UN Names Iceland as the Best Country to Live For 2007
If you’re looking for the best country in the world to live, head to Iceland. The UN just came out with its annual best places to shack up list and Iceland finally passed Norway, which had topped the list the previous 6 years. Apparently the salmon tastes better in Iceland these days. But really, when you look at all these people hanging out in those funky natural spring baths, how could you not want to live in Iceland? Look at how happy the girl with cream on her face looks!
Anyways, the UN compiles their annual list with boring statistics that include how much money people make, the cost of their dwellings, air quality and a lack of AIDS, people without clothing and human waste present on the ground.
So this year’s top 5 came out like this:
1)Iceland
2)Norway
3)Australia
4)Canada
5)Ireland
The USA came in 12th, dropping from 8th last year. Although, I think they should categorize Alaska separately from the rest of the USA because after the sea levels rise it will become a whole lot more desirable to live there!
Happy bathing Icelanders from this joint.
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POSTED IN: Global Warming, Living, Travel
88 opinions for UN Names Iceland as the Best Country to Live For 2007
Douglas Karr
Nov 28, 2007 at 2:37 am
I got to visit Iceland a couple years ago and relaxed in the Blue Lagoon, the location of the picture you chose. The icelandic women are beautiful and the people are warm, friendly, and well-educated.
I did, however, meet a newlywed wife from the US who had moved to Iceland. She would disagree vehemently with Iceland being the ‘best country’ to live in. She was chronically depressed with the long nights, cool weather, and having to fly to go anywhere but Reykjavik.
The natives are well-traveled and multi-lingual for a reason!
That said, I’d go back on vacation there in a heartbeat!
The Toronto Traveler
Nov 28, 2007 at 8:49 am
Nice to see that Canada’s still in the top 5, although really we used to dominate the top of that list more than Jagr used to dominate the Art Ross race!
Alex
Nov 29, 2007 at 12:17 am
Douglas Karr-Thanks for sharing your story and good to know the name of that big outdoor steam bath! Yeah, ‘best country to live’ is very subjective. I can imagine someone being depressed about actually living in Iceland. My wife and I are moving to Amsterdam beginning of March and being that we live in Florida now, I am slightly concerned about the cold and the long winter nights (albeit not as long as Icelands)! I’ve always thought Iceland to be an interesting place so hopefully from A’dam we can pop over there at some point and check the country out for ourselves.
Toronto Traveler-Yup, you guys still have only 3 countries to look up at. But watch out for Ireland next year, that Celtic Tiger wants a piece of the action!
Former resident of Ontario
Nov 29, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I think I need to consider moving back to Canada. Way to go Canada!
denva
Nov 30, 2007 at 3:06 am
Go Australia- the only country with warm weather year round and world-reknowned beaches!
OZZIE OZZIE OZZIE OI OI OI
exCanuck
Nov 30, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Canada in 5th? www notcanada com
it should be out of the top ten
Alex
Dec 1, 2007 at 12:13 am
Denva-Never fails to get an Aussie to do that chant! My wife is Australian and I lived in Melbourne for a year. Great city but the winters are chilly! But yeah, most of your country is hot.
Former Resident of Ontario-Where do you live now? Not top 5 worthy I take it?
exCanuck-I just checked out notcanada.com. I like the “Arrive in Canada, and you may be killed” part. It even has that YouTube clip of that crazy Polish guy who got tazed. I wonder what “Don’t taze me bro!” is in polish?
The Toronto Traveler
Dec 1, 2007 at 2:40 am
Just out of curiosity exCanuck, which 10 countries in your mind would deserve to be ahead of Canada on the list (or more than 10 if you feel that way), considering specifically the eight grievances that your website has against Canada?
Former resident of Ontario
Dec 1, 2007 at 5:38 pm
I’m in the U.S. I’m not saying it’s a bad country here, just in my opinion that Canada has the edge.
Alex
Dec 1, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Justin-That sight is funny huh? What an incredible load of propaganda! If that Polish guy did that in the US he would have been tazed WAY sooner. He was roaming around and throwing chairs before they zapped him!! And he died because of a heart condition-that could have happened to “don’t taze me bro” if he had the same condition.
FRO-I love when right wingers talk about Canadians wanting the American dream. Sure, some Canadians move here just like some Americans move to other countries. But Canadians aren’t exactly flooding through Montana!! hehe
The Toronto Traveler
Dec 2, 2007 at 6:27 am
Yes, the website does seem to imply that tazings are a normal occurrence in Canada eh?
natalja
Dec 3, 2007 at 7:44 am
actually i am in Iceland right now,it,s my second day here. but already i miss my London. it,s nothing to do in Iceland, really. one day it,s enough to be here.
Alex
Dec 3, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Toronto Traveler-Yup, gotta love the spin!
Natalja-There’s always drinking, that will kill time. Have you hit up the Blue Lagoon yet? That looks like something I could do multiple times and would be a great remedy for a hangover. That itinerary can easily eat up 3-5 days :)
Alpie
Dec 3, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Since when “misery” means “best”? This list is a joke, only Australia deserves its places despite very expensive lifestyle given high house prices, high taxes, late retirement age (65). If you don’t have good climate, good & cheap food, affordable quality housing, access to affordable quality healthcare then you’re missing the basic needs of a human.
