Top 10 best countries to live in the world

The decision to move abroad as an expat is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many different cultures and lifestyles to explore, how do you know which countries are best to add to your shortlist?

A methodology of how to measure the best countries to live in the world, based on quality-of-life attributes, was developed by the BAV Group – a division of the global marketing communications company WPP, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. It measured indicators such as:

Quality of Life: Affordability, good job market, economic stability, family-friendly, income equality, and progression of a well-developed public education system

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
Entrepreneurship: Connections to the rest of the world, educated population, innovation, transparent business practices, and legal framework development

Agility: Dynamism, adaptability, cultural modernity, and progressivism

Social Purpose: Environmental quality, human rights focus, gender equality, racial equality, religious freedom, respect for property rights, and climate goals

Open for Business: Cheap costs of manufacturing, bureaucracy, favorable tax environment, corruption, government transparency

Adventure: Good for tourism, warm climate, scenery, fun

Heritage: Cultural accessibility and attractions, rich history, geographical attractions, and great quality food

Whether you’re looking for the best quality of life countries for your family, expanded career prospects in the best country to live in the future, better schooling for your children, political stability, or just a change of scenery, many factors like these give a better understanding of the best countries to live in 2023. Keep reading to find the best foreign country to live in for you.

Quality of Life

Consider the country's overall quality of life, including economic stability, climate, cultural diversity, and work-life balance.

Living Costs

Conduct research on the countries living costs to ensure its affordable.

Job Opportunities

Consider the country's job prospects, availability, and case of acquiring work permits for foreigners.

Visa Requirements

Research the visa and immigration requirements for legally residing and working in the country.

Healthcare System

Research the quality of the public and private health systems in the country.

Safety

Consider the nation's safety record, particularly if planning to live there long-term with family.

Schools

If you're moving with children, research educational options and the quality of the country's school system.

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
Denmark is at the top of the list of the top ten countries for quality of life. This small Nordic country consistently ranks highly in international surveys on factors like happiness, income equality, safety, and access to education. It’s also a global leader in social welfare.

The Danish lifestyle is relaxed and stress-free, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The country is renowned for its bike-friendliness, from large cities like Copenhagen to small island towns like the South Funen Archipelago, and it’s easy to get around the country without a car.

Healthcare system

The Danes have one of the best quality healthcare systems, evident from its citizens’ high life expectancy and low mortality rate. The universal healthcare system runs under a well-developed public health insurance scheme that requires registration with the Danish Civil Registration System. Once enrolled, all Danish nationals are entitled to free universal health coverage.

Education

The Danish government upholds the principle of free education at all levels. Regardless of what you choose to study or which public university you attend, there are no charges incurred or student loans to pay back.

By obtaining citizenship by investment in the European Union, you will have access to free higher education in Denmark as an EU citizen.

Denmark: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 78.8
  • Entrepreneurship: 71
  • Open for business: 82
  • Social purpose: 98.9
  • Quality of life: 99.9

Denmark in world ranking reports

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
Although most Northern European countries enjoy many quality-of-life benefits, Norway, the largest country on the Scandinavian Peninsula, ranks among the highest on the Human Development Index. Simple factors such as good governance, income equality, civil rights, low unemployment, and a high net worth per capita allow people living in Norway to enjoy a high standard of living in one of the best quality-of-life countries in Europe.

It was also the first country in Scandinavia to legalize same-sex marriage.

It’s one of the best countries in the world to work, with an average salary of $55,000 compared to $51,480 in the United States. Although Norway imposes high-income taxes, the money generated is used well. It’s also a great country for expats who love the outdoors, with Jotunheimen National Park rated one of Europe’s best national parks.

Healthcare

Like most Nordic countries, Norway’s excellent healthcare system receives praise for its efficiency and simplicity. There is no requirement for private medical insurance as all residents have access to free health care paid for by government taxes.

The government subsidizes prescriptions and has a low universal cost, making them very affordable regardless of what kind of treatment you require.

