Best Place to Live in the World: Top 20 Countries

Selecting the best place to live around the world is a very personal decision because various people will have different ideas about what “best” means. It could be general financial stability for some. For others, it could be the cost of alcohol, the environment, life expectancy, or the popularity of eco-friendly lifestyle choices. In this article, we’ll dive into the best place to live in the world.

Many analysts use the Gallup World Happiness Report or the Human Development Index (HDI) of the United Nations in an attempt to get an unbiased assessment of the greatest place in the world to live. Both of these are aggregate measures that compile a broad range of factors, including personal liberties, unemployment, GDP per capita, and more, into a single score.

Where is the Best Place to Live in the World?

Are you trying to find out where the good life is and considering moving? The ranking, according to US News & World Report, is based on a poll that was conducted globally among 17,000 respondents, examining 85 countries using 76 different indicators.

When assessing quality of life, numerous elements need to be taken into account, ranging from safety and healthcare to education. So continue reading if you’re ready to learn about the best place to work, live, and play in the world.

#1. Canada

Canada is a country in North America with Ottawa as its capital. The country is well-known for its historical wonders and sites. With a conventional economy and a high quality of life, it is among the richest nations in the world. Canada is known for its high standards of civility. It truly is among the world’s most civilized nations.

Canada is endowed with stunning scenery and abundant natural resources. What aspects of Canada are lacking? There is a low unemployment rate, a standardized educational system, and consistent output. Understandably, everyone aspires to reside in Canada. Canada has been rated as the best country in the world for providing a high-quality life in all aspects.

#2. Switzerland

This European nation provides you with the highest quality of life. It’s among the greatest places in Europe to call home. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ranked Switzerland above average in 2021 in several categories, including education, general well-being, housing, a quality environment, security, jobs and earnings, health, wealth, skills, work-life balance, and social connections. These are all factors that determine a nation’s standard of living.

#3. New Zealand

Wellington serves as the capital of Oceania’s New Zealand. Another nation that provides you with the finest quality of life is New Zealand. The nation has a standard school system, a good healthcare system, and a reasonable cost of living.

#4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital and largest city of Denmark, is home to numerous museums, a vibrant dining scene, and a blend of modern and historical architecture in its downtown area. With flawless ratings in infrastructure, education, and stability, Copenhagen achieved an index of 98.

#5. Frankfurt, Germany

The Frankfurt City Forest surrounds Frankfurt, the biggest financial hub in Europe, and it is located on the Main, a branch of the Rhine. The city’s index, which is 95.7, has excellent ratings for health care and infrastructure and 96.3 for the environment and culture.

#6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is well-known for its museums, old buildings, nightlife, and canals. With scores of 100 for health care and 97.2 for culture and environment, the city had a total index of 95.3.

#7. Osaka, Japan

Osaka, one of the biggest cities in Japan, is a popular tourist destination, financial hub, and multicultural city well-known for its dining options and festivals. Its overall value of 95.1 comprises stability, health care, and education scores of 100.

#8. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, a city along the Yarra River in southeast Australia, is well-known for its beaches, shopping, Aboriginal community, and art and music scenes. The city scored 100 in infrastructure and education and 98.6 in culture and environment, with an index of 95.1.

#9. Sweden

Sweden has an excellent social welfare system that offers free public education and first-rate medical care. The four main pillars of Sweden’s social model are security, freedom, equality, and growth. Sweden also provides excellent working conditions, including a government agency that helps aspiring business owners and a minimum of five weeks of vacation time. Finally, Sweden ranks highly for general health and well-being and, like the other Nordic nations, has extremely low rates of violent crime (1.14 incidences per 100,000 inhabitants).

#10. Ireland

One of the world’s most democratic nations is Ireland, along with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland. Along with several other livable nations, Ireland has a commendably low rate of violent crime and is among the nations with the highest degrees of human freedom. Ireland came in third place on the list of nations with the most peace in the world in 2022.

#11. Germany

Germany, like Australia, thinks highly of education. Approximately 96% of Germans are enrolled in tuition-free university courses or post-graduate education, making up nearly the whole country’s educated workforce. Germany is one of the biggest economies in the world and the largest in Europe. In addition, the nation provides universal healthcare and is home to the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, only surpassed by China and Italy.