Turkey is my #1, very affordable and quality housing, excellent climate, beautiful nature, quality food, retirement at 50 yo, and low taxes. Healthcare is far better than many European countries which rely on Indian doctors and arm-ripper hospital bills. By the way I have lived as an expat in all continents except South America and the poles, I know how life is in those so called “best” places. Lock yourself in between the walls and roof, work work work until 65, pay 70% income-sales-council-etc taxes, and get free medicine & healthcare in return, so you can work longer.
Alex
Dec 4, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Alpie-Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve visited Turkey but never lived there. They have great street food in Istanbul! I enjoyed the kabobs and even ate a whole fish at a little stand. Cleanliness though-a bit suspect.
Yeah, Scandinavians sure do leave their countries a lot for people who have such a high standard of living. You always meet them loafing about on Greek beaches and complaining about how cold their country is.
Alexandra
Dec 4, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Wow you people don’t know anything about Iceland.
It’s not the coldest place in the world, you talk about it like it’s Antartica. In the winter it’s extremely cold sometimes, but that doesn’t mean the summer can’t be hot. Really, I got sunburnt in the summer, that’s something you won’t expect to hear about this country.
And ‘natalja’ you have nothing to do? That’s extremely awkward.. I’ve been living here for 5-6 years and I still have two third’s of the country left to explore! Don’t forget the nightlife here, it’s amazing. Just get out there and look for something to do, don’t sit around moping.
Alpie
Dec 4, 2007 at 10:16 pm
Personally I don’t like Istanbul. It is a massive chaos. I live in a mid sized town by the Aegean coast. Cleanliness, I agree with you. Considering we only pay 25 Euros annual council tax, which is about 1/100th of what I used to pay in the UK, I can’t complain too much about the dirt. Every country has its own flavours. With the world going global, I worked in almost every continent, and now here 1/5th of my neighbours being from North Europe but living here permanently as they chose to retire in their 40s, I guess everybody has plenty of options to chose. When I get bored of sailing, maybe I will move back to Sydney’s surf beaches… :-)
Alex
Dec 5, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Alexandra-Thanks for sharing. Is booze expensive in Iceland? I was in Sweden 7 years ago when the US dollar was strong and found it super expensive to drink out. Beers were easy $6 out at regular pubs in Stockholm!! That means they would be easy $10 now!! And yeah that’s not club prices.
Alpie-Thanks for replying back. Now, I take it you made all your money in Aus and the UK and now have retired in Turkey? That’s different to what that list is talking about because it assumes you are earning your wages in that country as well. Having Earned British pounds, I’m sure living on the Aegean coast of Turkey is absolute paradise for you!! But what about cost of living, health, etc. for regular Turks?
Alpie
Dec 5, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Alex-I worked in Istanbul and Izmir about 11 years, then I wanted to see other parts of the world and worked in Australia, UK, US, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Namibia over the last 10 years. UK was an interesting experience, earning 3000 pounds a month, paying 1000 rent, 1100 pounds to childcare… I can’t really say I made money in UK, but working in the African desert and frozen Siberian steppes was worth the suffering. As the places get nicer, the wages get lower. I guess it is a supply and demand thing. As for the regular Turks.. Honestly my coleagues in Istanbul have more to spend than in Australia and Singapore. My sister is a teacher and my brother is a mechanical engineer, they are both retired before they reached 50 yo (they always lived in Turkey), and they are doing well. I consider them regular people. Turkey is like one government, 3 countries, 20 different cultures. If you work hard you can be in the top 20, if you get stuck in 2000 year old traditions then you will be the bottom 20. In more developed economies you will see a big middle class and small top & bottom classes, in Turkey it is evenly distributed. Aegean coast is my dream place as I am born here, spent more time at the beaches than in between the walls, and I appreciate it.
Alpie
Dec 5, 2007 at 6:01 pm
By the way.. healthcare and education is free here… ;-)
Alex
Dec 6, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Alpie-Very interesting story, thanks for sharing! I spent 2 weeks in Turkey about 5 years ago. I was in Istanbul a week and did a week long bus tour that took me all over the western half of Turkey. We went through Izmir but only to go to Pamakale which was gorgeous. Cappadocia was beautiful as well. Then we went through Ankara but only to see Ataturk’s Masoleum on our way back to Istanbul. But it was awesome as it was May 19th and the Ankara buildings were covered with huge Ataturk flags. Amazing site! So I know nothing about living in Turkey but it’s a beautiful country to visit.
I have family in Greece and trained it from Athens to Istanbul (man that was trek!). A Greek uncle of mine who is semi-retired loves vacationing in Turkey, he’s gone every year for the past couple years.
Another Greek uncle of mine who was a truck driver retired at 55 and owns 2 homes now-1 of them is stunning. Things are more family oriented there which helps with what your talking about I think.
