25 Most Respected Countries In The World

Posted by , Updated on March 22, 2024

Each year, the Reputation Institute unveils a list ranking countries based on their international perception. The index evaluates each country on three main aspects: the sophistication of their economy, the allure of their environment, and the efficiency of their governance. Economic perceptions are based on views of the nation’s products, brands, and technology, as well as the reliability and quality of the workforce and products. Environmental factors encompass everything from the country’s physical beauty to the friendliness of its citizens. Lastly, the aspect of governance involves how secure people feel in that country, their views on social and economic policies, the perceived ethical standing of the nation, and so on. However, we’ll leave the explanation to the index. Here are the top 25 most regarded nations worldwide.

25

Taiwan

TaiwanSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 56.2

Although it is only recognized as a nation by 22 other countries (primarily due to political reasons involving mainland China), unlike its larger half Taiwan is seen as having high press freedom, economic freedom, and human development.

24

Czech Republic

Czech RepublicSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 56.5

As the first former Eastern block state to become a developed economy, this current EU country has led the way. Today its economy and political systems are seen as a model for other nations that are trying to make the shift.

23

Poland

PolandSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 56.8

Although the Czech Republic has been made famous for the Prague Spring, it was Poland that ushered in Europe’s first post-communist government. Since then it has made great strides. In 2009 when the rest of Europe was having economic difficulties, Poland was the only country experiencing growth.

22

United States

United StatesSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 57

So lets get the negatives out of the way. Although the United States’ reputation abroad was slightly improved under the Obama administration, due to continued wars, spying, and a general sense of overreach/imperialism, the United States has managed to isolate even some of its allies. Furthermore, it has a reputation for violence, lack of safety, poor healthcare coverage, and massive inequality. With that said, the United States is still seen as the “melting pot” and “land of opportunity”. So, although there are 21 countries that are seen as more “respectable”, the US still has a lot going for it. And given the amount of immigration, the world seems to have cast its vote with its feet.

21

Thailand

ThailandSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 57.7

Popular as a tourist destination, Thailand is one of a few Asian countries on our list. It tended to score high in the appealing environment category (natural beauty, friendliness, etc)

20

Singapore

SingaporeSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 61.1

The Asian Tiger is seen as having a strong economy, effective government, and very low corruption.

19

France

FranceSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: Moyan Brenn via flickr

Score: 64.4

Due to the economic crisis and constraint policies, France was one of the European nations whose reputation fell slightly.

18

Portugal

PortugalSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 64.4

With some indicators starting to improve, southern European countries like Portugal have seen their reputations rise as well.

17

Spain

SpainSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 67.8

Spain is the first country on our list whose own citizens have a lower view of their nation than foreigners. Most countries (especially Russia, China, and India) had extremely inflated views of themselves relative to the rest of the world.

16

Japan

JapanSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 69

The most respected Asian country on our list, Japan scored highest in the advanced economy dimension (technology, high quality products, well known brands).

15

Germany

GermanySource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 69

Tying with Japan at 69 points, Germany’s reputation suffered some setbacks along with France due to the recent pressures on the European Union and the financial situation with Greece.

14

Italy

ItalySource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 69.4

Although it fared poorly in governance and business environment, it did extremely well in almost every other category – lifestyle, natural beauty, friendliness, culture, popular brands, etc. Furthermore, Italians seem to be the most humble as they rated their country significantly lower than did the rest of the world.

 

13

United Kingdom

United KingdomSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 69.5

The UK fared slightly above average on all indicators but the one area where it broke the top 10 was education. Behind, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and the Nordic countries people rated the UK as being their top place to study.

12

Austria

AustriaSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 71.2

Famous for its pristine beauty, strong economy, effective government, and good infrastructure, Austria is the first of the “enviable” countries on our list. These countries are the developed economies known for their systems that just work. Low corruption, good education, efficient healthcare, high quality of life, and effective safety nets characterize their societies.

11

Ireland

IrelandSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 72

Ireland’s reputation has shot up once again after economic indicators began to improve. It has always scored well in terms of appealing environment and effective government.

 

10

Belgium

BelgiumSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 72.3

Scoring high in safety, ethics, responsible government, efficiency, and progressive policies, the capital of the European Union is known for more than just its tasty waffles.

9

Netherlands

NetherlandsSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 73.7

The Netherlands is the first country on our list to score in the top 10 in all 3 categories (appealing environment, advanced economy, effective government).

8

Denmark

DenmarkSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 74.5

The first of several Nordic countries on our list, it comes as no surprise that Denmark is seen as one of the best places to live, work, and study.

7

New Zealand

New ZealandSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 75

Thanks to extreme natural beauty, a strong economy, and a very efficient social infrastructure, New Zealand is seen by many as a very desirable place to live and work, if only it were closer.

6

Finland

FinlandSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: pixabay

Score: 75.1

Another Nordic country, Finland performs exceedingly well in all three major categories. Perhaps the only downside for most people is the cold.

5

Australia

AustraliaSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 76.3

Of all the countries on the list, Australia had by far the highest internal reputation (the way its own citizens and residents see the nation). It was followed by Canada, Russia, India, Germany, and the United States. And although the world didn’t see Australia quite as rosily as Australians did, they still voted it into the number 5 spot, which is pretty darned good.

4

Switzerland

SwitzerlandSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 76.4

Scoring extremely high in almost every category, along with Australia, Sweden, and Canada, Switzerland is always in the top 4.

3

Sweden

SwedenSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 76.6

Not surprisingly, Sweden ranked at the top of nearly every dimension, but it was especially well regarded for the quality of its institutions.

 

2

Norway

NorwaySource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 77.1

There are few things that Norway does poorly. Like Sweden, it ranked exceedingly well across the board.

1

Canada

CanadaSource: reputationinstitute.com, Image: wikipedia

Score: 78.1

Apparently Canada’s high self-image is warranted (second only to Australia), because the world agrees. Canada’s appealing environment, effective government, and advanced economy make it the country with the highest perceived quality of life.