Category: Lifestyle

When it comes to choosing the best country to live in, the answer you come up with might differ from the answers of other people, especially because it all depends on what you are using to define a country as being the best. Whether it’s happiness levels, overall financial stability, type of climate, or something completely unrelated to any of these suggestions, the definition of the number one country to live in is entirely subjective.

That said, there have been many surveys conducted regarding the overall consensus as to which countries are superior in terms of livability. Various news outlets and data collectors have unveiled their findings as to which countries people view as being the best to call home.

You may have heard of the method of conducting surveys of this magnitude before, but just in case you are less familiar with it, let’s review the process of figuring out which countries are the best ones to reside in, according to a variety of factors.

Arguably the most comprehensive and practical analysis of which countries are best to live in comes from the Human Development Report. Composed by the United Nations, this annual report expresses global satisfaction with life, offering an overview of what it’s like to be alive on Earth in this day and age. It is easily one of the top resources for determining which countries have the happiest, healthiest, and most stable populations compared to everywhere else in the world. Essentially, the Human Development Report summarizes how people feel about our planet as a whole, and then it goes on to discuss, in detail, which countries are best to live in, thus comparing the most satisfied populations with the most unhappy countries in the world.

The variables that this official UN report takes into account include equality among genders, literacy, average life expectancy, and financial stability. For the sake of this article, we will abide by the regulations put forward by the United Nations in drafting and publishing this report on the best countries to live in around the world. If you have other factors that you deem to be important to consider, then by all means come to a conclusion of your own. These are the claims of one report, but that does not mean other countries are not amazing as well.

Without further ado, here are the top places to live according to the United Nations’ Human Development Report, in descending order:

1. 1. Norway
   2. Ireland (tie)
   3. Switzerland (tie)
   4. Iceland (tie)
   5. Hong Kong, China (SAR)(tie)
   6. Germany
   7. Sweden
   8. Australia (tie)
   9. Netherlands (tie)
   10. Denmark

So, the report determines that the best country to live in is Norway! Let’s talk about all the reasons why each country made the list, as well as the primary factor that sets Norway apart from all other countries around the globe.

1. Norway

The United Nations listed Norway as the best country to live in primarily because all of the factors the researchers took into consideration were good marks on behalf of Norway. The European country excels in all the areas that the UN looked at, which you could say is purely based on luck. However, even so, Norway is a good fit for the credentials that the United Nations took into account, which is impressive altogether. People in Norway live to be upwards of eighty-two years old, on average.

The UN attributes this wonderful statistic to the healthcare system that is in place in Norway. Norwegians are covered by a healthcare system funded by the general public, so unlike places such as the United States, residents of Norway receive healthcare and medical attention no matter what. It is not a burden or a privilege for people in Norway to get the professional help and annual checkups that are so necessary for overall health, leading to a higher life expectancy overall.

2 (tie). Ireland

Ireland is an amazing place to live because it is one of the safest countries around the world. The levels of criminal activity in Ireland are lower than ever, and the prevalence of homicidal behavior is at a bare minimum.

3 (tie). Switzerland

The health of people who live in Switzerland is outrageously impressive. Like Norway, Switzerland’s life expectancy was a factor the United Nations applauds Switzerland for, particularly due to the lack of fatal diseases present in the residents of Switzerland. Surprisingly, even though Switzerland was beat by Norway for the title of the number one country to live in, Switzerland’s life expectancy is slighter higher than that of Norway. People in Switzerland live to be about eighty-three years old. Switzerland is a prime example of how taking care of yourself will result in wondrous things, but this is a privilege that not all countries award their citizens.

4 (tie). Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is a major international financial center with a high quality of life. Hong Kong has very low taxes, the highest income tax at 17%, making it attractive for businessmen. Additionally, like many of the other countries on this list, Hong Kong has very low crime rates despite being a very densely populated urban area. Many believe that Hong Kong is the perfect blend of East and West cultures with colonial buildings, temples, and ancient traditions and festivals living side-by-side with modern public transportation and tall glass skyscrapers.

5 (tie). Iceland

Iceland bodes well in terms of life expectancy and healthcare accessibility. The average lifetime of citizens in Iceland is around 83 years of age. There are still some places around the world where people do not live beyond forty years old, so Iceland is impressive for having a life expectancy of nearly double that of other countries.

