Are you considering moving to a new country in 2023? Whether it’s for work, education, retirement, or just a change of scenery, there are many factors to consider when choosing a place to live. You may want to know about the quality of life, cost of living, healthcare, safety, climate, crime rate, taxes, education facilities, career opportunities, and more.
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 15 best countries to live in 2023, based on the U.S. News Best Countries rankings. These rankings measure global performance on a variety of metrics, such as cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, openness, and social progress.
I. How are the Rankings Calculated?Â
The rankings of the Best Countries by U.S. News are based on a survey of over 17,000 people from 36 countries. These people ranked 78 countries on 76 different attributes, such as quality of life, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, and power. The attributes were grouped into 10 subrankings, such as adventure, agility, and power.Â
The overall ranking of the best countries was calculated by averaging the scores from the 10 sub-rankings. The primary metric for selecting the top 15 countries is the overall score, which reflects the global performance and perception of each country. However, we will also consider other metrics, such as the sub-ranking scores, GDP per capita, and population, to provide more comprehensive and diverse perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of each country.
II. The Top 15 Best Countries to LiveÂ
If you are considering relocating to a different country, you might want to take a look at this list of the top 15 best countries to live in 2023. These countries offer a variety of standout features that make them highly desirable to live in. From their quality of life, economy, healthcare, education, and safety to their unique cultures, natural beauty, and friendly communities, these countries have much to offer to expats and locals alike.Â
So, whether you are seeking adventure, career opportunities, or a peaceful lifestyle, you are sure to find a country that suits your needs on this list. Here are the countries that made the cut, along with some of their standout features:Â
1. Switzerland
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The best country in the world for 2023, Switzerland is known for its neutrality, stability, democracy, and high quality of life. It has a strong economy, a low unemployment rate, a highly skilled workforce, and a competitive education system. It also boasts a beautiful natural environment with mountains, lakes, and forests.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Switzerland are:
- Healthcare: Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal coverage, high-quality services, and low waiting times.
- Safety: Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate, a strong rule of law, and a peaceful society.
- Culture: Switzerland is a multicultural and multilingual country with four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) and a rich cultural heritage. It also has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with festivals, museums, and theaters.
2. CanadaÂ
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The second-best country in the world for 2023, Canada is a large and diverse country with a friendly and welcoming population. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, a progressive social policy, and a reputation for being tolerant and inclusive. It also has a stunning natural beauty, with vast landscapes, wildlife, and natural resources.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Canada are:
- Immigration: Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, with a generous and flexible immigration policy, a multicultural society, and a high acceptance of newcomers.
- Education: Canada has one of the best education systems in the world, with high-quality public and private schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and loans for students.
- Climate: Canada has a varied and moderate climate, with four distinct seasons and a range of weather conditions. It also has a low level of pollution and a high level of environmental protection.
3. Sweden
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The third-best country in the world for 2023, Sweden is a progressive and innovative country with a strong economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and transparent government, and a reputation for being egalitarian and environmentally friendly. It also has a beautiful natural environment with forests, lakes, and islands.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Sweden are:
- Healthcare: Sweden has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and high-quality coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: Sweden has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: Sweden has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of individuality, a deep respect for human rights, and a love for design and innovation. It also has a dynamic and creative culture with music, film, and literature.
4. Australia
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The fourth-best country in the world for 2023, Australia is a large and diverse country with a laid-back and friendly lifestyle. It has a robust economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and stable government, and a reputation for being open and fair. It also has a stunning natural beauty, with beaches, deserts, rainforests, and coral reefs.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Australia are:
- Immigration: Australia is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, with a multicultural and multiracial society, a high level of integration, and a respect for diversity.
- Climate: Australia has a warm and sunny climate, with mild winters and hot summers. It also has a low level of natural disasters and a high level of environmental awareness and conservation.
- Culture: Australia has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of humor, a love for sports and outdoor activities, and a passion for arts and entertainment. It also has a unique and distinctive culture, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and a blend of British and Asian influences.
