Denmark has recently become a popular destination for many Americans, and there are compelling reasons for this trend. A major factor contributing to this is Denmark’s ranking as the top country for quality of life in a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report, in collaboration with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The ranking, released on Tuesday, placed Denmark first for quality of life and 10th overall in the list of best countries, which takes into account ten factors.
The study evaluated several criteria such as affordability, job and political stability, healthcare quality, and personal freedom. Scandinavian countries as a whole excelled in these rankings, with Sweden, Norway, and Finland joining Denmark in the top ten.
Here are the countries that made it to the top 10 for quality of life:
10. New Zealand
New Zealand ranked 10th for quality of life and 9th overall, with a GDP per capita of $54,110. The country earned high marks for agility, which refers to how a country adapts to challenges, as well as adventure and social purpose. It also claimed the second spot for best countries for a comfortable retirement, largely due to its free or subsidized public healthcare and somewhat lower cost of living compared to the United States.
9. Netherlands
With a GDP per capita of $78,215, the Netherlands took 9th place for quality of life and 13th overall. It ranked highly for being business-friendly and socially progressive. The Netherlands also placed within the top five for the best countries to start a career, for women, and for racial equality. Additionally, it came in 8th in the ranking for comfortable retirement, attributed to its quality healthcare and affordability.
8. Australia
Australia, with a GDP per capita of $69,115, ranked 8th for quality of life and 5th overall. Known for being an attractive destination for visitors, Australia also scored high for its agility and social purpose. In terms of business, Australia stood out in areas such as headquartering corporations, education, and launching careers. When it comes to retirement, Australia ranked 4th due to its universal healthcare system and relatively lower rents in major cities compared to the United States.
7. Germany
Germany secured the 7th spot in both quality of life and overall rankings. With a GDP per capita of $69,338, it topped the entrepreneurship category and was among the top 10 in categories such as power, agility, and cultural influence. Germany also ranked highly in areas such as career opportunities and corporate influence, although it fell outside the top 20 for comfortable retirement.
6. Finland
Ranked 6th for quality of life, Finland, with a GDP per capita of $65,061, is noted for its work-life balance, safety, and environmental consciousness. The country ranked 4th for being business-friendly and 6th for modernity. Finland was also the second-best country for green living and 4th for women’s rights and raising children. While it was just outside the top 10 for retirement, Finland’s strong performance in several other categories made it stand out.
5. Canada
Canada, with a GDP per capita of $61,582, ranked 5th for quality of life and 4th overall. The country consistently ranks in the top five for agility and social purpose and is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit. Canada appeared in the top 10 of nearly every “best for” list analyzed, such as those for education, transparency, raising a family, and career opportunities. In terms of retirement, it ranked 6th, thanks to its quality healthcare system and affordability.
4. Norway
With one of the highest GDP per capita on the list at $104,460, Norway ranked 4th for quality of life and 11th overall. Norway is known for its high life expectancy, strong infrastructure, and modern cities. The country placed 3rd for raising children and women’s rights and was ranked 5th for green living. However, when it came to comfortable retirement, Norway ranked lower at 16th.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland excelled in many categories, topping the overall rankings as the best country. It also ranked highly for quality of life, coming in 3rd, thanks to its strong business environment, especially for starting careers and headquartering corporations. With a GDP per capita of $92,980, Switzerland boasts excellent employment conditions, health security, and low taxes. Many retirees are drawn to Switzerland because of its high-quality healthcare system. It topped the list for comfortable retirement.
2. Sweden
Sweden, with a GDP per capita of $70,207, ranked 2nd for quality of life and 6th overall. It also ranked 2nd for social purpose and 3rd for business-friendliness, but did not rank as high in categories such as power and heritage. Nevertheless, Sweden placed 1st for women’s rights, green living, and transparency. It ranked 2nd for raising children and 3rd for starting a career, further contributing to its high quality of life score. When it comes to retirement, Sweden ranked 9th, reflecting its strong healthcare system and affordability.
1. Denmark
Denmark, which ranked 10th overall, claimed the top spot for quality of life. The country has consistently been recognized for its superior education, employment opportunities, and civic engagement, according to the OECD Better Life Index. With a GDP per capita of $76,688, Denmark ranked highly in various categories. The country took the top position for raising children and racial equality and came in 2nd for women’s rights. In terms of retirement, Denmark ranked 7th, supported by its healthcare system and quality of life factors.
According to the report, Denmark’s social purpose was a key driver of its success in the rankings. It outperformed many of its peers in categories such as education, employment, and social connections, making it an attractive destination for people seeking a better quality of life. As a result, many Americans are relocating to Denmark, drawn by its social welfare policies, high living standards, and strong healthcare system.
In addition to Denmark’s success, Scandinavian countries in general performed well in the rankings, with Sweden, Norway, and Finland also making the top 10. These countries share many of the same attributes as Denmark, including strong healthcare systems, good work-life balance, and environmental consciousness.
Many Americans are finding these countries to be appealing due to their political stability, individual freedoms, and emphasis on personal well-being. As people continue to seek out better quality of life and retirement options, countries like Denmark are expected to remain top choices for relocation.
Denmark’s position at the top of the quality of life rankings reflects its commitment to providing a high standard of living for its residents. With its strong social policies, affordable healthcare, and emphasis on education and work-life balance, it’s no surprise that Denmark is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a better life. The country’s ability to foster a thriving, inclusive society makes it a standout in the global rankings and a model for other nations to aspire to.