6.  Germany

Something that stands out a lot about Germany is that the country places an emphasis on education. Much like Australia, Germany values the education of its citizens. Nearly the entire population of

Germany has received higher education, with only four percent of people in Germany having not endured college classes or post-graduate schooling.

7.  Sweden

Sweden has a strong social welfare system, providing strong healthcare and free education. Sweden’s social model focuses on growth, equality, freedom, and security. Sweden also has great conditions for workers, such as a minimum of five weeks vacation and a government organization that supports entrepreneurs looking to start a company. Lastly, like the other Nordic countries, Sweden has very low rates of violent crime (1.14 incidents per 100,000 people) and ranks well for overall health and wellbeing.

8 (tie). Australia

As the eighth best country to live in according to the Human Development Report, Australia is praised by the United Nations for its emphasis on education and the importance of going to school. There is a healthy level of pressure to not only attend school, but to perform exceptionally and take pride in academic marks.

The average number of years that Australians attend school for is roughly twenty years old, meaning most Australian children remain enrolled in the education system until they graduate from an undergraduate college. As with every situation, there are exceptions, but the education in Australia accounts for more than five percent of the country’s GDP, so that’s something for which Australia deserves to be recognized.

9 (tie). The Netherlands

The Netherlands compares to Denmark in the sense that the Netherlands does not have as high of a wage gap as many countries around the world still do. In fact, the inequality rate among wages in the Netherlands is roughly 12.4% which sounds high, but if you return to the data about the wage gap percentage of the United States, you’ll find that the Netherlands still out does the USA in terms of fair pay across the board.

10. Denmark

Denmark rounds out the top ten countries to live in, and it’s easy to see why. For starters, “social trust”, which measures people’s trust in one another, their government, and public institutions such as police and hospitals, is very high in Denmark. Moreover, health care and education (even college) are completely free to all citzens. While Denmark is a global leader in industries including shipping, design, and architecture, it is also a green-forward country. Even in the capital city of Copenhagen, bikes often outnumber automobiles, and the country is constantly developing new methods of living cleaner and greener. Finally, the Danes have given the world the concept of “hygge” (pronounced “hooga”), a warm, very human term for time spent away from the hustle and bustle, peacefully relaxing and appreciating life’s smaller joys, often with family and/or friends.

United Arab Emirates is ranked 31st. Here is the top 50 Countries.

Ranking	Country	Human Development	2022 Population
1	Norway	0.957	5434.319
2	Switzerland	0.955	8740.472
2	Ireland	0.955	5023.109
4	Hong Kong	0.949	7488.865
4	Iceland	0.949	372.899
6	Germany	0.947	83369.843
7	Sweden	0.945	10549.347
8	Australia	0.944	26177.413
8	Netherlands	0.944	17564.014
10	Denmark	0.94	5882.261
11	Singapore	0.938	5975.689
11	Finland	0.938	5540.745
13	United Kingdom	0.932	67508.936
14	Belgium	0.931	11655.93
14	New Zealand	0.931	5185.288
16	Canada	0.929	38454.327
17	United States	0.926	338289.857
18	Austria	0.922	8939.617
19	Japan	0.919	123951.692
19	Israel	0.919	9038.309
19	Liechtenstein	0.919	39.327
22	Slovenia	0.917	2119.844
23	South Korea	0.916	51815.81
23	Luxembourg	0.916	647.599
25	Spain	0.904	47558.63
26	France	0.901	64626.628
28	Malta	0.895	533.286
29	Italy	0.892	59037.474
29	Estonia	0.892	1326.062
31	United Arab Emirates	0.89	9441.129
32	Greece	0.888	10384.971
33	Cyprus	0.887	1251.488
34	Lithuania	0.882	2750.055
35	Poland	0.88	39857.145
36	Andorra	0.868	79.824
37	Latvia	0.866	1850.651
38	Portugal	0.864	10270.865
39	Slovakia	0.86	5643.453
40	Saudi Arabia	0.854	36408.82
40	Hungary	0.854	9967.308
42	Bahrain	0.852	1472.233
43	Chile	0.851	19603.733
43	Croatia	0.851	4030.358
45	Qatar	0.848	2695.122
46	Argentina	0.845	45510.318
47	Brunei	0.838	449.002
48	Montenegro	0.829	627.082
49	Romania	0.828	19659.267
50	Palau	0.826	18.055

Following a record breaking post-lockdown year in 2021, the real estate market in Dubai continues to perform fantastically well in 2022, especially in the prime and super-prime markets, within which Dubai’s branded residential development sector continues to flourish, as the emirate’s love affair with branded residential real estate continues.

