Just Revealed: 10 Countries With The Greatest Influence On World Culture

The 10 countries with the greatest influence on world culture have been revealed.

While political and economic prowess determine a country’s power, it is culture which dictates its greater impact on the world. From the scientific and artistic legacy of Italy’s Renaissance to the USA turning film into a global industry in the Hollywood Golden Age, our world is constantly being shaped by cultural waves spreading swiftly and steadily across the planet. US News & World Report has determined the world’s most culturally influential countries by measuring their global significance in seven categories: prestige, entertainment, fashion, trendiness, modernity, happiness and general cultural influence.

10. Sweden

Sweden’s cultural impact is determined mainly by its modernity, in which it has scored 9/10. The Nordic nation is at the forefront of modern trends, with the Scandi aesthetic renowned for its sleek functionality and affordability. Then there is IKEA, a global phenomenon that changed home furnishing forever.

Australia’s place at number nine is also based on its modernity, with the country achieving 9.8/10. It also scored well in terms of its population’s happiness at 9.4/10. The country is known for its laid-back attitude; the colloquial phrase “no worries” originated there and is now utilised worldwide.

8. Brazil

Entertainment leads the way for this South American nation’s impact on global culture. People have swayed to the sultry rhythms of Brazilian music for decades and its Rio Carnival is world famous. Recently, the country has also added a growing cinema industry to its arts and entertainment heritage.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland tops global culture when it comes to prestige, in which it is rated an impressive 10/10. An unmatched heritage in banking for the rich and famous and a reputation for running smoothly and neutrally is responsible for this accolade.

6. Japan

Japan’s cultural reach spawns mainly from its modernity (9.8/10), followed close behind by the fact that it has a highly influential culture (9.1/10). From sushi to fashion, the vibrations of this country’s cultural impact can be felt all around the world.

5. United Kingdom

Coming in at number five, the UK like Switzerland is most known for its prestige, scoring 9.5/10. London is the world’s leading financial centre and with large parts of the world obsessing over the British royal family, the country is also seen as a beacon of proper decorum.

4. Spain

Spain ranks 10/10 for entertainment. From renowned artists like Goya and Picasso to the passionate dance of flamenco, the country’s artistic heritage runs deep.

3. United States

Scoring a 10/10 in modernity and a 9.1/10 for its entertainment, the US retains its historical position as the centre of the modern world and its entertainment industry continues to have a huge impact.

2. France

France is most culturally influential when it comes to fashion, scoring a 9.8/10 in this category. French designer Coco Chanel made wearing trousers fashionable for women and the country, especially Paris, remains the heart of haute couture.

1. Italy

Italy reigns supreme on the list with a 10/10 for both trendiness and fashion and a 9.7/10 for having a generally influential culture. The country responsible for Michelangelo, pizza and the fashion houses of Milan has been shaping world culture since the Renaissance and this doesn’t look to be changing any time soon.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.