People were asked about their experiences migrating to another nation in the past ten years and whether they were happy with their decision in a survey that included nearly 2,400 respondents. Almost 17 percent of respondents left comments on the survey, displaying a range of countries and reasons for happiness or regret, in addition to different viewpoints on moving.
Despite some overlap with a previous survey on countries people regret moving to, the results highlighted the subjective nature of such experiences and the uniqueness of individual preferences.
According to a survey by World According to Briggs, here are the top ten best countries to move to, counting down from number 10.
Portugal
Portugal secured the 10th spot on the list, with respondents praising its warm climate, relatively low cost of living, safety, and the friendliness of its residents. The country’s beautiful landscapes, excellent wine, food, and the prevalence of English speakers were also highlighted. Tax benefits and good healthcare further contribute to Portugal’s popularity, making it particularly attractive to retirees.
Australia
Australia, often referred to as the “land down under,” claimed the 9th position on the list. Respondents appreciated Australians’ straightforward and direct communication style, along with the pleasant weather and stunning beaches. The country’s unique culture, job opportunities, and outdoor lifestyle contributed to the positive experiences reported by those who moved to Australia.
Canada
Canada, which also appeared on the list of countries people regretted moving to in a previous survey, managed to secure the 8th spot this time. While some respondents found Canada to be more expensive than expected, many praised the friendly people, abundant outdoor activities, and the quality of life. Notably, a few respondents attributed their lack of regret to the superior quality of Canadian beer.
New Zealand
New Zealand, a country often overlooked in discussions, claimed the 7th position. Respondents highlighted the cleanliness, decent people, and the country’s breathtaking beauty. While some noted the high cost of living in cities like Auckland, others mentioned the financial incentives offered by employers to offset these expenses, making New Zealand an attractive destination.
Belgium
Securing the 6th position, Belgium received praise for being family-friendly, offering good education and healthcare, and having a rich cultural scene. Its safety, ease of commuting to work, and multilingual population (with many residents speaking multiple languages) contributed to the positive experiences reported by those who moved to Belgium.
The Netherlands
Neighbouring Belgium, the Netherlands took the 5th spot. Respondents appreciated the country’s excellent public transportation, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. Despite some discrepancies in perceived job opportunities, the Netherlands is often lauded for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and active lifestyle.
Switzerland
Switzerland, known for its stunning mountains and low crime rate, claimed the 4th position. Respondents emphasized the country’s excellent skiing, high quality of life, and the absence of involvement in wars. The unique design of the Swiss flag, resembling the Red Cross flag, was also a noteworthy point of discussion.
Denmark
Denmark secured the 3rd spot, with respondents praising its bike-friendly cities, lack of traffic congestion, and walkable or bikeable infrastructure. Denmark’s excellent healthcare system, great schools, and overall safety contributed to the positive sentiments expressed by those who moved to this Scandinavian country.
Norway
Norway, another Scandinavian gem, took the 2nd position. Respondents appreciated Norway’s great schools, healthcare, and the country’s overall low crime rate. Despite the high cost of living, the natural beauty and quality of life in Norway outweighed the financial considerations for many respondents.
Sweden
Securing the top spot, Sweden emerged as the country people rarely regret moving to. The Scandinavian nation is known for its low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and great schools. Respondents also highlighted Sweden’s reputation as one of the happiest countries globally, attributing its appeal to factors like cultural richness and a high quality of life.