Dean Foley – Head of Residential Project Sales & Marketing at Knight Frank Middle East commented “Residential development across the emirate has flourished since 2010 with the Armani Residences Burj Khalifa first in the market – since then, we have seen an explosion of this asset class with strong demand from HNW and UHNW buyers from across the globe. Such has been the rate of expansion that Dubai is now a global leader rivalling Miami and New York for completed and pipeline projects. Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen launches from Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W and Six Senses, cementing Dubai’s popularity and boosting confidence with hotel operators, developers, owners and buyers.

In Knight Frank’s recently published Branded Residential Overview Dubai 2022, they have investigated 6 key trends that are helping to shape the emirates love affair with branded residential property.

1.  Dubai one of the top three branded residential markets globally

Dubai has evolved to become a key global hub for branded residences in the last 10 years, however the US, led by Miami, continues to have the highest concentration globally. In Dubai we now have two clear

concentrations of branded residential property: Central Dubai (stretching outward from Downtown Dubai, along Dubai Canal and out to Jumeirah 1) and New Dubai, encompassing The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

2.  Developers widening the net to attract new buyers and investors

There has been a strong shift towards creating more investment grade product, alongside traditional branded residences that appeal to global UHNWI clientele, with Developers recognising the investment potential in branded residential products.

3.  Lifestyle brands making their mark

Historically, brands such as Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, along with other established brands under Marriott and Accor have dominated the branded residential market landscape, but more recently, the likes of Porche, Bvlgari, Cavalli and Elie Saab, all of which have swathes of fiercely loyal followers have joined the race to provide ultra-luxury branded residential homes.

4.  “New” branded residential neighbourhoods

Downtown Dubai and The Palm Jumeirah have very limited development opportunities, which is driving developers to look to the peripheries of these locations. As the Dubai market continues to evolve and mature, operators are moving into areas such as Business Bay, where Missoni, Mama Shelter, Pagani and the Dorchester Collection are all establishing a presence. Indeed, the arrival of these prestigious brands has contributed to the overall increase in residential demand in Business Bay, which recently joined the exclusive $10 million home club in Dubai, as we reported previously.

5.  Fully integrated service offering to remain a top client attraction

Privacy and security have always been key factors for buyers, but a fully integrated service offering, complete with a personalised concierge service in a landmark setting, offered by a reputed brand is what buyers at the top end of the market continue to actively seek out and are happy to pay a premium for.

6.  Buyers hungry for more

Globally, buyers are taking a closer look at their living arrangements in the wake of the pandemic and when it comes to the branded residential market, buyers and investors are hungry for even more luxurious amenities and lifestyle offerings that are driving the emergence of some of the world’s most exciting branded residential developments in cities such as Dubai –

Dean continued “The Covid-19 pandemic brought about an increased sensitivity to space, investment and safety. For the global elite, branded residences provides large and opulently serviced homes under the strength and expert care of a leading luxury brand, in addition, the UAE Government acted with laser guided efficiency to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum, its population vaccinated and its economy open for business – these three pillars are what’s largely driven the branded real estate landscape over the last 12 months.”

20. Doha

Doha, Qatar
Design 30 Setting 11 Memorability 11 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 7 Total 75

Qatar with two entries in the top 20 might surprise a few but only if they haven’t been there, because it has contrasting but excellent courses. Doha has a terrific routing, nice movement in fairways and several interesting holes. If its presentation continues to be refined, it will rise higher.

19. Education City

Doha, Qatar
Design 30 Setting 11 Memorability 11 Playability 6 Consistency 8 Presentation 9 Total 75

This Jose Maria Olazabal design is the second course to be built in Qatar and was a hit with European Tour players. One of the best-conditioned tracks in the Middle East – and that is saying something. Not especially forgiving off the tee but a fine all-round test. Wouldn’t be out of line 10 places higher.

18. Saadiyat Beach

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Design 28 Setting 12 Memorability 11 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 75

A ‘resort course’ you’d always relish playing but Saadiyat has lost a bit of its wow factor with the residences that have risen up on its edges and restricted sea views. It still looks pretty with sand splashed around and the wildlife – from birds to gazelles – is testament to its tranquil seaside location.

