Switzerland 'nicest' country; Know India's rank

• Democracy Perception Index 2026 reveals global country standings
• US perception fell 38 points to -16 per cent in two years
• India outranks both the US and China in global perceptions

New Delhi: In a monumental global survey that has reshaped our understanding of international favourability, the Democracy Perception Index 2026 has revealed

stark contrasts in how countries are viewed around the world. Conducted by Nira Data as part of their annual democracy research, this comprehensive study surveyed 46,667 respondents across more than 85 nations, assessing how 129 countries and three international organisations are perceived globally. The findings, released in May 2026 at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, represent one of the most extensive global perception surveys ever conducted, providing an unprecedented snapshot of international public opinion. What makes this index particularly significant is that it captures not just democratic assessments but overall country perceptions, revealing which nations have earned global trust and which have fallen into disrepute.

The results have sent shockwaves through international diplomacy, with some traditionally popular countries maintaining their standing while others have experienced dramatic collapses in global favourability. Israel’s position at the bottom of the ranking, followed by North Korea, Afghanistan, and Iran, marks a historic shift in global perceptions. Meanwhile, the United States suffered a staggering 38-point drop in just two years, falling from +22 per cent net perception in 2024 to -16 per cent in 2026. Keep reading to discover the complete list of the world’s most and least liked countries.

Top 10 most positively perceived countries

The countries with the most positive global perceptions are dominated by European nations and their close allies, with Switzerland and Canada leading the pack at identical net perception scores of +36. Here are the complete top rankings:

Rank	Country	Net Perception Score
1	Switzerland	+36
2	Canada	+36
3	Japan	+34
4	Sweden	+33
5	Italy	+33
6	Norway	+32
7	Spain	+32
8	Australia	+31
9	Denmark	+30
10	New Zealand	+30

Bottom 10 least positively perceived countries

The countries with the most negative perceptions show a troubling pattern of conflict, authoritarianism, and international instability. The complete bottom ranking includes:

Rank	Country	Net Perception Score
120	South Sudan	-6
121	Pakistan	-9
122	Syria	-10
123	Russia	-11
124	Iraq	-13
125	United States	-16
126	Iran	-17
127	Afghanistan	-19
128	North Korea	-19
129	Israel	-24

India’s position and how it outranks major powers

India’s performance in the Democracy Perception Index 2026 shows the country outranking both the United States and China in global perceptions, though specific net scores for India were not detailed in the primary reports. Pakistan, however, ranks significantly lower at -9, placing it in the bottom 10 least positively perceived countries. This positioning reflects India’s growing international diplomatic presence and softer foreign policy approach compared to its regional neighbour.

What makes countries most and least liked globally

The Democracy Perception Index reveals that countries with the highest positive perceptions consistently demonstrate strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and positive international cooperation. Switzerland, Canada, and Japan lead because of their stable governments, economic prosperity, and peaceful international relations. Conversely, the least liked countries are typically involved in ongoing conflicts, under authoritarian rule, or perceived as threatening to global stability. The survey also found that in 52 per cent of countries surveyed, people say the main goal of democracy is to improve living standards and well-being, suggesting that economic performance heavily influences country perceptions.

The Democracy Perception Index 2026 reveals a world where traditional democracies maintain favourability while conflict zones and authoritarian states face severe global disapproval.