Top 10 Most Successful Nations in the World

When you think about the most successful nations in the world, a lot comes to mind: economic strength, social progress, political stability, and cultural influence. But how do you truly measure a country's success? Is it the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens, the strength of its economy, or the way it contributes to global affairs? Maybe it's a mix of all of those factors and even more.

No matter your criteria, this is your chance to add your voice to the discussion. Which countries do you think have achieved greatness? Vote for the nations you believe belong at the top of the list.

The Top Ten

United States

The United States of America, or the U.S.A. for short, is a federal republic composed of 50 states. Forty-eight of them are contiguous states. The other two, Alaska and Hawaii, are located to the northwest and south of the contiguous states, respectively. The United States declared its independence from... read more

In 1776, the American colonists declared independence from the most powerful country at that time, and a decade later, they succeeded. Over time, they built the powerful nation you see today. The United States is also a unique country, the first successful democratic government in human history.
Though it is only my opinion, I unequivocally believe that the United States of America is the most successful country in the world, mostly because the United States lets us have a say in things. Even in the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln said that America is a nation "of the people, by the people."

The US is the most successful country in the world, through its economy, military, and global position. The United States has strategically placed military bases on about every continent in the world. The US has one of the best economies in the world, and a public system that takes care of everyone.
The US is also home to the most prominent, respected schools in the world. It is very diverse, and foreigners often have a goal of coming to the US, whether it is to live a better life, attend one of our prominent universities, or visit.
France

France, officially the French Republic, is a sovereign state comprising territory in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories. The European part of France, called metropolitan France, extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to... read more

Even after being attacked, France was able to lead the COP21 (Global Climate Change Summit) in Paris less than one month after the attacks. COP21 has been the world's greatest diplomatic success.
More than 150 heads of state landed in the French capital for the opening day. Barack Obama hailed the conference as "an act of defiance" in the face of terrorism. Moreover, more than 40,000 delegates, representing 195 countries, were present.
No doubt, COP21 is a historical success, and France is a great nation.

Contrary to all the surrender jokes and France's more recent military embarrassments, France is actually one of the most successful nations in terms of military and conquest in history. It protected Europe from the Islamic Caliphate at Tours, successfully conquered England, was a reason America became independent, colonized much of the world, and Napoleon actually made it to Moscow, something the Germans never managed to accomplish.
France was really great in terms of military up until WWII, and even the Germans used many of France's old Napoleonic Era strategies in WWII.
Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. It lies off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland (east of China, Korea, and Russia) and stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and near Taiwan in the southwest.... read more

Japanese culture appeals to many outside of it, which I believe is somewhat due to the aesthetics associated with Japanese "kawaii" culture and media. Not only this, but many of the industries housed there have deep and far-reaching roots and influences.

Japan has many business companies worldwide. Everybody in this world is using their products. They also have a culture like anime, which is well-received.

One of the most beautiful cultures on earth. The notion of honor is most important for this nation. They are people of efficiency, patience, and determination.
Norway

Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a sovereign and unitary monarchy in Northern Europe whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, plus the island of Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard.... read more

Norway is truly one of the most successful countries of all time. No wonder their economy is highly developed. The government knows how to properly make use of their wealth. Norway's education and standard of living are among the best in the world. The fact that their crime rate is one of the lowest in the world means that its citizens are doing well, so they won't resort to crime. Norway's prisons are also the most humane in the world. They resemble dorms instead of actual prisons. The healthcare is also one of the best in the world, showing that the government cares for its citizens.

One of the richest and most modern countries in the world. Norway's economy is, without a doubt, one of the most developed in the world.
England

England, previously the Kingdom of England, is a constituent country of the United Kingdom along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
England can trace its history as far back as the 10th century, but modern England began with the Norman Invasion of 1066. In 1535, England annexed Wales... read more

'Little Britain,' though geographically small, managed to become a superpower that directly influenced every corner of the world to an extent never seen before. To compete globally against countries with larger resources and bigger populations, it created a more efficient and superior economic system (Bank of England, Bill of Rights) and an elite military (Royal Navy). This subsequently led to its Empire becoming the largest ever, surpassing its French, Spanish, and Portuguese rivals.
British culture is showcased across the world through its excellence in music, media, sport, art, literature, and more. Scientifically, it has been a leading nation for centuries. Its achievements in ingenuity have resulted in many world-changing inventions like the television, World Wide Web, Newton's laws, telephone, and programmable computer, to name a few. It continues today to overshadow larger countries because of its strong economy and diplomatic skill.
In fact, Britain is rated as the No. 1 country for 'soft power,' which highlights how its influence in the world is still hugely significant, despite not being the power it once was. The country has an incredibly successful military history, always standing its ground against tyranny regardless of the odds against it - examples include Napoleonic France and Nazi Germany. Additionally, the language of the world is English - almost everyone speaks it. All of this success from a country smaller than the US State of Michigan is outstanding.
Germany

Germany was formally united in 1871 under the initiative of Bismarck, with King Wilhelm of Prussia as emperor. The previous Holy Roman Empire, essentially a continuation of the empire of Charlemagne (Karl der Große), was dissolved in 1806.... read more