17. Dubai Creek

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design 29 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 7 Consistency 6 Presentation 8 Total 76

The marks tell the story of this Dubai golf icon; an awesome Setting and memorable holes for part of the round, but also some more modest phases. The best stretches (4-7 and 15-18) are high calibre and it’s a challenge and strategic in places. Gusts off the glistening creek adds to the test.

16. Dubai Hills

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design 30 Setting 11 Memorability 11 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 76

Laid out by European Golf Design’s Gary Johnston, this newcomer has already made a significant mark. Forgiving off the tee but asking good players to find the best angles of approach, there is plenty of fun around the greens. The 5th is a real standout hole, with Burj Khalifa as the target line off the tee.

15. The Allegria

Cairo, Egypt
Design 31 Setting 11 Memorability 11 Playability 7 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 76

A Greg Norman course set within one of Cairo’s most exclusive residential communities, so it is lined by elegant houses throughout. So, no enchanting views but plenty of interest as its undulating fairways slither between and over lakes, streams, rocks and vegetation.

14. Jumeirah (Earth)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design 30 Setting 12 Memorability 12 Playability 6 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 76

The venue for the DP World Tour’s finale is every inch the modern ‘championship’ test. Its deep bunkers look nothing like their links counterparts, but do the same thing strategically – they are unforgiving. The greens are big and you need to hit the right part of them. Strong stretch from 15-17.

13. Assoufid

Marrakesh, Morocco
Design 30 Setting 12 Memorability 11 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 77

Marrakesh’s clear No.1 is a 2014 design by Niall Cameron that cleverly winds through undulating terrain in the lee of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It’s 20 minutes from the old town (Medina) of the vibrant city, yet playing it is a tranquil experience. A desert-style course with lots of nice touches.

12. Abu Dhabi (National)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Design 31 Setting 11 Memorability 11 Playability 7 Consistency 8 Presentation 9 Total 77

This long-time host of the Abu Dhabi Tour event is one of the region’s best technical courses and was popular with the pros. There are interesting holes especially on the front nine and it is in terrific nick. Inland rather than seaside setting but a memorable 18th in front of the iconic falcon clubhouse.

11. Newgiza

Cairo, Egypt
Design 31 Setting 12 Memorability 11 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 78

The most recent addition to Egypt’s portfolio is, in our opinion, already its best. This course on the outskirts of Cairo – with the Pyramids visible from certain points – was a long time in the making, having been started by Thomson, Perrett and Lobb and finished by Tim Lobb after the death of Open icon Peter Thomson.

The Surrey-based Australian has made a wonderful job of routing the course on an undulating, rocky site that led to a variety of holes and interesting green complexes. Built to a high specification, Newgiza is part of an upscale development and would very comfortably fit in this list’s top 10.

Highlights include the drop par-3 4th in the direction of the Pyramids, which is part of a fine opening salvo. Playable off the tee, but often enjoyably devilish on and around the greens.

10. Mazagan Beach

El Jadida, Morocco
Design 29 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 8 Consistency 7 Presentation 8 Total 78

Located near El Jadida on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and opened in 2010, this Gary Player design has a ‘look’ of a links course and is a proper test at well over 7,000 yards and with coastal breezes to contend with. Towards the end of the front nine the pulse raises as the holes play alongside the coast.

9. Emirates (Majlis)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design 29 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 7 Consistency 7 Presentation 9 Total 78

The panel felt the Dubai Desert Classic host lacked a touch of nuance to be higher. It’s a great test and a memorable experience with its famous backdrop, as well as interest in the slick, revamped greens. Shows its best face at the 4th, a subtle par 3, the 12th – with a great, bunkerless green – and the 17th.

8. Al Zorah

Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Design 31 Setting 12 Memorability 12 Playability 8 Consistency 7 Presentation 9 Total 79

Set among mangroves, so has a rare tidal element. While the tide is in, you often hit over water from floating tees. It usually isn’t though, so it is less intimidating and Insta-worthy. Some really good stretches, notably the 6th-9th and 13th-16th. Gary Player track in small emirate of Ajman is in terrific nick.