Alpie
Dec 7, 2007 at 12:05 am
I like to visit North part of Greece as well. My Father’s parents were Muslim Greeks from the Macedonia state who migrated to Turkey after WWI. Probably a trip from here going through the Northern Part of Greece, visiting my grand’s village, then to Croatia, mediterranean coast until Rome would be a dream thing. I agree family ties usually makes life easier, in small towns the whole village/neighbourhood can become the large family. Individualism is not promoted here, because of that we usually say “we have done it” even if only person has done the job :-) Cheers!
Alex
Dec 8, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Alpie-It’s funny, when I was in Turkey people thought I was Turkish. It was awesome, in Istanbul all the foreigners were getting nagged to buy stuff and everyone left me alone because they seriously thought I was a local. I wasn’t in a group and wore regular clothes and didn’t talk so that’s why. In hostels, etc. Turks asked me if I was Turkish. I totally wasn’t expecting to get that but it makes total sense given the history.
Anyways, cheers to you too! :)
yep
Dec 10, 2007 at 5:08 pm
isn’t iceland like mostly white people? it wouldn’t be that great to move there then, if you weren’t white; it’d be kind of awkward.
Alex
Dec 10, 2007 at 5:54 pm
yep-Yeah it could be or it could totally fantastic! Since they are SO predominantly white Scandinavian chicks really dig Mediterranean/Latin/darker dudes. I’m of Greek and Italian blood and can speak from firsthand experience here!
Frank
Dec 24, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Well I was born in Scotland but I lived most of my life in Canada. I have visited a few other countries but as a Canadian I’m always glad to be home. One thing I can honestly say is I’d much rather live in Canada than the U.S. Merry Christmas Everyone
bhaktapurgirl
Dec 26, 2007 at 10:55 am
what about nepal?
it s also peace and natural beauty
bhaktapurgirl
Alex
Dec 26, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Frank-You guys get “Boxing Day” in Canada so that’s definitely worth a point over the US right there.
bhaktapurgirl-Nepal, hmm…Haven’t been there yet but I imagine the whole military ruling the country thing subtracts points on this list.
DHM
Dec 28, 2007 at 10:00 am
Obviously, bhaktapur Nepal is not the good place to live. In nepal, good place to live is pokhara or illam. But Guys i think finland is the best place to live if you do not consider long darkness and cold. But I also think canada is good placce to live. just considering Language and lifestyle.
Alex
Dec 29, 2007 at 12:13 am
DHM-That’s the first vote for Finland on here but certainly less surprising than some of the others. All the Scandavian countries have a high quality of life, except of course that whole winter thing.
But better to live in a cold place with a high quality of life than a cold place with a crummy one.
Alpie
Dec 29, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Fundamental question: What makes our lives good quality?
Of course it is not the same for all. My top 10 list:
- Quality & affordable housing & transport
- Quality & affordable food
- Quality & affordable healthcare
- Good & clean weather
- Low crime rates, no gang culture, no drugs, no smoking, no alcohol addicts in the society
- Easy access to nature & country lifestyle & holidays
- Quality & affordable education, from childcare to university
- Low Taxes
- Strong family ties & sincere friendly culture in the society
- Access to affordable social activities
In short, affordability is very important. If the things are not affordable then I have to work too much and I won’t have time to enjoy life, unless I am a workaholic.
Happy new year to all!
Frank
Dec 29, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Only thing bad about Canada is that we are too close to the U.S. Anyway we can fix that. ha ha.
Alex
Dec 30, 2007 at 1:35 am
Alpie-If all those things are true (I know some are) than why won’t the EU allow Turkey to be a part of it? Turkey badly wants to be a part but they’ve been denied because of humanitarian reasons. When I was in Turkey I noticed a heavy police presence in Istanbul and an educated Turkish girl I hung out with complained about the inappropriate manner in which they conducted themselves. Anyways, Happy New Year to you too.
Frank-It’s not a bad thing that Canada is so close to the US. At least you don’t have to worry about Russia invading you ;)
Alpie
Dec 30, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Hi Alex, I didn’t say Turkey has all of those good stuff in my list, but this is my wish list. We all know that Greece also had/has humanitarian issues with their minorities http://www.greekhelsinki.gr/english/reports/ghm-22-9-1999-stateless.html and Greece supported Kurdish terrorists against Turkey by providing shelter and training them http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/280622.stm while they were an EU member. Being an EU member is not the ultimate thing, but it is good to have. Turkey will not be part of EU mainly because of cultural & religious differences. Turkish economy is not a main concern as I know it is dynamic, resourceful and stronger than many other EU countries. Hopefully the gap between the Turkish poor and rich, Turkish intellectuals and the poorly educated will be closed. I hope it won’t become an unaffordable place after she becomes richer. Police is there for public safety. And nobody around me got into trouble yet with anybody, and I don’t see any problem with having a safe city. I think UK has heavier police presence even in small towns. Istanbul is a mega city with 16 million population, we should be happy to have enough police around :-)
Happy new year again.
Cheers!
-Alp
Frank
Dec 31, 2007 at 10:52 pm
now i’m sure living in Belfast wouldn’t be that great, lol but the rest of Ireland is amazing
Alex
Dec 31, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Alpie-Sorry I misunderstood what you said. You’re right, it’s complicated as far as stability/safety and police presence. The US has the most people in prison in the world (granted we are over 300 million but China is 1.3 billion).
