Newsweek Offers List of 'Best Countries in the World'; Ranks U.S. 11th

Meredith Jessup | August 18, 2010 8:44 AM

Finland is the best country in the world... that is, according to Newsweek.

So what put the northern nation at the top of the list for Newsweek editors?

Finland's schoolkids enjoy a laid-back and inclusive learning environment where shoes are optional, all teachers have master's degrees, and extra help is the norm: every year about one in three students gets individual time with a tutor.

The U.S., a country that largely requires shirt and shoes for service, didn't even make Newsweek's top 10. Besting America were Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Luxembourg, Norway, Canada, Netherlands, Japan and Denmark.