As an expat in Norway, you’ll have access to high-quality care in addition to low wait times for appointments and health services.

Education

Not only is the well-developed public education system in Norway free, but EU and EEA students are also eligible to receive a free bursary to support their education that does not need to be paid back.

Although international students no longer have access to free university education in Norway, the tuition fees are significantly lower than what students pay in the US, averaging 130,000 NOK (about $12,000) per semester.

Norway: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 69.6
  • Entrepreneurship: 63.7
  • Open for business: 84.2
  • Social purpose: 99.7
  • Quality of life: 96.3

Norway in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

18

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

2

189

Human Development Index

UN

14

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

7

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

1

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

2

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

2

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

12

85

Best Country for Education

US News

13

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
The most populous nation on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Sweden is often hailed as one of the best countries in the world to settle down in year after year, and it’s no wonder why. It consistently ranks high on lists of the happiest nations in the world and on the Human Development Index.

The standard of living is fantastic. Foreigners often cite Sweden as one of the countries with the best quality of life for expats, offering a high level of freedom, low crime, high average income and income equality, and a beautiful country with loads to see and do.

Although it can be an expensive place to live, it’s still considered one of the best countries to live in 2023 as it’s one of the safest countries in the world, with a strong economy, and there are plenty of opportunities for expats to find well-paid jobs.

Swedish is widely spoken throughout the country. But don’t let that put you off, as it’s one of the best places to live for Americans, and one of the best English-speaking countries to live in the world, with 89 percent of the population under 60 years old speaking fluent English.

Healthcare

Unlike most Scandinavian nations, the Swedish healthcare system is decentralized and mainly government funded. Still, local authorities decide how it’s run and how much the total healthcare budget will be through local taxes.

The level of care you receive in one municipality could be slightly better or worse than in another, although the country generally provides high-quality healthcare overall.

Private global health insurance is available for those who want access to more healthcare options and faster treatment, costing as little as 4,000 kr (about $375) annually.

Education

Sweden has a tax-funded well-developed public education system which is also decentralized. The government grants local authorities autonomy in designing course curricula as long as national standardized goals are met.

A growing number of independent educational institutions in the country are also funded through taxes. Children can choose whether to attend a public municipal school or an independent one.

Sweden is one of the best nations in the world to live with a family and raise children. From the age of three, there is already a heavy incorporation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum in schools.

Sweden: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 81.9
  • Entrepreneurship: 73.2
  • Open for business: 81.9
  • Social purpose: 100
  • Quality of life: 100

Sweden in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

24

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

7

189

Human Development Index

UN

8

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

6

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

6

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

1

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

3

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

8

85

Best Country for Education

US News

5

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Switzerland

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
A historically wealthy nation, Switzerland ranks and has a long-standing reputation as a haven for the wealthy, and it’s also a haven for expats seeking a high standard of living from a new life abroad.

Home of the World Economic Forum, and as one of the world’s wealthiest countries per capita, it has the world’s most stable political systems, with long-standing neutrality concerning politics.

Its political and financial stability makes it one of the best countries to live in the future and an attractive destination for expats who want to avoid places with volatile politics.

While inflation has risen rapidly around the world, predominantly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland has emerged relatively unharmed, with one of the lowest inflation rates in the world. This makes Switzerland the best country to live in after covid.

Swiss residents benefit from outstanding governance. Everything is highly refined, from public transport and healthcare to state education and digital services.

Although Switzerland ranks as having one of the highest costs of living of all European countries, the average salary is one of the highest in Europe, and the country ranked the highest in the 2022 Human Development Index.

The economy is run exceptionally well, and high earners benefit from much lower income tax rates. In addition to low taxes for individuals, businesses also benefit from a business-friendly environment with low corporate tax rates compared to Scandinavian countries like Finland and Denmark.

You can expect a great balance of everything that contributes to a high standard of living, such as efficiency, freedom, good infrastructure, and low crime.

