Large-scale, efficient infrastructure is a must-have for any economy to function competitively.
And that infrastructure needs to be maintained and even updated if a country wants its economy to run smoothly.
However, over the last few years since financial crisis, the infrastructure quality deteriorated in many developed countries, including the US, Germany, and France, according to the recent report by the World Economic Forum.
As a result, they're not leading the way in terms of infrastructure quality.
We took a closer look at the 11 countries with the highest quality infrastructure, according to data in the WEF's report. Check them out below.
11. United States
The United States ranked 1st overall in terms of available airlines seats, and 5th for quality of air transport structure.
However, the US came in 99th place for mobile telephone subscriptions. Additionally, it is only 15th for railroad infrastructure and 14th for quality of roads.
"Infrastructure quality deteriorated in the United States" and other developed economies over the last decade since the financial crisis, according the report.
Source: World Economic Forum
10. Spain
Spain saw the 4th best railroad infrastructure and was 9th best overall for available airline seats.
However, both its port infrastructure and quality of air transport infrastructure were ranked 12th, and the quality of its electricity supply came in 24th.
A few years ago, Spain went through"reckless public spending of ill-thought out projects that left the country crippled with debt" and several "ghost" airports, which go completely unused.
Source: World Economic Forum
9. United Kingdom
The UK ranked 3rd for available airline seats, and 9th for quality of electricity supply.
However, it came in 29th for quality of roads, and 19th for air transport infrastructure.
The UK infrastructure has one of the most developed infrastructures in the world, even when compared to other developed economies. However, the UK's rail networks are the most expensive in Europe and faces constant delays.
Source: World Economic Forum, Business Insider
See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: RED EVERYWHERE: It’s a global market meltdown