Wilhelm Zenz
Verified User
The countries with the highest quality of life have been announced by the not-for-profit organisation Social Progress Imperative.
Scandinavian nations scored highly in the "Social Progress Index," but more surprising are the very large countries which came lower down the list — suggesting that a strong GDP per capita is not the only gauge for a high standard of living.
Despite this, all of the top 10 countries are developed nations — so having a strong economy clear has an impact.
The "Social Progress Index" collates the scores of three main indexes:
Basic Human Needs, which includes medical care, sanitation, and shelter.
Foundations of Wellbeing, which covers education, access to technology, and life expectancy.
Opportunity, which looks at personal rights, freedom of choice, and general tolerance.
5. Switzerland — 88.87.
Switzerland may have some of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, but its citizens get value for money. According to the Social Progress Report, "medical", "nutritional" and "access to basic knowledge" is where the country shines.
4. Australia — 89.13.
There is a good reason so many people want to start a new life "down under." Austrailia has fantastic education, job opportunities and a strong sense of personal freedom. Its "tolerance and inclusion" score could be higher though.
3. Denmark — 89.39.
Denmark has one of the best social mobility and income equality rates in the world, so no surprise it makes it into the top three on this list. "Basic human needs" is where the country scores particularly highly, though its "health and wellness" stats such as life expectancy could be higher.
2. Canada — 89.49.
For such a huge nation, Canada only has 35 million citizens, and they are some of the best looked after in the world. Canada's healthcare is what stands it above the rest. Education and opportunity in the country are also impressively strong.
1. Finland — 90.09.
Everyone says Scandinavian nations have the highest standard of living, and now Finland has made it official. It scores highly on almost every index on the report, from basic needs, foundations of wellbeing and personal freedoms. If you move there just make sure to bring warm coat — temperatures can reach minus 50 celsius in the winter!
Scandinavian nations scored highly in the "Social Progress Index," but more surprising are the very large countries which came lower down the list — suggesting that a strong GDP per capita is not the only gauge for a high standard of living.
Despite this, all of the top 10 countries are developed nations — so having a strong economy clear has an impact.
The "Social Progress Index" collates the scores of three main indexes:
Basic Human Needs, which includes medical care, sanitation, and shelter.
Foundations of Wellbeing, which covers education, access to technology, and life expectancy.
Opportunity, which looks at personal rights, freedom of choice, and general tolerance.
5. Switzerland — 88.87.
Switzerland may have some of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, but its citizens get value for money. According to the Social Progress Report, "medical", "nutritional" and "access to basic knowledge" is where the country shines.
4. Australia — 89.13.
There is a good reason so many people want to start a new life "down under." Austrailia has fantastic education, job opportunities and a strong sense of personal freedom. Its "tolerance and inclusion" score could be higher though.
3. Denmark — 89.39.
Denmark has one of the best social mobility and income equality rates in the world, so no surprise it makes it into the top three on this list. "Basic human needs" is where the country scores particularly highly, though its "health and wellness" stats such as life expectancy could be higher.
2. Canada — 89.49.
For such a huge nation, Canada only has 35 million citizens, and they are some of the best looked after in the world. Canada's healthcare is what stands it above the rest. Education and opportunity in the country are also impressively strong.
1. Finland — 90.09.
Everyone says Scandinavian nations have the highest standard of living, and now Finland has made it official. It scores highly on almost every index on the report, from basic needs, foundations of wellbeing and personal freedoms. If you move there just make sure to bring warm coat — temperatures can reach minus 50 celsius in the winter!
