Browsing the best countries to live in will raise a series of question marks because what works for some people will not work for everyone else. Your answer will obviously differ from other people’s ideas and suggestions and for some obvious reasons.
Some people will do it with a country with low living costs, assuming they get international income from an offshore business or job. Some others may look for countries with high living costs – great for growing a business, for example.
Then, different people have different priorities when it comes to the perfect countries – a top-notch health care system, good schools and education, perfect infrastructure, mild weather, or perhaps a rich nightlife. Your priorities dictate the right answer.
It could be the financial stability, the climate, or the overall happiness. There are numerous ways to categorize countries. Overall, satisfaction with life is probably the easiest way to do it. You want health, stability, and happiness.
Here are some of the best countries to live in based on all these factors.
Canada
Canada covers about 40% of entire North America. It is the second-largest country out there, behind Russia only. The population is sparsely spread around. Most of it is located within a few hundred miles from the border with the USA.
The country has incredible wildlife. Its wilderness in the northern part is part of its actual identity. The rough terrain and weather made it difficult for invaders. With all these, Canada experienced huge growth starting with the 16th century – deep influences from Britain and France.
The quality of life is relatively high, regardless of what parts of Canada you consider. The income is good, the country is quite stable, and the multiculturalism will pleasantly surprise you. However, settling into Canada is quite difficult, despite being one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants.
Denmark
Denmark’s history is quite rich. The kingdom included more nations in the Atlantic Ocean, such as Greenland or the Faroe Islands. Now, along with Norway and Sweden, Denmark is part of Scandinavia – a deep and unique cultural part of Europe.
Copenhagen is the capital of the country and hosts some notable institutions. It is also a solid hub between the northern part of Europe and other parts of the world. It has the largest international airport in Scandinavia, but it is also a port.
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. It has a solid healthcare system where citizens benefit from relatively free care. High education is free as well. The economy runs on a flexicurity model, which mixes a flexible working market with some unique policies for the unemployed.
Sweden
Scandinavian countries have always been rated among the best countries to live in, and things have not changed too much lately. Therefore, Sweden is also among the top choices out there. It covers a wide area of the peninsula and is among the largest countries in the European Union – based on land.
Sweden has always been a super stable country from a political point of view – it has also remained neutral throughout different wars. Instead, it has always committed to sustainability, great public service, and even human rights. All these things turned Sweden into a world leader.
Sweden follows a similar model – something common among Nordic nations. Practically, the system is based on heavy capitalism. Public service is a priority. The infrastructure and transportation are flawless – not to mention the free college education and healthcare.
Since they live so well, Swedes are also among the most generous people in the world and famous for their humanitarian aid programs. The economy is on a continuous ascending path and is tightly connected to the European Union trading standards.
Norway
Norway is one of the Scandinavian countries and one of the most mountainous countries in the world – most of its terrain consists of mountains. Most of the population is gathered in the southern part of the country – and especially around Oslo, the country's capital.
Norway has a deep maritime culture due to Viking history. The country has established settlements in places like Greenland or Iceland throughout its history. It has always been connected to its Scandinavian neighbors – Sweden and Denmark.
Both private and public sectors are vibrant in Norway, but they are also stable and safe. The high-income nation has gained even more power starting with the 1960s, when significant deposits of oil were discovered in its waters. These days, it is among the best-rated petroleum exporters in the world.
The country has a constitutional monarchy. It has a solid healthcare system, great infrastructure, and incredible public services. Higher education is mostly free, hence the high rate of educated professionals in the country.
The country has been neutral throughout two world wars, but it has joined NATO in 1949.
It has rejected the European Union membership twice so far.
Switzerland
When you think about Switzerland, you inevitably think about money, banks, and insurance. The country is located in the central part of Europe, and it is also appreciated for its cleanliness and unique landscapes – the Alps, valleys, and lakes. It has always been appreciated for its neutrality.
The unemployment rate in Switzerland is incredibly low. At the same time, most of the population is well educated, so everyone is skilled there. The economy is strong and stable, mostly because of the low corporate tax. This way, lots of companies choose to relocate and pay tax in Switzerland.
The public service sector is well developed. Financial services tend to dominate it, but high technology manufacturing industries are not to be overlooked either. Believe it or not, Switzerland is also among the most important players on the market in the pharmaceutical industry.
