The United States may remain the world’s leading military and economic power, but a new global ranking suggests the country is struggling in several key areas related to quality of life, health, infrastructure and civic well-being.
According to the latest ranking published by US News & World Report, ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the US was ranked 18th overall among the best countries in the world.
The country continued to perform very well in culture, tourism and economic development.
A strong economy and cultural influence remain major strengths
The United States ranked No. 1 in the world in culture and tourism and secured the No. 2 spot in economic development, reflecting the country’s continued global influence in entertainment, technology, commerce and innovation.
The report praised America’s unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit, technological leadership and military might.
The US economy remains the largest in the world with a GDP of $29.2 trillion and a GDP per capita (PPP) of $85,810.
The country’s cultural reach—fueled by Hollywood films, television, music, and digital media—continues to shape global popular culture.
The report also highlighted the nation’s top universities, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as major contributors to American influence around the world.
Health and infrastructure drag the US down the rankings
Despite its economic strength, the United States performed poorly in several domestic indicators.
The country ranked 33rd in healthcare, 39th in infrastructure and 41st in civic health. It also ranked a lowly 72nd in the natural environment ranking.
Health-related indicators included life expectancy, health care systems, mortality, longevity and preparedness for public health emergencies.
The report said life expectancy in the United States was 79 years in 2024, significantly less than Iceland, which tops the health rankings with a life expectancy of 83 years.
Public health preparedness was measured using vaccination rates, medical research capabilities, and the results of previous epidemics.
Infrastructure, public health, and health care together account for more than 40% of the overall ranking, making them the main factors behind America’s lower ranking.
Switzerland is the best country in the world
The best country overall was Switzerland, followed by Denmark and Sweden.
US News reported that Switzerland and Denmark performed consistently in all categories assessed, while Sweden received particularly high scores in governance, opportunity and environmental performance.
The rankings ranked countries across a variety of categories, including governance, quality of life, entrepreneurship, cultural influence, social purpose and economic stability.
Domestic problems continue to weigh on America
The report also highlighted several long-standing domestic issues facing the United States, including political polarization, racial tensions, income inequality and gun violence.
The country has been described as a technologically advanced and globally influential federal republic, but struggling with internal divisions and growing public fears.
The US continues to lead the developed world in firearm-related deaths, according to the report.
At the same time, concerns about the national debt, aging infrastructure and the financial burden of military conflict continue to shape the debate about America’s long-term stability.
America’s global role remains elusive
Despite the lower overall ranking, the United States remains one of the most influential countries in the world.
The country continues to play a leading role in international institutions such as the UN, NATO and the World Bank.
With a population of more than 340 million people and an area of 9.1 million square kilometers, the US remains a dominant force in global politics, economics and culture – even as the report suggests domestic weaknesses are increasingly difficult to ignore.