As for things between Greece and Turkey you know it goes both ways there. Turkey instigated the civil war in Cyprus in the 70’s. There was also the ethnic cleansing of Armenians that Turkey denies plus atrocities against the ethnic Kurds. I only bring that up because of the link you provided there.
But yeah Greece has issues with the large Albanian minority. A lot of Greeks are racist towards Albanians but they come to Greece seeking a better life and some commit crimes and make the rest look bad. Again, goes both ways there too.
Anyways, cheers to you too Alp.
Frank-Last I heard Belfast settled down some but yeah, probably still not a good place to be in the wrong pub, hehe
Alpie
Jan 1, 2008 at 2:03 am
Original recording of Archbishop Makarios’ speech to United Nations Security Council after the 1974 military coup in Greece is available here http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/history/republic/makarios1.wav
His own words: the Greek junta has extended its dictatorship to Cyprus. It is indeed a fact that for some time now their intention was becoming obvious. The people of Cyprus had for a long time feeling that a coup by the Greek junta was brewing, and this feeling became more intense during the recent weeks when the terrorist organisation ‘EOKA B’, directed from Athens, had renewed its wave of violence.
Greek junta and Greek terrorist organisation EOKA-B messed up the situation in Cyprus, and Turkey used its rights as the guarantor of Turkish minority by securing the north part of island.
The area claimed by Armenians are full of Kurdish minority in Turkey. Turks do not live there, whatever has happened between the Kurdish and Armenians happened 38 years before the establisment of Turkey. If Turkey cleaned Armenians and opressed Kurds now we should have Turks living in those regions. But that’s not the case. Armenia currently illegally occupies the Karabagh region of Azerbaijan after the Hodjali massacre of 1995. This is a well known recent history, but nobody says anything about it. Guess why? I am reminding you the ethnic cleansing of Muslim Bosnians in Yugoslavia by the Serbs only 20 years ago in the middle of so called civilised Europe while the Europeans were just watching it…
History should be investigated using the right resources. Western history is perhaps the most shameful of all, and I don’t want to bore anybody about the fate of indigenious population in America, Australia, Oceania, parts of Africa and parts of Asia as it is not relevant to the current discussion.
I favor nation states. I favor atheism. I favor early retirement and Mediterranean sea ;-)
Alex
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:15 am
Alpie-We can go back and forth on this but there’s no point. I usually try not too get too serious with political/social discussions on this site these days. I do in response to others but I prefer not to. Plus we’ve gone way off topic here!
Alpie
Jan 3, 2008 at 8:17 am
Agreed. Peace…
Where in the World is the best place to live? - Page 2 - Alfa Romeo Forum
Jan 11, 2008 at 12:41 pm
[…] Re: Where in the World is the best place to live? I’ve just been pointed to the site below, who would have thought about Iceland! UN Names Iceland as the Best Country to Live For 2007 […]
Traction | Blog
Jan 14, 2008 at 9:39 pm
[…] Best and Worst Countries to Live in 2007 – UN report […]
What
Jan 16, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Wow, a lot of America bashing here. Canada, laugh, step out from under Lady Liberty’s skirt. America is generous to a fault, and continue to support and provide aid to undeserving nations at a rate of over double the second place nation of Japan. Most of the countries represented in these posts arn’t even on the top 20 list. Selfish nations. The word Jealous comes to mind.
Alex
Jan 16, 2008 at 8:09 pm
What-The US military budget is way too high and we don’t spend enough on education, healthcare, etc. Thus the US comes in 12th with the criteria the UN sets.
You are more likely to die in your bathtub than by a terrorist so the US gov’t needs to cut this crap out. Plus, what about our own terrorists here who shoot up malls and schools? How exactly do we combat that?
Alex
Jan 16, 2008 at 8:46 pm
What-I just remembered, what the US “gives” monetarily is actually about 25th in the world per capita. You can’t compare hard dollar amounts when we are 300 million people and Norway is just 4 million. Iceland is even smaller. I don’t know where these countries rank on that list but we are in fact on the lower end giving wise as far as developed nations.
fred
Jan 17, 2008 at 2:06 am
Hi Alex,
I remember reading about Iceland quite a bit when the UN named it number one. Now I love my country the USA, but when I was reading the comments and saw the list compiled by Alpie on December 29th it gave me pause to think about this further.
I have been to Brazil, Mexico, The Far East, Columbia, Canada, all over The Carribean, England, France, Italy, Denmark, and Sweeden.
Honestly the people and the way of life in Denmark and Sweeden are so incredible. My readings of Iceland reminds me somewhat of Denmark and Sweeden.
Further my Father who traveled the entire world always praised Norway as his favorite place.
At this point in my life, I wouldn’t mind a change of pace. However, I crave warm climates. Unfortunately, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweeden won’t provide that to me as often as I desire.
As much as I love the USA, people really need to explore the world. There is a lot of bad places out there, but also some incredible countries out there with such wonderful people. I think everyone needs an open mind.
What
Jan 17, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Alex, did you say “we” and “our”. You are confused and talking like you belong here? LOL
Alex
Jan 18, 2008 at 2:30 am
Hey Fred, thanks for the comment on here. Yeah that was a good list that Alpie brought up on Dec. 29th. That’s great that you’ve traveled extensively, you can almost always tell the difference between those who have and those who haven’t.
