IRELAND has been ranked as the 21st best country in on earth in a new list compiled by U.S. News & World Report.
The rankings, new and analysis website placed Ireland just behind China and ahead of countries such as South Korea, Portugal and Russia.
The list was compiled using 65 country attributes including heritage, quality of life, cultural influence and entrepreneurship, and was drawn from a survey of more than 21,000 global citizens.
Switzerland, Canada, Britain, Germany and Japan made up the top five.
Ireland was praised for its “large cultural impact”, evidenced by the fact that "for its small size, Ireland has a large cultural imprint, particularly in English literature.
"The country’s famous authors include Samuel Beckett, James Joyce and Oscar Wilde – just to name a few.
"Ireland has rich musical and folklore traditions and is also the creator of Guinness, perhaps its most famous export along with St. Patrick’s Day."
The country was also given credit for the evolution of its social norms, causing "clashes between younger generations and the Roman Catholic Church”.
Overall, Ireland was ranked 5.9/10, compared to Britain’s 7.3...
Ireland ranked 18 places behind Britain in the rankings. Picture: U.S. News & World ReportIreland easily out-competes Britain in the Adventure category – ranking high in terms of fun, scenic surroundings and a friendly atmosphere.
Britain ranked particularly poorly for friendliness.
Ireland was narrowly edged out in the Citizenship category – which looked at factors such as gender equality, human rights and religious freedom.
Britain also came out on top in the Cultural Influence and Entrepreneurship categories, as well as, controversially, in Heritage.
The Emerald Isle was marked down for its relative lack of cultural attractions, food and worst of all – for having a less ‘rich history’.
Ireland did come out on top in the Open For Business category thanks to its favourable tax rate, but was swept away by Britain in the Power category.
According to the rankings, Taoiseach Enda Kenny is approximately four times less powerful than British Prime Minister Theresa May.
The two countries ranked similarly for quality of life, with life in Britain edging it thanks to the NHS and its education system.
U.S. News & World Report best countries in the world:
1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Germany
5. Japan
6. Sweden
7. United States
8. Australia
9. France
10. Norway
21. Ireland
