This Is the World's Best Country

For its annual Best Countries list, US News & World Report surveyed more than 21,000 people from 36 countries around the world. Last year's top country, Germany, fell to No. 4 this year—and the US fell a corresponding number of spots, to No. 7. Japan, however, moved up in the rankings. Factors such as the economy and quality of life were taken into account, and the US was tops in the "most powerful" category, ahead of Russia. Overall, here are the top 10:

1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Germany
5. Japan
6. Sweden
7. United States
8. Australia
9. France
10. Norway

The full rankings, and more on the implications, here. (Or check out the world's most corrupt countries.)