I’ve been to Sweden too and thought it was fantastic-aside from how expensive it was and how cold it was. I can’t wait for the move to Amsterdam, it’s going to be nice going in March when the weather will start getting better and then having time to adjust to the city before winter rolls around the next year. I can’t see my wife and I settling down there for good but it should be a great experience for a couple years. But yeah, being that I’ve lived in Florida most of my life I will miss the nice winters we have here. Where are you from Fred?
Amsterdam is going to be such a great hub for traveling Europe. I’ve seen a lot of the continent already but there’s so much more to see. Norway is way up there on my list. Of the countries I’ve been to, overall my favorite is probably Switzerland.
“What”-Yeah, I’m talking like I belong here because I do belong here. I’m a US Citizen who has lived in the USA for 90% of his life. My mother was born here and my entire mothers side has spent generations in the USA. I happened to be born in Canada because my father had a business there, thus I have Canadian citizenship too. And my father was born in Greece so by birthright I have Greek (and thus EU) citizenship also. I hold 3 active passports but being that I’ve lived here most of my life I consider myself and call myself AMERICAN and I care deeply about the country I was raised in.
But hey, I guess anybody who has any type of critique on the USA doesn’t really belong here huh? “what”ever
Kari
Jan 27, 2008 at 1:56 pm
So Iceland surpassed Norway this year? Well, I guess that’s ok. Norway won two or three years in a row. I love Iceland. It’s beautiful. It kind of surprises me that Sweden is not in the top 5 though.
Alex
Jan 28, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Kari-Yeah that surprises me too. But it also surprises me that Switzerland isn’t in the top 5 either.
I lived in #3 Australia for a year and I think I’d rather live in Switzerland.
jake
Mar 3, 2008 at 4:09 pm
why isnt FINLAND included ??? there is much better to live than ireland, australia and canada… ireland have that religion problem, in australia many peoples die in the wild… and in canada some peoples lives in the streets and in nordic countries every thing is allright. and lot of other reasons… top five should be
1. sweden
2. iceland
3. norway
4. finland
5. danmark I AM SERIOUS
shafi
Mar 3, 2008 at 9:35 pm
What about Argentina as as the best place to live ? Can anybody put some light ?
Alex
Mar 4, 2008 at 5:40 pm
jake-”in australia many peoples die in the wild.” Awesome!!
shafi-don’t know much about Argentina. My sis has been there and said they have good steak.
jake
Mar 4, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Reader’s Digest study claims that Finland is the best place to live.
So, what makes Finland so special? Among other things, the Scandinavian country boasts great air and water quality, low rates of infant diseases, and protection from water pollution and natural disasters. Although it wasn’t mentioned in the article, universal health care is always important to me, and Finland, like all Scandinavian countries, takes care of its citizens’ health.
and there is a lot lott of other reasons if you want to hear more…
Alex
Mar 6, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Jake-What about the herring? Does good herring play a critical role?
I just moved to the Netherlands, pretty decent herring here…
jake
Mar 10, 2008 at 3:02 pm
hey alex, how many countries you”ve been ? it sounds like you”ve been in everywhere. you have been in turkey something about 11 years ? i think you are liar or do you speak turkey also ???
where are you now ? is it netherlands,australia or maybe canada :) have you been in russia ? that is worst place to live in europe i think. all russians wants to come in finland because of high Quality… and rich russians comes in here at summers because of our nature and lakes.
Alex
Mar 11, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I’ve been to 29 countries Jake. No I never said I lived in Turkey, that was Alfie. I’ve been there though.
I was born in Canada to an American mom, raised in the US and my Dad is Greek. Thus I have all 3 of those citizenships-Canadian, US and Greece. And by having EU citizenship (as you know as a fellow Euro) I can live and work anywhere in the EU. And so my wife and I just moved to Amsterdam. Oh yeah, and my wife is Australian so I can get Aussie PR but it’s not useful to me right now. When I lived there I just went on a 1 year working holiday visa.
And nope, never been in Russia.
jake
Mar 12, 2008 at 4:28 pm
so you are canadian, right ??? that is good place, but i”ve never been there… canada is almost same like finland at weather and culture little bit.
did you know there is many peoples who have finnish blood in canada, most of them lives in michigan US and minnesota areas,mostly lives in north side of lakes in canada.
canada and finland are the best hockey countries ;)
Alex
Mar 14, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Jake-I didn’t know that but it’s not surprising. I know people from cold climate like to move to cold places. God knows why. I’d heard there are a lot of Swedes in Minnesota though.
As for the hockey, yes, you guys are awfully impressive, especially considering the size of your population.
As for the Canadian thing, no I consider myself American since I lived there most of my life.
Cath T
Mar 15, 2008 at 8:18 am
Yep, Australians are always dying in the wild.
Being fatally chomped by sharks or crocodiles, bitten by deadly spiders or snakes. It’s a wonder we live to adulthood.
How ridiculous. Australians are more likely to die from heart attacks, cancer or car accidents same as anyone else in the world.
