Ensuring access to food, housing, quality healthcare, and employment is key to a high quality of life. U.S. News & World Report conducted a study to identify which countries are regarded as treating their citizens the best.
Based on their global survey of 17,000 people in 2023, countries were ranked using an equally weighted average of scores focusing on attributes like Affordability, Job market, Economic stability, Family-friendliness, Income equality, Political stability, Safety, and Education and health system quality.
It may or may not be surprising that the United States did not make it into the top twelve rankings.
Here are the 12 countries offering their residents the highest quality of life:
1: Sweden
Earning the top spot for the best quality of life in the world, Sweden boasts incredibly well-developed public education and health systems.
It is described as a safe, family-friendly country to call home, also noted for its political stability and income equality.
While it ranks highly in these areas, Sweden’s steep cost of living can make it unaffordable for many Americans.
Despite this challenge, the country’s strong performance across multiple key quality of life indicators secured its number one position.
2: Norway
Consistently ranking as one of the happiest countries in the world, Norway naturally possesses a high quality of life. It achieved the highest points for income equality, political stability, and being family-friendly.
This scenic wonderland offers residents a high standard of living supported by these strong social and political foundations.
Similar to its neighbor Sweden, Norway’s high cost of living is highlighted as a potential challenge for hopeful foreigners considering a move there.
3: Canada
Many residents in Canada enjoy a high quality of life year-round, attributed to its desirable healthcare system, strong job market, and welcoming demeanor.
The country is seen as a place where immigrants can relocate to start fresh. Canada’s environment is described as relatively stable and safe.
These factors combine to make Canada an appealing destination for those seeking a high quality of life.
4: Denmark
Denmark is listed among the happiest places to call home. Beyond its gorgeous landscapes and charming towns, it earned high marks for having well-developed public health and education systems.
The country is also recognized for being family-friendly and economically stable. These attributes contribute significantly to Denmark’s reputation for providing a high quality of life for its residents.
5: Finland
Located in Northern Europe, Finland offers numerous benefits contributing to its high quality of life. These perks include free education for all and high-salaried jobs.
The country is considered a beautiful place to raise a family, supported by a high-quality public education system and a strong safety score. Residents can also enjoy all-natural, healthy foods.
6: Switzerland
Switzerland holds the position as the overall number one country in the world according to U.S. News, making its high quality of life unsurprising.
It received a perfect score in safety and economic stability. Residents appreciate Switzerland for its low unemployment rates and world-class scenery.
This combination of strong economic indicators, safety, and natural beauty underscores its high ranking.
7: Netherlands
The Netherlands ranks as one of the best places to live for a high-quality life due to its low crime rate and friendly locals.
Many residents are noted for welcoming newcomers with open arms. The country also received high marks for having a strong economy and an abundant job market.
These aspects contribute to a positive living environment for both citizens and those looking to relocate.
8: Australia
Heading Down Under to Australia offers access to diverse climates and accessible healthcare. It is described as an economically stable country with a solid job market.
Australia also promotes healthy outdoor lifestyles, which adds to the overall quality of life. Living among exotic wildlife is mentioned as another unique aspect of the country.
9: Germany
Germany offers several notable factors contributing to a high quality of life. It earned a perfect score for its job market, making it attractive for those considering a career change.
Residents benefit from a relatively low cost of living, a reliable healthcare system, and a stable economy. These elements provide a strong foundation for a high standard of living.
10: New Zealand
Many people dream of living in New Zealand, and its high quality of life is cited as a key reason. Life as a “Kiwi” is described as smooth sailing thanks to a high employment rate and robust public health and education systems.
New Zealand specifically scored the highest for family-friendliness. These factors make it a highly desirable place to live.
11: Belgium
Belgium landed among the countries with the highest quality of life globally, partly due to its universal healthcare and an excellent education system.
The country also offers an abundance of green space. Many respondents gave Belgium a shoutout for its political stability.
These elements highlight the strong social and environmental aspects contributing to life quality in Belgium.
12: Austria
Rounding out the top twelve countries offering the highest quality of life is Austria. It ranked highest in safety and political stability.
Austria also boasts low pollution rates, allowing residents to “take a deep breath of fresh air”. While known for ski resorts, its safety, stability, and environmental quality as key factors in its high ranking.
Alicia Richards