The Best Countries, According to Millennials
Some millennials had a Facebook account before they were teenagers. Others didn't have a cell phone until they were in college. But if there's one thing that has shaped the generation -- generally considered one of the largest -- it's technology.
Growing up during the rise of the Internet, millennials have become the "first global generation," says Joan Kuhl, founder of the consulting firm Why Millennials Matter.
Trends in fashion, entertainment and politics spread quickly over online sharing platforms, such as Snapchat and Instagram, and broad global dialogue about values and experiences can happen instantly. Nuances in generational attitudes and behavior are influenced by local culture, Kuhl says, but the similarities across borders are undeniable. Suddenly, a 28-year-old in Japan can have more in common with a 24-year-old from Mexico than ever before.
Globally, 20- to 35-year-olds accounted for some 1.8 billion people in 2015, according to the United Nations Population Division, and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates put millennials ahead of Baby Boomers as that nation's largest living generation for the first time in April.
Studies on the generation are many and varied, from their attitudes toward work to dating trends, but there is no question when it comes to the power of their influence.
But what country does this generation -- the highly connected future leaders of a globalized world -- think is best?
Canada, as politely as ever, takes the gold for the No. 1 Best Country, according to millennials.
Nearly 6,000 millennials, those between 18 and 35 years old in 2015, from around the globe participated in the Best Countries survey, in which they assessed how closely they associated 60 countries with specific characteristics. Countries that rank highest are perceived to most closely align with characteristics that are linked to a strong gross domestic product per capita.
[READ: How the Best Countries rankings were created.]
When responses from all age groups are taken into account, Canada ranks No. 2 overall, behind Germany. But millennials push Canada to the top with more favorable views of the nation in terms of heavily weighted citizenship and business-friendly factors.
Though not quite a millennial himself, Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau is one of the world's youngest leaders. At 44, Trudeau is second only to Italy's 41-year-old Prime Minister Matteo Renzi around the G-20 Summit table. And the nation seems to be doing quite well for its young adults.
[READ: In Trudeau, Canadians See a Nice Reflection]
Of all Canadians between 25 and 34 years old, more than 50 percent own a home and nearly 80 percent are employed, according to a report from TD bank. Compare that to the lower rate of employment and homeownership of millennials in the U.S., along with a lower average income, and a move up north may seem quite inviting.
The U.S. ranks as the No. 5 Best Country, according to millennials. Rounding out the top group are the U.K. at No. 3 and Japan at No. 4.
[SEE: How the broader population ranks the Best Countries.]
Compared to perceptions of the broader population, millennials are especially keen on Latin America. Argentina jumped nine spots up to No. 31 in the Best Countries ranking when assessed by millennials only, while Panama and Chile ranked five and six spots better, respectively. It also seems that China is here to stay. At No. 12, millennials ranked the economic giant five places better than the broader population did.
Israel, however, drops 17 places to No. 42 in the Best Countries rankings when assessed by millennials, and South Africa barely makes it into the top half. The nation fell 11 spots to No. 30.
See the full list of Best Countries, According to Millennials here.
Deidre McPhillips is a data reporter at U.S. News. You can find her on Twitter or email her at dmcphillips@usnews.com.
