In this article, we will take a look at 30 Best Countries to Live in the World. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to the 10 Best Countries to Live in the World.
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, we progress through levels of basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) to loftier aspirations. All of these levels require interaction with the environment and society. Any degradation in them can seriously halt our climb up to higher levels. Considering the significant influence our surroundings wield in meeting not only our basic needs but also in fostering our success, the countries we inhabit can exert a tremendous impact. When assessing the characteristics that make a country the most desirable place to live, factors such as quality of life, safety levels, and residents’ happiness provide a fair basis for analysis.
Quality of life
Quality of life, a multifaceted concept, is assessed through diverse indicators. Eurostat, for example, evaluates it across 8+1 dimensions, encompassing material living conditions, economic security, physical safety, governance, basic rights, and overall life experience. In 2022, EU residents expressed higher satisfaction with their lives, averaging a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Interestingly, in certain EU states, the younger generation (15-29) reported greater happiness compared to those over 65. The OECD’s 2020 report, “How’s Life,” further highlights positive trends in general well-being. Notably, life expectancy in OECD countries has surpassed 80 years, while homicide rates have decreased by one-third. Moreover, employment rates and average household incomes have risen by 5 percentage points since 2010. These findings underscore advancements in key areas of well-being over time.
Safety
When considering the ideal country for settlement, safety emerges as a crucial factor. According to William Russell’s report on safety index, 14 out of the top 20 safest countries globally are in Europe, featuring nations such as Sweden, Iceland, Switzerland, and Finland. In the Asian region, Singapore and Japan stand out as exceptionally safe countries. Additionally, Slovenia has been identified as the safest place for women. These findings highlight the importance of safety considerations in the decision-making process for relocation or settlement.
Happiness
In the decision-making process of selecting the best country to live in, the happiness level of residents holds significant importance for immigrant settlement. The William Russell happiness report assesses various factors such as residents’ perceptions of their environment, friendliness, safety, and inclusion. According to their findings, the top five countries were Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2023, global happiness saw a notable increase, rising 6 points from the previous year and 10 points from 2020, with 73% of respondents reporting increased happiness. According to an Ipsos survey across 32 markets, China ranked highest with the highest percentage of happy citizens (91%), followed by Saudi Arabia (86%) and the Netherlands (85%). Interestingly, middle-income markets experienced a more pronounced increase in happiness compared to high-income markets on average. These findings underscore the relevance of happiness levels in evaluating potential destinations for settlement.
Major Players with Positive Impact on Best Country to Live Perception
While governments undoubtedly play a vital and irreplaceable role in shaping a country’s standing on the global stage, it’s important to acknowledge the significant contributions of both private and public companies in fostering technological and economic growth. Technological innovations have revolutionized various aspects of life, enhancing convenience and promoting better health, ultimately improving overall quality of life. Companies such as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) stand out as prime examples, having spearheaded numerous innovations that have had far-reaching impacts on the world. Their contributions highlight the critical partnership between the public and private sectors in driving progress and advancing societal well-being.
Recently, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) finalized its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen Inc. with the aim of strengthening their endeavors to combat cancer worldwide. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) sees this acquisition not only as beneficial for their financial health but also as a strategic move in their fight against cancer.
Concurrently, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), among other tech giants, continues to drive significant advancements that streamline both professional and daily routines efficiently. Microsoft Corporation’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) Cloud for Sustainability, introduced in 2022, exemplifies the commitment of such companies to spearhead advanced climate solutions, fostering better management and sustainability within societies and nations.
30 Best Countries to Live in the World
Methodology
To compile the list of the 30 best countries to live in the world, we utilize a refined methodology outlined in our article 30 Countries with the Highest Quality of Life Heading into 2024. This initial selection is then augmented by incorporating data from the World Happiness Report 2022 and the Peace Index ranking from the Global Peace Index 2023. As a final step, we calculate the average of these three rankings. In the event of a tie, we refer to the cost of living index ranking by Numbeo for 2024 as a tie-breaker.
Please Note: For Qatar, we derive the Happiness Index value from the ranking provided in the cities section for Doha. Additionally, for Luxembourg and Brunei, we obtain the peace ranking from Numbeo’s Safety Index 2024. Since Brunei lacks a rank in the Happiness Report, we calculate the average based on the two available metrics.
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Let us now take a look at our list for 30 Best Countries to Live in the World.
30. The United States
Quality of Life Ranking: 21
Happiness Index Ranking: 16
Peace Index Ranking: 131
Insider Monkey Average: 56
The United States, often referred to as the “land of opportunity,” has drawn millions of individuals to immigrate and settle over the years. As a developed nation, the US offers the promise of a high quality of life for its citizens, providing opportunities for a well-rounded and satisfying existence. These factors contribute to making it one of the best countries to live in.
29. Cyprus
Quality of Life Ranking: 30
Happiness Index Ranking: 41
Peace Index Ranking: 64
Insider Monkey Average: 45
Ranked among the countries known for ensuring a good quality of life for its residents, Cyprus stands out as one of the best options to live. The nation has consistently succeeded in satisfying its inhabitants, portraying an overall positive and happy environment.
28. South Korea
Quality of Life Ranking: 17
Happiness Index Ranking: 59
Peace Index Ranking: 43
Insider Monkey Average: 39.67
For people seeking a high quality of life, South Korea emerges as one of the top choices. The country also maintains a respectable position on the peace index, and its overall situation presents a favorable picture, making it an attractive destination for those in pursuit of a better life.
27. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Quality of Life Ranking: 20
Happiness Index Ranking: 24
Peace Index Ranking: 75
Insider Monkey Average: 39.67
In the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out as one of the developed nations capable of ensuring a high quality of life for its residents. Generally, people in the country express satisfaction with their lives, contributing to its reputation as one of the best countries to live in worldwide.