Healthcare

Switzerland has a universal compulsory private health insurance system that the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance regulates. It ensures that Swiss residents have access to affordable medical insurance policies, ranging from CHF 300 (about $330 ) to a maximum of CHF 2,500 (about $2,750) per annum.

Each canton in Switzerland sets its administrative policies, but regardless of where you live in Switzerland, you can expect to receive world-class healthcare.

Education

A major factor for Switzerland’s high ranking it has one of the world’s best education systems, with free public secondary education, placing in ninth position out of 65 nations and economies in a recent OECD survey of educational standards among 15-year-olds. Switzerland’s modern and well-developed public education system focuses heavily on real-world training as part of its curriculum.

VET programs (Vocational and Professional Education System) are introduced by the end of high school, combining vocational education with onsite training at a company.

Additionally, children and young adolescents with special educational needs have a right to free schooling and support from specialists from birth to their 20th birthday.

Switzerland: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 70.8
  • Entrepreneurship: 81.3
  • Open for business: 100
  • Social purpose: 86.6
  • Quality of life: 96.7

Switzerland in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

1

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

1

189

Human Development Index

UN

3

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

8

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

4

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

5

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

6

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

6

85

Best Country for Education

US News

1

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
Ranked in the top ten countries for multiple studies, including, human development, education, and best countries for women, there are countless reasons why Australia is considered the number one English-speaking country with the best quality of life. The most populous nation in Oceania, although slightly further afield, a number of the best quality-of-life factors make it the perfect home away from home.

For a start, the country has a stable and strong economy and maintains political neutrality.

Additionally, Australia ranks as having a high standard of living concerning healthcare and has a wide range of educational opportunities.

Australia ranked seventh on the OECD Better Life Index, based on living conditions and overall quality of life factors in several aspects such as the environment, community, and safety. The nation also ranks in the top ten countries for average life expectancy based on the UN Population Division.

The climate and scenery in Australia are also very pleasant, with lots of variation as one of the largest countries in the world. All major cities and towns run along its coastline. Australian cities like Sydney enjoy a more temperate climate throughout the year, making it one of the best warm countries to live in the world. In contrast, isolated cities like Perth have hotter summers and colder winters.

Healthcare

The Australian subsidized public health care system provides services at a substantially reduced cost through its Medicare program.

Australian residents have free access to essential healthcare in public hospitals. Most Australians take out insurance to access private healthcare should they need it. The average monthly premium is very cheap at 245 AUD (about $155) per month on average.

A comparison by Compare the Market found that 73.4 percent of Australians felt satisfied with the quality of healthcare in Australia, as opposed to 54.2 percent of Americans with the quality of healthcare in the US.

Education

The nation’s world-class public education system runs stringently to ensure quality schooling at all levels. Public education until university is free for Australian permanent residents, and the government heavily subsidizes tuition fees through taxes.

Many Australian universities, such as the University of Melbourne, have high overall rankings in higher education comparison studies and are very strong in various fields of study, such as biological sciences and engineering.

Australia: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 83.6
  • Entrepreneurship: 63.7
  • Adventure: 77
  • Social purpose: 84
  • Quality of life: 85.7

Australia in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

2

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

5

189

Human Development Index

UN

19

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

12

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

12

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

9

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

9

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

9

85

Best Country for Education

US News

7

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

The Netherlands

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
The Netherlands is a liberal paradise and among the countries with the highest quality of life to match. Dutch people are known for being welcoming and tolerant of people of different cultures and beliefs.

It should come as no surprise that the Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Its cultural influence has resonated throughout the world in all aspects.

Cycling is entrenched within Dutch culture, being the main form of transport for many people who live there. Despite having the highest population density of all the large economies in the European Union, a profound cycling culture consistently places the Netherlands in high positions on low air pollution indexes. It maintains clean air quality even in compact cities.

The cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively affordable, especially compared to the largest countries in Western Europe. And although the Dutch language can be challenging to learn, English is widely spoken throughout the nation, with 95 percent of the population speaking English.

