"They" do love to bombard us with statistics, don't they? The latest set that came to my attention this week is the Social Progress Index for 2015. Countries have been judged on their GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for decades but this isn't really a statistic that measures quality of life. The Social Progress Index looks to provide that by measuring health, education and personal safety. It looks at the statistics of nutrition, sanitation, water, access to education, communication and personal rights. Ready to take a look at the top 25 countries to see if you live in one of them?
1. Norway - 88.36
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2. Sweden - 88.06
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3. Switzerland - 87.97
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4. Iceland - 87.62
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5. New Zealand - 87.08
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6. Canada 86.89
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7. Finland 86.75
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8. Denmark 86.63
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9. The Netherlands - 86.50
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10. Australia - 86.42
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11. United Kingdom - 84.68
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12. Ireland - 84.66
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13. Austria - 84.45
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14. Germany - 84.04
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15. Japan - 83.15
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16. USA - 82.85
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17. Belgium - 82.83
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18. Portugal - 81.91
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19. Slovenia - 81.62
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20. Spain - 81.17
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21. France - 80.82
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22. Czech Republic - 80.59
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23. Estonia - 80.49
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24. Uruguay - 79.21
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25. Slovakia - 78.45
If your country isn't here, pop on over to socialprogressimperative.org to see where it is on the table. This page also provides more info on how the countries were scored and ranked.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'well-being' mean in the context of these countries?
- Well-being refers to how happy, healthy, and satisfied people feel with their lives in these countries.
- Which regions have most of the highest well-being countries?
- Many high well-being countries are in Northern Europe, like Finland and Denmark, known for strong social support and quality of life.
- How can knowing these countries help me as a woman traveler?
- It helps you identify destinations with great safety, healthcare, and happiness, making your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Are these countries safe for solo women travelers?
- Yes, many of these top well-being countries have low crime rates and are considered safe for solo women travelers.
- Do these well-being rankings consider work-life balance?
- Absolutely! Work-life balance is a key factor contributing to the high well-being scores in these countries.
- Can visiting these countries improve my own well-being?
- Traveling to places with high well-being can inspire positive lifestyle changes and offer relaxing, empowering experiences.
- Are these countries expensive to travel to?
- Some can be pricey, but many offer budget-friendly options and great value for your travel investment.
- What cultural experiences can I expect in high well-being countries?
- You'll enjoy rich traditions, strong community values, and often a focus on nature and outdoor activities.
- How do these countries support women's rights and equality?
- Many top well-being countries lead in gender equality, offering respectful and inclusive environments for women.
- Is it easy to communicate in these countries?
- English is commonly spoken in many, especially in Scandinavia and Europe, making travel easier for international visitors.