#7
Netherlands
The Netherlands has jumped six places this year into #7 overall, marking its return to the top 10 after several years just beyond the top tier.
One of the most densely populated countries in Europe, and home to around 18 million people, it’s a prosperous, industrious country that has become a global logistics hub thanks to the Port of Rotterdam. It also has a strong tourism sector, and well-developed financial services, technology and creative industries.
In Best Countries, the Netherlands is seen as a modern, progressive friendly country that’s free of corruption and red tape, and as providing racial equality and religious freedom.
It’s the second-happiest country in the world (beaten only by Norway), offering a great Quality of Life, and caring deeply about human rights and the environment.
The Netherlands’ greatest areas of strength are Social Purpose and Agility; it’s seen as the most adaptable country in the world, the most politically stable, and as having well-developed public services.
The 10 factors that determine a country’s brand
Why is Netherlands seen as the 7th best country in the world in 2026?
People surveyed for Best Countries were asked how closely they associated 73 attributes with a range of countries. These attributes were then grouped into 10 categories that were used to calculate the Best Countries ranking.
The weighting of each category in the final index is determined by the strength of its correlation to per capita GDP and forecast GDP for 2030.
Netherlands' top and bottom attributes
Each factor is made up by combining a selection of 73 attributes that track how people perceive each country. These are Netherlands' top and bottom ones.
#1
Adaptable
#1
Politically stable
#2
Gender equality
#85
Different
#80
Cheap manufacturing costs
#79
Has wildlife attractions
The percepions of Netherlands have changed over time
Netherlands has not always been seen as the #7 best country in the world. Explore how the perceptions of Netherlands have changed over time.
