Who lives the best in the world? It turns out that this issue is of interest not only to you and me. The International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is engaged in the annual calculation of the standard of living of different countries.
According to their data, the ranking of the happiest places on our planet is as follows:
10. Luxembourg
Despite a relatively low employment rate (65%), the Grand Duchy is one of the richest countries... Despite the global crisis that has significantly affected the country, the average income of the population has remained solid - $ 52,110. The presence of an offshore zone in the capital, a stable real estate market and mines allow the country's population to have a decent standard of living.
9. New Zealand
The most peaceful and a non-corrupt country in the world has one of the strongest economies. As a result, there is a high rate of employment (72%) and general satisfaction with life. The latter is 7.9 points according to the OECD rating with an average of 6.7. The main income for the state comes from exports and tourism.
8. Netherlands
Another Benelux country climbed to the top of the select few. The Western European leader in gas production and export has managed to create jobs for 75% of its citizens. The result is an impressive personal income ($ 45,671) and an overall standard of living (9 points according to the OECD). The country has many highly qualified specialists and provides a high level of minimum wages.
7.Switzerland
The almost complete absence of fossils is more than compensated by this country by the status of a world financial center. The service sector is very developed here. It employs almost 70% of the working population. Reliable social protection and a stable economic situation allow the Swiss to be satisfied with their standard of living (9 points).
6. Canada
One of most accessible countries for migration was able to maintain employment at 72%. The unique health care system and social programs allowed the state to take a high place in the OECD rating. The median household income for Canadians is $ 27,138.
5. Denmark
High wages reduce competitiveness of the economy of this country. But ordinary Danes are quite happy with their income ($ 42,904). This is evidenced by their assessment of the standard of living (10 points). It is noteworthy that living in Denmark is the most expensive one. Thus, housing costs are 26%.
4. Sweden
The Swedes' cash receipts are slightly lower than the European ones ($ 36,766). However, here, according to the OECD, the highest taxation. But good social programs, in particular, educational, general employment (73%) guarantee stability to the population of this country.
3. USA
One of the most economically developed countries in the world has a fairly high unemployment rate. This is due to the fact that many jobs have been moved outside the United States. Despite the fact that only 67% have earnings, the median income is $ 52,607. And there are not too many people who are satisfied with their lives (7.6 points according to the OECD).
2. Norway
Nearly 80,000 Norwegians work in enterprises related to oil and gas production. This work is mostly low-skilled, but well paid. As a result, a high level of household income - $ 30,465. At the same time, housing maintenance costs are relatively low - 19%.
1. Australia
Highest standard of living demonstrated by Australia. The country came out of the crisis of 2008-11 with minimal losses. 72% of the working age population is employed in industry and services. This brings them an average of $ 41,904. Meanwhile, their own assessment of the standard of living is low: 7.4 points.
This rating was compiled taking into account 11 parameters, including the development of the social sphere, security, general income level and a number of other indicators.
It must be said that the standard of living of Russians turned out to be far from the first positions in the rating, the average index of the quality of life in Russia was 5.3 points.