 49th position in 2023. Despite this, Hungary performed better than some of its neighbours but trailed behind Austria (21st), Croatia (47th), and the Czech Republic (50th). Interestingly, India, despite having nearly 230 million people living in poverty, was ranked 33rd. The report provides detailed data for each country, such as population, GDP, and language spoken. For Hungary, it highlights the nation’s linguistic isolation and relative economic prosperity compared to other European countries.
The report also discusses Hungary’s strained international relations, citing its anti-immigration policies and the centralisation of political power as key issues. The political climate is noted as being in line with the growing populism and far-right movements across Europe. Additionally, critics, including the US, have pointed to corruption within Hungary’s government and alleged smear campaigns against civil society groups. Despite these challenges, Hungary remains notable for producing one of the highest number of Nobel laureates per capita, though many achieved success abroad due to limited funding at home.
The best countries
Denmark ranked tenth in the 2024 World Best Countries report, excelling in quality of life and social goals, including human rights and equality, while also being the top country for child-rearing. New Zealand secured ninth place, praised for meeting social objectives and providing a comfortable retirement. The United Kingdom came eighth, still highly regarded after Brexit, particularly in areas such as power and entrepreneurship. Germany ranked seventh, leading in entrepreneurship but falling behind in retirement conditions.
Sweden ranked sixth, dropped from third place last year but remains a global leader in environmental protection and quality of life. Australia was ranked fifth, standing out for retirement conditions, while Canada placed fourth, known for its quality of life and social goals. The United States rose to third, excelling in agility, power, and education, though it trailed in cultural influence. Japan took second place, leading in business and career development, while Switzerland maintained its top position, excelling in career opportunities, retirement conditions, and overall quality of life.
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