Different people define ‘smart’ in different ways. Hence defining smartest countries is surely difficult. Still, on a very basic level, an individual can be called smart if he or she has characteristics such as quick, sharp thoughts, spontaneity, time management etc. An individual can still be judged for smartness on the basis of these qualities but judging the ‘smartness of a country’ sounds a bit ambiguous. Usually, countries are separately judged on the basis of their wealth, literacy rate, technological advancements etc. Any country which can manage to show a good progress in various fields at the same time can rightly be called smart.
Here is the list of the top ten smartest countries in the world
10. SPAIN
Spain is a sovereign state and a member of the European Union. It is the fifth largest country of Europe and one of those few countries that have been influential right from the beginning of the modern era. It has earned the title of a ‘developed country’ and is also the thirteenth largest economy of the world. As per the recent rankings, Spain stands 24th on the quality of life index rating. It has a capitalist-mixed economy which is 14th largest in the world. The state provides free and compulsory education to all children aged between 6 and 16. Also, it is known for it’s high speed railways. Figuring in this list Spain also has a dedicated smart cities plan for future development.
9. SINGAPORE
Singapore is a sovereign city state of Southeast Asia and figures at the 9th spot in the list of smartest countries. Due to the process of land reclamation it is geographically well developed. One of the premiere countries when it comes to finance, Singapore boasts of being the fourth-biggest financial centre. Singapore has a highly developed market economy. Trade and manufacturing are the highlights of its economy. The country boasts of having the third-highest per capita income in the world. it is also renowned for its education and healthcare. It is the 14th largest exporter in the world. This smart country houses the world’s highest number of millionaires. Obviously it is one of the smartest countries.
8. NETHERLANDS
One of the first countries to have an electric parliament and the founding member of the European Union, Netherlands had the tenth largest per capita income in 2011. It has a market based mixed economy and ranks 17th in terms of economic freedom. In 2011, Netherlands was regarded as the ‘happiest’ country of the world by OECD. it is one of the world’s leading exporters and is the 18th largest economy of the world. Also, this smart country ranks third in the value of agricultural exports.
7. AUSTRALIA
The only country to be a continent at the same time, Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world. The highly urbanized territories make it one of the smartest countries in the world. The country is the 12th largest economy and boasts of having the 5th largest per capita income. Australia ranks extremely high in terms of quality of life, education and economic freedom. Following the pattern of market economy, Australia has a high GDP and a low poverty rate. The capital city, Melbourne was ranked first in the list of the ‘World’s most Livable Cities’. With so much to offer, Australia truly is one of the smartest countries.
6. GERMANY
One of the major economic and political power of Europe, Germany is the 4th largest economy of the world. This developed country is known for it’s technological advances and is the world’s second-largest exporter of goods. This shows its self sufficiency. The standard of living is very high. Following the pattern of social market economy, Germany is known for its low level of corruption. This smart country has housed 104 Nobel Prize laureates which clearly reveals that the country has the smartest population.
5. UNITED KINGDOM
‘The Sun never sets upon the British Empire.’ Truly, it doesn’t and it seems like it never will. United Kingdom has always been one of the smartest country of the world from the very beginning. On account of the Industrial Revolution, United Kingdom became the first industrialized country of the world. Even today, the country is a major economic and scientific hub. It is one of those few countries where nuclear weapons have been recognized. Today, it has the world’s 6th largest economy. Moreover, with 99% literacy rate, it is undoubtedly one of the smartest countries of the world.
4. UNITED STATES
The federal republic of the United States of America has always been the most coveted country of the world. Post World War I, the country established itself as a military power and after the World War II, it became a superpower. The reason for it being the world’s largest economy is that it not only has the abundance of resources but also the world’s highest labour productivity. This smart country has the highest mean and average wage. United States is a major power in scientific, economic as well as political field. It is highly urbanized with more than 82% of the population living in 52 metropolitan cities. One of the most prominent reason which makes U.S. one of the smartest countries is the form of governance- representative democracy. It is the world’s largest chemical manufacturer and third largest producer of oil.
3. JAPAN
The land of rising Sun, Japan the largest metropolitan area in the world comes as the 3rd most smart country of the world. It is a major economic power and has the third- largest economy in the world. Also, It is the world’s fourth largest exporter. Japan boasts of having the highest life expectancy and the third-lowest infant mortality rate. Though Japan follows the governance system of constitutional monarchy, the Emperor is only the ceremonial head. Japan has well developed industries like that of motor vehicles, electronics and machine tools. Like the U.K, Japan too has a literacy rate of 99% clearly indicating its developed state and its rank among the top ten smartest countries of the world.
2. CANADA
Canada is the world’s second largest country in terms of geographical area. It has the eighth-highest per capita income in the world and this makes it one of the wealthiest nations. Also, it is ranked 6th in terms of Human Development Index. It has been recognized for its high standards in education, quality of life, government transparency. One of the chief reasons which make Canada the smartest is it’s abundance of resources and the way they have been channelized. The Toronto Stock Exchange of Canada is the seventh largest in the world and it has the world’s eleventh largest economy. Canada follows the mixed economy system which ranks above the United States and most of the Western European nations. It is a recognized middle-power. Canada has found a place among the top ten trading nations of the world. Truly, it is one of the smartest countries
1. NORWAY
At the first spot of smartest countries is the second most densely populated nation of Europe, Norway holds the first position in the world’s Human Development Ranking. This smart country has been blessed to have extensive reserves of natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, minerals and hydropower. The key characteristics of Norway are a universal health care, social security system and subsidized higher education. Today when the world is facing fuel crisis, the petroleum industry contributes largely to the country’s GDP. In terms of monetary value, it is the world’s second richest country. Norway has the fourth-highest per capita income in the world. Also, Norway has been regarded as the best democracy by the Democracy Index. Norway has embassies in 86 nations of the world, highlighting it’s strong foreign relations. Above a certain level, public health care is free. The unemployment rate is very low. Thus, a large number of boons make Norway the smartest country of the world.