Canada has been recognized once again as one of the top countries globally, ranking 4th in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Countries list. With an impressive indexed score of 94.1, Canada’s strong performance across several categories, including quality of life, entrepreneurship, and social purpose, has solidified its place among the world’s best nations. This ranking reaffirms Canada’s appeal as a leading destination for living, working, and building a business.\
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A Glimpse at the 2024 Top Countries
In the 2024 rankings, Switzerland claimed the top spot with a perfect score of 100.0, followed by Japan with 96.6 and the United States with 94.2. Canada secured the 4th position, closely followed by Australia in 5th place with an indexed score of 92.9.
Here’s a look at the top 10 countries in the 2024 rankings:
| Country | 2024 Rank | Indexed Score |
| Switzerland | 1 | 100.0 |
| Japan | 2 | 96.6 |
| United States | 3 | 94.2 |
| Canada | 4 | 94.1 |
| Australia | 5 | 92.9 |
| Sweden | 6 | 91.7 |
| Germany | 7 | 90.6 |
| United Kingdom | 8 | 87.9 |
| New Zealand | 9 | 86.0 |
| Denmark | 10 | 85.2 |
Canada’s Consistent Presence in Global Rankings
Canada has maintained a spot in the top five countries over the past four years. In 2023, Canada held the 2nd position, but despite a slight drop, it remains a dominant player in the global rankings. The country’s dip was influenced by a reduction in scores for “open for business,” “heritage,” and “entrepreneurship.” However, Canada showed improvements in categories like “social purpose,” “agility,” and “adventure,” securing its position as one of the world’s most desirable nations.
Understanding the U.S. News Country Ranking System
The U.S. News & World Report evaluates over 17,000 respondents from 36 countries on 73 key attributes that shape a country’s global reputation. These attributes are grouped into 10 key themes:
- Movers: Reflects innovation, uniqueness, and dynamic qualities.
- Quality of Life: Includes safety, economic stability, education, and healthcare.
- Entrepreneurship: Assesses innovation, infrastructure, and business opportunities.
- Agility: Evaluates adaptability, modernity, and progressiveness.
- Social Purpose: Includes human rights, social justice, and environmental care.
- Open for Business: Measures business environment, including taxes and bureaucracy.
- Cultural Influence: Focuses on global cultural impact and significance.
- Adventure: Assesses tourism appeal, climate, and hospitality.
- Power: Examines political and economic influence globally.
- Heritage: Evaluates cultural richness, historical significance, and attractions.
Canada’s Performance Across Key Themes
Canada performed exceptionally well across several key themes, with high scores in quality of life, entrepreneurship, and social purpose. Below is a breakdown of Canada’s scores across the different categories:
| Category | Score | Global Ranking |
| Adventure | 57.5 | #16 |
| Agility | 89.2 | #2 |
| Cultural Influence | 52.6 | #16 |
| Entrepreneurship | 81.9 | #6 |
| Heritage | 41.1 | #30 |
| Movers | 27.2 | #43 |
| Open for Business | 79.8 | #15 |
| Power | 41.2 | #13 |
| Quality of Life | 94.2 | #5 |
| Social Purpose | 97.8 | #3 |
Canada’s Standout Rankings Across Other Categories
In addition to its overall ranking, Canada performed exceptionally well in specialized categories, ranking:
- 2nd for being a top destination to headquarter a corporation (the only non-European/Asian country in the top five).
- 4th for having one of the best education systems globally.
- 5th for racial equity and perceived transparency.
- 6th as an ideal destination for a comfortable retirement and raising a family.
These rankings highlight Canada’s strengths in social equity, education, and economic transparency, making it a prime destination for people worldwide.
Factors Influencing Canada’s Global Rank
Canada’s slight drop from 2nd to 4th can be attributed to marginal declines in entrepreneurship, open for business, and heritage. Despite this, the country’s progress in social purpose and agility has cemented its status as a leader in modern, progressive governance, and global responsibility.
Why Canada Remains a Top Choice for Immigrants
Canada’s robust performance in global rankings further reinforces its attractiveness to immigrants. Its high quality of life, thriving job market, and socially inclusive policies make it one of the top destinations for newcomers seeking a better future. SWEC Visa is here to help you navigate the immigration process and make your transition to Canada smooth and hassle-free.
Conclusion
Canada’s impressive 4th place ranking in the 2024 Best Countries list highlights its ongoing strength in providing a high quality of life, fostering entrepreneurial growth, and maintaining social purpose. With its strong global presence and consistent top-tier performance, Canada remains one of the most desirable countries in the world. Whether for education, employment, or business opportunities, Canada continues to be a leading destination for individuals seeking a better future.
Consult SWEC’s professional visa and immigration experts today to start your journey to one of the best countries in the world!
FAQs for Canada’s 4th Ranking in the 2024 Global Country Rankings
Q1. What is Canada’s rank in the 2024 U.S. News Best Countries list?
Ans1. Canada ranks 4th in the 2024 U.S. News Best Countries list with an overall indexed score of 94.1.
Q2. How did Canada perform in the key ranking factors?
Ans2. Canada performed well in categories like quality of life, entrepreneurship, social purpose, and agility. The country ranked 5th for quality of life, 6th for entrepreneurship, 3rd for social purpose, and 2nd for agility.
Q3. What are the top 5 countries in the 2024 U.S. News rankings?
Ans3. The top five countries are:
- Switzerland (100.0)
- Japan (96.6)
- United States (94.2)
- Canada (94.1)
- Australia (92.9)
Q4. Why did Canada drop from 2nd to 4th place in the 2024 rankings?
Ans4. Canada’s slight drop from 2nd to 4th place is due to lower scores in entrepreneurship, open for business, and heritage, despite improvements in social purpose and agility.
Q5. How does U.S. News determine its Best Countries rankings?
Ans5. U.S. News evaluates 73 attributes of each country through a global survey of engaged citizens. These attributes are grouped into 10 themes, such as quality of life, entrepreneurship, agility, social purpose, and cultural influence.
Q6. What are Canada’s scores in individual ranking themes?
Ans6. Canada’s scores in major themes include:
- Quality of Life: 94.2 (Ranked #5)
- Entrepreneurship: 81.9 (Ranked #6)
- Social Purpose: 97.8 (Ranked #3)
- Agility: 89.2 (Ranked #2)
- Adventure: 57.5 (Ranked #16)
Q7. How does Canada rank in specialized categories?
Ans7. Canada ranks 2nd for corporate headquarters, 4th for its education system, 5th for racial equity, and 6th for being a top destination for retirement and raising a family.
Q8. Why is Canada a popular choice for immigrants?
Ans8. Canada offers a high quality of life, strong job market, excellent social services, and inclusive policies, making it a top choice for immigrants seeking better opportunities.
Q9. How can I immigrate to Canada?
Ans9. SWEC Visa can assist you in navigating the Canadian immigration process, providing professional guidance and support to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Q10. Why should I consult SWEC for my immigration needs?
Ans10. SWEC Visa offers expert consultation services for visa and immigration, helping individuals and families move to Canada with ease. Contact SWEC to start your immigration journey to one of the best countries in the world.