#12. Iceland

Icelanders have generous access to universal healthcare and a lengthy life expectancy. Iceland uses virtually only renewable energy, scores highly on several democratic and social equality metrics, and tops the 2022 Global Peace Index, which identifies the world’s most peaceful nations.

#13. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is a well-known global financial hub with an excellent standard of living. The country is a popular destination for businesspeople due to its extremely cheap taxation (the maximum income tax rate is 17%). Furthermore, despite being a highly crowded urban area, Hong Kong, like many other nations on this list, has extremely low crime rates. From colonial structures and temples to ancient festivals to glass skyscrapers and modern public transport, Hong Kong is sometimes described as the epitome of the ideal fusion of Eastern and Western culture, tradition, and innovation.

#14. Australia

Australia is a wealthy nation with a market-oriented economy. In Australia, people love doing sports, and both men and women have extended life expectancies. Australia’s cities typically score highly on livability surveys. Voters decisively backed same-sex marriage legalization in the latter part of 2017.

#15. Finland

Finland is ranked highly due to its family-friendly atmosphere, sophisticated public education system, and safety.

The nation leads the world in educational attainment. Finland also scores highly in terms of journalistic freedom, quality of life, and civil liberties. The country was among the pioneer nations globally to provide women with the right to vote.

Finland has a free-market economy and, like its Nordic neighbors, makes significant investments in public services and social safety nets.

#16. Norway

Overall, Norway ranks fifth in the study. In the rankings, Norway stands out for its security, stable policies, and sophisticated public education system. The nation is wealthy, home to one of the biggest oil exporters in the world, free public higher education, and a rich literary heritage.

#17. Denmark

Around the globe, Denmark has the second-best quality of life. Security, political stability, wealth equality, and effective public health and education systems are some of the factors that affect Denmark’s ranking.

The Danish government is regarded as an extremely transparent and stable organization. Denmark is a constitutional monarchy, with the people electing the members of the Folketing, the top legislative body. Denmark has a progressive government and excellent social mobility within its social framework.

#18. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil’s largest city is Sao Paulo. With 21.6 million inhabitants, 2018 estimations of its population ranked it as the fourth largest metropolis in the world. Sao Paulo is not just a major economic center but also has one of the biggest economies in Latin America.

#19. Cleveland, United States

In Cleveland, there are around 400,000 residents. It is one of the twelve American cities where the Federal Reserve has a branch. Cleveland is home to multiple Fortune 500 businesses, in addition to having one of the greatest hospitals in the world.

#20. Rome, Italy

Italy’s capital city is Rome. It is recognized as the seat of the Roman Empire and is among the oldest cities in the world. The city boasts some of the greatest dining establishments on Earth, and its historical and cultural attractions hardly require explanation.

Best Place To Live In The World For Freedom

Freedom sculpts civilizations, advancing humankind and enthralling us as tourists and world citizens. The laws, traditions, and societies of the most free place to live in the world are what actuate freedom, so it is still far from being an abstract idea.

The Human Freedom Index provides important answers to this question every year. Using the most recent version of this index, we will examine the nine most democratic nations in the world and explore the political foundations that support their remarkable standing.

#1. Switzerland

Switzerland is a liberty sanctuary in Europe and a leader in worldwide freedom. Tucked up between the peaceful lakes and the breathtaking Alps, this small country is a unique champion of freedom. Switzerland has a remarkable political system that is based on federalism and direct democracy.

#2. New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that epitomizes freedom in terms of political ideology, social conventions, and cultural values. It ranks second on the Human Freedom Index. Its mixed-member proportional representation system, which ensures equal political representation, fosters a thriving democracy.

#3. Estonia

Estonia, a digital haven for Europeans, is ranked third globally for freedom. Estonia’s e-governance has revolutionized public services like the creative e-residency program that enables foreign nationals to open businesses there.

#4. Denmark

Denmark ranked fourth, combining cultural and political freedom. Democratic values are upheld via a parliamentary system and constitutional monarchy, where officials are approachable and commute by bicycle.

