The International Living portal has published its 2010 Quality of Life Index which ranks 194 countries based on their quality of life.
They considered and evaluated nine categories: cost of living, culture and leisure, economy, environment, freedom, health, infrastructure, safety and risk, and climate. For the fifth consecutive year, France is top.
The top 10 countries are:
1. France: An unsurpassable quality of life, including the world’s best health care.
2. Australia: Countrywide access to an active and healthy lifestyle. Urban dwellers enjoy plenty of great culture, excellent food, and a favorable cost of living.
3. Switzerland: A super-efficient, high-tech society and alpine tourism.
4. Germany: Theater, art, and classical music concerts. Average employee earnings of €41,509
5. New Zealand: Pristine landscapes and absence of high crime rates, abject poverty, pollution, congestion, health issues and cramped city living.
6. Luxembourg: A financial center and tax haven, and a per capita GDP of $88,000.
7. United States: Convenience of getting what you want, when you want it.
8. Belgium: Expat friendly with everything from English-language cinema to international schools.
9. Canada: High living and health care standards. Vast natural resources, robust financial industry, and innovative manufacturing.
10. Italy: Grand historic cities, 60 percent of the world’s art treasures, and a WHO-acclaimed national health care system.
Croatia is 37th, right behind Japan, with the best scores in Environment, Climate and Safety categories. |