5. United States
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The fifth-best country in the world for 2023, the United States is a large and diverse country with a strong economy, a high-quality infrastructure, a leading scientific and technological innovation, and a prominent role in global affairs. It also has a diverse and beautiful natural environment with mountains, plains, and coasts.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in the United States are:
- Immigration: The United States is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, with a multicultural and multiracial society, a high level of integration, and a respect for diversity.
- Education: The United States has one of the best education systems in the world, with prestigious and renowned public and private schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans for students.
- Culture: The United States has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, a deep respect for freedom, and a love for art and entertainment. It also has a dynamic and creative culture with music, film, and literature.
6. Japan
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The sixth-best country in the world for 2023, Japan is a modern and innovative country with a rich history and culture. It has a powerful economy, a high-tech industry, a skilled workforce, and a competitive education system. It also has a unique and diverse culture, with a blend of tradition and modernity.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Japan are:
- Healthcare: Japan has one of the longest life expectancies in the world, thanks to its universal and affordable healthcare system, its healthy diet, and its preventive medicine.
- Safety: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate, strict gun control, and a respectful and orderly society.
- Culture: Japan has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, a deep respect for elders, and a love for art and beauty. It also has a dynamic and creative culture, with anime, manga, video games, and pop music.
7. Germany
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The seventh-best country in the world for 2023, Germany is a leading and influential country with a strong economy, a high-quality infrastructure, renowned scientific and technological innovation, and a prominent role in global affairs. It also has a diverse and vibrant culture, with a long and complex history, a famous cuisine, and a lively nightlife.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Germany are:
- Healthcare: Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and comprehensive coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: Germany has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Travel: Germany is located in the heart of Europe, with easy and cheap access to many other countries and destinations. It also has a well-developed and efficient public transportation system and a network of highways, railways, and airports.
8. New ZealandÂ
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The eighth-best country in the world for 2023, New Zealand is a small and isolated country with a friendly and relaxed lifestyle. It has a stable economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and transparent government, and a reputation for being adventurous and environmentally conscious. It also has a stunning natural beauty, with mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and beaches.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in New Zealand are:
- Immigration: New Zealand is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, with a multicultural and multiracial society, a high level of integration, and a respect for diversity.
- Climate: New Zealand has a mild and temperate climate, with four distinct seasons and a range of weather conditions. It also has a low level of pollution and a high level of environmental protection.
- Culture: New Zealand has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, and a deep respect for nature, and a passion for sports and outdoor activities. It also has a unique and distinctive culture, with Maori and Pacific Islander heritage and a blend of British and Asian influences.
9. United Kingdom
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The ninth-best country in the world for 2023, the United Kingdom is a historic and influential country with a strong economy, a high-quality infrastructure, a leading scientific and technological innovation, and a prominent role in global affairs. It also has a diverse and vibrant culture, with a long and complex history, famous literature, and a lively music and fashion scene.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in the United Kingdom are:
- Healthcare: The United Kingdom has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with free and universal coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: The United Kingdom has one of the best education systems in the world, with prestigious and renowned public and private schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans for students.
- Travel: The United Kingdom is located in the northwest of Europe, with easy and cheap access to many other countries and destinations. It also has a well-developed and efficient public transportation system and a network of highways, railways, and airports.
10. Netherlands
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The tenth-best country in the world for 2023, the Netherlands is a modern and progressive country with a strong economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and tolerant government, and a reputation for being open and innovative. It also has a flat and scenic natural environment, with canals, windmills, and tulips.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in the Netherlands are:
- Healthcare: The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and high-quality coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: The Netherlands has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: The Netherlands has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of individuality, a deep respect for human rights, and a love for art and innovation. It also has a dynamic and diverse culture, with cuisine, music, and literature.
