U.S. Claims Top Spot in IL’s Quality of Life Index 2011

[Somalina]

International Living has just published its annual Quality of Life Index for 2011. The Index ranks most countries in the world (192) in nine different categories to come up with overall ratings for their comparative qualities of life.

 

Topping the Index this year is the United States of America , followed by New Zealand, Malta, France, and Monaco.

 

The nine Quality of Life Index categories are: cost of living, culture, economy, environment, freedom, health, infrastructure, safety and risk, and climate.

 

According to Eoin Bassett, Editor of International Living magazine, the criteria for this year’s Quality of Life Index has been revised and updated.

 

“Over the 30 years we’ve been producing the Quality of Life Index, we’ve adjusted our categories and data sources several times as technologies, infrastructure, and other factors have changed.

 

The numbers tell their story. On a macro level, it’s this: The U.S. has more paved roads than anywhere else, more airports and a lot of cell phones, It’s got good Internet access, the world’s biggest economy (though not necessarily the best), and it’s got tens of thousands of doctors and hospitals (if you can afford them). The numbers say: The United States has a convenience that’s hard to match.

 

Of course, thousands of satisfied expats are living proof that, in return for sacrificing a little of that convenience, a truly healthy, happy and more affordable life overseas is possible.

 

But, said Bassett, the Index isn’t just about numbers. “If like us, you eschew convenience for opportunity, then study our Quality of Life Index with your priorities in mind, and you’ll find out a lot of what you need to know.

 

“Our 2011 Quality of Life Index can’t tell you where to find a midnight steakhouse, a 24-hour convenience store or a mall with everything under one roof. What it can tell you is that with a warm, dry Mediterranean climate, low crime rates, good medical facilities and English-speaking population, Malta is a good place to start looking for a life overseas.

 

“Or that New Zealand is a first-world retirement haven. It tells you that you can find an amazing climate in Mexico, and that it’s one of the culturally richest countries in the world in addition. It shows you that Uruguay, 22nd this year, earns solid marks in infrastructure and health (which is partly why more and more wannabe expats consider it an attractive option).”

 

“And for the record,” said Bassett, “we’re biased. Our sources, staff, and contributing editors are all influenced by a Western bias. We have definite, preconceived ideas about what constitutes a high or low standard of living, what constitutes culture and entertainment, and what climate is the most enjoyable. We also consider the world from the point of view of the majority of our readers—Americans spending U.S. dollars. So there definitely is a subjective factor to the Index that, I hope, makes it more meaningful and accessible to the majority of our readers and subscribers.” :D

[Somalina]

See http://internationalliving.com/2010/02/quality-of-life-2010/

for more information on the 2011 International Living Quality of Life Index, along with http://www1.internationalliving.com/qofl2011/ for complete ratings for all countries and an explanation of how Quality of Life Index scores are calculated.

 

 

 

Somalia is the last country on the list.

[Somalina]

What Makes a Healthy Country?

By Adrian Leeds

 

This year’s winner in the health category is France. I’m not surprised. Between the cost of health insurance and the quality of care, there is no contest. Sure, the World Health Organization ranks France number one in their World Health Report, but that doesn’t tell you what day-to-day care is like. You can call SOS Médecins for an at home visit by a doctor who arrives within 30 minutes of your call all for the cost of a normal office visit. Or, call SAMU to be rushed to the nearest hospital and no one asks to see your proof of medical insurance prior to treatment. And the doctors actually use their knowledge and experience to treat their patients rather than over-prescribing tests because their malpractice liability isn’t so great. Drugs are so inexpensive, it’s a joke by comparison. So, all in all, it’s a pleasure to get sick!

Editor’s Note: To read more from Adrian about life in France, see: Adrianleeds.com/parlerparis.

At first they all lived together in one big house while they found their own homes and the ideal property for their business-to-be: Seven self-catering holiday apartments right in the old town overlooking the Gave de Cauterets River simply called ‘Mulcares’ (See: Mulcares.com).

 

I asked James Mulcare, who runs the business with his sister Louise and wife Ruth, how the family had benefited from the move to Cauterets and what the main difference between life today and life three years ago:

 

“Everyone’s lives have changes vastly,” he says. “Our parents are now retired and enjoy walking in the mountains and visiting the region. I have more time with my family and can pursue my passion for outdoor sports. It is the perfect place to raise a family; there’s an inexpensive but very good crèche, great schools, skiing lessons as part of the school day, there are endless outdoor activities and it’s a safe, small town where everyone knows each other.”

 

“The pace of life is so much slower here. At first it was hard to adjust to the long lunch hours with the shops closed. Far more emphasis is placed on family life and making the most of living on a beautiful mountain.”

 

If living part time in a French mountain town appeals to you there are plenty of small, lock and leave, pied-a-terre apartments. For instance, I saw a stone-clad, one-bedroom studio with wooden interior, in a quiet residential area with big mountain views for $66,000.