Every year, the UNDP's (United Nations Development Program) Human Development Index ranks countries according to the quality of life they provide, taking into account factors like life expectancy, expected and mean years of schooling, as well as gross national income per capita. If you're looking to move abroad, Expat.com gives you an insight into five countries with the highest standard of living and where you're likely to thrive at a professional and personal level.
Norway
We often think of Norway as a cold country where the Northern Lights and hot springs are the main attraction. However, Norway is more of a high-income country where some 5.3 people enjoy an unparalleled quality of life. Today, life expectancy at birth is 84.2 years for women and 80.5 years for men. If you're not yet convinced that Norwegians are one of the world's happiest nations, have a look at its universal health care system, including for foreign residents, well known for its excellence. Thanks to its high-level education system, Norway can also boast of its highly qualified workforce given enrolment rates at all levels, especially at the post-secondary level. Needless to say that Norway has a very low unemployment rate (4.2%) even though youth unemployment for those aged below 24 is at 10.0%. In recent years, Norway also made significant progress regarding inequality in education and the gender pay gap, which makes it the ideal destination to study or boost one's career.
Switzerland
World famous for its quality of life, Switzerland is a country that needs no introduction. Of course, its mountainous landscapes, cultural diversity, not to mention the smooth Swiss chocolate, are probably some of the things that will first come to your mind. With some 8.5 million inhabitants, Switzerland has a life expectancy at birth of 85.3 years for women and 81.5 years for men. Over the years, it has also become one of the best destinations to study abroad thanks to its quality education at all levels, including prestigious higher education institutions. In fact, public expenses in education account for 5.1% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Regarding the Swiss labour market, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.8% with an active workforce of 68.4%. Women, for their part, are entitled to 98 days of parental leave in spite of a gender pay gap of 16.8%. Still not convinced about the benefits of moving to Switzerland? Rest assured that it's one of the world's safest countries with a very low crime rate.
Australia
Attracting expatriates from all around the world, Australia is famous for its excellent health system known as Medicare. Its population of 24.5 million can boast a life expectancy of 85.0 years for women and 81.2 years for men. Australia is also a great place to study in thanks to its quality education system as well as its universities ranked among the best in the world. Higher education enrolment rate is very high in Australia which explains its qualified and competent workforce. With a low unemployment rate (5.7%), Australia provides a range of career prospects in various fields. Meanwhile, youth unemployment rate is at 12.6%. While the gender pay gap remains significant (17.7%), inequality in education was brought to 2.6% only. What are you waiting for to fly to Australia to enjoy all these benefits, not to mention its pristine beaches, pleasant climate, and serene atmosphere?
Ireland
Another high-income country, Ireland offers a unique quality of life and a very good standard of living in spite of the high cost of living. It's also worth noting that this year, Dublin, the Irish capital city, ranked as the 34th best city for quality of life in the Mercer report. Life expectancy in Ireland is 83.6 years for women and 79.9 years for women. With an active labour force of 60.0%, the country can boast a low unemployment rate of 6.4% but a youth unemployment rate of 13.6%. In spite of a gender pay gap of 20.1%, women are entitled to 182 days of parental leave. Ireland also has a high-level education system with many universities ranking among the best in the world, which explains the high enrolment rate. Also, education is compulsory until the age of 16. Ireland can, therefore, be the ideal destination for those looking to move to a country with such characteristics along with great cultural diversity.
Germany
One of the world's leading economies, Germany is without a doubt a great place to live in. With many cities ranking in various global ranking, including quality of life, education, health and happiness, Germany is an attractive country for international students as much as skilled professionals. In fact, Germany has one of the world's lowest unemployment rates (3.7%). Youth unemployment is also very low (6.4%). Even though the gender pay gap, however, stands at 17.7%, working women are entitled to 98 days of paid parental leave. The country is also known for its high-level education system focusing on personal development. Prestigious universities offer flexible and quality higher education. Living in Germany also means enjoying a tremendous cultural and linguistic diversity, beautiful urban and rural landscapes, and easy access to neighbouring European countries.
