Canada is recognized in international rankings for a variety of reasons, ranging from its high standard of living to its strong economy and political stability. Canada ranks high on its social, legal, healthcare and education systems with its universities ranked among the best in the world. The country consistently ranks high in other various indices measuring factors such as human rights, quality of life, safety, happiness, prosperity and sustainability. This has led to Canada being recognized as one of the best countries in the world to live. Despite these facts there are varied domestic concerns, Canada ranks among the lowest of the most developed countries for housing affordability, technology affordability, healthcare accessibility, and foreign direct investment.

International rankings

Worldwide rankings

Note: Below each survey uses a limited number of countries/region's for its assessments, see "Measurement(s)" for number variables.

Freedom assessments

Freedom indices produced by several non-governmental organizations publishes assessments of political rights and civil liberties for countries around the world.

U.S. News Best Countries

In 2024, Canada ranked fourth in the world in U.S. News & World Report's Best Countries rankings, with an overall indexed score of 94.1 out of 100: Canada's strong ranking was due to its performance in several categories. Canada has been ranked in the top five countries by U.S. News for the past four years. Canada ranked first in 2021, and 2nd place a few years in a row.

Lowest rankings of the most developed countries

A developed country (or industrialized country) has a high quality of life, developed economy and advanced technological infrastructure relative to other less industrialized nations. Note: Below each survey uses a limited number of countries for its assessment, see "Notes" for country number variables.

Maps of indices