The federal republic consists of 26 cantons and the administrative capital. Most of the population is located in cities and towns. Zurich is the largest and most reputable city out there. Apart from its high living costs and quality of life, Switzerland is also known for its secretive banking segment.
Australia
Australia is one of the oldest countries out there. It has been inhabited by indigenous populations for thousands of years before the British took over. The country boosts a good economy, but also great weather. The fact that it is an island contributes to its success.
The parliamentary democracy system is similar to the one in the UK. Since 1986, the country no longer has constitutional ties to the UK. But with all these, Queen Elizabeth II is still the ceremonial leader of the country.
Throughout the past couple of centuries, Australia was heavily influenced by British culture – the American culture has also been adopted. But then, the past decades have brought in a serious influence from Asian nations, adding to the multiculturalism of the country.
Australia is considered one of the best countries to live in because of its top-notch economy. The market-based economy is driven by the service segment, as well as exports. Furthermore, the country is also a member of various international organizations, such as the United Nations.
Netherlands
The high quality of life makes the Netherlands one of the most civilized and best countries to live in. Located in the western part of Europe, the coastal country is known for its impressive amounts of windmills. It also has a few major European ports.
After all, three of the biggest rivers in Europe cross the country and its neighbors. The country was a kingdom back in the day. In fact, some countries or islands are still part of the kingdom – such as Aruba, Sint Maarten, or Curacao.
The Netherlands has one of the most tolerant societies in the world. Prostitution and various controlled substances are legal in the country, just to give you an idea. The country is also welcoming for immigrants, not to mention being the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
If you are after culture, Netherlands has the highest concentration of museums out there. There are more bikes than people in the country – thousands of miles of bike paths. It may sound hard to believe, but a big area of the country is actually underwater.
The Netherlands is among the main exporters of agriculture – tulips, right? The industry is now deeply mechanized. The economy is great and keeps leading the European market for years already. It is worth noting that the country is also part of the United Nations and the European Union.
In fact, the Netherlands was among the founding members of the union.
Finland
Finland has always been a fate between the eastern side of Europe and the western countries. It is part of Nordic culture and boosts two official languages – Finnish and Swedish. The country became independent in 1917, after being ruled by both Sweden and Russia.
Finland runs as a parliamentary democracy. It is one of the most appreciated world leaders in terms of education. It is popular all over the world for its performance in civil rights and press freedom – all these things being topped by the high quality of life.
The economy is aimed at free-market capitalism. Just like some of its neighbors in the Scandinavian area, Finland invests heavy amounts of money in public services and social safety. Much of the country's GDP depends on international trade.
Over the past decades, Finland’s main struggles include a disproportionate rapport between men and women – too many women compared to men, as well as an aging population. It aims to maintain its welfare country model though, being one of the most respected and best countries to live in.
Germany
Germany is one of the most populous countries in the European Union. It is also known for its great economy and is one of the best-rated countries in Europe. Ever since its reunification, it has experienced continuous growth. It borders nine different countries.
Germanic speaking tribes are not new at all, but the modern country took shape a few hundred years ago. The country was seriously damaged after being defeated in two world wars, but its ambition turned it into one of the wealthiest economies in Europe.
Germany is known for the social market economy – the so-called open market capitalism. Germany is a leading importer and exporter. Some of its leading services include tourism, healthcare and telecommunications, Agriculture, and heavy industries, are worth some attention too.
The workforce is heavily skilled. However, the country has an aging population, and a high influx of immigrants over the past years will most likely help with this problem. The majority of its population is German. Since it is part of the EU, other Europeans are also there in large communities.
Germany is part of other major organizations too.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a mix of two different cultures. You can discover some of the principles in British society, but Polynesian influences are just as easy to observe. The island is close to Australia – one of its main partners.
These days, three out of four people in New Zealand are of European descent. The British monarch is still considered the head of the country, yet it operates as a parliamentary democracy. The system is similar to the one in the UK.
Most of the population in New Zealand is concentrated in the northern part of the country. Around 30% of the population lives in Auckland – the capital of the country. However, the low density makes this country easy to look after, but also suitable for those who like exploring places.
New Zealand has grown continuously over the past decades. It has a solid export market – poultry, fruits, and vegetables, as well as dairy and sheep. Exports are often aimed at the UK. The income per capita is quite high, and almost everyone in the country benefits from the high education.
