Countries with AAA Ratings

By Annalyn Censky @CNNMoney July 29, 2011: 7:54 AM ET

These 17 countries have the world's highest credit rating, AAA from both Moody's and Standard & Poor's, but the U.S. risks losing that high standing if lawmakers don't raise the debt ceiling.

Amid the contentious debt ceiling debate, the United States is at risk of being booted out of a prestigious group of countries that boast a spotless credit rating.
Only 17 countries in the world -- currently including the U.S. -- hold the highly coveted triple-A rating from both Standard & Poor's and Moody's. (S&P rates an additional three countries as triple-A, that aren't featured on Moody's list). More...