7. Michlifen

Ifrane, Morocco
Design 31 Setting 12 Memorability 12 Playability 7 Consistency 8 Presentation 9 Total 79

A Jack Nicklaus design overlooking the Atlas Mountains from a position within the stunning Ifrane National Park. Significant elevation change is a notable feature of a challenging, entertaining course. Rock outcrops, ravines, lakes and contoured greens characterise this modern classic.

6. Els Club

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design 32 Setting 11 Memorability 11 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 10 Total 80

Playing firm and fast sets Els Club apart from target courses in Dubai. Short grass around the greens adds to the difficulty and fun. Loses a mark for setting as a result of some holes surrounded by houses, but the use of the desert areas is more imaginative than other Dubai courses. Peerless conditioning.

5. Royal Dar Es Salam (Red)

Rabat, Morocco
Design 33 Setting 12 Memorability 12 Playability 6 Consistency 9 Presentation 8 Total 80

Robert Trent Jones’ masterpiece is set in a cork oak forest and mixes the technical expertise of the famous architect with a tranquil setting of trees, flowers and water. Restored by Coore-Crenshaw associate James Duncan, fifth is the least the Trophee Hassan host deserves. Tough, but brilliant.

4. Trump Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Design 33 Setting 11 Memorability 12 Playability 9 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 81

Trump Dubai gets mixed reviews – including among our panel – and we can’t help but feel that might be something to do with its owner, because this is a wonderful course in our opinion.

It’s a close second behind Yas in Middle East terms for some, as a result of green complexes that are firm, fast and have huge interest in them. The depression in the middle of the 7th is a particular highlight. Their requirement for you to be under the hole dictates strategy a lot, and celebrated architect Gil Hanse also gives a lot of options off the tee so the course gets better with each play.

The highlight is arguably the driveable, bunkerless par-4 12th – one of the most simple yet strategic holes you’ll find. It epitomised the benefit of width and angles beautifully, as is Hanse’s style.

3. Royal Palace of Agadir

Agadir, Morocco
Design 33 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 7 Consistency 8 Presentation 9 Total 83

One of the world’s most exclusive clubs, but fortunately we have enough experience of it to be confident about how we rank it.

It is the King of Morocco’s personal course and as such invitations to play it are negligible – although the European Tour was a regular visitor in the 2010s.

Laid out by Cabell Robinson under the Robert Trent Jones umbrella, it combines a gorgeous seaside setting with interesting architecture and predictably flawless conditioning.

2. Al Mouj

Muscat, Oman
Design 32 Setting 15 Mem’lity 14 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 85

So, so close at the top. Al Mouj would have been a worthy No.1 and if Yas had not improved its presentation of late, it would have snatched top spot. This is our favourite work by Greg Norman, who made fine use of a wonderful Gulf-side site to create hole after memorable hole.

It pips Yas for setting, and rarely do you go for long with hitting towards, alongside or over the edge of the water. That is very rare in the Middle East and sets Al Mouj apart from pretty much anywhere else.

A contender for our World Top 100, it is beautifully presented and Oman has a course to be exceptionally proud of.

1. Yas Links

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Design 34 Setting 14 Memorability 14 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 Total 86

Our inaugural Middle East and North Africa No.1 is, perhaps, no surprise, given it is in our World Top 100. It had strong competition, as the marks illustrate, but Yas’ combination of a breathtaking location on the edge of the Arabian Gulf and the nous of master craftsman Kyle Phillips make this an outstanding, bucket list course.

Its name and its look suggest a links experience, but it is ‘links like’ rather than the type of thing we experience on our coasts. You aren’t going to find fescue grass in this climate, so you can’t run the ball as much as you would at Elie, Aberdovey or Deal. Nevertheless, Yas has the superb shaping, greens and bunkering that Phillips is known for at the likes of Kingsbarns and California Club, and with sand-capped fairways and a regular breeze it is a treat to play.

There’s a really high-class finish, with 15-18 a tough climax, especially into the wind. It now has the Abu Dhabi Championship and the television images of this exhilarating seaside course will be a game- changer in terms of perceptions of golf in this part of the world. Now managed by Troon Golf, who are exceptionally strong in the Middle East, Yas has improved its conditioning in the past two years to match the quality of the course.

“I wanted to create a little piece of Scotland in the Gulf and I’m delighted with how it has turned out and developed down the years,” says Phillips. We wholeheartedly agree.