- Researchers cited growing lack of economic confidence in the UK post-Brexit
- They awarded the number three spot to Germany for its strong gender equality
- Brazil is the best country in the world to visit, and Italy ranks highest as the nation with the richest traditions
The US and Britain have both fallen down the list of the World’s Best Countries – with Switzerland and Canada remaining the top two nations.
Researchers cited a growing lack of economic confidence in the UK following Brexit and awarded the number three spot to Germany – which was recognised for its strong gender equality and government transparency.
Brazil is the best country in the world to visit, and Italy ranks highest as the nation with the richest traditions.
Respondents to the US News survey were asked their opinions of major world leaders, with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Angela Merkel viewed as the most respected globally.
Researchers cited a growing lack of economic confidence in the UK following Brexit and awarded the number three spot to Germany
America fell one place to number eight in the rankings, after Sweden and Australia
The highest disapproval ratings were given to US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
America fell one place to number eight in the rankings, after Sweden and Australia.
It drops in two key categories – ‘open for business’ and ‘movers’, which analyses up-and-coming economies.
The reasons for America’s fall – the second straight year its ranking dipped – are fuelled by the world’s perceptions of the country becoming less progressive and trustworthy.
The highest disapproval ratings were given to US President Donald Trump (pictured left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured right)
Respondents also said the country appeared to be more politically unstable with a president who after just a year in office is far more unpopular than any other head of state or company boss.
However, the US remains the top in the world in terms of power for the third year, closely followed by Russia at number two.
Despite Britain slipping in the rankings, it leads in education – while Canada is top for quality of life and New Zealand is the favourite destination for retirement.
The rankings are based on a study that surveyed global citizens from four regions to assess perceptions of 80 countries on 75 different metrics.