"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.
(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".
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!!!!
"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?
I still like lutefisk.
In that case these ratings should be immediately sent to Mexico, Korea, and the middle East and perhaps some of those people will chose NOrway instead of cluttering us up here.
Big impact from a small population. Consider.
Home of Lief Ericsson, founder of North America. About 1,000 AD he sailed to NewFoundland.
Home of the Normans (later of France). In 1,066 AD they invaded Britain. William the Conqueror.
William's brother ruled southern Italy and part of the Holy Lands.
Can someone show which country has the most people trying to emigrate to it, both illegally and legally? To me, that would obviously show which country has the best standard of living? Anyone? Bueller?