“When it comes to assessing a country’s global contribution, it’s often the nation’s distinctive traditions that come to mind, as opposed to its economic prowess or technological advances.”
That’s an introduction by usnews.com in a report which goes on to say that remnants of a nation’s historical struggles and accomplishments can become almost synonymous with the country’s name, defining the nation’s values and appeal to others around the world.
“A country’s past continues to define its present and future. Top countries in the Best Countries Heritage list are those most readily associated with a unique identity.”
The report lists the 2021 best country heritage rankings, based on a study that surveyed more than 17,000 people from four regions to assess perceptions of 78 countries on 76 different metrics.
The heritage rankings are based on an equally weighted average of five country attributes: culturally accessible, has a rich history, has great food, many cultural attractions and many geographical attractions.
While Old World front-runners Spain, Italy and Greece make up the top three.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Italy is home to the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa – two of the most famous structures on the globe. Greece’s ancient Olympic Games have been copied for millennia. Finishing fourth is France, which annually draws about 7 million people to Paris’ Eiffel Tower – the most visited monument requiring a fee in the world.
As a region, Europe fared much better than others. Generally small in area and population, European nations are viewed as far more culturally accessible, pulling them up in the ranks past large nations like Russia (No. 15) and the United States (No. 16).
In ranking Thailand as number seven, the report states that “Thailand is one of the world’s most visited countries. Buddha figures are ever-present in the ‘land of smiles’, where bustling, modern cities are juxtaposed with ancient ruins, glistening beaches and gilded temples. The nation is home to the acclaimed Thai massage and cuisine that is known to balance sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy flavours. The Thai ideas of monarchy date to the 13th century and today royalty plays a vital role in everyday life.”
The Top Ten Heritage Rankings
- Spain
- Italy
- Greece
- France
- Mexico
- India
- Thailand
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Japan
