The 25 Best Governments In The World (2024)

The 25 Best Governments In The World (1)

Comparing and contrasting governments and political systems is a difficult feat. Difference of opinion and methods of measuring how we go about deciding which governments better than others means it can seem almost impossible.However, many experts believe that there is a way to compare governmental systems in such a way that a comprehensive, reliable and in a way that a ranking can be produced. One such ranking is published by the Legatum Institute, based in the United Kingdom. From its methodology, it finds thatSwitzerlandhas the best government in the world.

Europe Leads the Way

European countries top the list of Best Governments in the World, the majority of whom are governed by an EU- and UN-affiliated leadership. The top ten countries with the best government according to the Legatum Index Government Ranking are Switzerland, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Canada, Norway, United Kingdom and Australia. The United States ranks 11th which incidentally is the same ranking the country has for the most prosperous countries list.

In the democratic Swiss state, the people have the foremost political power, giving them increased opportunities to express their opinion by way of popular voting. All its people have the right to vote and they have the freedom to choose the people who will represent them within their Federal Assembly. The Kingdom of Denmark, on the other hand, is a constitutional monarchy. Therein, their monarch, currently Queen Margrethe II, is the Head of State. The Prime Minister, meanwhile, presides over the government's Cabinet, where the most important executive powers are carried out.

In Sweden, the National Cabinet is the supreme executive authority. They too have a Prime Minister, who is typically assigned by cabinet ministers, and someone called the Speaker of the Riksdag heading the Swedish unicameral national legislature. Legislative power lies with the Parliament in Finland, whereas Luxembourg has their own brand of Parliamentary Democracy. Meanwhile, Norway has a monarchy, the UK a Constitutional Monarchy, and finally Australia its Commonwealth government akin to those of New Zealand and Canada's Federal forms of governance, under the British crown.

Among the factors that have put Switzerland at the top of the rankings is their excellent health care system, top notch educational programs, low levels of air and water pollution, freedom of speech, the right to responsibly defend oneself, a priority given to innovation, and a stable economic environment. These factors are also those being commonly shared by the other countries topping the best government ranking, such as Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The Importance of Good Governance to Nations as a Whole

Good governance remains among the benchmarks against which all nations, rich and poor, are often ranked. It is interesting to note that the countries ranked as having the best governments in the world also received similar or closely similar rankings for other lists such as Most Prosperous Countries of the World, the World’s Happiest People, the Most Globally Competitive Countries and the World’s Most Satisfied People. It would appear that no matter how powerful or progressive or wealthy a nation may be, good governance plays an important role when considering how successful a nation is across the board. As a point in fact, though the United States currently claims to have one of the world’s largest economies, it only ranks 11th in both the Best Governance list and the Best Countries to Live In list. Another market giant, China, has even more disparity. Despite having the 3rd best Economy ranking, it is ranked as 52nd all around, and 67th in Governance. Indeed, "prosperity" itself extends far beyond dollars and cents and economic leverage, with happiness and good leadership being just as, if not even more, important.

The Ranking Of The Best Governments In The World

CountryLegatum Index Government Ranking
Switzerland1
New Zealand2
Denmark3
Sweden4
Finland5
Luxembourg6
Canada7
Norway8
United Kingdom9
Australia10
United States11
Netherlands12
Singapore13
Ireland14
Austria15
Germany16
Belgium17
Iceland18
Japan19
France20
Malta21
Hong Kong22
Estonia23
Chile24
Cyprus25

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The 25 Best Governments In The World (2024)

FAQs

What country has the best government? ›

The top ten countries with the best government according to the Legatum Index Government Ranking are Switzerland, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Canada, Norway, United Kingdom and Australia.

What are the top governments in the world? ›

  • United States. #1 in Power. #4 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • China. #2 in Power. #17 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Russia. #3 in Power. #36 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Germany. #4 in Power. #2 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • United Kingdom. #5 in Power. #8 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • South Korea. #6 in Power. ...
  • France. #7 in Power. ...
  • Japan. #8 in Power.

What are the 4 main government in the world? ›

Today, the five most common government systems include democracy, republic, monarchy, communism and dictatorship.

What is the most common gov in the world? ›

Democracy is the most popular form of government with more than half of the nations in the world being democracies-97 of 167 nations as of 2021.

What are the 7 most powerful countries? ›

Top 10 Powerful Countries in the World by Military
  1. United States Of America. US Military has the biggest defence budget in the world. ...
  2. Russia. Russia is the second most powerful military country. ...
  3. China. ...
  4. India. ...
  5. Japan. ...
  6. South Korea.
Apr 5, 2023

What is the No 1 most powerful country? ›

The United States remains the most powerful country in the world, followed by China and Russia. However, the balance of power may shift in the coming years as countries like India and Brazil continue to grow economically and assert themselves on the global stage.

Who are the 5 superpowers in the world? ›

China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are often referred to as great powers by academics due to "their political and economic dominance of the global arena". These five nations are the only states to have permanent seats with veto power on the UN Security Council.

