Canada has been ranked as the second-best country in the world in 2023, according to a new ranking conducted by U.S. News, communications company WPP and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. 

In its “2023 Best Countries rankings,” U.S. News analyzed various factors, ranging from a country's economic prowess and military to the quality of life experienced by its residents. This evaluation involves 87 countries and was based on responses gathered from more than 17,000 global citizens. 

Respondents were also asked to associate countries with various qualities across ten sub rankings, including power, cultural influence, heritage, and social impact. The scores from these associations were used to create a list of the world's top countries, along with nearly 100 other distinct rankings.

In this year's rankings, Canada has taken the second spot, surpassing Germany, thanks to its outstanding performance in agility, according to the report. However, it still trails behind Switzerland as the best country in the world in 2023.

Canada has also secured positions in the top five in three additional sub rankings, including quality of life. Additionally, the country excels by claiming first place in various attributes, including racial equity.

Switzerland continues to hold its position as the best country in the world for the second consecutive year and the sixth time overall. 

This small European nation has outperformed in the "Open for Business" sub ranking, showcasing its strong economic prowess. Switzerland maintains its place in the top 10 in four other sub rankings, while also securing the first position in the attribute related to perceptions of a country's safety.

Sweden has secured the No. 3 spot, making an impressive leap of two positions from its No. 5 ranking in 2022.

Sweden's exceptional performance includes claiming the No. 1 position in two sub rankings including social purpose and quality of life. The country also maintains a strong presence in the top 10 in three other sub rankings. 

Following Sweden, Australia secured the fourth spot, marking a significant improvement of three positions compared to the previous year's rankings. 

Canada’s neighbour, the United States, holds the fifth position, representing a slight drop compared to its 2022 ranking. The U.S. secured the top spot in three crucial sub rankings: entrepreneurship, power, and agility.

These are the best 25 countries in the world:

1. Switzerland

2. Canada

3. Sweden

4. Australia

5. United States

6. Japan

7. Germany

8. New Zealand

9. United Kingdom

10. Netherlands

11. Norway

12. France

13. Denmark

14. Finland

15. Italy

16. Singapore

17. Spain

18. Belgium

19. United Arab Emirates

20. China

21. South Korea

22. Austria

23. Ireland

24. Luxembourg

25. Portugal