The 10 countries with the best quality of life

• Denmark tops quality of life rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Wharton School.
• The rankings evaluated affordability, job stability, healthcare quality, and individual freedom.
• Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Finland, dominated the top 10.

Many Americans are flocking to Denmark — and they have good reasons for doing so.

Denmark was ranked first for quality of life by U.S. News & World Report in partnership with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Denmark ranked 10th overall for best countries, which was released Tuesday and considered quality of life among 10 factors.

The rankings considered factors such as affordability, job and political stability, healthcare quality, and individual freedom. Scandinavian countries dominated the list, as Sweden, Norway, and Finland made the top 10.

Below are the best countries for quality of life :

10. New Zealand

New Zealand , with a GDP per capita of $54,110, ranked 10th for quality of life — and 9th overall. The country ranked fifth for agility — how a company can adapt to obstacles, adventure, and social purpose.

New Zealand also ranked second for best countries for a comfortable retirement, as it has free or subsidized public healthcare and somewhat lower costs of living compared to the US.

9. Netherlands

The Netherlands , with a GDP per capita of $78,215, ranked 13th overall and 9th for quality of life. The Netherlands was in the top 10 for most business-friendly and social purpose — or most modern, as the report describes it — and it was in the top five for best countries to start a career, best countries for women, and best countries for racial equity.

The Netherlands was also 8th in the retirement rankings due to factors such as quality healthcare and affordability.

8. Australia

Australia , ranking 5th overall, was 8th in the quality of life rankings. With a GDP per capita of $69,115, Australia was in the top 10 for best countries to visit, social purpose, and agility — measuring how adaptable and responsive countries are.

Australia ranked highly for business categories including headquartering a corporation, education, and starting a career. The country was fourth for a comfortable retirement, given universal healthcare and cheaper rents in its largest cities compared to the US.

7. Germany

Germany ranked 7th both overall and for quality of life, with a GDP per capita of $69,338. Germany topped the list for entrepreneurship and placed in the top 10 for power, agility, and cultural influence.

Germany placed highly for business categories including starting a career, headquartering a corporation, influence, and being forward-looking. Germany was outside the top 20 for comfortable retirement.

6. Finland

Finland , which took the 20th spot for best overall countries, was 6th for quality of life, outperforming many of its peers for work-life balance, safety, and environment. Finland ranked 4th for most business-friendly and 6th for most modern.

Finland, which has free healthcare, was 2nd for best countries for green living and 4th for both women and raising kids. It was just outside the top 10 for comfortable retirement. Finland has a GDP per capita of $65,061.

5. Canada

Canada , the world's 4th best country in the overall ranking, was 5th for quality of life. Canada, with a GDP per capita of $61,582, ranked in the top five for agility and social purpose and 6th for entrepreneurship.

Canada ranked in the top 10 for nearly every "best for" list that U.S. News & World Report analyzed, including education, transparency, raising a family, and starting a career. Canada also ranked 6th for a comfortable retirement.

4. Norway

Norway , with a GDP per capita of $104,460 — one of the highest on the list — ranked 4th for quality of life and 11th overall. Denmark was also 4th for social purpose and 5th for business-friendliness. Like many Scandinavian countries, Norway has a high life expectancy, robust infrastructure, and modern cities.

Norway ranked 3rd for raising kids and best countries for women, and it was 5th for green living. However, it was only 16th for a comfortable retirement.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland topped many lists in the new rankings — including best overall country — so it's perhaps unsurprising it ranked so high for quality of life. Switzerland was 2nd for business-friendliness and 4th for entrepreneurship, and it ranked in the top 10 for social purpose and cultural influence.

Switzerland, with a GDP per capita of $92,980, topped three of the "best for" lists: headquartering a corporation, starting a career, and comfortable retirement. The country has ranked above many of its peers for employment and earnings, health status, and housing security. Many retirees have flocked there for its low taxes and top-tier healthcare.

2. Sweden

Sweden , with a GDP per capita of $70,207, has the 2nd best quality of life and ranked 6th overall. Sweden was also 2nd for social purpose and 3rd for business-friendliness, though it did not rank in the top 20 for power or heritage.

Sweden ranked in the top 20 for nearly every "best for" list, including the top spot for best countries for women, green living, and transparency. It also ranked 2nd for raising kids and 3rd for starting a career. It ranked 9th for a comfortable retirement.

1. Denmark

Denmark , the 10th best country overall, topped the quality of life rankings — as well as social purpose. The OECD Better Life Index ranked Denmark as outperforming many of its peers in education, employment, civic engagement, and social connections.

Denmark, with a GDP per capita of $76,688, also topped the lists of best countries for raising kids and racial equality, and it ranked 2ndd for women. Denmark ranked 7th for a comfortable retirement.

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