#5. Ireland

Ireland’s parliamentary democracy and human rights-protecting written constitution are the sources of its fifth-place global commitment to freedom. Irish politics, which promote justice and fairness, thrive on participation.

#6. Sweden

Sweden, ranked sixth, combines gender equality, social welfare, political rights, and individual freedom into a comprehensive definition of freedom. A democratic constitution that supports openness and low levels of corruption guarantees civil liberties.

#7. Icelandic

With its robust social security system, easily accessible healthcare, and first-rate educational system, Iceland is a leader in equality and welfare. A democratic constitution, safety, and gender equality are all supporters of political freedom.

#8. Finland

Finland, ranked seventh, prioritizes happiness, healthcare, and education as essential rights. People actively participate in politics and directly propose laws. Transparency and a lack of corruption strengthen political independence.

#9. Netherlands

The Netherlands, which ranks ninth in terms of freedom, respects the rule of law and human rights thanks to its democratic constitution. Diverse views are heard thanks to political pluralism, which promotes direct and representative democracy.

Contributing Elements

Some of the most important elements that go into determining the best place to live in the world are listed below.

#1. Quality of Life

The top-ranked nations offer family-friendly settings, affordable housing, stable economies, and a strong labor market. In addition to a strong public education system that ensures the future of the next generation, a sense of income equality is crucial.

#2. Health

It is imperative to have strong healthcare systems and convenient access to medical services. In addition to offering top-notch healthcare, a nation ought to prioritize wellness programs and preventative measures.

#3. Education

A robust system of instructions can transform the game. Opportunities for lifelong learning and innovative approaches to teaching are strong indicators.

#4. Entrepreneurship

Links to the outside world, a well-educated populace, innovation, open business practices, and the development of legislative frameworks all foster an environment that fosters entrepreneurial success.

#5. Agility

A nation’s ability to react swiftly to changes in the world depends on its dynamism, adaptability, cultural modernism, and progressivism. Agility frequently translates into a lively, accommodating community where people prosper.

It is crucial to evaluate elements like the state of the environment, attention to human rights, equality of gender and race, freedom of religion, observance of property rights, and climate goals.

#7. Salary

Growth potential and steady income are essential. Lucrative opportunities are found in nations with diversified labor markets and strong economies.

#8. Open for Business

Important factors include manufacturing prices, government openness, corruption, tax benefits, and bureaucracy.

#9. Adventure

The nations that are at the forefront of tourism are those with pleasant temperatures, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting activities.

#10. Heritage

A place’s cultural diversity contributes to its allure. The elements of a fulfilling life are rich history, diverse cultures, beautiful scenery, and excellent cuisine.

Which is better, Canada or the UK?

Each nation has advantages over the other. For example, Canada is superior due to its affordability and friendly atmosphere, whereas the UK is known for its rich academic history and diversified cultural landscape. Conversely, issues like increased living expenses in the UK or adjusting to Canadian weather should also be considered.

What will be the world’s most liveable city in 2023?

Vienna was ranked the most livable city in the world once more in 2023. Some European cities managed to fall outside of the top 10. Vienna continues to be the most livable city in the world, according to the yearly Economist index. However, other towns in Europe have not fared as well.

What city is the cleanest in the world?

Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, achieved its status as the cleanest city in the world by adopting eco-friendly lifestyles and eco-friendly policies. The first indication of how green the city is is the overwhelming number of cyclists who are on the road at any moment.

Which country offers the best quality of life?

Sweden. Sweden is renowned around the world for providing for its people, and in September 2023, CNBC named it the greatest place in the world to live. The country boasts one of the longest life expectancies (82.8 years) and a free college education, in addition to having an incredible infrastructure.

Summary

Certain locations are better to live in than others for a variety of reasons. People would even go so far as to change their nationality from the one they were born into to the one of their choice for such good reasons. A cursory look at some statistics will reveal that although certain areas are overpopulated, people are still moving there. Additionally, a lot of developed—and even developing—nations have tightened up on the requirements for granting immigrants a visa to live there. However, a lot of immigrants would much rather become refugees and asylum seekers in their home country than reside in a nation that is not the best fit for them.