Before travelling out from your country, one of the biggest questions you must ask yourself is,” Where are the best places to live in the world that offer safety, opportunity, and a high quality of life? Having an accurate and definite answer to this question will help you to plan effectively.
To save you the stress of having to research for long, this article will educate you on the top 10 best countries to live in the world. Go through them carefully, and choose the country that matches your goals, vision and preferences.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is recognised as one of the best countries to live in the world due to its high quality of life, world-class infrastructure, political stability, and stunning natural beauty. With cities like Zurich and Geneva serving as global financial hubs, Switzerland offers a combination of prosperity and peace. It has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world, low unemployment, and a healthcare system that ranks among the best globally. Although the cost of living is high, you tend to enjoy unmatched safety, clean air, and a balanced lifestyle surrounded by the Alps.
2. Japan
Japan is the land of futuristic technology and a pioneer of many modern innovations worldwide. It is not only a futuristic society, but one that seamlessly blends ancient culture with modern innovation, making it one of the top 10 best countries in the world to live in. Additionally, Japan is renowned for its orderliness, safety, and cutting-edge technology, offering residents efficient public transportation, clean cities, and exceptional healthcare. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto consistently rank high for livability and job opportunities, making them suitable for tech professionals. While the language barrier and high cost of living may be somewhat challenging, Japan’s overall quality of life and longevity make it an exceptional destination for expatriates.
3. United States
The United States remains one of the best countries to live in the world, offering immense opportunities and diversity. As home to many Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. provides abundant career prospects for professionals in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. Also, New York ranks as the nation’s top market with the headquarters of 49 Fortune 500 companies in the 2025 rankings.
California is home to Silicon Valley, making it an attractive destination for tech and startup entrepreneurs and investors. Additionally, Los Angeles is a hub for those in the entertainment and media spheres. Additionally, there are other, more relaxed cities if you’re looking for a calm place. Additionally, the U.S. houses some of the world’s best universities. Although healthcare and housing costs vary, America’s innovation, diversity, and opportunity make it a top choice for people chasing the global dream.
4. Canada
Canada consistently ranks among the top 10 best countries to live in the world, due to its inclusiveness, safety, and high quality of life. The country is renowned for its robust social welfare systems, accessible healthcare, and high-quality education. Additionally, it is family-friendly and boasts some of the world’s most livable cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa, which offer a blend of natural beauty and modern living.
Canada’s multicultural environment makes it easy for newcomers, regardless of their country of origin, to adapt and thrive. Although winters can be harsh, the sense of community, political stability, and openness to immigrants make Canada one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking a balanced, prosperous life.
READ MORE: 11 Best Universities in Canada for International Students
5. Australia
Australia is ranked as one of the best countries to live in the world due to its high living standards, pleasant climate, and relaxed lifestyle. Its major cities, which are Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offer strong job markets, excellent education, and healthcare systems ranked among the best globally.
Additionally, Australia is a family-friendly and welcoming destination for newcomers, and its outdoor culture promotes health and well-being. While property prices can be high, Australia’s safety, work-life balance, and abundance of opportunities in industries such as mining, healthcare, and technology make it a dream destination for professionals and families alike.
6. Sweden
Sweden’s focus on equality, sustainability, and social welfare makes it a staple on the list of the world’s top 10 best countries to live in. The country offers free education, universal healthcare, and one of the best parental leave systems in the world.
Swedes enjoy a strong sense of community, trust in their government, and a high level of environmental awareness. As an immigrant, you can also experience this. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are clean, efficient, and technologically advanced. Although the winters are cold and long, the emphasis on work-life balance, personal well-being, and progressive values makes Sweden a top choice for those seeking a more relaxed and supportive community.
7. Germany
Germany remains one of the best countries to live in the world due to its robust economy, efficient infrastructure, and central location in Europe. Additionally, it is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, and technology, making it an excellent country to live in and work as a technical professional. The education system is excellent, and public healthcare is comprehensive. While bureaucracy can be challenging and the language may take time to learn, Germany is a wonderful country to visit.
8. Denmark
Denmark frequently ranks among the happiest and most livable nations in the world, placing it firmly among the top 10 best countries to live in the world. It offers residents a robust welfare system, free healthcare, and education, supported by a high standard of governance and low levels of corruption. The beautiful thing about Danes is that they value equality, family, and leisure, which helps to ensure a healthy work-life balance. The cities are safe, green, and clean, with a strong community spirit. Though taxes are high, they fund top-quality public services that make everyday life comfortable. If you are seeking stability and happiness, Denmark offers one of the best living environments on the planet.
9. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is also one of the best countries to live in the world, combining tradition, opportunity, and global connectivity. With English as the primary language, it’s one of the easiest destinations for Nigerians to integrate into. The UK’s economy is diverse, supporting thriving industries in finance, education, technology, and healthcare. London is a world financial hub, while cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh offer more affordable lifestyles. The National Health Service (NHS) provides universal healthcare, and the country has strong academic institutions, many of which rank high globally. Although living costs in some areas are high, the UK remains a top choice if you are seeking professional advancement.
10. Finland
Rounding out the top 10 best countries to live in the world is Finland, consistently recognised for happiness, equality, and safety. Finland often tops the World Happiness Report due to its exceptional education system, low corruption, and high trust in institutions. Additionally, Finland prioritises family life, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a calm and fulfilling life.
READ MORE: 11 Most Affordable Asian Countries to Visit
Best Countries for Quality of Life
Quality of life plays a major role in deciding where to live abroad. It covers healthcare, safety, cost of living, income, and environmental well-being, all of which determine how comfortable life will be in your new country. According to Numbeo’s 2025 Quality of Life Index, the top 10 countries are Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Austria, Germany, and Oman.
Luxembourg stands out for its thriving economy and clean, safe environment. The Netherlands is renowned for its work-life balance and robust public infrastructure. Denmark ranks among the world’s happiest nations, thanks to its free healthcare and community trust. Oman impresses with safety and hospitality, while Switzerland offers high wages and world-class services. Finland and Norway excel in education and social welfare, Iceland emphasises equality and safety, and Austria’s Vienna remains one of the world’s most livable cities. Germany blends culture, stability, and opportunity.
When assessing quality of life, factors such as purchasing power, pollution, healthcare, and housing are important considerations. However, quality of life is deeply personal, as your priorities, lifestyle, and budget will ultimately define the perfect destination for you.
Best Countries for Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the top priorities to consider when migrating, especially if you are a retiree or you want a safe country to migrate to with your family. According to Numbeo’s 2025 Healthcare Index, the world’s leading countries for healthcare are Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Spain, and Thailand.
Taiwan leads globally in its efficient and affordable universal health coverage. South Korea and Japan have cutting-edge medical technology and preventive care. The Netherlands and Denmark blend strong public systems with reliable private options. Austria and Ecuador provide excellent patient care, while Finland uses innovation to improve healthcare access. Thailand is a global hub for medical tourism, offering affordable yet advanced treatments. Spain combines excellent healthcare with a relaxed lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for retirees.
When choosing a destination, consider the availability of local healthcare services, the cost of insurance, and the ease of accessing the local language. Even top-ranking countries differ in how their systems operate; therefore, conduct thorough research and choose the right fit for your health and financial needs.
Best Countries for Education
Education quality is a major factor to consider when travelling, especially if you want to advance your education or travel with family. The United States of America ranks as the best, as it is the leader in research excellence and offers diverse academic opportunities. The United Kingdom is another excellent choice, known for its academic excellence and globally recognised degrees. Australia, Germany, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Finland and Switzerland are excellent choices.
Which Country Has the Highest Job Opportunities in the World?
In 2025, the United States remains the country with the highest job opportunities, driven by its large and diverse economy, which spans technology, healthcare, finance, and entertainment. Countries like Germany, Canada, Australia, and Singapore also rank highly due to their thriving industries, business-friendly policies, and growing demand for skilled labour. These nations provide excellent career development prospects, fair wages, and work environments that prioritise diversity and innovation.
Where Is the Cheapest English-Speaking Country to Live?
If you’re looking for an affordable country where English is widely spoken, India, the Philippines, and South Africa are among the top options. India offers low housing and food costs with English as one of its official languages. The Philippines provides tropical living, affordable healthcare, and a welcoming culture, while South Africa offers modern amenities and scenic beauty at reasonable prices.
Where Is the Safest and Cheapest Place to Live?
When balancing safety with affordability, Portugal often takes the lead. With low crime rates, friendly locals, and a relatively low cost of living, it’s a top choice for retirees and remote workers. Slovenia and Malaysia also offer great value for money, providing peaceful environments with affordable modern living.
Best Countries for Expats to Live and Work
Combining employment opportunities, cultural inclusivity, and lifestyle benefits, the best countries for expats to live and work include Canada, Germany, Singapore, Australia, and Switzerland. Canada’s open immigration policy and strong economy make it a top destination for professionals and families. Germany offers a stable job market and high wages, while Singapore’s strategic location and global business environment attract skilled workers from around the world. Australia provides a relaxed lifestyle with diverse career paths, and Switzerland offers some of the world’s highest salaries alongside pristine living conditions.
READ MORE: 11 Best Asian Countries to Live and Work In
The top 10 best countries to live in the world offer unique advantages, from Switzerland’s wealth and Japan’s innovation to the U.S.’s diversity and Canada’s inclusivity. While each destination has its pros and cons, all provide high standards of living, safety, and opportunity. Therefore, you should research your options carefully, taking into account visa pathways, job markets, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences.
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