Happiness, that elusive concept that seems to move just as we begin to have a grasp on it. It can mean different things to different people. Lovers of the countryside may hate the hustle and bustle of the city whereas as others may enjoy the fast pace of lie there. As happiness is such a subjective concept it can be difficult to effectively measure. However, when it comes to a city or country being a nice place to live, there are a few things that we all agree on. For example healthcare, education, how friendly the people are and the number of green spaces are all things we factor in as to what makes a place desirable to live.
Austria
In terms of social support and overall freedom of citizens, Austria is ranked one of the highest. The capital, Vienna has been ranked the world’s most liveable city according to the global liveability index. Low-cost public transport, good infrastructure, low homelessness and initiatives like public space improvement projects all contribute to a high quality of life for its residents.
Canada
The world’s second-biggest country still ranks highly across most categories in the global liveability index. Great life expectancy, a relatively small population and beautiful scenery are just a few of the reasons why Canada is ranked in the top spot. Vancouver was also ranked as one of the healthiest cities in the world and one of the top places for veganism. A mecca for animal lovers.
New Zealand
Although the opposite corner of the Earth to the UK, New Zealand is known to be one of the most relaxed countries on Earth. The home of Middle Earth, Kiwi Fruit, the Haka, and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on earth, New Zealand is as picturesque as Australia but without the snakes! The most inland point of the country is 128km, meaning you are never more than a 2-hour drive from the sea! With recent gun reforms following the Christchurch shooting, New Zealand shows a hands-on approach to its issues and a government that listens to its citizens.
Sweden
Although the country can reach temperatures of lower than -30°C in winter, Summers are still quite pleasant, reaching heights of up to 22°C. The locals are prepared for the colder months, with cosy homes kitted with log burners and all the winter clothing and gear to survive the big freeze. Working rights in Sweden are some of the best in the world, with five weeks of paid holiday and 480 days of shared parental leave (no postnatal gender inequality here.) Although taxes are some of the highest in the world, the returns are worthwhile with subsidised healthcare and education, benefits and more than have shown to have positive effects on the economy.
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