The amount of resources that a country has does not determine how successful a nation is. What does determine it is how well they utilize the resources they have to the fullest, and Germany is hands down the best at that. Additionally, a successful country is self-sufficient and does not depend on other countries. (Japan is a great example with its abundant exports and influential culture throughout the rest of the world.)
Back in World War II, Germany had to synthesize its own oil since its location in Europe is not necessarily the best in terms of available resources compared to America. And yet, they were still the most superior country in the world without a doubt and were highly efficient. Their specialty in mechanical engineering has allowed them to craft amazing machines. They have invented a lot of creative ideas and patents, such as the first automobile and the first four-stroke internal combustion, diesel, and Wankel rotary engines.
Not to mention, they were the first to make huge advancements in aviation history (first operational jet fighters, stealth fighters, and V-2 rockets: the first man-made objects to reach outer space). They prefer quality over quantity, and the reason why they lost World War II was because it took the whole world to stop them.
Croatia

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, gained independence in 1991 and is located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southeast Europe, and the Mediterranean. Its capital city is Zagreb, and it is a member of the European Union and NATO. Croatia was formerly part of Yugoslavia during the Cold... read more
China

China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's second-most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion people. China spans five geographical time zones and shares land borders with 14 countries, second only to Russia in the number of neighboring... read more

Why the hell isn't this in the top ten?! China is very, very successful! It's developing very fast, twice as fast as India! The economy is growing rapidly, and it is becoming a lot more modern. China is awesome. America and Europe are the past. China is the future!

China has the most impressive form of government and has an assertive foreign and defense policy. China is the second fastest-growing country.

China's economy is growing fast. It has the second-largest economy, and they have a large population and army. China deserves to be number one.
India

India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area and the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people. It's also the most populous democracy in the world.... read more

India has a pretty fast-growing economy, as you may have guessed by now. They really are climbing up the ladder. The problem they have to deal with is how they distribute the money. Like any other capitalist country, the poor are really poor, and the rich are really rich, but in India, the poor are REALLY poor, and the rich are REALLY rich. Also, they really need to spend more money on infrastructure. A road is tarmac, not slightly less dirt than everywhere else.

India is a fast-growing economy in this present world. Even in this present economic crisis, India is growing. Although India is a developing country, it can make investments in American companies. Just after China, India is considered one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. In the coming 20 years, India will no longer be a developing country but a developed one.
Singapore

Singapore, officially known as the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It is situated approximately one degree of latitude (137 kilometers or 85 miles) north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It borders the Strait of Malacca to... read more

In my opinion, if you have not been to Singapore, you will be missing out on one of the world's better places to be.
One of the most convenient island city/countries to live in, utterly resplendent. Just a tiny island, starting with next to nothing, and becoming a fully developed nation within a handful of decades.
An efficient and great government system shows fairness to its population, regardless of whether they are locals or foreigners. Something many countries have not achieved on a full nationwide scale.
If this isn't proof enough, then nothing else matters.

Not only is Singapore one of the biggest economic giants, but it's also one of the safest countries in the world. You hardly ever see police around, not because they're lazy or can't hire people, but because there's such a small need for them.
If that doesn't point out a vastly superior economic country, even compared to the USA, I don't know what does.

The Newcomers

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Palestine

Palestine (State of Palestine) is a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia. It is officially governed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and claims the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. However, its claimed territory has been occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War of 1967. The West Bank is... read more
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Micronesia

The Contenders

Switzerland

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a federal republic in Europe. It consists of 26 cantons, and the city of Bern is the seat of the federal authorities.
The country is situated in Western-Central Europe and is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the... read more

Switzerland is one of the world's most prosperous and wealthy countries. Practically everybody there is rich, and they all have individual freedoms. In addition, it's one of the most hardworking countries, unlike other European countries whose people rely on the government for help... *cough* Norway *cough* Finland *cough* Sweden*

How is Switzerland not number one? It's heaven on Earth with delicious chocolate and less pollution.

Most prosperous, least involved with wars. Can't think of any others in that category.
South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eastern border is defined by the Sea of Japan. South Korea claims... read more

South Korea was a country many nations helped 60 years ago, just after the Korean War. Now Korea is helping many nations in a humanitarian way and with technologies.

There aren't any countries that became one of the most successful in the short term except South Korea.

Many companies expect South Korea and the other three dragons will be the richest states on earth in 2050.
United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly shortened to the United Kingdom, UK, or Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of Europe. It is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy currently led by Monarch King Charles III, and its current Prime Minister... read more

Why is this so low? I guess a lot of people don't really know the geography of the UK.
Russia

Russia, or the Russian Federation (RF), is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area, covering over 17,125,191 square kilometres (6,612,073 sq mi), and encompassing one-eighth of Earth's inhabitable landmass.... read more

The Soviet Union (and all Warsaw Pact countries) was really successful without homelessness and unemployment. It was the one and only superpower.

Pioneered space and nuclear arms and became the largest country in the world.

