This is the best country in the world

Survey's rankings for 2017 prioritised countries that enjoyed some measure of peace, quiet and prosperity

With many countries going through turmoil in recent time, it raises the question, are there any safe and stable places left in the world? And we're glad to say the answer is yes!

An annual survey conducted by US News & World Report together with Y&R’s BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, was released this week and their rankings for 2017 prioritised countries that enjoyed some measure of peace, quiet and prosperity.

“Our data captured widespread global concern for the social and geopolitical changes that cast many nations into uncertainty and turmoil,” said John Gerzema, chief executive of BAV Consulting. “The new rankings reflect people’s desire to restore some sense of order by rewarding nations they perceive as championing neutrality, stability and diplomacy.”

The survey was conducted shortly after the 2016 US presidential election and polled more than 21,000 people from business leaders, informed elites and general citizens. America was ranked the seventh-best country in the world, falling three spots from the previous year.

Which country then is the best in the world, we hear you ask. For the first time, Switzerland took the top spot based on a combination of its attitude towards education, democracy, business and quality of life. Meanwhile, Canada was ranked second and Britain third. Last year's winner, Germany, fell to fourth place owing to a string of  terrorist attacks and political tension over its decision to allow entry to a large numbers of refugees. Japan came in at number five on the list.

All the results were broken down into a range of categories, including most powerful country, the best country to invest in, the best country for women, children and retirees. Here's how other countries fared on the list:

The best country in the world 

As mentioned earlier, Switzerland ranked first based on a combination of factors, including its attitude towards education, democracy, business and quality of life.

PHOTO: TRAVELLING SHOPAHOLIC

The most powerful countries

Respondents gave the United States a lower ranking this year in terms of business friendliness, respect for human rights and democracy, and educational quality. People were also not too keen on visiting the country, while 75 per cent of respondents said they lost some degree of respect for the US following Donald Trump's election.

That being said, the US is still the most powerful country in the world based on military and economic strength and its political influence across the globe. Its military received the largest share of the federal budget than any country in the world. Russia, China, the United Kingdom and Germany are the other most powerful countries in the world.

STEPHEN B. MORTON/ NYT

The best countries for women 

Sweden has come out on top for the best country for women. The ranking was based on how respondents viewed a country's position on human rights, income equality, gender equality, and overall progressive attitude. Sweden was followed by Denmark and Norway, with The Netherlands at fourth place and Canada fifth.

PHOTO: INSIGHT GUIDES

The best countries for children

Once again Sweden came in first when respondents were asked what they thought would be the best country to raise children in. Sweden was followed by Denmark, Norway, Finland and Canada. US came in at number 19, behind most of Europe but ahead of Japan.

PHOTO: NEWSWEEK

The best countries for retirees

While New Zealand was ranked number one among countries where people would like to retire, US didn't even make it to the top 20. New Zealand was followed by Australia, Switzerland, Canada and Portugal. Respondents thought these countries had nice climates, were afforable and friendly, and were committed to public health care. Taxes were also perceived as low in these countries.

PHOTO: EXPEDIA

This article originally appeared on New York Times.