U.S. News and World Report, in collaboration with WPP and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, has released its 2024 ranking of the best countries based on quality of life. The survey, conducted between March and May 2024, polled nearly 17,000 people worldwide and ranked 89 countries based on factors such as affordability, economic stability, public services, and Denmark claimed the top spot, rising from No. 4 in 2023. Known for its strong public health and education systems, political stability, and high quality of life, Denmark, along with Sweden and Norway, forms part of Scandinavia, a region celebrated for social welfare and equality. Despite high taxes, Denmark's citizens benefit from free healthcare, subsidised child care, tuition-free university education, and pensions for the elderly. Additionally, Denmark was rated the best country for expats, with 84% of them reporting satisfaction with their work-life balance, well above the global average.
Meanwhile, the United States ranked No. 22 for quality of life, despite being No. 3 overall in U.S. News and World Report's general 2024 rankings. The U.S. performed poorly in areas like affordability (ranked 57th) and bureaucracy (ranked 49th). While the country did relatively well for its job market, ranking 13th, it is seen as lagging behind other nations in providing a high quality of life for its citizens.
Denmark's success is reflected in other metrics as well: it ranked No. 2 globally in the 2024 World Happiness Report, driven by its strong sense of equality and commitment to social welfare.
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