Vietnam ranks 40th in global list of best countries in 2021: US News

Vietnam has gained the achievement thanks to power, heritage, and openness for business.

With an overall score of 24.5 out of 100, Vietnam did better than its Southeast Asian neighbors like the Philippines (44th), Cambodia (55th) and Myanmar (58th), the report said.

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam was ranked below Singapore (14th), Thailand (28th), Malaysia (36th) and Indonesia (37th).

In terms of heritage, Vietnam, home to eight world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, stood at 25th globally while in terms of openness for business, the country ranked 21st.

For the power category that measures a country's political and economic influences, international alliance and military, Vietnam rose six places to 25th, surpassing neighbors in Asia-Pacific like New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

However, it did not fare well in terms of cultural influence, entrepreneurship, social purpose, and quality of life.

This year, the model that powers this report has evolved in response to a transformational year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cultural, economic, political and technological influences remain important. Two new categories have been added, which are social purpose and agility. Together, this broad range of categories determines how the 78 countries studied are ranked on the world stage.

"Nations are impacted on many critical fronts by how they are perceived globally – from foreign relations to international business to tourism. These perceptions are ever-evolving in a rapidly changing world," said Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer at the US News.

"The 2021 Best Countries analysis combines data and storytelling to explore how countries compare on a host of global issues," he added.

For the first time, Canada takes the top spot overall in the 2021 Best Countries Report. Japan and Germany finish second and third, respectively, while Switzerland, the previous No.1 overall country, falls to No.4. Australia remains as the No.5 overall country followed by the United States, which rises one position to No.6.

Canada ranks No.1 in quality of life and social purpose. It is also perceived as having a good job market, caring about human rights and is committed to social justice. Besides, the country finished No.1 in being viewed as not corrupt and respecting property rights.