Living standards in the countries of the world, 2019 ranking

To find out which countries can be considered the best in terms of living standards in 2019, we turned to Numbeo, which publishes annually rating of living standards in the countries of the world... The 2019 list includes 71 countries, each of which is assessed according to the following parameters:

• purchasing power of citizens;
• the level of environmental pollution;
• climate;
• safety;
• level of health care;
• the cost of living;
• property value;
• time spent on travel.

Sociologists agree that material well-being is not the most important factor in assessing whether life is good or bad in a given country. In addition to basic benefits such as wide access to food and housing, quality education and health care, and employment that will support our well-being, the concept of "living standards" also includes intangible assets such as job security, political stability, personal freedom. and the quality of the environment.

Country Ranking by Living Standards 2019, Numbeo List

This is what the top ten most prosperous countries in the world look like.

10. Norway

A high-income country with an active private sector and a well-developed social safety net and predominantly free higher education. The discovery of oil and gas off the Norwegian coast in the 1960s gave the country an economic boost, and today Norway is one of the world's leading oil exporters.

It has a rich literary tradition and is currently one of the world leaders in the number of books published per capita.

Also, this state is famous for the environmentally friendly lifestyle of citizens.

9. New Zealand

Since gaining independence from British colonialists, the country has experienced impressive growth and transformation over the decades. An export market teeming with dairy, meat, timber, fruits, vegetables and wine, as well as strong manufacturing and tourism are three keys to New Zealand's prosperity. GDP per capita in this small country is one of the highest in the world. It is 39230.42 dollars per person.

Since 1980, New Zealand has been considered a nuclear-free zone. She is a leader in the maintenance of peace and global security and a member of key international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Pacific Islands Forum.

8. Germany

The country of delicious beer and delicious sausages also boasts one of the largest economies in the world. Its most important sectors are:

• telecommunications;
• healthcare;
• tourism;
• industry;
• Agriculture.

Germany has a highly skilled and large workforce.However, the country's population is aging, which poses questions to the government about the high level of spending on social services.

Germany is one of the most popular migration destinations in the world along with France and the UK, although its open door policy has become a point of contention following recent crimes committed in the country.

7. Iceland

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the descendants of the Vikings lived ascetic, due to the remoteness of Iceland from the mainland. However, thanks to the development of the fishing industry, the state gradually grew rich, which had a positive effect on the living standards of the population. To this day, fishing is one of the most important sectors of the Icelandic economy.

The country employs about 80% of the population, and the high level of medicine gives the inhabitants of Iceland a chance to live up to 80 years and longer.

Unlike its "neighbor" in the rating - Germany - Iceland is ultra-nationalistic, and there is no desire to replenish its population at the expense of migrants.

6. Netherlands

The birthplace of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, as well as the microscope, telescope and thermometer, is considered one of the most liberal countries in the world. It was here that same-sex marriage was legalized for the first time, and national attitudes towards drugs, prostitution, euthanasia and abortion are very lenient.

An open market policy and busy transport links help the Netherlands maintain a positive trade balance. The Netherlands also actively participates in the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations and in the meetings of the headquarters of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

5. Austria

From year to year, Austria is among the top ten leading countries in terms of living standards. This is facilitated by several factors at once:

• inexpensive education, Austrian diplomas are highly rated abroad;
• quality medicine;
• stable economy and developed industry;
• developed tourism industry;
• low unemployment rate and high wages;
• government assistance in the development of medium and small businesses.

The average life expectancy for Austrians is 81 years. For comparison: the same indicator for Russians - 71.39 years.

4. Australia

It is considered a rich country with a prosperous market economy, which has a relatively high gross domestic product and per capita income. The Australian economy is defined by the services sector and the export of goods.

Fun fact: In 1986, the Australian nation ended all constitutional ties with the United Kingdom, although Queen Elizabeth II remains the ceremonial head of state.

3. Finland

The country is an international leader in the provision of quality education, and it values ​​its achievements in the areas of civil rights, press freedom and quality of life.

Finland was one of the first countries in the world to grant women the right to vote, and was the first country to legalize universal suffrage, both to vote and to run for office.

2. Switzerland

According to the CIA World Factbook, Switzerland has a low unemployment rate, a large number of skilled labor and one of the highest GDP per capita at $ 80,113.9 per person.

The country's strong economy is supported by low corporate tax rates, a highly developed service sector led by financial services and a high-tech industry.

However, those wishing to obtain all the benefits of Swiss citizenship will not be easy. The residency here is from 5 to 12 years, and even if you are a billionaire, you will not be able to buy a Swiss passport, unlike many other countries.

1. Denmark

The best country in terms of living standards in 2019 has progressive taxation, thanks to which Denmark has a universal health care system, and citizens receive mostly free medical care. Higher education is also free.

Not surprisingly, Denmark's highly developed government and society structure creates incredible social mobility. Danes are happy to pay high taxes, considering them not as a state whip, but as an investment in the high quality of their lives.

This country is consistently among the happiest and safe countries in the world.

Russia ranked 59th in the quality of life rating, between Indonesia (58th) and Pakistan (60th). And the lowest standard of living, according to Numbeo, is in Egypt.