Healthcare

The think tank, Health Consumer Powerhouse, ranked the Netherlands at number two in a pool of the 35 best healthcare systems in the world due to its heavy focus on patient-centered health services and the satisfaction of Dutch residents with the quality of their public health system.

The excellent healthcare system is divided between well-developed public and private healthcare services. The government automatically insures Dutch residents, but basic medical insurance is compulsory.

Health insurance prices are very affordable in the Netherlands, with monthly premiums starting at around €125. Furthermore, the good news for young families is that children are automatically covered under their parent’s medical insurance policies.

Education

The Netherlands employs a progressive and well-developed public education system. By the time a child reaches the high school age of twelve, they enter one of three different streams of education based on the student’s academic level and interests.

The three streams are:

VMBO (preparatory secondary vocational education): Similar to high school in other developed nations. VMBO provides education based on vocationally-orientated education over four years.

HAVO (senior general secondary education): A five-year educational plan that prepares children to study at universities of applied sciences.

VWO (university preparatory education): An education stream over six years focused on theoretical knowledge that prepares students to follow bachelor’s degrees at research universities.

Although different streams prepare children for various fields of study, any of them can be accessed regardless of which stream is entered. Some allow public education phases to be completed in a much shorter period.

The Netherlands: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 76.5
  • Entrepreneurship: 70
  • Open for business: 76.1
  • Social purpose: 90.9
  • Quality of life: 88.9

The Netherlands in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

11

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

10

189

Human Development Index

UN

5

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

5

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

7

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

8

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

7

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

10

85

Best Country for Education

US News

12

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Finland

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
There’s no place I’d rather be is probably a fitting line for Finns. Rated as the world’s happiest country for five years in a row proves that Finnish citizens must be happy with the high standard of living in Finland.

There are many reasons why Finns live such happy lives. And a big reason goes back to Finnish culture.

Finnish philosopher Frank Martela describes Finns as generally happy people because Finnish culture is more accepting of negative emotions and tough times. “Nobody goes through life without tragedies, so being able to accept the situation is helpful,” he says.

But this isn’t the only reason why Finns are happy. Although this relatively isolated country in northern Europe can be a bit pricey to live in due to high-income taxes, the trickle-down benefits of this are enormous.

Crime rates are criminally low – no pun intended – and it’s one of the safest countries in the world. According to Numbeo, it has the lowest pollution and the best air quality in the world. Tap water purity is also amongst the highest in any nation.

The high taxation system has also created the most comprehensive welfare system available. Welfare support matches the cost of living for things like maternity, job loss, and child care.

Daycare is heavily subsidized by the government and is calculated based on income, costing a maximum of €342 per month for full-time daycare, as opposed to a market-based economy like the US, with an average cost of $840.

Healthcare

Finland has a public health system funded through taxes and social security. However, while the initiatives focus on health promotion and social welfare policies at the federal level, the public health care system is mainly decentralized, with local authorities organizing healthcare delivery to residents.

Nonetheless, global perceptions see Finland as having the best universal healthcare system due to its focus on general health and well-being and disease prevention rather than treatment, further propelling its high quality of life.

Education

Besides coming in first place for the best welfare system, Finland’s well-developed public education system is also unparalleled. It’s an excellent place for expats to raise a family as there’s not only great emphasis placed on access to education but the quality of it too.

Huge accountability is placed on teachers, and rightly so. They’re on the frontline of education, delivering curricula to children. But many countries have low standards for teachers and don’t adequately prepare them to carry out their jobs effectively.

The Finnish education system places the bar so high for its educators that there is almost no requirement for a rigorous grading system to assess the quality of their work.

Educators in Finland must have master’s degrees, in addition to completing studies in pedagogy, before they can seek employment.

Conditions for teaching in Finland also create a much better environment for teachers and students, such as tight oversight over schools and adequate professional support for teachers.

