The Best Countries to Live in 2025
Choosing the best country to live will be a deeply personal decision that’s influenced by a range of factors. In 2025, the world’s most desirable destinations continue to evolve, offering residents and expats alike new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Using the latest Legatum Prosperity Index, which ranks countries on a range of factors, including freedom, economy, living conditions, and environment, we explore some of the top countries to live in 2025.
Top 10 Best Countries to Live 2025
According to the Prosperity Index, below are the 10 best countries to live in 2025.
Overall Rank | Location |
1 | Denmark |
2 | Sweden |
3 | Norway |
4 | Finland |
5 | Switzerland |
6 | Netherlands |
7 | Luxembourg |
8 | Iceland |
9 | Germany |
10 | New Zealand |
Denmark
Denmark is ranked as the best country to live, thanks to its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and strong focus on work-life balance. The country offers a unique combination of a progressive welfare system, a thriving economy, and an emphasis on environmental sustainability, which makes it an attractive destination for both locals and expats.
One of the key factors that sets Denmark apart is its robust healthcare system, which provides universal coverage, ensuring that both residents and expats have access to top-tier medical services. The country’s public services are well-developed and offer comprehensive support for families, elderly citizens, and individuals with special needs.
Work-life balance is another major draw of living in Denmark. The country is known for its flexible working hours, generous parental leave policies, and a healthy approach to working hours that prioritise employee well-being. Expats in Denmark often find themselves enjoying a comfortable work environment with a high level of job satisfaction, as well as ample time to explore the country’s scenic landscapes and rich cultural offerings.
In addition, Denmark is one of the world’s most environmentally conscious nations, and has a commitment to sustainability that filters into every aspect of life. Expats who value a green lifestyle will appreciate the country’s focus on renewable energy, eco-friendly transport, and an overall commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Danes are also known for their friendliness and openness to foreigners, which makes it easier for expats to integrate into the community. While Danish is the official language, many Danes speak fluent English, easing communication for those who are new to the country.
Best countries to live for personal freedom
Below are the top 10 countries to live based on personal freedom, which includes basic legal rights, individual liberties, and social tolerance.
Personal Freedom Rank | Location | Overall Rank |
1 | Norway | 3 |
2 | Denmark | 1 |
3 | Finland | 4 |
4 | Sweden | 2 |
5 | Netherlands | 6 |
6 | Luxembourg | 7 |
7 | Iceland | 8 |
8 | Ireland | 11 |
9 | Germany | 9 |
10 | Belgium | 18 |
Norway
Norway ranks first as the best place to live based on personal freedoms. Norway has a commitment to freedom that’s ingrained in the nation’s laws, and ensures that all residents, including expats, can live their lives with a sense of security and autonomy.
Basic legal rights in Norway are robust and protected by the constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, freedom of expression, and the right to fair trials. The country also upholds a strong commitment to human rights, and has clear legal safeguards against discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. This creates a legal environment where people can live without fear of persecution or unequal treatment.
In terms of individual liberties, Norway is known for its progressive policies. The right to privacy is carefully guarded, with laws that protect citizens’ data and communications from undue surveillance or intrusion. Free speech is also a core principle in Norway, with an open public discourse encouraged in all areas of life, including politics, the media, and the arts. Plus, Norwegians enjoy the freedom to participate in their culture and express their identity, whether through religion, lifestyle, or personal choice.
Social tolerance is another vital part of Norwegian society. The country is known to embrace diversity, with a deep commitment to inclusivity and respect for different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. As an expat in Norway, you will find a society that is welcoming and open-minded, where the rights and freedoms of all individuals are recognised and celebrated. Norway’s progressive attitude towards gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social welfare ensures that everyone can feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves.
Best countries to live for economic quality
Below are the top 10 countries to live based on economic quality, which measures how well an economy generates wealth sustainably and with the full engagement of the workforce.
Economic Quality Rank | Location | Overall Rank |
1 | Singapore | 17 |
2 | Switzerland | 5 |
3 | Hong Kong | 22 |
4 | Ireland | 11 |
5 | Norway | 3 |
6 | Luxembourg | 7 |
7 | Denmark | 1 |
8 | Sweden | 2 |
9 | South Korea | 29 |
10 | Netherlands | 6 |
Singapore
Singapore ranks first as the best country to live based on economic quality. The country’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies have helped it establish itself as one of the world’s leading financial and trade hubs.
