The top 20 countries with the highest quality of life in 2022

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe consisting of 16,000 square miles of the Alps, lakes, and valleys shaped by glaciers. It is one of the wealthiest nations in the world and has been famous for centuries for its neutrality. Switzerland boasts a low unemployment rate, a highly skilled workforce, and is one of the nations with the highest GDP per capita according to the CIA World Factbook.

The country's robust economy is supported by low corporate taxes, a highly developed services sector, especially in finance, and a high-tech manufacturing industry. Swiss citizens have won numerous Nobel Prizes and hold more patents per capita than many other countries. Its neutral stance during times of conflict has attracted some of the world's greatest minds, including James Joyce, George Byron, and Voltaire.

The Kingdom of Norway is located at the far west of the Scandinavian Peninsula, largely made up of mountainous terrain. Nearly the entire population lives in the southern part, around the capital Oslo. Norway’s coastline is formed by thousands of miles of fjords, inlets, and shores. The Norwegians developed a strong maritime culture and were active during the Viking Age, establishing settlements in Iceland and Greenland.

Norway is a high-income country with a thriving private sector and a strong social safety net. The discovery of oil and gas offshore in the 1960s gave the country a significant economic boost, and today Norway is one of the world's leading oil exporters. Once a secluded nation at the edge of Europe, Norway has preserved many of its storytelling traditions and folklore. The country has developed a rich literary tradition since its separation from Denmark in the 19th century, and today ranks as one of the world leaders in books published per capita.

Bordering Norway, Sweden, Russia, the Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Bothnia, Finland and its vast expanses of dense forests serve as a gateway between the West and the East. Finland is a bilingual country, with both Finnish and Swedish as official languages. Finland is known for its strong education system and consistently ranks high for its achievements in civil rights, press freedom, and overall quality of life.

The country is recognized as one of the first in the world to grant women the right to vote and was the first to legalize universal suffrage, allowing both voting and candidacy. Finland’s economy primarily follows a free-market capitalist model, like its Nordic neighbors, with significant government spending directed towards social welfare networks and public services. Finland is a member of major international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union, as well as regional entities like the Nordic Council.

Germany is the most populous country in the European Union, home to one of the world’s largest economies, and has seen its international influence and status rise significantly since reunification. This Central European nation shares borders with nine countries and its landscape is diverse, ranging from the northern plains along the North Sea and Baltic Sea to the Bavarian Alps in the south. Germany’s economy ranks among the world’s largest, and it is one of the top exporters and importers globally.

Germany is one of the most popular immigration destinations worldwide, although the country's open-door policy has sparked controversy due to recent crimes within its borders. Key sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and tourism contribute the most to its economy, alongside important industries in manufacturing and agriculture. Germany has produced some of the world’s leading figures in natural and social sciences, as well as in the arts.

The Netherlands is a low-lying coastal country known for its iconic windmills and its development around water. Three major European rivers – the Rhine, Meuse, and Schelde – flow through neighboring Germany and Belgium into the Netherlands' busy ports. In 2001, the country became the first to legalize same-sex marriage, and it is known for its progressive national policies on drugs, prostitution, corporal punishment, and abortion. The Netherlands also boasts the highest concentration of museums per capita in the world. It is the birthplace of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and has contributed global inventions such as the microscope, telescope, and thermometer.

The Netherlands is home to more than 1,000 bridges and over 20,000 miles of dedicated cycling paths, making it one of the most bike-friendly countries. The majority of its population is concentrated in a group of cities along the coast, known collectively as Randstad. Much of the country lies below sea level, and every year, 60 million passengers pass through Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, which is situated more than ten feet below sea level. The Netherlands plays an active role in UN peacekeeping efforts and is home to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Influenced by both British and Polynesian cultures, New Zealand is a picturesque island nation located in the South Pacific, southeast of Australia. The Maori settlers initially ceded sovereignty to the British invaders with the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, after which European settlers flooded in. Most of New Zealand's population is concentrated on the North Island, with nearly a third living in Auckland alone. However, the low population density and scattered communities create a peaceful experience, allowing visitors to explore the country's stunning mountains and pristine beaches, as seen in the famous 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

New Zealand has witnessed impressive growth and transformation since gaining independence. Its export markets, particularly for dairy, sheep, beef, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and wine, have expanded beyond the United Kingdom, while manufacturing and tourism have also flourished. The nation maintains a high per capita income, and its spending on education as a percentage of GDP is among the highest in the world.

The United Kingdom is a highly developed country with significant economic, political, scientific, and cultural influence globally. Located off the northwestern coast of Europe, it includes the island of Great Britain, comprising England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland. The nation's role on the world stage is undergoing new challenges as it withdraws from the European Union. The UK has a rich history and has made significant contributions to both the arts and sciences.

London, the capital, is a major international financial hub and one of the most visited cities in the world. The banking and tourism sectors are part of a larger service industry that plays a crucial role in the country's economic growth. The United Kingdom has attracted a diverse range of immigrants over the centuries, with a significant shift in migration patterns since the mid-20th century, with newcomers from South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and Eastern Europe. The UK is home to some of the world's top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

Japan is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world and an archipelago in East Asia consisting of four main islands and over 6,800 smaller islands. While much of the country is mountainous and covered with dense forests, the Japanese people lead an urban lifestyle. Influenced by the rich cultural traditions of neighboring countries, Japan today blends ancient customs with modern Western influences.

