US News and World Report has ranked the world’s most-powerful countries for 2022.
Meanwhile, global instability has seen many nations change their positions but the US retains her number one spot.
Ukraine rose massively in the rankings compared to last year.
The rankings, , look at how much influence countries have, as well as their political, economic, and military power.
The rankings are part of annual ‘Best Countries’ study, which evaluates 85 countries based on responses from 17,000 people.
Below are the world’s 25 most powerful nations, according to the 2022 rankings, as published by US News and World Report.
25. Belgium (Fell one place compared to last year’s ranking)
Belgium was a founding member of the EU, the eurozone, the World Trade Organization, NATO, and the OECD.
That is not the sole reason why it makes the cut, US News describes Belgium as ‘a small, highly developed and urbanized country.’
It is also home to the headquarters of NATO and EU institutions like the European Council, US News added.
24. Netherland
US News noted that the country has been a policy pioneer, including being the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
It noted that the headquarters of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are in The Netherlands, and that the country was a founding member of the EU and NATO.
‘The country also boasts the highest concentration of museums in the world,’ it added.
Netherland also fell one place compared to last year’s ranking.
23. Qatar
‘Now rich in oil and natural gas, Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world,’ US News said.
It also noted that the country is the 2022 World Cup host and is a member of major international alliances.
22. Sweden (Rose four places compared to the 2021 ranking)
US News said of Sweden that its ‘commitment to human rights, public service and sustainability have helped to make it a respected leader in international affairs.
‘Health care, as well as a college education, are free, and its people boast one of the longest life expectancies in the world,’ it added.
It also noted that Sweden is one of the biggest EU countries by landmass.
21. Brazil (Fell two places compared to last year’s ranking)
US News described the South American country as ‘the giant of the continent – both in size and in population.’
It noted that Brazil has a big tourism industry, has rich natural resources, and is one of the world’s top coffee producers.
US News added that Brazil ‘now has one of the world’s largest economies in terms of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund.’
It also cited the Amazon rainforest and the country’s membership in international bodies, but noted that it battles poverty and allegations of corruption.
20. Switzerland (Fell three places compared to last year’s ranking)
US noted that while Switzerland is a small country, it is also one of the world’s wealthiest.
It also said that Switzerland’s ‘cultural contributions are disproportionate to its small size.’
Swiss citizens have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per capita than many other nations.
‘Switzerland is also home to the headquarters of organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN, US News noted.
19. Spain (Fell one place compared to last year’s ranking)
US News noted Spain’s EU, UN, NATO, WTO, and OECD membership, and that the country’s economy is recovering from a major decline during the 2008 financial crisis.
It also noted the country’s colonial history.
18. Iran
US News noted that Iran ‘has one of the largest economies in the Middle East and one of the largest populations, with about 86 million people.’
It said that the country ‘has long been of interest to global powers because of its strategic location within the Middle East and its abundant supply of oil and other natural resources.’
Iran has around 10% of the world’s oil reserves but and is a founder member of OPEC, and ‘also has significant agricultural, industrial and service sectors,’ US News added.
The country also has a nuclear program, it noted. READ PAGE 2 BELOW FOR MORE CITIES, UKRAINE, RUSSIA AND MORE
