Is it difficult to name just one country when somebody asks you your favorite? Multiple factors might go into assigning this top spot. The culture. The food. The people. Or that crazy, unforgettable adventure you had. There are plenty of travel destination lists out there, but we’re interested in the king of said lists: the 50 best countries in the world.
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. And — alas! — this list was born.
These are the 50 best countries in the world. If your favorite country doesn’t rank where you thought it might, just remember that it’s No. 1 in your book. But, honestly, maybe you should check out some of these far superior destinations. OK, OK, let the debate begin…
How Peru Ranks
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Peru’s history traces back to the Incan Empire, and Machu Picchu is the country’s major tourist attraction that sits high in the Andes Mountains. While you might visit Peru to experience these ancient ruins, the country is also home to plenty of other sites like Colca Canyon (the deepest canyon in the world) and the Amazon rainforest.
It’s also an excellent country for scenic hiking, eating potatoes (yum!) and bird watching, ranking well in the U.S. News’ adventure and heritage categories. While you’re there, try a pisco sour, a refreshing drink made using lemon, sugar, egg and ice. But watch it — too many of these will have you face down on the floor.
What ranked Peru on the lower end of this list is its score for power, as it lacks a strong military, international political influence and strong international alliances.
How Chile Ranks
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Chile is the long, narrow country that takes up most of the length of South America’s western coastline. From top to bottom, it covers 2,700 miles, with the widest point being 150 miles! Here you’ll find the world’s largest swimming pool, the driest place on Earth, world-class wine, active volcanoes and five UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Among these sites is Easter Island, the mysterious island filled with about 900 moai statues weighing about 14 tons each! So, where did they come from, and how did they get there? It’s still a mystery.
Like Peru to the north, Chile ranks low in terms of entrepreneurship and power but is strongly tied to its heritage and is good to its citizens.
How New Zealand Ranks
Don’t underestimate this small but mighty country located at the bottom of the world. An impressive mountain range and empty beaches are scattered throughout the country. Kiwis (a term for New Zealanders) are notorious adventurers. They invented bungee jumping and jet boating, two thrills that should be on everyone’s bucket list!
New Zealand is also a top spot to experience wildlife … and sheep! (There’s a myth that there are 20 sheep for every one Kiwi.) Sheep aside, voters accredited New Zealand with being an excellent country for citizenship, adventure and quality of life.
Honorable Mention: Panama
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Receiving placements within the top 50 in previous years, these countries deserve an honorable mention.
Panama is a narrow country in Central America, most famous for the Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Did you know it takes a ship eight to 10 hours to make its way through the canal?! Geez, that’s a time commitment.
Besides this necessary feat in history, Panama is the only place in the world where you can watch the sunrise in the Pacific and sunset on the Atlantic. It just takes an aggressive hike up to the highest point in the country, Volcan Baru. Sweat-provoking? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.
Panama attracts several foreign corporations from near and far due to its scarce regulation of tax-exempt offshore banking. And, of course, its beautiful beaches attract tourists seeking adventure.
