Countries with the best quality of life

9. Ireland

Ireland is a place where all are welcome, according to the Conference Board of Canada. Of the 17 ranked nations, Ireland is one of just six to get an 'A' grade in the category of accepting diverse cultures. And that isn't the only instance where Ireland makes its citizens feel like equals. The gender income gap in Ireland is among the best in the world and significantly more balanced than that of Canada, the board reports.

8.Belgium

Workers in Belgium have among the most equal earning opportunities in the world. According to the Conference Board of Canada, Belgium gets an 'A' grade for income inequality and the gender income gap -- meaning the wage gap between its rich and poor and men and women are among the world's slimmest. In addition, Belgium is one of just four countries in this survey to receive an 'A' grade for national voter turnout.

7. Canada

Despite securing a place in this top 10 list, the Conference Board of Canada is highly critical of its home nation, lamenting that Canada's 'middle-of-the-pack ranking means it is not living up to its reputation or its potential.' Although Canada receives subpar grades in terms of its national poverty rates, there is plenty to like. Canada is among the nations that receive a good score for accepting diverse cultures, and the country receives an 'A' grade when it comes to life satisfaction.

6. Austria

According to the Conference Board of Canada, no nation supports its most needy demographic better than Austria, which receives 'A' grades in its elderly, child and working-age poverty rates, as well as 'A' grades in the income afforded the country's disabled and job opportunities provided for the country's youth.

5.Finland

Does faith in government translate to satisfaction in life? In Finland, you might be able to make the case. According to the Conference Board of Canada, the Fins can lay claim to an 'A' grade when it comes to life satisfaction, and perhaps the nation's trust in its politicians are to credit. Finland is one of just four nations surveyed here where confidence in parliament gets an 'A' grade.

4.Netherlands

In some nations, satisfaction with life does not preface a low rate of suicide. Only three nations of 17 surveyed by the Conference Board of Canada get the most favourable grade for low suicide rates, and two (Italy and the United Kingdom) get good grades for low suicide rates along with middling grades in satisfaction of life ('D' and 'B,' respectively). The Netherlands, however, is the only nation here with 'A' grades in both life satisfaction and suicide rate.

3.Sweden

Though it does not offer the greatest quality of life, Sweden is about as well-rounded a country as there can be. According to the Conference Board of Canada, which awarded each nation in this survey a grade across 16 different categories, in only one (social network support, which measures how people in each country feel about their neighbours' willingness to help in times of need) does Sweden get a grade lower than 'B.'

2.Norway

Norway is among the safest nations in the world ('A' grades in both homicide and burglary rate) and a country that supports its needy in an exemplary way ('A' grades in poverty rates among children and the elderly, as well as income levels for the disabled). Norway's highest calling, though, may be in equality for the employed. According to the Conference Board of Canada, Norway's gender income gap and wage gap are among the world's smallest.

1. DETROIT......Denmark

A peculiar grade sticks out in Denmark's quality of life report card: a 'D,' under the category of national burglary rate. It's a bizarre mark, but clearly an outlier for the country with the greatest quality of life, as reported by the Conference Board of Canada. Aside from its poor burglary rate, Denmark receives standout grades in every other surveyed category, including a stunning 12 'As' in the 16 categories surveyed by the board.

jonesable wrote: Immie89 wrote: Loooool this list was made by Canadian board? Seems kinda fishy that every country is European..oh wait Canada put themselves in list. Total b.s Canada has long been known as an awesokme place to live . Which would you put at the top?

^Right

afrokock wrote: Limalady wrote: Can we get a top 10 countries list for Black people? I'd want the list to be based on countries where Blacks have the highest earning, employment rates, and standard of living.   I'd also like to see a best countries list for young professionals and for international lawyers and policy makers. I may have to make these lists myself.