The country with the best quality of life revealed

Denmark has been named the number one place on the planet for quality of life. The 2017 Social Progress Index chose the Scandinavian country following an analysis of 128 countries. 

In all, fifty different indicators were used to calculate the country’s performance, focusing on social and environmental outcome factors. This study also claims to be the first measure of the quality of life that does not weigh in economic factors when calculating results or when choosing its indicators. 

Instead, it used three dimensions of social progress: foundations of well-being, opportunity and basic human needs. Following the recent results of the study of the world’s happiest countries, you’ll notice that there is a distinct correlation between the two tables: 

1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Iceland
4. Norway
5. Switzerland
6. Canada
7. The Netherlands
8. Sweden
9. Australia
10. New Zealand

1. Norway
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Switzerland
5. Finland
6. The Netherlands
7. Canada
8. New Zealand
9. Australia 
10. Sweden 

Read next: The world’s happiest destinations 2017

Denmark scored consistently throughout the necessary categories, including over 95% on personal rights, nutrition, basic medical care, access to basic knowledge, water and sanitation and access to information and communications. On top of this, they achieved 89% and over for personal safety, environmental quality and personal freedom and choice. 

The analysis is put together by a group of economists, including Michael E. Porter and Scott Stern of Harvard and MIT universities. Michael Green, who is the Director of Social Progress Imperative believes the world is making progress but admits more can be done, “We are struggling to ensure the rights of freedom and tolerance.”