The Top 10 Countries for Quality of Life

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Denmark has the highest quality of life globally, while Ukraine ranks among the lowest—a difference of 100%. Where you live can be pivotal in your education, health, and overall quality of life. Countries like Denmark and Sweden lead the way in terms of economic stability, education, and job opportunities.

To determine the top countries for quality of life, researchers evaluated 89 countries using nine key metrics, giving each country a score for factors such as affordability, political stability, safety, and income equality. According to a report by U.S. News, these are the world’s best countries for quality of life.

Denmark

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Denmark earns the highest total score of 100 from U.S. News, making it the top country for quality of life. It ranks first in the public education system and income equality categories while scoring high in economic stability and family friendliness.

Denmark’s unemployment rate is below 3%, there is excellent access to education, and crime levels are low. The country’s healthcare system ensures Danish citizens have access to universal healthcare paid for via taxation.

This high-performing health system offers low waiting times, world-class care, and long life expectancy. Denmark’s cities also benefit from low levels of corruption, transparent business practices, and racial and gender equality.

Sweden

With a score of 99.9, Sweden is the second-best country in the world regarding quality of life. This score is reflected in the nation’s public health and education systems, political stability, and family friendliness.

Sweden’s low unemployment rates, world-class health system, and economic stability ensure citizens feel safe, supported, and secure. The country’s 100-point score for transparent government practices and corruption also helps give citizens more security.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s high score for scenery (76.4) and tourism (82.2) encourages the country’s 10.5 million citizens to explore. Although the cost of living in Sweden is high, Swedish salaries are among the highest in the world, raising the standard of living.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the third top country in terms of quality of life, with a total score of 96.5. The nation comes first for safety and political stability, scoring 100 in both categories.

Switzerland scored high in economic stability, health, and education. The country’s 8.9 million people benefit from a stunning natural landscape that features Alpine hiking trails, glacial lakes, and flower-laden meadows.

Low unemployment rates, low corporate taxes, and a well-developed service sector led by financial services also raise the standard of living. According to U.S. News’ best countries report, Switzerland is the best country in the world overall, with a score of 100.

Norway

Norway scores 94.3, making it the fourth-best country in the world in terms of quality of life. This Scandinavian country is a high-income nation that has benefited significantly from discovering oil and gas off its coastline.

Today, Norway is one of the world’s leading natural gas exporters, exporting over 30% of the total gas consumption in the EU and the United Kingdom. The country ranks highly for education, health, and safety, ensuring citizens feel safe and secure.

According to U.S. News, Norway also has a stable job market and economy. The nation also ranks first for commitment to climate goals, scoring 100.

Canada

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Canada is the fifth top country for quality of life for several reasons. With an overall score of 94.2, the North American country ranks high for education, economic stability, job opportunities, and family friendliness.

Although the cost of living in Canada is high, it ranks higher than Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway, scoring 10. The country is also politically stable and a safe place to live.

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According to a 2021 report from Statistics Canada, 91% of Canadian citizens have a park or green space close to their home, which raises the standard of living and encourages people to be more active. Canada also ranks fourth for the best country overall, scoring 94.1.

Finland

The Northern European country of Finland received a score of 90 from U.S. News, making it the world’s sixth-best country regarding quality of life. The country’s score results from its world-class public healthcare system, well-developed public education system, family friendliness, and overall safety.

Finnish citizens also benefit from their country’s commitment to human rights, climate goals, the environment, and gender equality. These key factors make Finland the happiest country in the world.

High levels of trust and freedom also help make Finland the world’s happiest place to live. A Trading Economics report found that Finland’s unemployment rate has dropped from 10.2% in May 2024 to 7.5% in August 2024.

Germany

Germany scores 88.7, making it the seventh-best country in terms of quality of life and 90.6 overall. It has the best job market and political stability score in the world while also scoring high for economic stability and education.

These key metrics have led to low unemployment rates, increased salaries, and a better standard of living for German citizens. Germany’s wages are among the highest in Europe.

Other high-scoring factors that positively impact Germany’s quality of life include well-developed infrastructure, a reliable healthcare system, no corruption, and exceptional connection to the rest of the world.

Australia

Despite receiving a score of 92.9 overall to become the fifth-best country in the world, Australia, with a score of 88.1, is only the eighth-top country for quality of life. The Oceanic nation scored above 90 in political stability, family friendliness, job opportunities, and economic stability.

Australia’s low unemployment rate and high-paying jobs ensure citizens are financially secure, raising the country’s standard of living and overall happiness. Most of Australia’s 26 million people also live near the coast, encouraging outdoor activity.

Australia scores 90 or above for human rights, religious freedom, corruption, and animal rights. It also scores 100 for adaptability, making it the third-most agile country in the world.

Netherlands

With a score of 85.6, the Netherlands is the ninth-best country in the world regarding quality of life. This European nation scores high for economic stability, family friendliness, political stability, and job opportunities.

For every 100 Dutch residents, 89 are within 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of open green spaces, parks, or woodlands, encouraging people to stay active. The country’s well-maintained cycle paths allow millions of people to cycle daily.

As such, the Netherlands scores above 90 for environmental and climate metrics. The Netherlands also performs highly in gender equality, scoring 99.9, as well as education, safety, and corruption.

New Zealand

New Zealand is the tenth top country in the world regarding quality of life, scoring 81.5. It also ranks ninth for best overall country and sixth for adventure.

Cities like Wellington and Auckland offer excellent employment opportunities, while the nation’s conservation efforts ensure the country’s 5.1 million people have many places of outstanding natural beauty to visit.

The nation is committed to its environmental goals and scores well in terms of human and animal rights. New Zealand is also the most family-friendly country in the world, scoring 100. The country is very safe for residents, and there is little corruption.