Many people like to travel the world to see with their own eyes not only the famous monuments of architecture and art, but also the lives of completely different people. How do Americans, Italians or New Zealanders live? Better than us, or vice versa? After all, probably everyone wants to live where it’s good?
Every year a rating of the standard of living of the countries of the world is compiled. It takes into account all kinds of indicators that affect the quality of life. Starting from the level of the economy of the country as a whole and ending with the number of mobile phones per person.
Thus, scientists at The Legatum Institute compiled a rating of countries in terms of living standards and prosperity based not only on digital indicators (climatic, economic, environmental, etc.), but also taking into account the opinions of residents of the countries obtained as a result of the polls. The latter revealed such important criteria as social life in the country, comfortable living, the attitude of residents towards foreigners, freedom of movement and business, and many others.
So, below are the countries with a high standard of living, which occupy the fifteen first positions in the ranking.
15. Austria
This country ranks fifteenth in the ranking. Nevertheless, it is here that the highest level of education in the whole world. Thus, more than 80% of Austrian citizens aged 25 to 65 years have a secondary education. In addition, residents are known for their strong sense of community. More than 90% believe that in difficult times they can rely on any of their fellow countrymen.
The average income of an Austrian family is 28 852 thousand dollars a year.
14. Germany
The Germans are one position higher. This, as you know, is a hardworking people. Here, almost full employment , there is no unemployment. About 80% of citizens aged 15 to 65 work in paid positions.
In Germany, a rather high indicator of life expectancy (81 years). And the average income is 30 721 thousand dollars a year.
In addition, polls showed that 75% of Germans experience much more positive emotions per day (such as joy, pride in their successes, a sense of calm and others) than negative ones.
13. Iceland
Iceland previously held the twelfth position (ranking of countries by standard of living, compiled in 2012). However, today its performance has deteriorated somewhat. But, despite this, the country is flourishing, and is considered one of the best places for a comfortable life. Ecology of Iceland at a very high level. A huge number of forests has been preserved here, and therefore, citizens breathe clean air.
The average income of an Icelandic family is $ 23,047 per person.
12. Ireland
The Irish are famous for their friendliness and good mood. They are all “one big family” and can rely on each other in a difficult situation. And also do not forget to work and build your personal life. Thus, Ireland scored the most points in the category of “balance between personal life and work”.
The average household income is $ 24,104 per year (per person).
11. United States of America
Unlike in previous years, the United States lost ground, and today it is no longer in tenth place in the ranking. However, Americans have the best scores in the categories of "security" and "housing conditions." And also the highest worldwide average per capita income - 38 001 thousand dollars a year.
10. Luxembourg
The top ten ranking opens Luxembourg. The country received the highest rates in the categories of “ecology” and “healthcare” (the level of air pollution here is within the limits of 10). In addition, she has a high life expectancy of 81 years. Luxembourg citizens are confident in the future, are satisfied with politics and actively participate in the elections (91% of the country).
The average income is 23,047 thousand US dollars per year.
9. The Netherlands
In Holland they work the least - only 1379 hours a year. However, the average income here is much higher than in other countries - 25,493 thousand dollars a year. The country also received a large number of points for general education programs.
8. Finland
Finland has a very high level of education and knowledge in general. So, an average Finnish school student scored 543 points in mathematics, literacy and science. These are very high rates. According to surveys, more than 80% of Finns are satisfied with their standard of living.
The average income of each family member here is 25 739 thousand dollars.
7. Australia
Over the past years, the country's performance has fallen dramatically. So, from third place (countries ranking by standard of living, compiled in 2012) Australia moved to seventh.
However, there are still high indicators in such categories as “housing conditions”, “health care”, and “civic activity”. All this makes the continent state one of the most comfortable and happy countries.
Life expectancy is 82 years, and income is 28,884 thousand dollars a year.
6. Denmark
The country has the highest scores in the “satisfaction with life” category: 90% of citizens are happy and experience a lot of positive emotions every day. High rates are also in the rating “balance between personal life and work”. The Danes have time for everything.
The average annual income is 24,682 thousand dollars.
5. New Zealand
The country is actively using renewable energy sources. Much more often than in other countries. Here is a high level of knowledge in the field of natural sciences and humanities. By the way, the results of testing knowledge in women are higher than in men.
The average annual income is $ 21,892.
4. Sweden
High level of education: 90% of the population have a diploma of secondary education. High level of ecology: clean air and drinking water. Median income is $ 26,242.
3. Canada
There are a lot of emigrants, which indicates a high standard of living. After all, if it were bad, no one would go to Canada. At the highest level are education, healthcare and the environment. But crime here is very low, so many emigrate here for the sake of peace and security. The country has a high level of social support and a fairly good salary. So, the average figure is $ 38,194 a year.
2. Switzerland
Almost all indicators of the country's well-being are very high. This applies to the level of education, and life expectancy, and the quality of housing, health care and others. Excellent performance in OECD general education programs. High life expectancy. No unemployment and crime. The average household income is $ 30,060 per year.
1. Norway
So, Norway tops the ranking of countries in terms of living standards. The country won first place due to its social and economic indicators. As well as the results of the assessment of natural resources. So, 5% of the entire territory of the country is occupied by transparent and clean reservoirs, 23% - vast forests, the fauna of which is under reliable protection.
In Norway, not only favorable environmental conditions, but also the highest standard of living. The country guarantees reliable and safe public transport, postal services, land and air traffic. There are no problems with the power supply. High quality housing, and at affordable prices. Average income is $ 31,459 a year.
Unfortunately, Russia is not even one of the twenty happiest countries in the world. Our state takes only 61 positions in the ranking. The main concern, according to polls, is security. More than half of respondents fear being on the street at night.