Israel ranked world's 8th most powerful country: poll

An American magazine survey has ranked Israel the eighth most powerful country in the world for the second year in a row, edging out other regional powerhouses such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The annual “Best Countries” survey by the US News & World Report lists the world’s most powerful countries based on their alliances, global and cultural influence, economy, and entrepreneurship. It is based on evaluations of 80 countries by 21,000 survey respondents from four regions.

Overall, Israel placed 30th on the “Best Countries” list but ranked in the top 10 in the list’s power ranking behind United States, the world’s most powerful country according to the survey, followed by Russia, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Japan.

Israel’s neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were ranked 9th and 10th respectively. It’s arch-foe Iran placed 13th.

“For its relatively small size, the country has played a large role in global affairs,” the magazine said of Israel.

Israel also ranked within the survey’s top ten up and coming economies, placing 10th, with the UAE clinching the category’s top ranking.

On other individual parameters, Israel ranked lower, placing 25th in entrepreneurship, 29th in heritage, 33rd in citizenship, 35th in quality of life, 40th in cultural influence, 64th in openness for business and 70th in adventure.