Best Countries to Live In

Are you one of those adventurous souls, tired of the daily grind and dreaming of a new life abroad? Or maybe you’ve built a nest egg and you’re ready to enjoy it in a place that offers a better quality of life?

Either way, deciding on which country to move to is a significant decision that can feel daunting.

With so many factors to consider – safety, climate, culture, cost of living, and economic opportunities – it can feel like you’re looking for a needle in a global haystack.

Fear not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top 17 countries that offer a higher quality of living. From the happiness index to ease of doing business, we’ve got all the vital stats covered.

So sit back, sip your coffee (or tea), and let us guide you on this journey to find your potential new home.

1. Denmark

Why it is good: Denmark, often celebrated for its quality of life and happiness, is characterized by its commitment to social equality, excellent healthcare, and a clean environment.

Specialities: Known for its design and architecture, Denmark is also the land of ‘Hygge’ – a unique Danish concept of coziness and contentment.

What it is known for: Apart from being the birthplace of LEGO, Denmark is also famous for its wind energy industry and is a pioneer in sustainable living.

Happiness Index: Denmark often tops the World Happiness Report, being ranked 2nd in 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Denmark consistently ranks high in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, currently sitting at 4th place.

Official Source: Visit Denmark’s official website for more info – https://www.visitdenmark.com/

2. Switzerland

Why it is good: Switzerland offers a high standard of living, with top-notch education and healthcare systems. It’s also a clean, safe country with a strong economy.

Specialities: Famous for its ski resorts, Swiss watches, chocolate, and cheese, Switzerland also offers stunning natural beauty with the Alps and numerous lakes.

What it is known for: Switzerland is home to many international organizations and is known for its neutrality and peace efforts.

Happiness Index: Switzerland consistently ranks high on the happiness index, being 3rd in 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Switzerland holds the 36th spot on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Switzerland’s official tourism website – https://www.myswitzerland.com/

3. Iceland

Why it is good: With a small, close-knit population, Iceland is known for its safety, equality, and its progressive environmental policies.

Specialities: From viewing the Northern Lights to bathing in geothermal pools and exploring stunning landscapes, Iceland has much to offer.

What it is known for: Iceland is famous for its unique landscapes with waterfalls, volcanoes, and geysers.

Happiness Index: Icelanders are some of the happiest people, with the country ranking 4th in the 2022 Happiness Index.

Ease of Doing Business: Iceland ranks 29th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Inspired by Iceland – https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/

4. Netherlands

Why it is good: The Netherlands boasts a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on human rights.

Specialities: Known for its tulips, windmills, and a broad art heritage, the Netherlands also has a vibrant cultural scene.

What it is known for: The country is famous for its liberal policies, flat landscape, cycling culture, and the extensive canal system in Amsterdam.

Happiness Index: The Netherlands holds the 5th spot in the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: The Netherlands is ranked 42nd on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit the Netherlands’ official tourism website – https://www.holland.com/

5. New Zealand

Why it is good: Known for its friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and outdoor lifestyle, New Zealand also has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community.

Specialities: New Zealand is famous for its adventure sports, Maori culture, and unique wildlife.

What it is known for: New Zealand is renowned as the filming location for the Lord of the Rings films, showcasing its diverse and stunning landscapes.

Happiness Index: New Zealand ranks 9th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

6. Canada

Why it is good: Known for its multiculturalism, vast wilderness, and a high standard of living, Canada also offers excellent healthcare and a strong education system.

Specialities: From its famous maple syrup to ice hockey and stunning national parks, Canada has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

What it is known for: Canada is famous for its politeness, stunning landscapes, and its love for ice hockey.

Happiness Index: Canada ranks 15th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Canada is ranked 23rd on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Canada’s official tourism website – https://www.canada.ca/

7. Norway

Why it is good: With its high living standards, a robust healthcare system, and excellent education, Norway is also known for its natural beauty, including fjords and the Northern Lights.

Specialities: Norway is famous for its outdoor activities, seafood, and Vikings heritage.

What it is known for: Norway is known for its environmental awareness, Winter Olympics history, and as a leading producer of oil and gas.

Happiness Index: Norway holds the 8th spot in the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Norway ranks 9th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Norway’s official tourism website – https://www.visitnorway.com/

8. Sweden

Why it is good: Sweden offers a high quality of life, universal healthcare, and free education. It’s also known for its environmental consciousness.

Specialities: Known for its design, pop music, and the Northern Lights, Sweden is also home to beautiful archipelagos and the Ice Hotel.

What it is known for: Sweden is famous for IKEA, ABBA, and the Nobel Prize.

Happiness Index: Sweden ranks 7th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Sweden holds the 10th spot on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Sweden’s official tourism website – https://visitsweden.com/

9. Australia

Why it is good: With its high quality of life, multicultural society, and love for sports, Australia also offers diverse landscapes, from beautiful beaches to outback wilderness.

Specialities: Australia is known for its unique wildlife, surf culture, and indigenous heritage.