11. Norway
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The eleventh-best country in the world for 2023, Norway is a prosperous and peaceful country with a strong economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and egalitarian government, and a reputation for being happy and socially progressive. It also has a beautiful natural environment with fjords, mountains, and forests.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Norway are:
- Healthcare: Norway has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and high-quality coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: Norway has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: Norway has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, a deep respect for tradition, and a love for art and beauty. It also has a dynamic and creative culture with music, literature, and film.
12. France
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The twelfth-best country in the world for 2023, France is a romantic and elegant country with a strong economy, a high-quality infrastructure, a renowned cultural and artistic influence, and a prominent role in global affairs. It also has a diverse and beautiful natural environment with mountains, rivers, and coasts.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in France are:
- Healthcare: France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and comprehensive coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: France has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: France has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, a deep respect for tradition, and a love for art and beauty. It also has a dynamic and diverse culture, with cuisine, fashion, and entertainment.
13. Denmark
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The thirteenth-best country in the world for 2023, Denmark is a small and cozy country with a strong economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and transparent government, and a reputation for being happy and socially progressive. It also has a flat and scenic natural environment, with islands, beaches, and windmills.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Denmark are:
- Healthcare: Denmark has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and high-quality coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: Denmark has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: Denmark has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of individuality, a deep respect for human rights, and a love for design and innovation. It also has a dynamic and diverse culture, with cuisine, music, and literature.
14. Finland
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The fourteenth-best country in the world for 2023, Finland is a cold and dark country with a strong economy, a high standard of living, a democratic and egalitarian government, and a reputation for being happy and socially progressive. It also has a beautiful natural environment, with lakes, forests, and snow.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Finland are:
- Healthcare: Finland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and high-quality coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: Finland has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, a deep respect for nature, and a passion for education and innovation. It also has a unique and distinctive culture, with Sami and Swedish heritage and a blend of Nordic and Russian influences.
15. Italy
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The fifteenth-best country in the world for 2023, Italy is a warm and colorful country with a strong economy, a high-quality infrastructure, a renowned cultural and artistic influence, and a prominent role in global affairs. It also has a diverse and beautiful natural environment with mountains, valleys, and coasts.Â
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Some of the benefits of living in Italy are:
- Healthcare: Italy has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal and comprehensive coverage, a wide range of services, and a high level of satisfaction.
- Education: Italy has one of the best education systems in the world, with free and excellent public schools, colleges, and universities. It also offers a variety of vocational and professional training programs and a high level of research and development.
- Culture: Italy has a rich and varied culture, with a strong sense of identity, a deep respect for tradition, and a love for art and beauty. It also has a dynamic and diverse culture, with cuisine, fashion, and entertainment.
Key Takeaways :
| Country | Standout Feature |
| Switzerland | A landlocked country in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is known for its political neutrality, economic stability, and high-quality of life. It has a diverse population that speaks four official languages and enjoys a rich cultural heritage. |
| Canada | A vast country that spans six time zones, Canada is one of the most welcoming and tolerant countries in the world. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a natural beauty that includes mountains, lakes, and forests. |
| Sweden | A Nordic country that ranks high on happiness and social progress, Sweden is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and equality. It has a high quality of life, a generous welfare system, and a distinctive culture that values individuality and creativity. |
| Australia | A continent and a country, Australia is a land of adventure and diversity. It has a robust economy, a high standard of living, and a multicultural society that embraces different cultures and lifestyles. It also has a stunning natural beauty that features beaches, deserts, rainforests, and coral reefs. |
| United States | A landlocked country in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is known for its political neutrality, economic stability, and high quality of life. It has a diverse population that speaks four official languages and enjoys a rich cultural heritage. |