The biggest country in the world!
Canada

Canada is a country in North America that borders the United States, and it is the second-largest country in the world by area (9.985 million km²). The country has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Canada became a dominion on July 1, 1867.... read more

Canada is a brilliant country full of excitement, adventure, freedom, and a great landscape, which makes the land unforgettable in its own words. It has a strong economy and appreciates human rights.

Canada is awesome. Great people, gorgeous women, good food, great policies, beautiful land, intercultural. What more can you ask for?

So beautiful. I can never imagine the world without Canada. So many people are nice here. Love you, Canada!
Finland

Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland across from Estonia to the south. Finland covers an area... read more

Usually places in the top ten regardless of the survey, along with other Northern European countries. Great and free-of-charge education, freedom of the press, least corruption, etc.

Finland has better equality than most European countries and a better quality of life. Finland is full of nature untouched by man. In Finland, you can really know the true meaning of freedom.

This should be much higher on the list. It has such a great economy and government, and is an extremely developed and friendly country. I love Finland, and I think more people should know about it and how great it is.
Australia

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an area of 7,617,930 square kilometres (2,941,300 sq mi), Australia is the largest country by area in Oceania and... read more

Australia is without a doubt the greatest nation in the world today. Yes, we may not have powerful armies, economic powerhouses, or overwhelming international influence, but we have far better, more important, and attractive features.
In Australia, everyone, whether you're black or white, male or female, is treated with the same respect as the next person. Indeed, quite a number of my elder family members are European immigrants. For years, I've known why they chose to move to this country, and the reasons are simple: equality, opportunity, peace, and democracy.
In Australia, everyone has the same rights, governance is fair and just, and hinged on the rule of law. Here, people enjoy the highest standards of living, with great opportunities for those looking to start a fresh page in a new life. We have the greatest education in the world and rank high in all international measures of humanity. I could go on, but I simply would never stop talking.
To sum up, in Australia, we value and cherish the things that matter - not our military size or our money, but peace, freedom, and morality, not just for our people but for everyone everywhere on this Earth.
Sweden

Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe.
It borders Norway to the west and Finland to the east and is connected to Denmark in the southwest by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund. At 450,295 square kilometers (173,860 sq mi), Sweden is the third-largest... read more

I've lived in Sweden for 12 years, and I've found it to be really easy for people to get jobs and a good education. I am currently living in Singapore, a country in Asia that is very rich as well, but Sweden has a lot of high points and, to my understanding, we are economically stable.

Great country, high on almost everything good. Can't think of anything bad about Sweden. I'm moving there soon. Big hug from a Norwegian who will soon be a Swede.

Beautiful country with beautiful, kind, and respectful people.
Scotland

Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Scotland is the most mountainous and least densely populated country in the United Kingdom. Its landscape features rugged highlands, deep lochs, and a long, irregular coastline.

Despite all its oil revenue and 40% of its other revenue being retained by Westminster, Scotland is a successful country, providing for its citizens' needs much better than its larger neighbor.
Denmark

Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the most populous and politically central constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the North Atlantic Ocean. European Denmark is the southernmost... read more

Denmark has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, especially if you don't count the countries that are only on that list because of oil money. Great music, films, and soccer, not to mention the history of being the oldest kingdom in the world.

It is a really wonderful and capable country on the surface of the world. I love them so much.

Denmark has a great chess history, man. Grandmaster Larsen and super system football.
Taiwan

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It is located near the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. The ROC controls... read more
Pakistan

Pakistan was established in 1947 and is located in South Asia. Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar are other major cities. Urdu and English are the official languages of Pakistan. The world's second-highest peak (K2) and ninth-highest peak (Nanga Parbat) are located... read more

1. The world's most beautiful lake, called Lake Saif-ul-Malook, is in Pakistan.
2. The only country that produced a legendary squash player, Jahangir Khan, who won the British Title 10 times in a row.
3. North Pakistan has the biggest glaciers in the world and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery.
4. Most of the largest mosques are located in Pakistan, like the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Masjid-e-Tooba in Karachi, and Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.

Despite certain crises and poor economic conditions, Pakistan is the only Muslim country in the world that is an atomic power and is still surviving as a strong country.
South Africa

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost sovereign state in Africa. It is bounded on the south by 2,798 kilometers of coastline of Southern Africa stretching along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, on the north by the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana,... read more

Considering everything, South Africa has achieved the most in the shortest amount of time. And they're tougher than all these other weaklings.
Netherlands

The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country located in northwestern Europe with overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands consists of twelve provinces and borders Germany to the east and Belgium... read more

Invented the company, pioneered world trade, International Law, the telescope, and the microscope. The Netherlands produced Van Gogh and Rembrandt, and founded New York City, with a free and diverse society and culture.
Of course, there are some problems, but the country overall has been a huge influence on the modern world. The English even employed Dutch engineers to build parts of Windsor. The Netherlands remains the third-largest investor in the American economy and is one of the top investors in places like Brazil and China.
It lays low on the scene, but the Dutch economy and business have a larger influence than most people know.
Wales

Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Located on the island of Great Britain, it is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south.
Wales is known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, and distinct Welsh... read more