Good Country Index 2024: Finland Leads, Followed by Sweden and Germany

The Good Country Index 2024 (version 1.6) offers a fresh perspective on how countries contribute to the global good. First launched in 2014 by Simon Anholt, the Index evaluates 174 nations, providing a comprehensive “balance sheet” that measures their contributions to humanity’s collective well-being while balancing their impact on the planet and their domestic priorities.

Key Highlights from the Good Country Index 2024

Western Europe maintains a strong position, with Scandinavian countries dominating the top of the ranking. Finland claims the top spot for the second time since 2021, reaffirming its role as a global leader. Sweden loses its two-year dominance coming in second while Denmark takes fourth. For the third year in a row Germany ranks third, highlighting the country’s consistent role. Meanwhile, France strengthens its rank, rising four positions to take fifth, and the United Kingdom climbs eight positions to rank sixth.

Canada is the only non-European country in the top 10 for the third year running. 

Smaller EU nations like Slovenia (8th), Estonia (9th), and the Czech Republic (12th) made notable rises to enter the upper ranks, marking a shift from the dominance of Western Europe in previous editions.

Country Rank
Finland 1
Sweden 2
Germany 3
Denmark 4
France 5
United Kingdom 6
Canada 7
Slovenia 8
Estonia 9
Belgium 10

By Region

In the global landscape of international influence, Western Europe leads the rankings, with Finland, Sweden, and Germany consistently occupying the first three positions. North America shows mixed performance, with Canada ranking seventh, while the United States ranks 50th. South America is represented by Chile (35th) and Uruguay (41st). 

Eastern European countries are making notable strides, with Slovenia (8th), Estonia (9th), and the Czech Republic (12th) showcasing increasing global contributions. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates leads with a rank of 59th followed by Israel (63rd). Meanwhile in Africa, Tunisia leads the continent at 46th, with Morocco (54th) and Mauritius (57th) trailing. 

Asia is well represented by Singapore (28th), Japan (34th), and South Korea (39th), all contributing significantly through innovation and cultural exports. In Oceania, Australia (19th) and New Zealand (24th) excel in international cooperation and sustainable practices.


Biggest Movers and Shakers

The 2024 Good Country Index reveals significant rises and declines in global rankings. Africa stands out for its progress, with countries like Burkina Faso and Senegal making notable gains. Both climbed 44 spots to 77th and 78th, respectively. However, the declines of Tanzania and Zambia underscore ongoing challenges in the region, each falling over 57 places, now ranking 142nd and 138th.

One of the most developed countries in the region, South Africa, declined 40 places to 84th.

Country Change in Rank New Rank
Sri Lanka +68 61
Burkina Faso +44 77
Senegal +44 78
Bahrain +42 103
Lesotho +38 74
Honduras +38 106
Botswana +37 88
Côte d’Ivoire +34 96
South Africa -40 84
Kenya -42 114
Tajikistan -47 144
Guyana -48 125
Lebanon -48 130
Vanuatu -48 149
Uganda -55 128
Zambia -57 138
Tanzania -57 142

Asia shows mixed results, with Sri Lanka achieving the largest gain, rising 68 places to rank 61st. However, other countries like Lebanon and Tajikistan, fell by 48 and 47 places respectively.

These shifts highlight the complexities nations in certain regions encounter in maintaining and enhancing their roles as contributors to the global good.


Good Country Leaders Over Five Years

Country 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Finland 4 1 6 5 1
Sweden 6 4 1 1 2
Germany 5 5 3 3 3
Denmark 3 6 2 2 4
France 11 9 7 9 5

Methodology

The overall rank found in the Good Country Index is based on the average of the seven category ranks based on multiple U.N. and other international databases, such as the World Bank and the Charities Aid Foundation. The categories are based on a country’s contributions to Science & Technology, Culture, International Peace and Security, World Order, Planet and Climate, Prosperity and Equality, and Health and Wellbeing.

Scores for each indicator are compared to all countries with available data, taking GDP size into account. If a country is missing data in a category, the ranks are calculated by averaging the fractional ranks of the five indicators in that category, permitting up to two missing values. If two countries have the same overall rank, the one with the lowest score in any of the seven categories is ranked lower.


Key Takeaways

This year’s results underline that impactful global citizenship is not limited to economic powerhouses. The rise of smaller nations like Slovenia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic, alongside the enduring leadership of European countries, demonstrates that diverse and inclusive approaches can drive meaningful global progress.

The significant shifts in rankings—from Africa’s (overall) notable gains to Asia’s mixed outcomes—reflect the complexities nations face in navigating domestic challenges while maintaining their global commitments.

The Index serves as a reminder that a country’s true measure lies not solely in its economic strength, but in its dedication to science, culture, peace, sustainability, and the collective advancement of humanity. 

For a detailed look at the full ranking and methodology, visit goodcountry.org.


Want more? Explore our Country Observatory for insights on the economic performance, soft power, and brand strength of countries worldwide.

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