The Most Successful Democracy in the World Today, Ranked

Choose the democracy you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 07:54
In a world filled with diverse political systems, the concept of democracy stands out for its commitment to equality and citizen involvement. Measuring the success of democracies can help highlight the effective elements of governance that foster transparency and public welfare. This ranking initiative aims to bring to light these exemplary models where citizens feel heard and governance meets their expectations. By casting a vote on what you consider the most successful democracy, you contribute to a broader understanding of civilian satisfaction and political effectiveness. Your participation not only informs others but also reaffirms the core democratic value of active participation. See how different democracies stack up according to collective opinions and help acknowledge the ones that are truly making a difference.

What Is the Most Successful Democracy in the World Today?

  1. 1
    100
    votes
    Norway consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world and has a high standard of living.
    Norway is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, known for its stunning natural landscapes featuring deep fjords, glaciers, mountains and hundreds of islands. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who enjoy hiking, skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
    • Official language: Norwegian
    • Population: 5.4 million
    • Capital city: Oslo
    • Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
    • Government type: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    Switzerland has high levels of political stability, economic prosperity, and social welfare.
    Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located in the heart of Europe. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Switzerland is often referred to as the epitome of natural beauty. It is a country that seamlessly blends picturesque mountains, charming villages, tranquil lakes, and rolling hills. Switzerland is also famous for its cultural richness and extraordinary quality of life.
    • Capital: Bern
    • Population: Approximately 8.6 million
    • Official Language: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
    • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
    • Area: 41,290 square kilometers
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    Canada known for its strong and inclusive democracy, high levels of human development, and multiculturalism.
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Australia consistently ranks high in measures of economic and social well-being, and has a stable and effective democracy.
    Australia is a stunning continent located in the southern hemisphere. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, unique wildlife, and vibrant Aboriginal culture. From vast deserts and golden beaches to lush rainforests and iconic landmarks, Australia offers a diverse array of natural wonders and tourist attractions. The continent is home to several famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Twelve Apostles. With its laid-back lifestyle, friendly people, and fantastic culinary scene, Australia has become a popular travel destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Landscapes: Deserts, beaches, rainforests
    • Location: Southern Hemisphere
    • Biodiversity: Rich and diverse flora and fauna
    • Wildlife: Unique and fascinating species
    • Aboriginal Culture: Vibrant and ancient indigenous heritage
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Germany has a strong economy, high levels of social welfare, and a stable democratic government.
    Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country located in Central Europe. It is one of the world's largest economies and is known for its technological advancements, manufacturing prowess, and strong export-oriented industries. Germany plays a crucial role in the international market and is often considered one of the most promising economies globally.
    • GDP (nominal): €3.9 trillion (2020)
    • GDP per capita: €46,927 (2020)
    • Unemployment rate: 3.9% (2021)
    • Major industries: Automobile manufacturing, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, information technology, finance, and tourism
    • Exports: €1.4 trillion (2020)
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Denmark consistently ranks high in measures of happiness, social welfare, and political stability.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Netherlands has a strong economy, high levels of social welfare, and a stable democratic government.
    The Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, is a country located in Northwestern Europe. It is known for its flat landscape, extensive canal systems, windmills, and tulip fields. The Netherlands has a rich cultural heritage, with famous painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh hailing from the country. It is also home to many historic cities, such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. The country is known for its progressive approach to social issues, advanced infrastructure, and high standard of living.
    • Capital: Amsterdam (official capital) and The Hague (government and royal residence)
    • Population: Approximately 17.5 million
    • Language: Dutch
    • Currency: Euro (€)
    • Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Sweden known for its high levels of social welfare, political stability, and gender equality.
    Sweden is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its high standard of living, progressive social policies, and strong economy. Sweden is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, lakes, and coastal areas. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to art, literature, music, and design. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and has a parliamentary system of government.
    • Location: Northern Europe
    • Government: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system
    • Standard of Living: High
    • Social Policies: Progressive
    • Economy: Strong
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Finland consistently ranks high in measures of happiness, social welfare, and political stability.
    Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its high standard of living, strong education system, beautiful landscapes, and technological advancements. Finland is often considered one of the most advanced countries in Europe.
    • Capital: Helsinki
    • Official Language: Finnish
    • Population: Approximately 5.5 million
    • Area: 338,424 square kilometers
    • Government: Democratic republic
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    New Zealand known for its strong democracy, social welfare, and environmental sustainability.
    New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of two main islands, North Island and South Island, along with numerous smaller islands.
    • Capital: Wellington
    • Population: 4.9 million
    • Official languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
    • Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
    • Time zone: UTC+12 (NZST), UTC+13 (NZDT)
    New Zealand in other rankings

Missing your favorite democracy?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for successful democracy

  1. Rule of law
    Another important factor is the presence of an independent judiciary, which provides oversight and holds the government accountable. The rule of law ensures that citizens are protected from abuses of power and that officials are held accountable for their actions.
  2. Human rights
    A successful democracy also values and protects the basic human rights of its citizens, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press, as well as the right to a fair trial and due process.
  3. Civil society
    A thriving civil society, with active and engaged citizens, is another key factor in a successful democracy. This includes a free and independent media, as well as non-governmental organizations that provide a check on government power.
  4. Economic prosperity
    Finally, economic prosperity is also important for the success of a democracy. A strong economy can provide citizens with the resources they need to participate in civic life and can help to reduce political instability and social unrest.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful democracy in the world today. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or democracy is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1375 views
  • 235 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each democracy once every 24 hours. The rank of each democracy is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful democracy in the world today

Background Information: What is the Most Successful Democracy in the World Today? Democracy is a political system that allows citizens to participate in the decision-making process of their country. Today, there are many democratic nations around the world, each with its own unique political, social, and economic landscape. However, when it comes to evaluating the success of a democracy, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. One common way of measuring the success of a democracy is by looking at the level of political stability and the degree of civil liberties enjoyed by its citizens. This includes factors such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to vote. Other factors that contribute to the success of a democracy include economic growth, social justice, and the rule of law. When it comes to identifying the most successful democracy in the world today, there is no clear-cut answer. However, several countries are often mentioned as being among the most prosperous and stable democracies. These include countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, which consistently rank highly in global indices of democracy, economic prosperity, and social welfare. Other countries, such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, also have robust democratic systems that are marked by political stability, strong institutions, and high levels of participation. Ultimately, the success of a democracy depends on many factors, including the political will of its leaders, the engagement of its citizens, and the resilience of its institutions.

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