What are the greatest nations in the world is a commonly asked question. And when you really think about it, it’s pretty easy to name most, if not all, of the great nations. But have you ever stopped to wonder – what makes a nation great?
This is an interesting question with no set answers, really. It is mostly a country’s global perception, brand image, wealth, political and economic stability, and quality of life that earn it the status as one of the world’s best countries. Other times, it is a country’s market reputation or history that also earns it the top spot. Here, we talk about 8 of the greatest nations in the world.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is considered one of the best places to live for multiple reasons. The country is politically and economically stable, offers equal opportunities, and is marked as ‘open for business,’ welcoming investments from entrepreneurs worldwide; most of all, it is known for its neutrality. Along will that, Switzerland is known for its riches, which is why it maintains its position as being one of the greatest nations in the world, despite not being politically involved in much of what happens.
It is also a popular tourist destination as the country’s beautiful landscape consists of scenic lakes, breath-taking valleys, and mesmerizing glacial-carved Alps. The country’s economy is fueled by a well-developed services sector and well-established manufacturing industry.
2. Canada
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land and is also the second-best country in the world. Its high-tech industrial society primarily drives Canada’s economy, followed closely by the services sector. It is one of the largest exporters of food and energy and is known to have the world’s fifth-largest oil reserves.
Every year, Canada welcomes millions of immigrants from all around the world, giving them a chance to become Canadian citizens in return for their services to the country’s development. Residents here enjoy a high standard of living, access to equal opportunity, political and economic stability, and various investment opportunities.
What makes the country stand out is the celebration of its cultural diversity, for which the international community lauds it.
3. Japan
Japan is a nation that has shown immense resilience in the face of adversity and jumped back from major disasters that ruined its economy to now hold the third strongest economy in the world. It also boasts one of the most literate societies globally and boasts a stable, democratic political system. It is one of the largest producers of electronics and motor vehicles, and the services sector also plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
The country is known for its rich culture, arts, beautiful gardens, and Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangements. Millions of people flock to Japan to attend the New Year’s celebration or attend a traditional tea ceremony, which is an elaborate affair.
4. Germany
Germany holds the title of being the most densely populated nation in the European Union and one of the world’s largest economies. Industry, agriculture, and the services sector, mainly healthcare, telecommunications, and tourism, are significant contributors to its economy.
The country’s labor force is highly skilled but is rapidly aging. Thus, Germany has an open-door immigration policy, which contributes heavily to its positive global perception despite its dark past. The country follows a parliamentary democracy with a social market economy, which is growing slowly and steadily.
5. Australia
Australia is a Commonwealth country that spans over the continent of Australia. The country follows a parliamentary democracy with Queen Elizabeth II as its ceremonial head of state. It is a wealthy country with a market-based economy, with most of its earnings coming from exports and the services sector.
If you are looking for a country with a high livability index, Australia is an excellent option as most of its major cities perform well on the global livability ranking scale. The Australian population is very vocal about environmental issues and is actively working towards environmental conservation.
6. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an obvious answer to the question of what are the greatest nations in the world. The legacy of the British Empire is anything but hidden. It is one of the most developed and strongest economies globally and has been for a long time. The United Kingdom used its power and influence to fuel development in many far-flung parts of the world, and many commonwealth countries still use rails, roads, and educational systems built by the British Empire.
The country has a rich history, with notable contributions to the fields of arts, science, and technology. It boasts one of the most culturally diverse economies and one of the world’s strongest educational systems, with the best and the oldest educational institutions.
7. United States
The United States is one of the most popular countries globally, featuring one of the strongest (if not the strongest) economies in the world today. In fact, it has the highest Gross Domestic Product in the world and is currently one of the most technologically advanced nations. On the political spectrum, it is most notably known for its ‘War Against Terrorism’ after the 9/11 attacks and continues to extend its military and economic influence over several countries across the globe.
The US economy’s main driving factors are exports of electrical machinery, computer systems, military equipment, heavy-duty machinery, chemicals, and food, among others. The country also welcomes a substantial amount of immigrants and skilled workers every year and features a culturally and racially diverse economy.
8. Sweden
Like Switzerland, Sweden is known for its neutrality in times of war despite having strong military roots. The country is deeply committed to humanitarian work, protection of human rights, and environmental conservation.
It is one of the largest countries in the world by land, with a stable economy. Sweden is also one of the very few countries in the world with equal wealth distribution. It also holds the reputation for being one of the most welcoming communities, especially for refugees, whose constant influx is increasingly diversifying the country’s population.
Concluding Note
What are the greatest nations in the world, you ask? Well, in this blog post, we presented you with 8 of the greatest countries in the world. These are some of the most economically and politically strong countries with a high livability index and excellent quality of life. They also hold a considerable amount of sway when it comes to political matters, as is evident by their involvement in world events.
