10 Best Countries in the World: Where Does India Stand?
Greece has secured the top position in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 ranking of the best countries in the world, while India has earned 17th place with a score of 92.11. The results reflect international readers’ travel preferences and experiences, making the list particularly relevant to tourism, culture and destination appeal.
The ranking was based on reader surveys conducted between April 1 and June 30, 2026, with participants rating destinations on a five-point scale. It is important to note that this is a travel-focused ranking, not a comprehensive assessment of countries’ education systems, healthcare, safety, income or overall quality of life.
Top 10 Best Countries in the World in 2026
| Rank | Country | What Makes It Appealing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greece | Ancient history, island destinations, Mediterranean scenery and food |
| 2 | Japan | Traditional culture, modern cities, cuisine and natural landscapes |
| 3 | Italy | Art, architecture, historic cities and regional cuisine |
| 4 | Türkiye (Turkey) | Historic landmarks, diverse landscapes and a meeting point of cultures |
| 5 | Portugal | Coastal towns, historic neighbourhoods and food |
| 6 | Costa Rica | Biodiversity, rainforests, beaches and nature-based tourism |
| 7 | Croatia | Adriatic coastline, historic towns and island destinations |
| 8 | Indonesia | Tropical islands, cultural diversity and outdoor experiences |
| 9 | Kenya | Wildlife safaris, national parks and varied landscapes |
| 10 | Thailand | Beaches, food, cultural sites and established visitor infrastructure |
Note: These positions refer specifically to the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller readers’ ranking of countries as travel destinations. They should not be interpreted as an overall ranking of national development or living standards.
Where Does India Rank in 2026?
India ranks 17th, with a score of 92.11 in the reported Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 list. Although India did not enter the top 10, its position places it among the top 20 countries in this travel-focused ranking.
India offers a broad range of experiences within one country, including Himalayan landscapes, historic monuments, pilgrimage destinations, wildlife reserves, beaches, regional cuisines and major cultural festivals. Destinations such as Rajasthan’s heritage cities, Kerala’s backwaters, the Himalayan states, Goa and the historic sites of Delhi and Agra appeal to different types of travellers.
Why Did Greece Take the Top Position?
Greece received a score of 98.14 in the reported 2026 ranking. Its appeal includes destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos, archaeological landmarks, coastal scenery, food and historic cities. Athens also combines ancient heritage with contemporary restaurants, museums and urban culture.
Japan and Italy followed Greece in second and third place. Both countries offer distinctive combinations of cultural heritage, cuisine, architecture and modern visitor experiences. The results show how strongly destination rankings can reflect the experiences and preferences of international travellers.
How Was the 2026 Ranking Prepared?
- Survey period: April 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Source: Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Assessment: Readers rated destinations on a five-point scale.
- Focus: Traveller experiences and destination appeal.
- Limitation: The ranking does not independently measure public services, employment opportunities, educational quality, affordability or general living standards.
Is This the Same as the World's Best Countries Ranking?
No. Different organisations publish country rankings for different purposes, so their results can vary significantly.
| Ranking | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards | Reader evaluations of travel destinations and experiences |
| UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) | Health, education and standard of living |
| World Happiness Report | People’s evaluations of their lives, using survey data |
| Passport rankings | International travel access available to passport holders |
For example, the UN Development Programme’s 2025 Human Development Report placed India at 130th out of 193 countries and territories, using HDI data for 2023. That result measures human development, not tourism appeal, so it cannot be directly compared with India’s 17th position in the Condé Nast Traveller list.
What Does India's Position Mean for Travellers?
India’s 17th-place result indicates a strong showing in this particular reader-based travel ranking. However, it does not mean every destination in India offers the same experience or that the country is necessarily more affordable, safer or easier to navigate than every country below it.
Anyone planning a trip should consider the specific destination, season, transport connections, accessibility, accommodation costs, local conditions and personal interests. A country’s overall ranking can provide a starting point, but practical travel planning requires more detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best country in the world in 2026?
Greece ranked first in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 list of best countries for travellers.
2. What is India's rank in the 2026 best countries list?
India ranked 17th with a score of 92.11 in the reported Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 ranking.
3. Which countries ranked in the top three?
Greece ranked first, Japan second and Italy third.
4. Which country ranked fourth?
Türkiye, also commonly called Turkey, ranked fourth in the reported list.
5. How were the best countries selected?
The ranking was based on reader surveys conducted from April 1 to June 30, 2026, with respondents rating destinations on a five-point scale.
6. Does India's 17th position mean it is the world's 17th-best country overall?
No. This is a travel-oriented ranking. Overall country comparisons depend on the index being used, such as human development, happiness, health, economic conditions or quality of life.
7. Where does India rank on the Human Development Index?
In the 2025 Human Development Report, India ranked 130th out of 193 countries and territories, based on data for 2023. The HDI measures health, education and standard of living.
Conclusion
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 placed Greece first, followed by Japan and Italy, while India secured 17th place with a score of 92.11. The results highlight the international appeal of destinations and travel experiences, but they should be understood within the context of tourism. Other rankings assess different factors, and no single list can fully capture a country's strengths, challenges or quality of life.
