WASHINGTON – The Philippines has been rated the 50th best country in the world in a global survey of more than 21,000 people regarding their assessment of what shapes a country, from quality of life to economic potential.

The survey was based on global perceptions that define countries such as trade, travel and investment, and other values and attributes including human rights, gender equality, religious freedom and the environment.

The US State Department lists a total of 196 countries, but the survey by the US News & World Report in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and global marketing communications company VMLY&R referred to only 80 of them.

Switzerland maintained its No. 1 ranking for the third consecutive year followed in order by Japan, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The United States was in 8th place, Singapore (15), China (16), Thailand (26), Malaysia (38), Vietnam (39) and Indonesia (43).

The Philippines with a GDP of $313.6 billion, a population of 104,918,000 and a GDP per capita of $8,360 was in 50th place.

Each year countries shift positions in the rankings and the Philippines was in 49th place in 2018.