Foreign Media: Global Ranking of the Most "Livable" Countries
The 2026 "Best Countries Index" released by the Wharton School shows that, according to global public perception, Sweden (with a total score of 100, serving as the benchmark) has the highest quality of life, followed closely by Denmark (98.2 points), Canada (95.0 points), Switzerland (94.8 points), and Finland and Norway tied for fifth and sixth places with 92.4 points each.
This survey covered over 15,000 adult respondents from 33 countries and scored 85 countries worldwide based on dimensions including cost of living, job opportunities, family-friendliness, political stability, and overall well-being—rather than relying solely on economic or demographic indicators.
Eight of the top ten spots were occupied by European nations. Countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland have established a globally leading reputation for livability due to their stable institutions, high levels of social trust, and comprehensive public services—consistent with the long-standing top rankings of Nordic countries in the World Happiness Report.
Outside Europe, Canada ranked highest in the Americas (3rd place), while Australia was the only non-European country to enter the global top ten (8th place, 87.5 points). Notably, the United States ranked 27th (48.6 points), falling behind all other G7 members and dropping 10 positions compared to 2018, reflecting a discrepancy between international perceptions and its economic scale and geopolitical influence.
China ranked 26th with a score of 49.8, slightly higher than the U.S.; India ranked 46th with a score of 20.5, placing it in the mid-to-lower range.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1870931820478535/
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