What is the freest country? ›

When looking at the data from the Human Freedom Index, Switzerland emerges as the freest country in the world with a score of 9.11. It is followed closely by New Zealand (9.01) and Denmark (8.98). These countries consistently rank highly in terms of personal, civil, and economic freedoms.

Who has the most stable government? ›

  • Switzerland. #1 in Politically stable. #1 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Sweden. #2 in Politically stable. ...
  • Denmark. #3 in Politically stable. ...
  • Germany. #4 in Politically stable. ...
  • Belgium. #5 in Politically stable. ...
  • Australia. #6 in Politically stable. ...
  • United Kingdom. #7 in Politically stable. ...
  • Canada. #8 in Politically stable.

What is the rule of the strongest? ›

Rule by the strong; a system of governance where those who are strong enough to seize power through physical force, social maneuvering or political cunning.

What are the big 5 government? ›

The Big Five is an informal institution of California state government, consisting of the governor, the Assembly speaker, the Assembly minority leader, the Senate president pro tempore, and the Senate minority leader.

What are the 7 types of government? ›

Some of the different types of government include a direct democracy, a representative democracy, socialism, communism, a monarchy, an oligarchy, and an autocracy. Help your students understand the different forms of government with these classroom resources.

Which form of government is considered the best? ›

Democracy is considered as the best form of government because of the following reasons: In democracy, people have the right to choose their rulers. If rulers do not work well, people will not elect him in the next election.

Who is the popular government? ›

James Madison and other leaders in the American Revolution employed the term "popular government" to signify the ideal of a democratic, or "popular," government — a government, as Abraham Lincoln later put it, of the people, by the people, and for the people.

What are the top 3 forms of government? ›

They are the Executive, (President and about 5,000,000 workers) Legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and Judicial (Supreme Court and lower Courts).

Why is USA a superpower? ›

The United States had almost all the attributes of a great power—it stood ahead or nearly ahead of almost all other countries in terms of population, geographic size and location on two oceans, economic resources, and military potential.

Who is more powerful the US or Russia? ›

The US dominates the air with far more bases, fighter jets and bombers than Russia but Russia is superior on the ground with more tanks, artillery and land vehicles. At sea, the countries are more evenly matched, but here the US has the edge with more destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers.

Who will rule the world in 2050? ›

China is expected to hold on to the number one spot. In 2050, the Asian giant is forecast to have the largest economy on the planet. With an ageing population and an annual GDP growth rate averaging just 4.4%, however, China isn't projected to enjoy the exceptional economic growth it experienced during the 2000s.

What are 10 strongest countries? ›

The top 10 most powerful countries in the world are the US, China, Russia, Germany, the UK, South Korea, France, Japan, India and Israel. The balance of power among nations is continually shifting. The determining factors of a country's power are diverse and ever-evolving.

Is the US still a superpower? ›

The United States is seen as a declining superpower as indicated by factors such as poor economic recovery, financial disorder, high deficits gaining close to GDP levels and unemployment, increasing political polarization, and overregulation forcing jobs overseas in China.

Which country will rule the world in 2025? ›

According to a recent report by Harvard University, “From economic complexity growth estimates, India is growing at the annual list at the rate of 7.9 percent as the fastest growing country for the coming decade.

Who will be the next world power? ›

By 2050, more countries are likely to be defined as superpowers, joining the United States and creating a multipolar world order. Extrapolating current economic, geopolitical, and demographic trends would suggest that China is likely to become a new superpower, although its economy is currently faltering.

What is America known for? ›

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television.

Where does America rank on freedom? ›

Highest ranking in personal freedoms were Sweden (9.45) and the Netherlands (9.28). In 2020, United States has dropped to rank 17 according to The Human Freedom Index. The Freedom Index does not measure democracy, but it does measure freedom of speech and media, press killings, political imprisonment, etc.

What country has the best quality of life? ›

  • Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.

Is the United States stable? ›

Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism: Percentile Rank, Lower Bound of 90% Confidence Interval in United States was reported at 33.49 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources.

Who leads the world? ›

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power.

What is the most liked country in the world? ›

  • Switzerland. #1 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Germany. #2 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Canada. #3 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • United States. #4 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Sweden. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Japan. #6 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Australia. #7 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • United Kingdom. #8 in Best Countries Overall.

What is the #1 rule of law? ›

Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: Publicly promulgated. Equally enforced. Independently adjudicated.

What is the 3 rule of law? ›

(3) The third element is stability. The law should be reasonably stable, in order to facilitate planning and coordinated action over time. (4) The fourth element of the Rule of Law is the supremacy of legal authority. The law should rule officials, including judges, as well as ordinary citizens.

What is rule by God or higher power? ›

Theocracy is a form of government in which one or more deities are recognized as supreme ruling authorities, giving divine guidance to human intermediaries who manage the government's daily affairs.

