The latest rankings of the world’s best countries for quality of life, published by U.S. News and World Report, were determined through a survey of over 17,000 people worldwide.
This survey was done in collaboration with WPP and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The assessment considered various factors, including
- Affordability,
- Job opportunities,
- Economic stability,
- Family-friendliness,
- Income equality,
- Political stability,
- Safety, public health, and
- Education systems.
Sweden emerged as the top country for quality of life, excelling in affordability, safety, and more. Sweden boasts a lower cost of living compared to the United States, with housing costs significantly lower.
It is renowned for its free healthcare and education systems. The country also enjoys a high life expectancy, with an average age of 82.8 years, and offers extensive parental leave policies, with up to 480 days of paid leave for parents.
The top 10 countries for quality of life are as follows:
- Sweden
- Norway
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Australia
- Germany
- New Zealand
Norway secured the second position and is a leader in gender equality, offering extended parental leave and financial support for families. It boasts a life expectancy of 82.75 years and consistently ranks among the world’s happiest nations.
Canada rounds out the top three, known for its affordability, access to education, and healthcare system. The country’s life expectancy stands at 83.99 years, significantly higher than that of the United States. Canada excels in income, job opportunities, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, and life satisfaction, according to the OECD’s Better Life Index.
It provides universal healthcare coverage, funded primarily through tax revenue and free at the point of delivery, with no cost-sharing for inpatient or outpatient care, and reasonably priced prescription drugs, according to Columbia University.
