What makes a good country?
A country with a high quality of life provides its residents with happiness and comfort in all of the important areas of living. This includes healthcare, education, a strong economy, job opportunities, financial stability, low crime, a clean environment, and efficient public services. Here are some of 2024's best countries to live in based on quality of life.
1. Monaco
Monaco ranks first in quality of life due to its excellent scores in safety, stability, and healthcare. Its high GDP provides citizens with luxury living, and its low crime rate also contributes to its top ranking.
Pierre Blaché, Wikimedia Commons
2. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein provides its residents with a high quality of life, including top-notch public services, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The nation boasts one of the longest life spans globally, standing at 82.7 years.
3. Luxembourg
Luxembourg ranks in the top 3 countries in terms of offering the best quality of life. This is not just because of its natural surroundings and charming small-town atmosphere, but also because of the country's safety, political stability, and economic stability.
Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
4. Ireland
Ireland's fourth-place ranking is due to its high education, healthcare, and safety standards. It has a strong economy, low unemployment, and quality of life. Cultural heritage and a lively social scene also contribute.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland is recognized for its political neutrality, economic stability, and luxury craftsmanship. This has led to the country's prosperity and safety for residents.
kuhnmi, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
6. Norway
Norway's strong economy leads to a high quality of life with a top-ranking GDP per capita. This provides Norwegians with good incomes, supporting their high quality of life.
7. Singapore
Singapore is a safe, corruption-free country with a liberal economy. Its government investments in health, education, and infrastructure make it ideal for living and business.
8. Qatar
Qatar's oil wealth enables luxurious living for its residents with free healthcare and education. Doha, in particular, also hosts American universities, making it a hotspot for international students and a top research hub.
FLASHPACKER TRAVELGUIDE, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
9. United States
The US is the 3rd most populous nation globally, known for its diverse culture and opportunities. It had a GDP per capita of $78,420 in 2023. Despite the American Dream having faded over the years, Americans are generally satisfied with life, according to surveys.
Roschetzky Photography, Shutterstock
10. Iceland
Iceland is famous for its top safety standards, outstanding healthcare system, and robust social unity. The quality of life in the country is improved by its low crime rates, excellent education levels, and stunning natural surroundings.
Thalion77, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
11. Denmark
Denmark is known for its work-life balance, democracy, and high standards for education and healthcare. These factors guarantee the effective functioning of a welfare state.
12. Australia
Australia has a high standard of living, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne ranking well for livability. The culture is British-based, but people are generally welcoming of all races and backgrounds.
13. Netherlands
The Netherlands prides itself on having a friendly and inclusive society that has a history of embracing different cultures. Its high ranking as one of the happiest countries in the world, along with its high standard of living, is consistently demonstrated.
14. San Marino
San Marino enjoys a high standard of living. When considering GDP, it is one of the wealthiest nations globally. There is no national debt—instead, they have a surplus of funding. Additionally, the mean life expectancy is 87 years.
15. Austria
Austria's high quality of life is attributed to factors like a strong economy, robust social support, excellent education, and low crime. In 2023, it ranked 11th in the UN World Happiness Report for overall life satisfaction.
16. Greenland
Greenland generally enjoys high living standards, but some villages may appear low by to Westerners due to the remoteness of the region. Currently, the majority of the country is not inhabited.
17. Cuba
Cuba's varying standard of living includes free healthcare and education, but shortages and few job options due to economic challenges lead many to seek better opportunities elsewhere. In spite of economic difficulties, Cuba's dedication to social equality and public amenities improves its standard of living.
18. Sweden
Sweden ranks highly in the areas of sustainable development, level of freedom, and happiness levels, but falls a little short in terms of cost of living. The country offers relatively high salaries for its small population.
19. Finland
From Helsinki to Lapland, Finland offers expats a high quality of life, work-life balance, and strong community bonds. Careful planning is key for a successful transition.
20. Macau (China)
Living in Macau offers a vibrant culture, great food, and convenient transportation. It is known for its quality of life, safety, attractions, and activities. However, living costs can be high, language barriers exist, and summers are hot and humid.
Brenden Brain, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
21. Belgium
Belgium is classified as a high-income nation, with its residents enjoying a high quality of life and access to excellent healthcare services. It's also known for providing education of relatively high quality.
22. Canada
Many Canadians have struggled financially due to inflation and high interest rates in recent years, impacting household budgets and personal expenses. A report by the Fraser Institute shows a gradual decrease in quality of life, with a 3% decline in inflation-adjusted GDP per capita from 2019 to 2023.
Gary A Corcoran Arts, Shutterstock
23. Israel
Israel ranks 19th on the UN Human Development Index, classified as a high-income nation with high life expectancy. It ranks 4th in global happiness and 2nd in the youth index.
24. Germany
Germany is known for its cleanliness, organization, and punctuality, with well-maintained infrastructure. Urban areas are pedestrian-friendly with efficient public transportation and a highly educated population. Dogs are welcomed in many establishments, although customer service may not be as strong as in the U.S.
25. Hong Kong (China)
Hong Kong is among the most densely populated areas globally. It ranks high in economic prosperity but only low in quality of life in various global city rankings because of expensive housing and substandard living conditions.
Jim Trodel, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
26. United Arab Emirates
The UAE ranks highly for its strong economy, high income levels, and exceptional public services. It also boasts a high GDP per capita, low unemployment rates, and robust healthcare system, all which contribute to a high quality of life.
27. United Kingdom
British living standards are predicted to rise in the next few years, but it will be 2027 before lower-income households recover pre-pandemic spending power. Still the UK does very well in the rankings for quality of life, and its residents tend to be happy for the most part.
28. New Zealand
Living in New Zealand brings stunning scenery, high quality of life, strong community spirit, top healthcare and education, low crime rates, and work-life balance. Despite the robust economy and pristine environment, drawbacks include expensive living costs, particularly in cities like Auckland and Wellington.
29. France
France provides an outstanding quality of life with strong infrastructure, excellent education, and one of the best healthcare systems globally. Many are drawn to the French lifestyle, not just the high incomes.
Taxiarchos228, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
30. Andorra
Andorra excels in low crime, health risk, and road safety rates. The Lancet magazine, a British publication, also praises it for having the best healthcare system.
Alexey Fedorenko, Shutterstock
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