I’ve been living happily in Oslo, Norway for the past 6 years. Norway has been recognized and honored multiple times as the happiest country in the world, according to the happiness index.
Here are 7 practical reasons, based on my own experiences, why Norway is the best place to live in the world:
1. Natural beauty
Norway is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring fjords, mountains, lakes, and forests. The Northern Lights and fjords are among the country's most beloved attractions.
Summer brings lush greenery, autumn is full of vibrant colors, winter is blanketed in snow, and spring brings a refreshing breeze. For me, autumn is the best season of all.
Behind the clouds, the sky is always blue.
If you're looking to experience the true essence of Norway, try searching for "Norway in a Nutshell". You'll be amazed by the beauty of the entire journey.
The weather in Norway is truly remarkable, especially for someone who has moved from an average temperature of 30°C to 3°C.
2. High standard of living:
Norway is renowned for its high living standards, with a robust economy, low unemployment, and a high GDP per capita. It has also been recognized and honored as the happiest country in the world on multiple occasions. With a low population, there is less crowding, clean roads, advanced medical facilities, and excellent public transport. Owning a Tesla or any expensive car is not considered a big deal.
International vacations are a yearly routine for many Norwegians. You’ll rarely see someone showing off materialistic things. Norway is indeed an expensive country but you get a high standard of living and comparatively good salaries.
Everything is balanced out but plus point is you live a quality life. In general life in Norway is calm and peaceful.
3. The People
Norway and its people are distinct. People generally don't converse with strangers. On buses or trains, they tend to avoid sitting next to someone, even if the seat is empty. This isn't because they feel superior or are being rude. It's just how Norwegians are!
They are very kind and warm-hearted. You won't see anyone shouting at someone on the street, in shopping centers, etc.
There is no distinction between black or white, rich or poor, or boy or girl. Everyone is treated equally. Not to mention Norway is a safe and secure country with a low crime rate.
4. Work-Life Balance
Work is essential, and so is your personal life. No manager should stop you from picking up your kids from kindergarten at 3 pm. You have the right to five weeks of paid vacation each year, which you can take whenever and however you like.
People usually take their vacation around Easter, summer, and Christmas. Working laws are in favor of employees and prioritize mental health. You're also provided with a good pension plan. Hospitals and schools are free for everyone.
You get vacation money just before summer vacation, which you've earned from the previous year. In other words, you pay less tax for that month, so you get a bit more salary than usual.
You also get parental leave for 49 weeks with full pay or 59 weeks with 80% pay. The choice you make applies to both parents.
I hope all countries adopt similar working laws and practices.
5. Education
Norway believes that everyone should have free access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. In Norway, public universities are fully funded, meaning students don't have to pay tuition fees.
To help cover expenses, students in higher education receive a fixed amount as a loan. Those who don't live with their parents can have part of this loan converted to a grant upon completion of their studies.
The entire education system is designed in such a way that students are encouraged to finish their graduation and master's. That’s the reason the illiteracy rate in Norway is very low.
6. Healthcare
Norway has a publicly-funded healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to all residents free of charge. No matter the size of the medical treatment required, residents are provided with paid medical leave until they can return to work. All the bills are taken care of by the government.
Each resident has their digital healthcare file in the healthcare system. This records notes made by their GP, as well as information from hospitals, specialists, and other health institutes, such as medical test results.
Only those directly involved in a resident's treatment can access their medical records. Furthermore, everything is online, so neither the resident nor the hospitals need to physically store medical files.
7. Social welfare
In uncertain situations such as job loss or hospitalization, Norwegian people are covered by social security benefits. The Norwegian welfare state provides a comprehensive safety net, including free healthcare, education, and social security.
Norway is renowned for its social security program, which is implemented with virtually no corruption.
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That's all I want to say about Norway. The key points highlighted above make Norway the best place to live in the world for me! You may or may not agree with this title. I totally understand you.
We all live in different circumstances and are at different stages of life. But one thing I can confidently say is that Norway is a beautiful and welcoming country that you won't be disappointed by visiting or living here.
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Top comments (1)
Norway has been a tempting relocation destination for me for a while. Thank you for writing up all the good things about it! What would you consider the biggest drawback? And would you happen to know if it's difficult for a foreigner to purchase a property there?