The Good Country Index has placed Sweden at poll position outranking 162 other countries. The league table based on 35 different factors from sources and takes into account how much good a country contributes to including prosperity, well-being, equality and global contributions.

The top spot is based on overall positions with Sweden earning high ranks in general positive lifestyle and culture, however, they scored 52nd place for International Peace & Security. Other countries fared well with Iceland coming in top position for climate protection and their lowering of CO2 emissions. The UK earned poll position in science and technology with contributions to scientific publications, Nobel Prizes and patents.

The creator of the Good Country Index, Simon Anholt says the report – analysed and issued twice a year – is aimed to encourage countries to do more good and collaborate more, according to The Independent.

“Sweden is a bit of an elite when it comes to thinking about the rest of the world. The European model is one that trained countries to be much more outward looking, and Sweden is that more than the others,” Anholt explained.

The index takes into account the size of the country and with Sweden being relatively small economically compared to others, it comparatively does more good than harm. Compared to other small countries such as Kenya, Costa Rica and Iceland, Sweden has done well despite smaller countries being affected by bigger world impacts.

The top ten countries include Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Canada, France, Austria, and New Zealand.

Sweden takes over the top spot from Ireland who dropped to 11th place in the latest rankings.