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U.S. News and World Report has unveiled its latest rankings of the best countries worldwide, focusing on quality of life metrics. The assessment considered 89 nations and involved a survey that captured the perspectives of nearly 17,000 individuals from various countries, conducted between March 22 and May 23, 2024.
The evaluation of these countries was based on multiple criteria, including:
- Affordability
- Good job market
- Economic stability
- Family-friendliness
- Income equality
- Political stability
- Safety
- Quality of public education
- Quality of public health services
Significantly, the United States did not secure a place in the top ten, instead ranking 22nd in terms of quality of life. However, it managed to achieve an overall ranking as the third best country in U.S. News and World Report’s broader evaluation for 2024.
In terms of specific quality of life metrics, the U.S. fared poorly, being rated 57th for affordability and 49th for bureaucratic efficiency. According to Elliott Davis, a reporter with U.S. News and World Report, “The U.S. garnered a higher position at 13th for job market quality, but there is a prevailing perception that it does not deliver as high a quality of life compared to other nations.”
Denmark Takes the Top Spot for Quality of Life
This year, Denmark achieved the top rank, climbing from fourth place in 2023. It is part of Scandinavia, alongside Sweden and Norway.
Elliott Davis notes, “Denmark consistently excels in subcategories like education, healthcare, and political and economic stability. It is recognized for effectively providing for its citizens, contributing to a high quality of life.” Although Danish citizens face some of the highest tax rates globally—up to 50%—this is offset by benefits such as free healthcare, subsidized childcare, tuition-free higher education, and pensions for the elderly, alongside care support.
In a recent Expat Insider survey by InterNations, Denmark also ranked as the top country for expatriate satisfaction regarding jobs, career opportunities, and work-life balance, with 84% of expats expressing contentment in this area, outpacing the global average of 60%.
Moreover, Denmark claimed the second spot in the World Happiness Report, largely due to its commitment to equality and social welfare, factors closely associated with overall happiness.
Top 10 Countries for Quality of Life
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Canada
- Finland
- Germany
- Australia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
Sweden, which previously held the top position, now ranks second. Like Denmark, Sweden provides its citizens with free healthcare and education.
The average life expectancy in Sweden is an impressive 82.8 years, as reported in the CIA World Factbook. Despite its drop in rankings, Sweden performed well in critical areas, being second in human rights and environmental concerns. However, it also struggles with affordability, similar to Denmark.
Additionally, Sweden features a notable parental leave policy, offering 480 days of paid leave for new parents, with an allocation of 240 days for each parent if applicable.
Living costs in Sweden are generally 9.4% lower than in the U.S., with rental costs approximately 47.5% lower, according to data from Numbeo.
Davis emphasized the Nordic region’s strong performance in the quality of life rankings, with four countries from this area featured in the top ten list for 2024. “This region is widely perceived as providing a high standard of living,” he comments.
Source
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