Australia is mostly always sunny and warm (even the winters are mild compared to the rest of the world) and the beer is cold.
Iceland and Norway are probably very nice places to live but give me sunshine, warmth and real beaches (and I live in Tasmania, Australia’s coldest state) over geothermal lakes.
jake
Mar 15, 2008 at 1:43 pm
hey, by the way alex did you know that george bush have swedish or finnish bloodline ??? Måns Andersson went to america 1639 from Göteborg ship called Kalmar nyckel.andersson with hes family moved to delaware, new sweden. there was also area called finland, he lived in there.
LilyAnne
Mar 16, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Switzerland is the best place to live. Been to some different places but this coutry makes me settled. Aside from I love chocolates and cheese, the crime rate here is low, people speaks multilanguages, transportations are accessible, people say “hello” to stranger and loves nature, mountains. They are not fat because they love walking, children-friendly, all have insurances that people are worry less. Clean air, water and streets. Low tax, many jobs and honest people. I love the transformation of season. What I love most is when you buy something like appliances they will send you bill after two months, hahaha!
Alex
Mar 17, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Cath T-Indeed, it’s amazing how I managed to live a year in the Aussie wild of St. Kilda Rd. in Melbourne!! ;)
Jake-Seriously? I remember reading something about the Bush’s bloodline but don’t remember it being Swedish or Finnish. Maybe there’s a dash though.
LilyAnne-Yeah Switzerland is very tranquil. I’d like to live there one day! Friendly children? Sign me up!
jake
Mar 18, 2008 at 1:31 pm
i agree with lilyanne switzerland is good place also maybe best country in middle-europe i think…i”d like to see top 10 countries, always they shows top 5 only.
Tillu
Mar 24, 2008 at 2:15 am
Hey guys, whaddya think of India as a great country to live! low cost of living, friendly people , great weather( though a little too warm for a couple of months in the summertime), efficient and very reliable healthcare system with the most competent doctors in the world and great natural resorts and beaches across the country….of late the country is offering great salaries and a very high standard of living….
LilyAnne
Mar 25, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Last year Zürich and Geneva voted as best cities to live by Mercel.
See Article:
http://www.citymayors.com/features/quality_survey.html
The world’s best cities
are still in Switzerland
A report by Mercer Consulting
3 April 2007: Zurich and Geneva are the best cities in the world as far as quality of live is concerned, says Mercer Consulting in a survey published in April 2007. Vancouver (Canada) is placed third, followed by Vienna (Austria), Auckland (New Zealand), Düsseldorf (Germany) and Frankfurt (Germany). Paris, London and Madrid are in the lower half of the top-50 table. Overall, Baghdad is not surprisingly the lowest ranking city in the survey.
jake
Mar 27, 2008 at 1:59 pm
im surprissed that oslo,stockholm and helsinki are not top10 or helsinki not even top20. and whaddaya india is not even close to be a wellfare country if you ask me.
by the way tillu are you finnish ???
Alex
Mar 27, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Lilyanne-Thanks for posting that list! We have an interesting little discussion going now. Some of those cities aren’t that surprising but some definitely are. I will say, the criteria they used for the rankings seems very comprehensive.
My wife and I just moved from Florida to Amsterdam just over 3 weeks ago and I noticed Amsterdam ranks 13th on that list. I lived in Melbourne, Australia for a year which ranks 17th. That’s pretty close and I can see why, both are great cities. I love all the bike paths here in Amsterdam, it’s fantastic! Sure the city is a little seedy but I love all the freedoms here. This is the freest place in the world.
Jake-Yeah I’m surprised too that those Scandinavian cities don’t rank higher. I’ve only visited Stockholm but that seemed like an outstanding city.
Tillu-I think India has a little ways to go bud. They can start by cleaning up all the garbage and feces in the streets and cutting their population in half.
jake
Mar 31, 2008 at 12:37 pm
okay is there anybody who lives in island(iceland)? id like to know what kind of place it is. i quess its good country only because of low population and beautiful nature and its also wellfare state.
but what about volcanos and lava ? yes i agree its good place but is there anyone who will live there ? i mean every country could be nice for tourists…
Viktor
Apr 9, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Hi Jake! I come from iceland and I have lived there for most of my life but currently I live in sweden and honestly the difference between the 2 are not that big living wise. I find norway to be the most similar to iceland. Iceland has alot to offer besides our tourist/nature attractions. We have great night life, cinemas, theaters resturants, sports, skiing, snowboard, snowmobiles etc etc etc .
And ofcourse the tourist stuff like seeing the volcanos, our beautiful nature and awesome hot springs. To live in iceland is quite nice and living in Reykjavik is great, the only downfall of living in reykjavik to my knowledge is the night time during winter. They are long and for some they feel absolutly terrible but I am raised on the island and there for I think I am used to it. The winters in reykjavik are mild and pretty much exactly like stockholm/oslo winters, and the summers in iceland are great, during mid july when our warmest month is you can expirience 15-25°Celsius with strong sun :) hope this gives you some insight on iceland.
jake
Apr 10, 2008 at 5:19 pm
well im surprissed viktor. there is almost warmer than here finland. how many months is your summer ??? but there is one thing what i forgot to say…
is there any places what you can actually call city except reykjavik of course. whats about seydisfjördur and isafjördur ??? are they so good as reykjavik ?