What it is known for: Australia is famous for its Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, and unique wildlife like kangaroos and koalas.

Happiness Index: Australia ranks 13th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Australia ranks 14th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Australia’s official tourism website – https://www.australia.com/

10. Austria

Why it is good: Known for its rich cultural history, high living standards, and excellent public services, Austria also offers beautiful landscapes and historic architecture.

Specialities: Austria is famous for its classical music heritage, Christmas markets, and delicious pastries.

What it is known for: Austria is known for its beautiful Alps, Vienna’s cultural scene, and as the birthplace of Mozart.

Happiness Index: Austria ranks 10th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Austria is ranked 27th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Austria’s official tourism website – https://www.austria.info/

11. Luxembourg

Why it’s a gem: It’s no secret that Luxembourg stands as a beacon of prosperity and stability in the heart of Europe. Its strategic location, safety, and high living standards are hard to ignore.

Uniqueness: What’s unique about Luxembourg?

Well, it’s a trilingual nation for starters, where French, German, and Luxembourgish coexist harmoniously. It’s the second-richest country in the world and home to a plethora of castles, giving you a sense of living in a fairy tale.

Fame Factor: Luxembourg, known for its strong economy, is also a leading financial center. It’s home to the European Court of Justice and boasts a vibrant culinary scene, thanks to its mix of French and German influences.

Happiness Index: With a ranking of 14 in the World Happiness Report, it’s safe to say that the people of Luxembourg know a thing or two about joy.

Ease of Doing Business: Luxembourg scores high on the Ease of Doing Business Index. Its open economy, skilled multilingual workforce, and attractive fiscal conditions make it an ideal place for business operations.

For more information about moving to Luxembourg, visit the official Luxembourg portal – https://www.luxembourg.lu/

12. Ireland

Why it is good: Ireland, known for its friendly locals, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, offers high living standards and excellent public health care.

Specialities: Ireland is famous for its music, folklore, Guinness beer, and vibrant festivals like St. Patrick’s Day.

What it is known for: Known for its lush landscapes, historic castles, and the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland is also home to many tech giants’ European headquarters.

Happiness Index: Ireland ranks 16th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Ireland is ranked 24th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Ireland’s official tourism website – https://www.ireland.com/

13. Germany

Why it is good: With its strong economy, rich history, and high standard of living, Germany also offers excellent healthcare and education systems.

Specialities: Germany is known for its beer, cars, and vibrant culture, including the annual Oktoberfest.

What it is known for: Germany is famous for its precision engineering, influential philosophers, and historic sites like the Berlin Wall.

Happiness Index: Germany ranks 17th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Germany holds the 22nd spot on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Germany’s official tourism website – https://www.germany.travel/

14. United Kingdom

Why it is good: The UK offers a high standard of living, diverse culture, and a strong education system, including prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

Specialities: The UK is famous for its royal family, iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, and its music legacy from the Beatles to Adele.

What it is known for: The UK is known for its rich history, literature, and contributions to science and technology.

Happiness Index: The UK ranks 18th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: The UK is ranked 8th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: VisitBritain – https://www.visitbritain.com/

15. Belgium

Why it is good: Belgium, known for its quality of life, great healthcare, and excellent food, is also a political hub hosting the EU headquarters.

Specialities: Belgium is famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles, as well as historic cities like Bruges and Ghent.

What it is known for: Belgium is known for its medieval architecture, comic books, and as the founding member of the EU.

Happiness Index: Belgium ranks 20th on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Belgium ranks 46th on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Belgium’s official tourism website – https://www.belgium.be/

16. Singapore

Why it is good: Singapore offers a high standard of living, cleanliness, and a strong education system. It’s a global business hub with a vibrant multicultural society.

Specialities: Singapore is known for its food, shopping, and iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

What it is known for: Singapore is famous for its strict laws, efficiency, and as a global finance and transport hub.

Happiness Index: Singapore ranks 32nd on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: Singapore holds the 2nd spot on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Official Source: Visit Singapore’s official tourism website – https://www.visitsingapore.com/

17. United Arab Emirates

Why it is good: The UAE offers a high standard of living, tax-free income, and a safe environment. It’s a melting pot of cultures with residents from all over the world.

Specialities: The UAE is famous for its opulent lifestyle, skyscrapers, and shopping festivals. Iconic landmarks include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

What it is known for: The UAE is known for its rapid development, luxury tourism, and as an international business hub.

Happiness Index: The UAE is committed to happiness and wellbeing, ranking 21st on the World Happiness Report 2022.

Ease of Doing Business: The UAE is ranked 16th on the Ease of Doing Business index, making it an attractive place for entrepreneurs and businesses.

Official Source: Visit UAE’s official tourism website – https://www.visituae.ae/

Conclusion

And there we have it, a comprehensive guide to 17 of the best countries to live in around the world. Remember, the “best” country will depend on individual preferences, lifestyle, and goals.

So, it’s always a good idea to visit and experience the country yourself before making a decision. Happy globe-trotting!