World names Germany 'best country ever'
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Germany was ranked the overall best country in the world, according to the rankings released by US News & World Report on Wednesday.
The rankings report praised Germany for its support of entrepreneurs, growing role as a global leader and high quality of life, among other factors.
The rankings were based on a survey of 16,000 people worldwide who were asked to associate each of the 60 countries chosen with certain attributes. The responses were then broken down into various categories, including adventure, power, entrepreneurship and quality of life.
Germany was followed in the rankings by Canada in second, then the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden. Algeria was perceived as the worst country of the 60, with Ukraine and Iran rated just above.
While Germany scored especially well for its perceived power, human rights and the strength of its labour force, the report also cautioned that its "aging population and Europe's future pose challenges" to the Bundesrepublik (Federal Republic).
Who else would dare address the President of the United States like this? Photo: DPA
"Germany's geographic location as a crossroad in Europe places it as the focal point for the tension across the continent between the forces of integration and disintegration, a tension fueled by deepening anxieties over terrorism and a refugees crisis unprecedented since World War II," the report notes.
"Both issues threaten the idea of a unified Europe without borders."
US News & World Report lays out the great tasks ahead of Chancellor Angela Merkel this year, but also praises her competence as a political figure.
"Germany's ascendance as a world leader comes largely from the work of Merkel," the report states.
"Only the third German since World War II to hold the chancellorship for a decade or more, Merkel has shown decisive leadership on several issues."
Strong economy, weak on fun?
Although the country scored among the top ten worldwide for the categories of entrepreneurship, quality of life, place and green living, Germany scored quite poorly in "adventure", ranking 45 out of 60.
Under the adventure category, the Bundesrepublik was given a 1.2 out of 10 for fun, a 3 for friendliness and a withering 0.1 for sexiness.