Finland: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 64.8
  • Entrepreneurship: 63.7
  • Open for business: 85.9
  • Social purpose: 95.4
  • Quality of life: 90

Finland in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

26

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

11

189

Human Development Index

UN

11

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

1

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

3

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

3

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

4

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

15

85

Best Country for Education

US News

15

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
According to expats living with family and young adults, Germany receives frequent praise for being among European Union countries with the highest standard of living. It’s the nation that is home to the most expats in Europe, and justifiably so.

Expats frequently cite Germany’s efficient infrastructure, the abundance of available activities, public services, income equality, and work opportunities in a wide range of industries as some of the main reasons why it’s such a great place to live and provides a good overall quality of life.

The country boasts a rich cultural heritage and is home to some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, like its capital city, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg.

Germans also have the second highest-ranking passport in the world on the Global Passport Index, which measures the strength of a nation’s passport. Furthermore, Germany is one of the biggest contributors to the United Nations, demonstrating its dedication to peace.

Healthcare

The German health system is known as Statutory Health Insurance (SHI), financed with equal payments divided between an employee and an employer.

SHI enacts comprehensive insurance that covers major surgeries, prescriptions, and sick pay without excess payments or additional fees.

Germany’s excellent healthcare system is one of the world’s most technologically advanced. Residents seldom need to venture abroad should they require any specialist treatment.

Hygiene is also a crucial focus of the German healthcare system, and access to the most up-to-date technologies and innovative treatments is also widely available.

Education

Germany has a free state education system and a wide range of high-quality fee-based private and international schools. The general quality of education is high, whether public or private. In each global report for education, German students consistently rank high in cornerstone subjects such as maths and science.

How special needs children are integrated into the mainstream school system is also exemplary, offering adequate additional support and specialist help when needed.

German universities are ideal for international students interested in fields in which Germany is a global leader, such as the automotive industry.

Mercedes-Benz offers a world-class dual-study program at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University in Stuttgart. It provides theoretical studies with dynamic, practical training at its state-of-the-art research and development and manufacturing facilities.

Germany: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 92.1
  • Entrepreneurship: 100
  • Open for business: 62
  • Social purpose: 70.3
  • Quality of life: 90

Germany in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

27

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

9

189

Human Development Index

UN

22

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

16

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

8

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

10

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

12

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

3

85

Best Country for Education

US News

2

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
If you’re someone seeking the best places to live for American retirees, you’ve probably already found that Portugal in Western Europe is consistently featured at the top of many lists across the internet.

What Portugal offers in the standard of living is hard for any nation in the European Union and worldwide to beat. It’s the ideal country to live in to live for all demographics of expats for numerous reasons:

Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual based in a tax haven like Monaco or enjoy a low living cost in a country like Thailand, you’ve likely felt the pinch of the rising cost of living.

Compared to the United States and other major countries in Western Europe, Portugal’s cost of living is undeniably low. Just one example of this is you can expect to pay less than €800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment outside the center of Lisbon, whereas the same apartment in a similar location in London will cost more than €1,600.

Portugal also has one of the lowest crime rates compared to other EU countries. It has consistently ranked amongst the top nations on the Global Peace Index, measuring everything, from violent crime and incarceration rates to terrorism threats and political instability.

Beyond the cost of living and public safety, Portugal has abundant high-quality-of-life factors, such as numerous cultural things to do, amazing cuisine, great infrastructure, and excellent weather year-round.

For expats looking to settle down in Europe, the residency permit offered through the Portugal Golden Visa program is one of the most accessible routes. Among the many benefits it provides for American expats and digital nomads, it also creates a path to citizenship and one of the best passports to have, according to the Global Passport Index.

Interested in Portugal’s Golden Visa? Get in touch with our specialists at Global Citizen Solutions for more information on how we can help you secure Portuguese residency in no time.

Healthcare

Portugal is one of the several European nations where financial concerns about your health are not a concern. The extensive tax-funded and well-developed public health care system(Serviço Nacional de Saúde) provides free emergency care to all residents. Non-essential treatment is also available at nominal fees. You can also expect very low average wait times in conjunction with high-quality care.