What are the 4 types of US government? ›

How the U.S. Government Is Organized
  • Legislative—Makes laws (Congress, comprised of the House of Representatives and Senate)
  • Executive—Carries out laws (president, vice president, Cabinet, most federal agencies)
  • Judicial—Evaluates laws (Supreme Court and other courts).
Jul 1, 2022

What is big government USA? ›

The term has also been used in the context of the United States to define a dominant federal government that seeks to control the authority of local institutions – an example being the overriding of state authority in favor of federal legislation.

What is the new Big 5 theory? ›

Many contemporary personality psychologists believe that there are five basic dimensions of personality, often referred to as the "Big 5" personality traits. The Big 5 personality traits are extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.

What is no government called? ›

Anarchy is a society without a government. It may also refer to a society or group of people that entirely rejects a set hierarchy. In practical terms, anarchy can refer to the curtailment or abolition of traditional forms of government and institutions.

What are 4 federal powers? ›

Delegated (sometimes called enumerated or expressed) powers are specifically granted to the federal government in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This includes the power to coin money, to regulate commerce, to declare war, to raise and maintain armed forces, and to establish a Post Office.

Is America a republic or democratic? ›

The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves. It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot.

Which part of US government is most powerful? ›

The executive branch's key roles include: President - The president is the head of state, leader of the federal government, and Commander in Chief of the United States armed forces.

Who is father of democracy? ›

Cleisthenes of Athens, Cleisthenes also spelled Clisthenes, (born c. 570 bce—died c. 508), statesman regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy, serving as chief archon (highest magistrate) of Athens (525–524).

What type of government is run by the richest and most powerful? ›

A plutocracy (from Ancient Greek πλοῦτος (ploûtos) 'wealth', and κράτος (krátos) 'power') or plutarchy is a society that is ruled or controlled by people of great wealth or income.

Who is the most powerful government official? ›

Head of the All India Civil Services

The Cabinet Secretary is arguably India's most powerful bureaucrat and the right hand of the Prime Minister of India.

Who favored a strong government? ›

Federalists battled for adoption of the Constitution

They favored weaker state governments, a strong centralized government, the indirect election of government officials, longer term limits for officeholders, and representative, rather than direct, democracy.

Who is the most powerful person in federal government? ›

In modern times, the president is one of the world's most powerful political figures – the leader of the only remaining global superpower. As the leader of the nation with the largest economy by nominal GDP, the president possesses significant domestic and international hard and soft power.

What is a government called that controls everything? ›

absolutism. noun. a system of government in which one leader has complete power and authority over a country and its citizens.

What is the government where everyone is equal? ›

An isocracy is a form of government where all citizens have equal political power. The term derives from Greek ἴσος meaning "equal" and κρατεῖν meaning "to have power", or "to rule".

What country has the safest government? ›

Iceland

What country has the most freedom? ›

In the 2022 index, New Zealand is ranked most free overall, while North Korea is last. Hong Kong was ranked most free in economic liberty, while Norway was ranked most free in the social liberty category.

What is the US ranked #1 in? ›

The U.S. economy is the world's largest in terms of gross domestic product, and also the most technologically powerful. The country's most significant exports are computers and electrical machinery, vehicles, chemical products, food, live animals and military equipment.

Is USA a safe country to live? ›

The United States ranks at 129th with a score of 2.44, marking the country's score "low." Just above the U.S. is Azerbaijan, and just below is Brazil.

What country has the lowest crime? ›

Qatar. Qatar has a safety index of 85.2, according to NUMBEO. It has the lowest crime rate in the world.

What's the best country to live in? ›

  • Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
  • Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.

What is the US ranked in freedom? ›

Highest ranking in personal freedoms were Sweden (9.45) and the Netherlands (9.28). In 2020, United States has dropped to rank 17 according to The Human Freedom Index. The Freedom Index does not measure democracy, but it does measure freedom of speech and media, press killings, political imprisonment, etc.

Is America more free than Australia? ›

According to the US government-backed NGO, Australia scored 97/100 on its survey of global political rights and civil liberties. Only seven countries, including Canada (98), Norway, Sweden and Finland (100 — it's always Scandinavia!) beat us.

What are the top 20 free countries? ›

Freest Countries in the World
  • Slovenia. Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 8.51. ...
  • Japan. Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 8.8. ...
  • United Kingdom. Personal Freedom Index ranking score: 8.72. ...
  • Czech Republic. Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 8.75. ...
  • Canada. Personal Freedom Index score 2022: 8.95. ...
  • Austria. ...
  • South Korea. ...
  • New Zealand.
Feb 27, 2023

What country has best healthcare? ›

Countries With the Most Well-Developed Public Health Systems
  • Sweden.
  • Norway.
  • Canada.
  • Switzerland.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Netherlands.
  • Finland.
  • Belgium.
Sep 27, 2022

What country has the most human rights? ›

Switzerland

Where does the US rank in education? ›

Download Table Data
CountryRank (2021)Rank (2020)
United States11
United Kingdom22
Germany34
Canada43
73 more rows

Is the US still a First World country? ›

Examples of first world countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Which country is best to live in future? ›

The world's best country to live in is Sweden, as it ranked highest on the world report Quality of Life Index that measured attributes ranging from economic stability and progressivism to innovation and geographical attractions.

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