Power Best Country

On the cover are the leaders of the the top countries on the planet.

The world’s most powerful countries may not necessarily be the most well-liked, but they are the nations that consistently dominate news headlines, preoccupy policymakers and shape economic forecasts. Rightly or wrongly, their foreign and economic policy decisions can have ripple effects all over the world. Their military budgets are tracked religiously. When they make a pledge, at least some in the international community trust they will keep it.

Those top five (incase you didn't know) are The U.S, Russia, China, Germany and the UK.

The United States, has the world’s largest economy and biggest military budget, spending more than $600 billion on military hardware and personnel in 2014. The country, which is a leader in the so-called War on Terror, is by far the largest contributor to NATO and cements alliances by giving out billions of dollars in military aid to nations worldwide. The U.S. spent about 30 billion in development assistance in 2014 – the most of any country in terms of dollars – but a very small fraction of gross domestic product.

Russia and China are among the world’s top three military spenders. Following the top three are Germany and the U.K., (France and Japan) – countries that have large economies and give out high numbers of international aid.

Interestingly, As far as Overall BEST Country rankings go: U.S. comes in at forth place, Russia TWENTY-forth, China is seventeenth on the list while the U.K. hangs on to the top five rank in third place. As for Germany, this is where Germany holds its own, it comes in at number one!

What makes Germany number one?

Germany employs a social market economy – open-market capitalism that also carries certain social service guarantees. Its economy is one of the world’s largest and Germany is one of the globe’s leading importers and exporters. Services, which include industries such as telecommunications, health care and tourism, contribute the greatest amount to the country’s economy. Industry and agriculture are other significant economic sectors, and Germany possesses a highly skilled, affluent workforce. The country’s population is aging, however, raising questions about the high level of spending for social services. The country is one of the world’s most popular migration destinations, and the size of the foreign-born population in Germany has grown substantially in the 21st century.

Who's number two, you ask? Canada. Considering that Canada is the baby of its counterparts - most of which came into existence since antiquity - Canada is doing very well; scoring # 1 for Quality of Life, two for Citizenship, and third in Open for Business. Canada missed getting forth place but ranked fifth of all the countries for Entrepreneurship. Not bad indeed. The number two of overall Best Country earned four out of five top scores of nine major categories.

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent, making it the second-largest country in the world after Russia, though it is sparsely populated. Canada’s expansive wilderness to the North plays a large role in Canadian identity, as does the country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants. Canadians pride themselves in encouraging all of their citizens to honor their own cultures. In 1971, Canada adopted a national policy of multiculturalism, which celebrates the country’s diversity. Canada is also considered top three of places to retire!

Some might argue that India should be among the top five countries mentioned due it having the third largest army, second most populous Nation, fastest growing developing nation and IT hub in the world. Unfortunately, India still lacks some common attributes in today's global economy (according to our primary source, U.S.News and World Report, from where excerpts of this article were copied). And has  yet to make the top list in the categories or subcategories as mentioned above.

So what does this mean to those living in the top four Most Powerful, Overall Best Countries in the world? Consider yourself fortunate. Be grateful for where you are, USE your power to vote for those true to the knowledge that by the grace of God, you walk with the FREEDOM of (human rights, democracy, religion, identity, orientation, culture, education, speech, mobility, working at/ being anything you want), and the privilege ascribed to these freedoms. Make your choice wisely. You would hate to lose what you have.