Education

Ranked as the third-best country in the world for education by US News, Portugal is known for consistently good schooling at all levels, from preschool to higher education. Whether you’re looking for local or international schools, there are many excellent options for young children in a capital city like Lisbon or an affordable city like Porto, which makes Portugal the best country in the world to live with a family.

Portugal: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Adventure: 77.3
  • Heritage: 67.1
  • Open for business: 64
  • Quality of life: 53.6
  • Agility: 49.8

Portugal in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

16

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

38

189

Human Development Index

UN

39

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

56

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

24

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

22

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

19

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

24

85

Best Country for Education

US News

26

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

New Zealand

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
New Zealand is the land of natural beauty, friendly people, and enviable political stability. Whether you’re looking for a high standard of living in an urban environment or a more rural setting, the country has something for everyone and is no doubt one of the best countries with a good quality of life.

The standard of living in New Zealand is unmatched for anyone looking for the perfect place for an outdoor active lifestyle and to explore nature. It’s home to some of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes and natural wonders.

You’re always close to a national park where you are. And coupled with the unique wilderness, the country has excellent infrastructure in rural, allowing you to experience it all effortlessly.

The government emphasizes cultural diversity and maintaining the rich and distinguished culture of the Māori people; This is profoundly evident throughout the state education system and politics.

Although a very isolated and relatively small nation, far from countries in Southeast Asia like Thailand and Singapore and even further from the US, it’s a stable and prosperous nation. A top spot with plenty of work opportunities, and residents enjoy unbounded safety and security.

Healthcare

A free universal healthcare system funded by taxes is accessible to all residents, further adding to its high quality of life. District-funded private healthcare initiatives also provide additional financial support for medical care.

New Zealand ranks among the top countries in all index studies related to healthcare.

Private medical insurance is also very affordable. You can expect to pay as little as 150 NZD (about $90) monthly for a comprehensive medical insurance policy with no excess.

Education

New Zealand’s school system is publicly funded, and every person has access to it. Furthermore, many Kura Kaupapa Māori schools are available, where children are taught some or even all curriculum subjects in the Māori language at least 51 percent of the time to maintain Māori cultural influence.

According to UNESCO, New Zealand has one of the lowest pupil-to-teacher ratios compared to other countries of its size, giving children more opportunities to learn and receive educational support.

New Zealand: Top five quality-of-life attributes

  • Agility: 77.9
  • Adventure: 80.9
  • Open for business: 78.1
  • Social purpose: 88.7
  • Quality of life: 83.6

New Zealand in world ranking reports

Ranking

No. of Countries Assessed

Rating

Evaluator

3

46

Expat Explorer rating of living standards for foreign specialists

HSBC Bank

13

189

Human Development Index

UN

31

64

World Competitiveness Ranking

Swiss Business School IMD

10

139

World Happiness Report

Sustainable Development Solutions Network

15

169

Social Progress Index

Social Progress Imperative

7

85

Best Countries for Women

US News

8

85

Best Countries for Raising Kids

US News

14

85

Best Country for Education

US News

11

85

Overall Best Countries to Live in

US News

Top 10 best countries to live in the world
There are many great countries in the world, and finding the right one to live in depends on your individual preferences, needs, and values. From vibrant cities in central Europe to small seaside villages by the Baltic Sea with stunning scenery, each country offers something unique that could make it a great place to call home. Some factors often considered important are:

  • Human rights
  • Political neutrality
  • Political stability
  • A strong economy
  • Good job market
  • Job security

Many even cite United Nations membership as something to consider.

If you’re an investor or entrepreneur, hiring a highly skilled workforce at a low cost or having access to the best financial services could be a consideration.

You may want to collate the top ten countries from international reports like the United Nations World Happiness Report, which provides a good idea of national and global perceptions concerning the happiness of a country’s citizens. The Human Freedom Index, co-published by the Fraser Institute and the Cato Institute, is another world report to consider, determining the best countries overall for human rights.