The country has the third-largest economy in the world, after China and the United States. Japan has largely recovered from the production disruptions caused by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It is now one of the largest producers of motor vehicles, electronics, and steel. The service sector makes up the largest portion of Japan's economy in terms of GDP and employment. Japan is also renowned worldwide for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and flower arranging. The country boasts a heritage rich in gardens, sculptures, and poetry.

The Republic of Ireland is an island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean, separated from the United Kingdom by the Irish Sea to the east. Known as the Emerald Isle due to its lush, green pastures, it is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. In the Best Countries ranking, it consistently places highly for its cultural accessibility and friendly atmosphere. The country comprises five-sixths of the island of Ireland, with Northern Ireland being part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland has a small economy heavily reliant on trade. The country has made a significant cultural impact, particularly in English literature, with notable authors such as Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, and Oscar Wilde among its famous exports. Ireland also boasts a vibrant musical and folk tradition and is the birthplace of Guinness, perhaps its most famous export, alongside St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Ireland ranked 23rd overall in the 2021 Best Countries index, up from not being ranked in 2020, and appeared in the top 10 for the Open for Business category.

In 1492, several independent kingdoms united to form Spain, a cultural mosaic that continues to shape the dynamic identity of the modern nation. Spain covers most of the Iberian Peninsula, shared with Portugal in the southwestern part of Europe. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and two territories in North Africa.

Spain's maritime power and wealth from its colonies established its global leadership during the 16th and 17th centuries, a position that waned as the country fell behind global movements like the Industrial Revolution. Cultural achievements, from the masterful artworks of Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso to the globally renowned novel “Don Quixote” by Cervantes, and traditions like flamenco music and dance, are at the heart of the nation's unity and national pride.

Italy is a country in Southern Europe, with its iconic boot-shaped peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea. Its historic cities, world-famous cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the world's top tourist destinations, drawing over 40 million visitors annually. The country is home to Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe, and hosts two sovereign states within its borders—Vatican City and San Marino.

Italy's economy is the fourth largest in the eurozone, composed of two distinct regions: a prosperous industrialized north and a slower-growing, less-developed south. Key exports include machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, clothing, and wine. While Italy is an ideal tourist destination, life in the country is more complex. Italy is a member of numerous international organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations.

Situated on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Atlantic Ocean and bordering Spain to the east, Portugal has always had a global outlook. Its history is marked by exploration and discovery, beginning with early leaders who, after overthrowing Celtic and Moorish settlers in the 12th century, focused on expanding their kingdom beyond the mainland. This westernmost country in Europe used its maritime power to colonize and establish trade routes to India, China, Japan, and the coasts of Africa.

Portugal's GDP per capita is among the lowest of the wealthy nations, and its economy, heavily reliant on services, faces high unemployment rates. However, its long beaches, mild climate, and 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites make it an increasingly popular tourist destination. Portugal is a founding member of NATO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the European Free Trade Association, and is also a member of the World Bank and the World Trade Organization.

The Kingdom of Sweden is bordered by Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east, covering much of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Sweden is one of the largest countries in the European Union by land area. It has remained neutral during wartime for many centuries, instead focusing on human rights, public services, and sustainability, which have made it a respected leader in international affairs.

Healthcare and higher education are free, and the Swedish people enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Swedes are among the most generous in the world, contributing around 1% of their GDP to humanitarian aid programs each year. The society continues to diversify as more refugees, now comprising 10% of the population, are welcomed into Sweden. Sweden is an Enhanced Opportunity Partner of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The Kingdom of Denmark emerged in the 10th century and includes two North Atlantic island nations, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Together with Sweden and Norway, it forms Scandinavia, a cultural region in Northern Europe. The capital also serves as a hub connecting Northern Europe to the rest of the world, with Scandinavia's largest international airport, an active port, a metro system, and the Oresund Bridge, which links the city to Malmo, Sweden.

Through progressive taxation, Denmark operates a universal healthcare system, where citizens receive most medical care for free. Higher education is also free. It's no surprise that Denmark's government and its highly progressive social structure foster remarkable social mobility. Denmark has leading industries in food processing, tourism, and the production of iron, steel, and machinery. Its key exports include processed foods, agricultural and industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, and furniture.

Canada spans about two-fifths of North America's landmass, making it the second-largest country in the world after Russia. It has a sparse population, with most of its residents living within 125 miles of its southern border with the United States. Canadians take pride in encouraging all citizens to celebrate their cultural heritage. In 1971, Canada adopted a national multicultural policy that celebrates the country's diversity.

Canada is known as a highly industrialized society with a high standard of living. Trade agreements in the 1980s and 1990s significantly boosted trade with the United States, and today the two countries are each other's largest trading partners. While the service sector is the largest economic driver in Canada, the country is a significant exporter of energy, food, and minerals. Canada ranks third in the world in proven oil reserves and is the fourth-largest oil producer globally.