26. Qatar
Quality of Life Ranking: 26
Happiness Index Ranking: 63
Peace Index Ranking: 21
Insider Monkey Average: 36.67
Qatar has been increasingly recognized as a desirable option for relocation, largely due to its remarkable advancement in recent years. Renowned for providing a high quality of life, Qatar is also known as one of the safest places on earth, further enhancing its appeal as a preferred destination for individuals seeking security and prosperity.
25. Latvia
Quality of Life Ranking: 29
Happiness Index Ranking: 42
Peace Index Ranking: 27
Insider Monkey Average: 32.67
With a well-rounded ranking across various dimensions, Latvia offers its residents a host of attractive qualities, solidifying its position as one of the best countries to live in the world.
24. Lithuania
Quality of Life Ranking: 25
Happiness Index Ranking: 34
Peace Index Ranking: 36
Insider Monkey Average: 31.67
The combination of a high quality of life, contented populace, and a safe environment, positions the country as one of the best places to live in the world.
23. Portugal
Quality of Life Ranking: 27
Happiness Index Ranking: 56
Peace Index Ranking: 7
Insider Monkey Average: 30
Portugal stands out not only as one of the most peaceful countries globally but also as one of the European nations offering a high quality of life. As such, in the multitude of choices for best countries to live in, Portugal emerges as a viable and appealing option.
22. Japan
Quality of Life Ranking: 16
Happiness Index Ranking: 54
Peace Index Ranking: 9
Insider Monkey Average: 26.33
Japan is renowned not only for its highly developed economy, which contributes to a high standard of living, but also for being one of the safest and most peaceful nations globally. These factors make choosing Japan as a place for living an attractive option for many individuals.
21. The United Kingdom
Quality of Life Ranking: 23
Happiness Index Ranking: 17
Peace Index Ranking: 37
Insider Monkey Average: 25.67
Movement to England has been a longstanding phenomenon, with millions of individuals relocating to the country over the years. This trend is unsurprising, considering England’s reputation for offering a high quality of life. Additionally, residents of England are among the happiest in the world, further enhancing its appeal as a desirable destination.
20. Estonia
Quality of Life Ranking: 11
Happiness Index Ranking: 36
Peace Index Ranking: 25
Insider Monkey Average: 24
One of the European countries, Estonia undoubtedly earns its place among the best countries to live in the world. Renowned for its exceptionally high quality of life, widespread satisfaction among its residents, and overall peaceful atmosphere, Estonia offers numerous advantages to its citizens.
19. Brunei
Quality of Life Ranking: 22
Peace Index Ranking: 26
Insider Monkey Average: 24
Brunei achieves a high ranking on the Human Development Index (HDI), ensuring its citizens access to a high quality of life. Moreover, its impressive standing on safety indexes further solidifies its position among the best countries to live in worldwide.
18. Taiwan
Quality of Life Ranking: 10
Happiness Index Ranking: 26
Peace Index Ranking: 33
Insider Monkey Average: 23
Taiwan fulfills major criteria considered in evaluating a country’s status as a best country for living. It boasts high standards of life, a contented populace, and a safe environment.
17. Belgium
Quality of Life Ranking: 24
Happiness Index Ranking: 19
Peace Index Ranking: 20
Insider Monkey Average: 21
Belgium residents generally report high levels of happiness, experiencing less stress, worry, and sadness while overall enjoying life. This outcome is not surprising given the high quality of life available in the country and its peaceful environment.
16. Slovenia
Quality of Life Ranking: 28
Happiness Index Ranking: 22
Peace Index Ranking: 8
Insider Monkey Average: 19.33
Slovenia ranks quite high on the peace index, indicating an excellent safety scenario within the country. Additionally, individuals considering a move to this beautiful country can also enjoy the benefits of its well-developed infrastructure and high standard of living, contributing to a satisfied population.
15. Luxembourg
Quality of Life Ranking: 4
Happiness Index Ranking: 6
Peace Index Ranking: 41
Insider Monkey Average: 17
Luxembourg is among the European nations experiencing significant immigrant inflow in recent years. With its exceptionally high quality of life and one of the happiest populations globally, Luxembourg unquestionably qualifies as one of the best countries to live in worldwide.
14. Australia
Quality of Life Ranking: 14
Happiness Index Ranking: 12
Peace Index Ranking: 22
Insider Monkey Average: 16
Australia has not only emerged as a veritable hub for job opportunities but also maintains high standards of living, fosters a high level of happiness among its residents, and boasts a peaceful and safe environment. These factors add to its appeal as a favorite destination for expatriates as well.
13. Germany
Quality of Life Ranking: 19
Happiness Index Ranking: 14
Peace Index Ranking: 15
Insider Monkey Average: 16
As one of the most advanced economies globally, Germany has succeeded in providing its residents with a very comfortable and efficient overall lifestyle. This enables them to lead satisfied lives and feel secure in their country.
12. Sweden
Quality of Life Ranking: 9
Happiness Index Ranking: 7
Peace Index Ranking: 28
Insider Monkey Average: 14.67
Like other European nations, Sweden also stands out as one of the best countries for living. People can expect to live a high standard of life, surrounded by a happy and friendly society, and enjoy a peaceful environment.
11. Canada
Quality of Life Ranking: 13
Happiness Index Ranking: 15
Peace Index Ranking: 11
Insider Monkey Average: 13
When considering the factors crucial for defining a country’s status as a worthy living place, Canada happens to satisfy most indicators. It offers a high quality of life, a contented populace, and a peaceful environment.
Click to continue reading and see our 10 Best Countries to Live in the World.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Best Countries to Live in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.