Who in the world lives best? It turns out that this question is of interest not only to us. The International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is engaged in the annual calculation of the living standards of different countries.
According to their data, the ranking of the happiest places on our planet is as follows:
10. Luxembourg
Despite the relatively low level of employment (65%), the Grand Duchy is one of the richest countries. Despite the world crisis, which significantly affected the country, the average income of the population 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 non-corrupt country in the world has one of the strongest economies. As a result - a high rate of employment (72%) and overall satisfaction with life. The latter is 7.9 points according to the OECD rating with an average of 6.7. The main revenue to the state comes from exports and tourism.
8. The Netherlands
Another Benelux country climbed into the top favorites. The West European leader in gas production and export has managed to create jobs for 75% of its citizens. As a result, impressive personal incomes ($ 45.671) and an overall standard of living (9 points for the OECD). The country has many highly qualified specialists and provides a high level of minimum wage.
7. Switzerland
This country is more than compensating for the almost complete absence of minerals by its status as 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 the most accessible countries for migration was able to maintain employment at 72%. The unique healthcare system and social programs allowed the state to take a high place in the OECD ranking. The average household income for Canadians is $ 27,138.
5. Denmark
High wages reduce the 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. Thus, housing costs account for 26%.
4. Sweden
The cash income of the Swedes is slightly lower than the pan-European ones ($ 36,766). However, here, according to the OECD, the highest taxation. But good social programs, in particular, educational, general employment (73%) guarantee the population of this country stability.
3. USA
One of the most economically developed countries in the world has a rather 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% has earnings, the average income is $ 52.607. And there are not too many satisfied with their life (7.6 points according to the OECD).
2. Norway
Almost 80 thousand Norwegians work in enterprises associated with oil and gas production. This work is mostly low-skilled, however, well paid. As a result, a high level of household income is $ 30,465. At the same time, housing maintenance costs are relatively low - 19%.
1. Australia
Highest standard of living demonstrated by Australia. The country emerged from the crisis of 2008-11 with minimal losses. 72% of the working-age population are 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.
I must say that the standard of living of Russians was far from the first positions in the ranking, the average index of quality of life in Russia amounted to 5.3 points.