Editor’s note: This article was first published in May 2013 and is based on that year’s OECD Better Life Index; its incomes, working hours, percentages and life expectancies are 2013 figures, and the index has been updated many times since. The US health insurance remarks predate the Affordable Care Act marketplaces of 2014.
Once again, Australia has consolidated its position as the country with the best quality of life. The OECD has analysed quality of life in each country, taking into account income, housing, jobs, community, education, environment, civic engagement, health, life satisfaction, safety and work-life balance. Put simply, the ranking lists the countries whose people feel most “fulfilled” and, in general, happier.
10. United Kingdom
With average household income of $23,000, 85% of people in the United Kingdom say they have more positive than negative experiences in an average day. Life expectancy is high (81 years).
9. Iceland
With average income of $23,043, what sets Iceland apart is its high level of civic engagement. That was clear the day the whole nation came together to force the government to resign. 98% of citizens say they believe they know someone they could count on if they had a particular need or problem. Iceland is also one of the least polluted countries and, until the crisis broke out, had almost no crime.
8. Netherlands
Average income of $25,493. According to the OECD report, people in the Netherlands work only 1,379 hours a year, far less than the average of 1,776 hours across the other countries.
7. Denmark
Average income of $24,580. Denmark has one of the highest scores for life satisfaction, with 89% of its people saying their positive experiences outweigh the negative ones. They simply feel happy. Only 2% of workers think they work more hours than they should.
6. United States
The United States has the highest average income of the countries analysed, at $38,000. It also ranks as one of the best countries for housing conditions, with good basic amenities and a general feeling of safety among its people. Perhaps the biggest source of discontent is the insecurity faced by someone who loses their job, since they lose their health insurance and are therefore denied medical care. Otherwise, the United States is seen as a land of opportunity where anything is possible.
5. Switzerland
With average income of $30,000, 86% of adults have completed secondary education. The Swiss have a high life expectancy (83 years), and 89% of people say they are completely happy. Money is probably the last thing the Swiss worry about.
4. Norway
Average income of $31,459. There is a strong sense of community and high levels of safety in the country, where 93% of people say they know someone they could count on in a time of need. Norwegians have a good work-life balance: only 3% of them think they work more hours than they should. Norway is peaceful, people earn money and they have time to spend it. What more could you ask for?
3. Canada
Average income of $28,194. Canadians show a high level of overall satisfaction and a good work-life balance.
2. Sweden
Average income of $26,242. A good education matters a great deal in Sweden, where 87% of adults have completed secondary education. It also ranks well on the environment and shows a positive level of satisfaction overall.
1. Australia
With average income of $28,800, Australia is the country with the best quality of life for the second year running. Australia has the happiest people in the world, and it also strikes a perfect work-life balance, with good health, good access to housing, public safety and more. Life expectancy in Australia is 82 years.
Further reading
- Developed countries with the worst quality of life: 2013 ranking
- The most dangerous countries for women tourists
Featured image: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
