Top 20 countries making the planet a better place

Is your country a net benefit to mankind or a burden on the planet?

An innovative ranking system called the Good Country Index seeks to identify the "best" countries in the world – but doesn't base it on wealth, power or even happiness.

Instead, the index measures "what each country contributes to the common good of humanity and to the planet", as well as what it takes away.

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The project is the brainchild of academic Simon Anholt, who hopes it will encourage people to look beyond their own borders and consider the impact their country has on a global scale.

The Good Country Index uses a wealth of statistics to determine which nations are not only improving the lots of their own citizens, but also giving a helping hand across the globe and protecting the planet. Factors include freedom and equality within the country, as well as global contributions to culture, science, environmentalism and global peace.

So which countries take the top spots?

1. Sweden
2. Denmark
3. Netherlands
4. United Kingdom
5. Germany
6. Finland
7. Canada
8. France
9. Austria
10. New Zealand
11. Ireland
12. Switzerland
13. Norway
14. Belgium
15. Cyprus
16. Luxembourg
17. Australia
18. Italy
19. Japan
20. Spain