How do you measure a passport? While most passport indexes focus solely on visa-free access to countries, Global Citizen Solutions has developed its own innovative method to measure a passport’s worth. Based not only on visa-free access but also on investment opportunities and quality of life factors, we believe that expats are looking beyond simple mobility benefits when considering moving country or securing a second passport.

Split into three indices, Enhanced Mobility Index, Investment Index, and Quality of Life Index, to give a complete Global Passport Index ranking – we hope to provide a complete guide to a passport’s worth.

You can see where the above countries rank in our Quality of Life Index, a great indicator to help you determine which country may be the perfect match for you.

Take a look at our Global Passport Index

Click Here

Top 10 best countries to live in the world

Which is the best country in the world to live in?

The best nation in the world to live in is Switzerland due to its high ranking on the overall best places to live by US News, the Human Development Index, and the expats explorer rating for living standards. For those reasons in addition to its political stability and stable economy, many consider it the greatest country in the world.

Which is the best country in the world to live in and why?

The world’s best country to live in is Switzerland, as it ranked highly on the world report Human Development Index, and US News overall best countries, measuring attributes ranging from economic stability and progressivism to innovation and geographical attractions.

Which country is number one in the world?

The world’s number one country is Switzerland, ranked as the best in a 2022 quality-of-life study by the Brand Asset Valuator Group – a division of the global marketing communications company WPP, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Which country is best to start a life?

Switzerland is the best place to live in, as it ranks highly on the world report Human Development Index, Social Progress Index, and Quality-of-Life Index. According to data from the United Nations Population Division, Switzerland also ranks first in Europe and fourth in the world after Hong Kong, Macao, and Japan for life expectancy.

What is the nicest country in the world?

The nicest country in the world depends on what features of a country appeal to you the most. If you’re drawn to the outdoors and unique natural landscapes that don’t exist anywhere else on Earth, then New Zealand or Iceland may be the nicest country for you, whereas for quality education, family life, social services, and one of the happiest countries, you may prefer Finland.

If you’re passionate about social care, the highest level of public services, and high public expenditure, a global leader like Finland or Norway could be the world’s nicest country when considering moving abroad. Other countries in the European Union, like Switzerland, Portugal, and Ireland, are the nicest for those involved with global entrepreneurship.

What is the safest country in North America?

Canada stands out as the safest country in North America to live in and the best quality of life by country in [sc name=”year” ][/sc]. Canada ranked as the 12th-safest country worldwide on the , scoring 1.389. Canadian residents experience high political stability, low crime, and good relations with neighboring countries.

Which countries have the most affordable cost of living?

Regarding the most affordable developed countries to live in, these include:

  • Turkey
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Greece

What are the top countries for retirement and senior living options?

According to US News, the best countries for a comfortable retirement are:

  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Australia
  • Canada

These countries rank highly as for the best quality-of-life countries in [sc name=”year” ][/sc] for senior citizens.

What are the best countries for work-life balance?

According to the World Economic Forum, the countries that offer the best work-life balance are:

  • Italy
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • Spain
  • Netherlands

What is the safest country in Asia to live in?

Singapore is the safest country in Asia. Although a small country, it leads all Asian countries with the best quality of life, providing job security, financial stability, a business-friendly environment, and affordable housing options for citizens.

Qatar in the Middle East is also considered one of Asia’s safest countries. Additionally, the country has low taxes, which further contributes to a safe and high quality of life.

What is the best country in the world to live?

These Are the 10 Best Countries in the World, According to U.S. News & World Report:.

Switzerland..

Canada..

Sweden..

Australia..

United States..

Japan..

Germany..

New Zealand..

Who is the top 10 powerful country?

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World by Military Strength.

United States..

Russia..

China..

India..

United Kingdom..

South Korea..

Pakistan..

Japan..

Which country is number 1?

Switzerland Is No. 1 in the World, According to 2023 Best Countries Report.

What is the best country to live in the world 2023?

The overall ranking of Best Countries measure global performance on a variety of metrics. Switzerland is the best country in the world for 2023.