This Country Was Just Voted The World's Best Again

Switzerland, the land of banks, swanky ski resorts, delicious chocolate and yodelling, is apparently, the best country in the world. That’s according to a recent global survey by US News that polled 21,000 people worldwide, with the emphasis on attributes such as economic performance, cultural influence and quality of life. Canada held strong in second position with Germany, the UK (which dropped one place) and Japan completing the top five. Meanwhile, the US fell one position to eighth spot. So what makes Switzerland top of the list?

Switzerland topped the rankings primarily for its openness for business and its approach to citizenship and human rights, says the survey, as it seems to get the balance between capitalism and citizen welfare more or less right. That’s despite recent moves by the Swiss government to make it harder for foreigners to gain citizenship, an upcoming referendum that will decide whether or not the burqa is banned and a previous survey that found Switzerland to be rather unfriendly to foreigners.

Beautiful views come naturally to Switzerland, but friendliness doesn’t, according to some

Switzerland was also ranked as the second best country for a green living, just pipped by Sweden. The survey notes that the Swiss, and those living there, boast some of highest life expectancies in the world.

The annual survey, which is now in its third edition, also ranked world leaders for the first time. Only two world leaders, Justin Trudeau of Canada and Angela Merkel of Germany, topped the ratings of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. US President Donald Trump found himself trumped by all others, lingering at the bottom of the approval ratings table with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

So, now you’ve discovered the best country in the world, check out our reasons why you should visit Switzerland at least once in your life.

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.