There isn't one single "best" country, as it depends on priorities, but Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand consistently rank highest for livability due to strong economies, healthcare, stability, and quality of life, with Switzerland often leading in overall quality/wealth and Australia/NZ cities excelling in the EIU's city-focused rankings. Factors like wealth, stability, healthcare, education, culture, environment, and infrastructure determine these top spots.
Top 10 Best Countries to Live in 2025
Quality of Life Rankings
The safest countries in the world are Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI). Are you planning your next exciting summer holiday or backpacking adventure?
1. Afghanistan: The Most Dangerous Country for 2025. Afghanistan continues to hold the position as the most dangerous country in the world. Persistent terrorism, rampant political instability, and large-scale displacement have left the nation in a state of severe unrest and a highly dangerous place.
Australia has been a perennial top ten inhabitant of the safest countries ratings since it launched seven years ago – and in 2026, we're holding strong in second place.
Our round-up of the best countries to live in the world
Finland is the world's happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report, offering retirees (and others) peace, safety, and balance. You can collect U.S. Social Security benefits while living in Finland.
10 Countries with the lowest cost of living in the world. The countries where locals spend the least on everyday living are Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burundi. In these states, a person needs less than $430 per month to live comfortably.
10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world
Top 10 Countries to Study and Settle in 2026
South Africa tops our list of the friendliest nations, scoring an impressive 34.63 out of 40 on the 'agreeableness' trait of the Big 5 Personality Test.
Melbourne holds the crown as Australia's most liveable city and ranks #4 worldwide, just behind Copenhagen, Vienna, and Zurich.
The Japanese have the highest life expectancy at birth among the G7 countries. The higher life expectancy of the Japanese is mainly due to fewer deaths from ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction, and cancer (especially breast and prostate).
Mexico leads the ranking thanks to its vibrant culture, warm-hearted locals, and deep sense of community. Brazil follows closely with its lively energy and inclusive social culture that embraces diversity and joy.
The rankings show Australia trailing behind Israel, Mexico, and the Nordic countries, while Finland retains the title of the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year.
In a region fraught with conflict, Israel consistently ranks as one of the happiest nations on Earth. Bound by family, united through community, and strengthened by a shared resilience, Israelis embrace life amid adversity.
Ranking of the least happy countries worldwide 2024, by score. Afghanistan was ranked the least happy country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report from 2025. The country scored only 1.36 on a scale from 0 to 10.
Australia has a high standard of living supported by an educated workforce and a high level of innovation. The quality of education, healthcare, transport, infrastructure and government services in Australia are all above international averages.
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati, specifically its Line Islands (including Kiritimati), is the first country to celebrate the New Year in 2025, followed closely by Samoa and parts of New Zealand, all due to their position just west of the International Date Line at UTC+14 (or UTC+13 for Samoa).
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Portugal
Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans seeking affordability, safety, and a relaxed lifestyle in Europe. It's especially attractive to retirees, remote workers, and those looking for a lower cost of living without sacrificing healthcare or quality of life.
Hobart, Tasmania, is widely recognized as the cheapest major city, but smaller regional towns in Queensland and South Australia can offer even lower living costs.
Australia's largest terrestrial (land) predator is the Dingo, an apex canine that plays a crucial role in controlling herbivore populations like kangaroos and managing ecosystem health, despite occasional debates about its native status. While saltwater crocodiles are Australia's largest reptiles and apex predators in aquatic environments, the dingo holds the top spot as the biggest land-based carnivore, preying on various mammals, birds, and reptiles, and even scavenging.
Canberra is officially Australia's #1 safest city, with a crime index rating of 26 out of 100. That places it as the 49th safest city in the world. This ranking comes from Compare the Market Australia, which analysed 6 years of public data from Numbeo's crime index.