Alex
Apr 10, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Viktor, nice to hear from someone from Iceland. I stumbled on an interesting link today about average taxes and was surprised that Iceland was low on the list for a country that provides great services to its people http://www.oecd.org/document/17/0,2340,en_2649_34897_38148433_1_1_1_1,00.html#Table_O_1
For single people the average tax paid in Iceland is around 28%, compared to 37% in Norway, 41% in Denmark, 44% in Finland and 47% in Sweden. Man those Swedes tax!
So the tax rate in Iceland compared to other Scandinavian countries seems to set it apart.
dot
Apr 11, 2008 at 8:11 am
“in australia many peoples die in the wild”
i live in australia and infact hardly anyone die in the “wild”. Have you ever heard of zoos. Where they keep animals locked up ??
And anyway, what do you mean when you say “the wild”, do you mean the deserts?? well hardly anyone dies there cuz hardly anyone goes there!
Australia have cities with large buildings and expensive brand shops too, you know.
and it also pisses me off when people ask “do you have a pet kangaroo?” and “do you ride them to school?” !!
seriously, were not that cruel. Kangaroos are only in zoos and the deserts. Just to make that clear for everyone!
Alex
Apr 13, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Dot-Thanks for the comment and I feel ya. Some of the Aussie stereotypes are pretty far fetched and ridiculous.
However, I lived in Melbourne and while there were no kangaroos in the city, you didn’t have to go that far to see them. I played golf in the town of Gisbon (less than an hour from Melbourne) and the back 9 was loaded with Roos! In fact, we had to walk right by 3 of them on the 11th hole and had to tee off right over their heads! (Maybe 30 feet away) We were all a little nervous because their big and they didn’t move, lucky we didn’t hit them. Later on I just missed hitting one in the head with a fairway shot that went errantly left (I was aiming right to avoid the big group of kangaroos).
Also, while I didn’t go to Canberra, my wife who is Aussie tells me that in that city, some Roos venture into the city in the morning and occasionally you can see one in front of the parliament building.
Also, you can buy kangaroo steaks at the grocery store. Tastes a bit like venison, pretty gamy but also very tender. My wife had never eaten it before I came along-most Aussies don’t eat that so it’s not like you can buy it everywhere year round, but it’s around.
Sorry, I know this doesn’t help the far fetched questions! ;)
Brendan Walsh
May 2, 2008 at 2:16 pm
JAKE - I know you made this comment back in March but I only just saw it.
Ireland DOES NOT have a religion problem. Northern Ireland is probably what you are talking about (whilst that is getting a lot better) Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. The term Ireland (which is used in this survey) refers to the Republic of Ireland which has not had an issue with religion in decades.
I live in Dublin and would not want to live anywhere else. And exactly as all these surveys seem to be basing it on - due to family and community, culture, the people, average wage, fabulous outlook on life, freedom of speech, gay rights (important to me as I am gay). Considering this country only lifted the whole homosexuality from being illegal in 1993 I think we have come leaps and bounds. The Catholic Church once had a strong hold on this country which it does not any more. This was probably due to the result of our independence from the United Kingdom and British rule (which was not very pro Catholic - which meant Irish to them), so the church took hold once the government was set up.
Anyway I love Ireland, but I’m bias cos I’m a Paddy and proud. But if I wasn’t Irish I’d love it too.
Alex
May 3, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Brendan- Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. Haven’t been to Ireland yet but it’s on the itinerary for my wife and I in the next year. My wife has a friend moving to Dublin and we live in Amsterdam now, so definitely can’t pass that up!
Hopefully we’ll get out into the country side too and see some of those beautiful rolling hills.
Sam
May 31, 2008 at 2:57 am
I am having trouble posting on this forum
Sam
May 31, 2008 at 3:02 am
I am kind of like Alex. I have the Greek Nationality and an Australian Nationality.
I was living in Paris for 3 years and just came back to Australia about 3 months ago…
As much as Paris is a beautiful City the standard of living is higher here in Melbourne…..
I also went to South American and Miami….I visited nearly many countries in Europe, Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK……but I have never been to the Scandinavian countries though. They must be difficult to live in….Way cold in Winter with not much sunlight…..
I can imagine that the people are very nice and the everything is indoors…..
Alex
Jun 3, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hey Sam, thanks for commenting and sorry about any technical difficulties.
Yeah Melbourne is such a great city but probably its biggest downside is that its so far from most places. Australia is a decent sized country population wise but for its size not really.
That said I could perhaps see myself wanting to move back there, I love the weather and love all the sports (among other things). But my wife says its too isolated for her now that we live in Europe.
We live in Amsterdam now and while it’s beautiful here now that the weather is good, I don’t how many winters I can put up with. Amsterdam isn’t as cold as Scandinavia but it’s not as warm as Melbourne (I spent 1 winter in Melbourne and actually felt it was too cold for me because I grew up in Florida, ha! :)). After the Netherlands it would be cake!
Sam
Jun 14, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Hay Alex, Sorry for the late reply…I just checked my spam filter and your reply message was there….
