• Analysis and Studies
• The top countries for living standards in 2022

The GDP, or gross domestic product, is the total value of all products and services generated in a nation over a specific time period. It is a common measure of a nation's wealth. However, while such a value may be helpful to comprehend an economy's performance, it may be misleading when used to evaluate a population's happiness, quality of life, and social development. The GDP is just one element of the wealth of a country but it is not an overall measurement.

The only comprehensive and systematic measurement of the non-economic dimensions of social performance across the globe with transparent and actionable data is the Social Progress Index. Published every year since 2014 by the Social Progress Imperative, a non-profit organization, it ranks countries according to social aspects such as access to basic human needs, general well-being, and opportunities.

The index evaluates 60 social and environmental parameters in 169 nations. These indicators are made to focus on other national data points other than the economy. The parameters are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s rank reflects the complicated global situation. Indeed, the world’s social progress is at risk of recession in 2023. The globe has advanced in 10 out of 12 areas of social growth since 2011, with access to advanced education, water and sanitation, and housing seeing the biggest improvements. However, personal rights have significantly declined, while inclusiveness has stagnated.

Five of the top six ranks are occupied by Nordic and Scandinavian nations: Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden are among the top countries for living standards. Also, Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan are well placed. 

The only English-speaking nation in the top 10 countries in the world is Canada, however, it dropped considerably to 111th place in housing affordability. 

Here are the top 20 countries in the world for living standards: 

1.      Norway 

2.      Denmark 

3.      Finland 

4.      Switzerland 

5.      Iceland

6.      Sweden 

7.      The Netherlands

8.      Germany 

9.      Japan

10.  Canada 

11.  Austria 

12.  Australia 

13.  Ireland 

14.  Luxembourg 

15.  New Zealand 

16.  Belgium 

17.  South Korea 

18.  Estonia 

19.  The United Kingdom 

20.  France 

You can read the full list in the Social Progress Imperative's report.