| Japan | An island nation that combines tradition and modernity, Japan is a country of contrasts and surprises. It has a powerful economy, a high quality of life, and a unique culture that influences the world. It also has a varied and beautiful natural environment that includes mountains, volcanoes, and islands. |
| Germany | A central European country that has a history of excellence and innovation, Germany is a country of strength and diversity. It has a strong economy, a high quality of life, and a prominent role in global affairs. It also has a diverse and vibrant culture that includes cuisine, music, and art. |
| New Zealand | A remote and peaceful country that is known for its adventure and environmental awareness, New Zealand is a country of beauty and friendliness. It has a stable economy, a high standard of living, and a democratic and transparent government. It also has a stunning natural beauty that features mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and beaches. |
| United Kingdom | A historic and influential country that has a global impact and a diverse culture, the United Kingdom is a country of legacy and vibrancy. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a leading role in culture, arts, and entertainment. It also has a diverse and beautiful natural environment that includes islands, hills, and coasts. |
| Netherlands | A low-lying and progressive country that is known for its openness and innovation, the Netherlands is a country of individuality and tolerance. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a democratic and egalitarian government. It also has a flat and scenic natural environment that features canals, windmills, and tulips. |
| Norway | A northern and peaceful country that ranks high on happiness and social progress, Norway is a country of prosperity and harmony. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a democratic and egalitarian government. It also has a beautiful natural environment that features fjords, mountains, and forests. |
| France | A romantic and elegant country that has a cultural and artistic influence and a prominent role in global affairs, France is a country of charm and sophistication. It has a strong economy, a high quality of life, and a renowned cuisine, fashion, and entertainment. It also has a diverse and beautiful natural environment that features mountains, rivers, and coasts. |
| Denmark | A small and cozy country that ranks high on happiness and social progress, Denmark is a country of happiness and progress. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a democratic and transparent government. It also has a flat and scenic natural environment that features islands, beaches, and windmills. |
| Finland | A cold and dark country that ranks high on happiness and social progress, Finland is a country of education and innovation. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a democratic and egalitarian government. It also has a beautiful natural environment that features lakes, forests, and snow. |
| Italy | A warm and colorful country that has a cultural and artistic influence and a prominent role in global affairs, Italy is a country of beauty and passion. It has a strong economy, a high quality of life, and a renowned cuisine, fashion, and entertainment. It also has a diverse and beautiful natural environment that features mountains, valleys, and coasts. |
Conclusion
Living abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also comes with many challenges and uncertainties. Choosing the best country to live in depends on many factors, such as your personal preferences, goals, and expectations. However, some countries may offer more advantages than others in terms of quality of life, happiness, culture, and opportunities. Based on various sources and rankings, we have explored 15 of the best countries to live in 2023, highlighting their standout features and benefits. Whether you are looking for a high well-being, a low cost of living, a great healthcare system, a safe environment, a pleasant climate, or a thriving job market, there is a country out there that can suit your needs. We hope this article has helped you to find your ideal destination and inspired you to pursue your dream of living abroad.
FAQs
Q: What are the best countries to live in 2023 according to the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI)?Â
A: The HDI measures the overall well-being of people in terms of health, education, and income. According to the HDI, the best countries to live in 2023 are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Hong Kong, and Australia.
Q: What are the best countries to live in 2023, according to the World Happiness Report?Â
A: The World Happiness Report measures how happy people are in different countries based on factors such as social support, freedom, generosity, and trust. According to the World Happiness Report, the best countries to live in 2023 are Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Q: What are the best countries to live in 2023 for expats?Â
A: Expats are people who live and work abroad, usually for a temporary period of time. According to InterNations, the world’s largest expat network, the best countries to live in 2023 for ex-pats are Mexico, Spain, Panama, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
Q: What are the best countries to live in 2023 for digital nomads?Â
A: Digital nomads are people who work remotely and travel the world, usually using the internet and technology to earn a living. According to Nomad List, a website that ranks the best places for digital nomads, the best countries to live in 2023 for digital nomads are Thailand, Portugal, Estonia, Georgia, and Vietnam.
Q: What are the best countries to live in 2023 for retirees?Â
A: Retirees are people who have stopped working and are enjoying their leisure time, usually with a pension or savings. According to International Living, a magazine that covers the best places for retirees, the best countries to live in 2023 for retirees are Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Ecuador, and Malaysia.
