Posted on 07/15/2004 10:45:07 AM PDT by adam_az
For the fourth year in a row, the United Nations has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. Sweden, Australia and Canada are next in line, while the United States is further down the scale.
The annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of lifetime.
The report measured standards of living in 177 countries around the world. Other Nordic countries also ranked high, with Iceland in 7th place, Finland 13th and Denmark 17th.
Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600, beaten only by Luxembourg. Its men and women are expected to live to an age of 78.9 years and Norway is one of 19 countries in the world with no measurable rates of illiteracy.
Researchers for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also weighed countries' degrees of cultural freedom in their analysis. They called cultural freedom a "basic human right," and awarded high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own.
Norway's cultural diversity has blossomed in recent years, and public policies are aimed at integrating various ethnic groups and promoting tolerance.
Norway also was lauded for its high literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth. Norwegians themselves generally point to their country's scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, clean water and fresh air.
The United States landed in eighth place on the list, while France, for example, was 16th.
The worst countries in which to live are all in Africa, according to the UN report. All 23 nations at the bottom of the list were African, with war-torn Sierra Leone in last place.
Aftenposten English Web Desk Nina Berglund/NTB
"Researchers for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also weighed countries' degrees of cultural freedom in their analysis. They called cultural freedom a "basic human right," and awarded high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own."
In other words, they weighted the list with totally subjective metrics which favor socialism vs liberty.
I would not be surprised if it's true. They have oil money running out of their ears. It has nothing to do with their "system".
Also, the native food is horrible, there is a reason why Norway is the per-capita largest consumer of frozen pizza in the world.
But, the people are nice and downtown is beautiful.
When the oil runs out I doubt if goat cheese will pick up the slack!
(Credit for the link goes to Lazamataz)
Norway's fertility rate is sub-replacement, at 1.80. Not exactly a ringing vote of confidence by the people there.
Canada has a higher standard of living than the US? Since when?
It appears that the "whiter" the country the higher the rank. How insensitive not to pick a country with "diversiteeee".
whoever did that animation has waaaay too much time on their hands (and doesn't know that tigers only live in Asia!).
Thoughts...?
France got 16th because of theier odor problem. French men don't bathe but once or twice a week. That's why so many muslims are moving there. They walk around in their dirty bed sheets and don't have to bathe or do laundry. The french stench.
"Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600, beaten only by Luxembourg."
It sure helps when you have control over North Sea oil and gas and have a small population. I am not sure if the conversion to dollars is based on actual exchange rates or the purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rate. The dollar has been depreciating recently making the GDP figure for Norway inflated. The PPP would better reflect the ability to buy goods and services in the two countries.
If it encourages illegal aliens to go to Norway, instead of here, I'm all in favor of it.
"The United States landed in eighth place on the list, while France, for example, was 16th."
This report can't be so baked since it ranks the US way ahead of France!!!!
Wi nøt trei a høliday in Sweden this yer?
See the løveli lakes
The wonderful telephøne system
And mani interesting furry animals
Including the majestic møøse
A Møøse once bit my sister ...
No realli! She was Karving her initials on the møøse with the sharpened end of an interspace tøøthbrush given her by Svenge - her brother-in-law - an Oslo dentist and star of many Norwegian møvies: "The Høt Hands of an Oslo Dentist", "Fillings of Passion", "The Huge Mølars of Horst Nordfink".
"The annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education ...."
Education level? Shouldn't OPPORTUNITY for education count? Forced education is 1 thing (not to mention subjective - we know our public edu pretty much sucks; what if theirs does, too?), being *able* to get it is another.
"Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600...."
(Notice how they're measuring it in US $.....who's #1 again? ;-) )
"high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own."
What? Are they kidding me? WHO the *hell* has MORE cultures than we? Heck, these Euros say we HAVE NO "culture" of our *own* - so we NEED others to have ANY!
"Norwegians themselves generally point to their country's scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, clean water and fresh air."
Irrelevent as far as I can tell to this report. Added fluff. And for my fluff - who wants to live where the average temp all year is 30-F? :-o
I am left wondering: Do I now, or have I ever, actually owned something made in Norway?
Lutefisk & lefse ping.
What was the name of the jam you suggested a long while back? Moonberry or something like that?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.