There are many different places on the planet where you can live and enjoy yourself. Amongst these are Norway, France, and Switzerland. Each has its own unique characteristics and appeal. You should consider each of these countries before making your final decision.

Village and Sea view on mountains in Geiranger fjord, Norway

Norway

Norway is one of the best countries to live in for many reasons. You will be surrounded by natural beauty and enjoy the benefits of free health-care. There are plenty of jobs and the government invests heavily in education. It also offers a free college education to all legal residents.

The country ranks among the top country in the world in terms of freedom of expression. It has a low crime rate, especially for a European nation. And its social security system is very secure.

Norwegians are proud of their country. They have a laid-back culture. They don’t talk down to others and take their time to warm up to new people. This translates to a strong sense of community.

Another thing about Norway is its incredibly high life expectancy. Men and women can expect to live 82 and 85 years, respectively, which is much higher than the OECD average.

Moreover, Norwegians take a lot of vacations. A Norwegian on average works 37 hours a week.

Purchasing power is high. It’s not uncommon for a Norwegian to make more money than a US citizen.

In terms of the Human Development Index, Norway has an above-average score. It is calculated by looking at education, crime rates, and life expectancy.

The best part is that it’s not all about money. Norway boasts a free public education system.

Norwegians are also very environmentally conscious. Their water is clean and fresh. Over 60 percent of their lakes and rivers have a very good ecological status.

Norway’s social security system is unique. It provides health care for everyone, including prisoners. However, Norwegians can be a bit slow to get to know you.

Norwegians are known for their generosity and humility. Many Norwegians speak excellent English. Even if you are not fluent, there are plenty of opportunities for you to practice.

While cost of living in Norway is not cheap, it is possible to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. If you are interested in the arts, you can find theaters and concerts to attend. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking, fishing, skiing, and cycling opportunities.

Image of Bern, capital city of Switzerland, during sunrise.

Switzerland

Switzerland is considered one of the best countries to live in by many. The country is well-known for its mountains, lakes, and beautiful cities. There are also several top-ranked universities.

For the fifth year in a row, Switzerland has claimed the top spot as the best country to live in. The US news report cited low unemployment, good salaries, a skilled labor force, and a highly developed service sector as factors behind the high ranking.

Switzerland is also a place where people feel safe. This is one of the most stable and crime-free countries in the world. Also, the Swiss are known for their health care system. The average age of Swiss residents is 84 years.

According to the OECD Better Life Index, Switzerland has a significantly higher gap between the rich and the poor. For instance, the top 20% of the Switzerland population earns five times as much as the bottom 20%.

Another factor is that the majority of Swiss workers are satisfied with the economy. Most are employed, but they do not work more than the legal limit.

The government also provides incentives to successful businesses. The government also cares about the environment and climate goals. It has one of the most comprehensive universal health systems in the world.

However, housing is not cheap. Many apartments are expensive and renting can be difficult. Plus, the Swiss tax system has different rates depending on the region.

Moving to Switzerland requires multiple opinions before you make the right decision. You may want to consider whether a job opportunity will suit your needs.

While Switzerland is a beautiful place to live, you may have a hard time adjusting to the culture.

In addition, you may experience a lack of close friends. Expats report that it can be difficult to meet local people and get to know them. Nevertheless, the Swiss ex-pat community is very positive. They enjoy a high-speed Internet connection at home.

Paris city at sunset view from high up

France

The UK may be the most popular ex-pat destination in the world, but France also holds a strong position. Not only is it one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but it’s also the ideal place to live.

A great way to determine whether France is the best place for you to live is to examine the quality of life there. In this sense, it’s important to compare a country’s quality of life to its economic and social conditions.

Among its many advantages, France offers a well-functioning banking system, a sophisticated transportation network, and world-class health-care. Furthermore, the country is known for its delectable food and wine.

French banks also offer a variety of customized services for business people. Many of them offer cheaper transfer fees to foreigners, which is a real boon for ex-pats.

Although it’s not as rich in culture as some of its neighbors, the French have a knack for embracing newcomers. The south of the country is particularly welcoming to foreign nationalities.

The cost of living in France is not without its drawbacks. For starters, getting around can be expensive, especially in the cities. However, the price tag can be mitigated by taking advantage of cheap accommodations.

In terms of travel, France has a reputation for its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s also home to the Eiffel Tower, which is one of the most iconic structures in the world.

France’s education system ranks among the best in the world. Education is free for everyone, even if you don’t earn a lot.

The French have a unique approach to work-life balance. Rather than living to work, the French work to live. They have a good reputation for preventing discrimination against LGBT+ people.

Some of the most famous landmarks in the country are the Eiffel Tower and the Musée du Louvre. Besides these, there are plenty of local villages and towns to explore. There is also a plethora of high-speed trains to choose from.

France has a strong healthcare system that reimburses seventy percent of all medical expenses. If you’re interested in improving your chances of survival in the future, you’ll be happy to know that life expectancy is higher in France than in most other countries of the world.

Cityscape image of Auckland skyline, New Zealand taken from Mt. Eden at dawn.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful country with a unique culture and atmosphere. It is one of the best place to live in the world. This is because it offers an exciting and relaxing lifestyle and a diverse natural landscape.

New Zealanders are friendly and down-to-earth, and you’ll never feel left out. Most of them will greet you with a smile and a handshake.

A lot of the population is made up of immigrants. Most are people of European descent. However, there are also large numbers of Pacific Islanders and Asians. These groups of people live in remote areas and they often live far from their neighbors. The cost of living is also high, making it hard for jobs to be found.

People who are moving to New Zealand may not have the same amount of access to healthcare as residents. Although the government does provide free accident and emergency treatment, elective procedures may require private health care.

New Zealand has a high standard of care, and its public services are some of the best in the world. They are also frequently praised in international media.

Besides its scenic beauty, New Zealand is also an affordable place to live. For permanent residents, education is free, and healthcare is also state-subsidized.

Another aspect of life in New Zealand that makes it a great place to live in the low crime rate. There is also an abundance of parks and beaches, and New Zealanders are happy to give a helping hand to those in need.

New Zealand is also a great place for families. It is safe, and its population is not overcrowded. Getting on with people is a big part of life, and ex-pats can find a good community in New Zealand.

If you are thinking of relocating to New Zealand, be sure to read more about the culture, and take advantage of the many advantages this lovely country has to offer.