Yeah, it’s true that although the weather is good and the way of life is really relaxed down here in Melbourne….I still find that it is a little to isolated…That’s why I moved to Europe…I loved it in Europe for the 3 years that I lived there….and I will definetely be going back….
You grew up in Florida??? I was in Miami about 6 months ago…it was so cool over there…the thing that I loved the most was the weather and south beach…
I actually don’t have my greek passport yet but I have my Pistopitiko, so I am registered in Greece…I am just waiting for my Army Exception Form to return back from Greece, I can then apply for the Greek Passport…The process takes so long!!!! How long did it take you?
Alex
Jun 15, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hey Sam, lol, yes I’m sure you’ve become very frustrated with the whole Greek passport process.
I had a hard time getting my citizenship papers because my situation was tricky. Then I waited some time before applying for the passport. And yes I too needed the military exemption. Had to show that I lived in the US for at least the last 10 years. Yes it takes months and months all up!!
And yup, I grew up in Orlando. I love spring in Florida but I do not miss summers there at all. Just way too hot.
Yeah south beach is cool, Miami is totally different to Orlando, Orlando is very family oriented and conservative. Miami: not so much! hehe
Alex
Jun 15, 2008 at 3:05 pm
BTW-what’s everyones take on Euro Cup so far?
BOO
Jul 9, 2008 at 11:17 am
how about Afghanistan? i think it should be at least 3rd, and Iraq maybe 2nd. Amazing people, and very amusing. Like when they put bombs in their cattle and donkeys, cut the tenants in their donkey’s heels so it cant’ move then blow up. the excessive flys, and shit and garbage everywhere. selfish greedy bazaars. lived at Afghanistan for about a year, talk about some great skiing in those mountains in the winter WOOOO. and tubing down shit river. yummy.
TN
Jul 10, 2008 at 1:40 pm
The Euro Cup was awesome but the final game wasn’t extremely exciting; granted, Torres’ goal was pretty amazing.
Alex, what kind of job(s) lets you live everywhere?
I recently traveled to Norway and Denmark in February. I absolutely fell in love with Norway and I was actually in Tromso, above the artic circle. It isn’t as cold as people think (quite comparable to winters here in the DC area) because of the stream currents. It is much colder in the center of the mainland. The people are incredibly helpful and friendly. Unfortunately, it is very expensive for the US dollar.
Alexandra
Jul 10, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Alex- I don’t really know anything about booze. I think I’m quite young to start drinking, so I have no idea. Sorry.
The volcano’s are no danger at all. The only volcano that’s close to where I live is Keila, but it’s not expected to starting working again. At least not anytime soon. Well, I agree that good weather and nice, hot beaches are lovely. Most warm countries I’ve been to only have beaches and shopping malls, really. There’s more than two things to do here. :)
Alex
Jul 10, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Boo-Random explosions and malnutrition equals negative points.
TN-It’s my citizenships more than career that allow me to live lots of places. Canadian citizenship allowed me a 1 year working holiday visa for Australia and Greek (EU) citizenship enables me to live in the Netherlands. Then there’s my US citizenship which is where I’ve lived more years than anyplace else.
My wife and I just got back from a week’s vacation to Sweden and Denmark. Beautiful countries but yes damn expensive with US money, or euros for that matter!
Here’s a little post if anyone is interested: http://www.sirened.com/a-wonderful-summer-vacation-in-sweden-and-denmark
Alexandra-Yes, I hear the booze is pricey in Iceland too. In Sweden and Denmark it’s not that uncommon that you’ll pay around $10 for a beer! At least in Denmark it’s legal to drink in the street, not in Sweden and apparently not in any of the other Nordic countries.
And TN, I haven’t been to Norway but I know that it’s shockingly even more expensive that Sweden and Denmark!
mike
Aug 14, 2008 at 9:21 am
Hi All, I am british and lived in south africa for a year, it was fantastic! have any of you guys been there before and what do you think???
ROBERT C. BEALS
Aug 24, 2008 at 8:23 pm
when i think of an evil empire and crouption i think with out a dout USA can’t wait to get out of this god forsaken place
HereToday
Sep 12, 2008 at 12:42 am
Hey all!
Just a note to above post…Norway was actually voted best country to live in the past 6 years :o)
Now that said, I am an American living in Norway. Yep, big differences, but also very good ones. I had fears of my children growing up in the states and thank the lord I do not have them here in Norway. Not to say all is better, but alot of things are. The winters are not as different as Minnesota, Wyoming or even Canada. The upside to the short days in winter are the long, beautiful days in summer. It’s perfect weather with no humidity or smog :o)
Indeed it is expensive compared to the U.S., but everything is in relation. I have stopped comparing the prices since moving to Norway from the U.S., but sometimes still can’t believe I just paid $15 for a Whopper at Burger King! We do get a higher salary , get many long holidays paid and consider the year off of FULLY PAID maternity leave and you get paid money when you have a baby!!) The people are open and warm if you take the initative and are more than willing to help. Although I must say that they could learn some “Please, “Thank Yous” and “Excuse Mes” That is just the southern coming out in me :o)
much to love about norway, but much to miss about the u.s.
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