The country is stable both financially and politically. It is one of the top leaders in the world in terms of peacekeeping. It is also part of numerous international organizations, such as the United Nations or the Pacific Islands Forum.
Austria
Austria has a rich culture and boosts one of the highest incomes in the European Union. The country is a parliamentary democracy and was seriously reshaped by the two world wars in the area. It is a small country, but it has a crystal clear identity.
Austria’s culture is one of its leading identities. Its capital – Vienna – is one of the most appreciated centers in Europe. It is also a central hub for classical music – think about Franz Schubert or Johann Strauss, for example.
The actual economy is what makes Austria one of the best countries to live in because it has one of the highest standards of living – not just in Europe, but all over the world. Its economy is highly connected to Germany’s economy – the most important trading partner.
Services, agriculture, and heavy industries dominate the economy. Besides, since it hosts the Alps mountainous range, Austria is a popular tourist destination too. Austria is part of numerous organizations – United Nations, European Union, and others.
The past few years have followed a common trend in Europe – conservative parties are slowly gaining a share of power. The phenomenon is quite common in Europe, as nationalism is slowly coming to power. The change does not seem to affect the quality of life though.
Belgium
Belgium may be a small country, but it is highly urbanized and well developed. It is known for many things, but especially for chocolate, beer and castles. There are more official languages in the country, such as French, Dutch, and German.
Belgium has often been considered Europe’s main battlefield, after numerous conflicts between large powers took place on its territory. Now, moving to more recent times, Belgium is among the founders of the European Union. It is also part of NATO and the WTO.
The constitutional monarchy is divided into three different regions – Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels region. The country is one of the first nations to go through the industrial revolution, so it has always been ahead of its neighbors. These days, it is well modernized.
Antwerp is the leading importer of diamonds, so it is referred to as the diamond capital of the world. The high income of Belgium turns it into one of the best countries to live in. The quality of life puts Belgium among the leading European countries.
The healthcare system is great, not to mention the education system.
Japan
Japan is one of the most technically advanced countries in the World. The archipelago consists of thousands of islands, with four major ones. It is one of the most literate countries in the world and a front runner in terms of working discipline and business.
Japan is mostly covered by forests and mountains – with all these, the local lifestyle is highly urban. Located between Asia and the American continent, Japan has been heavily influenced by both the eastern and western worlds.
Japan runs as a parliamentary government and a constitutional monarchy. The emperor has not lost the title, yet politicians are elected by the population – they represent the decision-making power for the wellbeing of the country.
Japan has one of the top economies in the world. While it was severely affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, it bounced back even better. The country is known for heavy industries – the manufacturing of motor vehicles and electronic equipment, not to mention steel industries.
Finally, it is worth noting that some may find it difficult to adapt to the Japanese lifestyle.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom is one of the most developed nations in the world – a former empire with great influence all over the world. It has a rich influence – economically, politically, and scientifically. It is part of Europe and consists of four countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The country has recently left the European Union based on a controversial referendum. The Brexit process set out a bunch of new rules for trading collaborations. For instance, Europeans will need visas to work and live in the UK and vice versa.
The global influence of the country has roots in the old empire days. For example, Queen Elizabeth II is still the head of various independent countries out there, such as New Zealand. Obviously, these titles do not have too much influence, but they tell a lot about the influence of the country.
London – the capital – is one of the most significant financial centers in the world and one of the most visited cities out there. The country has been hit by the industrial revolution like no other. These days, the automobile and aerospace industries are among the best-rated ones.
The healthcare system is free in the United Kingdom. Education is not free, but the UK has some of the most reputable universities in the world – Oxford, and Cambridge, just to name a few. It is a fully digitized country with a high quality of life.
There are more nations out there that can be classified among the best countries to live in, whether you count the healthcare system, the education, the quality of life or the income per capita. Here are some other choices worth some attention:
- Ireland
- Singapore
- France
- South Korea
- Spain
- United States of America
- Portugal
- Italy
- China
- United Arab Emirates
Conclusion
Bottom line, these are some of the best countries to live in if you want solid economies and excellent public services. Any of the above-mentioned countries can provide a good experience, yet there are way more factors to take into consideration when about to make a decision and relocate.What works for some people will not work for everyone else, so it pays off doing your homework upfront. What are your priorities? To some people, low living costs could be a priority. To others, growing from a business point of view implies being active in a solid economy with a high income per capita.
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