The Economist, in its special edition The World in 2005, places Ireland atop its list of the world's best countries in which to live. The Economist uses surveys and regression analysis to rate 111 countries by their "quality of life" index. Why is Ireland #1:
Ireland wins because it successfully combines the most desirable elements of the new (the fourth-highest GDP per head in the world in 2005, low unemployment, political liberties) with the preservation of certain cosy elements of the old, such as stable family and community life. Offsetting its poor climate and, by rich-country standards, gender inequality are a higher political stability and security. Even if GNP—not available for all countries, but in Ireland’s case significantly lower than GDP—is used to measure income, Ireland still wins.
After living in Dublin this summer I can attest to the fact that Ireland would indeed be a wonderful place to live. I loved the weather, the food, the people, the countryside - everything about Ireland actually. If only I could convince my wife to move there....
N.B. - The U.S. is 13th on the list (just ahead of Canada), the U.K. - 29th, France and Germany are 25th and 26th respectively. Russia is 105.
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