Economic sustainability in Singapore is driven by a dynamic, open market economy that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. The government has a commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment, with focus on long-term growth that ensures the economy remains resilient even in challenging times. Policies that encourage investment in key sectors such as technology, finance, and manufacturing have allowed Singapore to diversify its economy and provide stable job opportunities for the workforce.
As well as creating a competitive business environment, Singapore also places a strong emphasis on engaging and developing the workforce. The country prioritises education and skills training, which ensures the workforce remains highly skilled and adaptable to the ever-changing demands of the global economy. Plus, the government’s support for workers, which includes policies that promote job security, fair wages, and workplace rights, helps create a productive and motivated workforce.
Social stability also plays a key role in Singapore’s economic quality. The country offers comprehensive social safety nets, such as healthcare and retirement savings schemes, that contribute to a stable and confident workforce.
Best countries to live for living conditions
Below are the top 10 countries to live based on living conditions, which includes quality of life for residents, material resources, and basic services.
Living Conditions Rank | Location | Overall Rank |
1 | Netherlands | 6 |
2 | Denmark | 1 |
3 | Sweden | 2 |
4 | Norway | 3 |
5 | Switzerland | 5 |
6 | Luxembourg | 7 |
7 | Finland | 4 |
8 | Germany | 9 |
9 | United Kingdom | 12 |
10 | Iceland | 8 |
Netherlands
The Netherlands ranks first as the best country to live based on living conditions. The country’s balance of urban sophistication and picturesque countryside, alongside its world-class infrastructure, makes it a desirable place to call home.
Material resources in the Netherlands are abundant, with a high standard of living supported by a strong economy and a well-developed housing market. The nation has a commitment to sustainability that ensures resources are used efficiently, and residents benefit from modern, eco-friendly homes, energy-efficient public transport, and a general emphasis on environmental responsibility. The availability of high-quality consumer goods and services, from food to technology, further enhances the daily living experience.
Connectivity in the Netherlands is another standout feature. The country boasts one of the most advanced transport systems in Europe, with an extensive network of trains, trams, buses, and cycling paths that make it easy to travel both within cities and across the country. Public transport is efficient, reliable, and well-integrated, and allows residents to move around without difficulty. For those who prefer to travel internationally, the Netherlands offers a strategic location and proximity to other European countries that make it a central hub for business and leisure travel.
Basic services in the Netherlands are exceptional. The country provides universal healthcare, which is both high-quality and accessible, ensuring that residents have access to necessary medical treatment. Public services such as education, waste management, and water supply are well-managed and operate seamlessly, contributing to a comfortable and secure living environment. In addition, the Netherlands places an emphasis on social welfare and the wellbeing of its citizens, to ensure everyone has access to support when they need it, creating a sense of security and community.
Best countries to live for natural environment
Below are the best countries to live based on the natural environment, which looks at the aspects of the physical environment that affect the daily lives of residents and how it might impact future generations.
Natural Environment Rank | Location | Overall Rank |
1 | Sweden | 2 |
2 | Finland | 4 |
3 | Latvia | 31 |
4 | Slovenia | 27 |
5 | Denmark | 1 |
6 | Switzerland | 5 |
7 | Austria | 14 |
8 | Estonia | 21 |
9 | Norway | 3 |
10 | Luxembourg | 7 |
Sweden
Sweden is celebrated for its stunning natural environment, so it’s no surprise it ranks number one as the best country to live based on this category. The country’s landscapes feature vast forests, pristine lakes, rugged coastlines, and the majestic Northern Lights, all of which contribute to a lifestyle that is closely connected to nature.
The environment in Sweden plays a central role in daily life, with outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling enjoyed by many residents. There is an abundance of green spaces, forests, and nature reserves, providing residents with ample opportunities to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Even many urban areas are designed to blend seamlessly with nature, offering parks, green roofs, and pedestrian-friendly spaces that promote outdoor living and wellbeing.
Sweden has a commitment to environmental sustainability, which is evident in its approach to urban planning and renewable energy. The country is a global leader in sustainability, and has a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions, promoting green technology, and ensuring the responsible use of natural resources. This commitment is reflected in its transportation systems, energy policies, and waste management practices, all of which aim to minimise the impact on the environment. The country is also known for its eco-friendly building standards and initiatives to preserve biodiversity, which help to maintain a harmonious relationship between urban development and nature.
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