Switzerland Is The Best Country In The World, According To A U.S. News Survey

It's got mountains, friendly locals and plenty of melted cheese.
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On the heels of President Donald Trump’s election, the United States has fallen three spots in a global survey of the best countries in the world.

The survey, released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and BAV Consulting, gave Switzerland the top spot and ranked the U.S. seventh. Last year’s ranking had the U.S. in fourth place.

The online survey was taken by 21,000 respondents around the world, who evaluated 80 countries on 65 attributes from their food to their scenery to their perceived military might. About half of the survey’s respondents ― located in 36 countries in the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa ― described themselves as college-educated and middle-class or higher, while the rest identified either as business leaders or members of the general public.

Whether you agree with the rankings or not, all of the top 10 finishers make stellar spots to visit. Take a look:

10
Norway
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Survey respondents said that Norway's citizens care about environmental and human rights -- helping the country net a top spot on this list. The gorgeous views in Reine don't hurt, either.
9
France
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France has an undeniable influence on worldwide culture: Survey respondents gave it high marks as a trendy, fashionable and modern place to hang out. Need convincing? Just visit Le Marais.
8
Australia
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Australia lands a top spot due to the high quality of life of its citizens; respondents perceive the country as politically stable, environmentally stable, safe and family friendly. Magical beaches, lakes and rainforests ensure you'll never want to leave.
7
The United States
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Respondents noted that the U.S. is a leader with strong international alliances, placing it first in the survey's power category. Adventure awaits in every state, so there's always something new for travelers to discover.
6
Sweden
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Sweden ranked number two for quality of life. Also noteworthy is that Swedes donate about 1 percent of the gross national product to humanitarian aid each year. Castles, islands and national parks make for a dreamy visit.
5
Japan
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Japan scored high marks for entrepreneurship, and respondents vouched for its innovative, well-developed business infrastructure. The country's quieter pockets are just as epic as its city centers.
4
Germany
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Germany's skilled labor force and educated population ranked it first on the list in the entrepreneurship category. But if it's a vacation you're after, the county's charming countryside towns make a perfect break from work.
3
The United Kingdom
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The U.K. was voted significantly more prestigious and culturally influential than other countries. Take it all in on a whirlwind tour of London.
2
Canada
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Canada placed first in the quality of life category, with respondents citing its well-developed public education system, healthcare and job market. Skiing, hiking and hockey are just a few of the other local mood-boosters.
1
Switzerland
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Survey respondents said Switzerland has transparent government practices, which helped it clinch the number-one spot. The country's mountains, friendly locals and hot, melty cheese are major pluses, too.

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