8:50 AM
Being happy is not an exact formula — earning a lot of money does not necessarily equate to a happy life.
A new survey by InterNations, the world’s largest network for people who live and work abroad, shows that this is the case for expats across the globe.
The company asked 14,300 people living overseas, representing 174 nationalities and living in
191 countries or territories, to rate 43 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of 1-7.
One of the sub-indexes taken a gander at individual happiness.
Some of the countries that made the top slots showed that
the happiest expats across the globe were not necessarily earning a huge
amount, nor were they in places that had the best infrastructure. But
something about living in these countries satisfied them.
Take a look at the top 15 :
15. Kenya —The country is turning into an increasing number of popular with expats, thanks to activity boom in various sectors, beautiful surroundings, incredible weather, and a low cost of living.
14. Uganda —The east African nation has transformed itself into a country of relative stability and prosperity and this is attracting expats from across the globe looking for emerging market opportunities.
13. Peru — The survey says that Peru mainly attracts business owners, so expats who already have an income. Many relocate for the weather and low cost of living.
12. Hungary — Hungary is one of countries that
climbed the most in the personal finance index, meaning that people are
earning more. This has contributed to the the personal happiness of
expats as costs have not risen in line with earnings, making it a cheap
place to live.
10. Spain — Accommodation, food and drink, and
transport cost very little in comparison to Western European countries
such as Britain. Combined with job prospects, decent pay, and good
weather, expats rate this as one of the places they are most happy
with.
9. Panama — The country is a hive for service
economy jobs, including finance and infrastructure. Pay goes a long way
and the good weather does not hurt.
8. Vietnam — The popular expat destination for Western Europeans scores highly because you can live pretty decadently on a low wage (by Western standards). There is also incredible scenery, activities and places to explore.
7. Thailand — Another favourite destination for the
Western world is Thailand, where low cost of living, easiness of
settling in, and activities make expats very happy.
6. New Zealand — The country may be out of the way
but peacefulness, good healthcare, and good education all contribute to
expats saying they are extremely happy there.
5. Ecuador — The country fell 16 places in the
quality of life index, but in terms of personal happiness, expats say
it's one of the best places in the world for a happy life. Cost of
living is low and weather and activities are abundant.
4. Philippines — Those with families rank the
country highly thanks to a friendly attitude towards children and low
cost of living.
3. Mexico — The country ranks number one in the ease
of settling in index, as well as highly across the weather and
friendliness sub-indexes.
2. Malta — The country is a favourite destination
for Europeans looking to relocate, thanks to the ease of settling in,
low language barrier, low cost of living and enviable weather.
Interestingly, the survey shows that personal happiness is one of the
best because 70% of expats in Malta surveyed are in a relationship,
compared to the global average of 63%.
1. Costa Rica — The country is one of the top 5
"dream destinations" for expats in the survey and makes people happy
from all different walks of life — 19% are entrepreneurs or business
owners, 20% have a part-time job, while 14% are retirees.
A new survey by InterNations, the world’s largest network for people who live and work abroad, shows that this is the case for expats across the globe.
The company asked 14,300 people living overseas, representing 174 nationalities and living in
191 countries or territories, to rate 43 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of 1-7.
Take a look at the top 15 :
15. Kenya —The country is turning into an increasing number of popular with expats, thanks to activity boom in various sectors, beautiful surroundings, incredible weather, and a low cost of living.
14. Uganda —The east African nation has transformed itself into a country of relative stability and prosperity and this is attracting expats from across the globe looking for emerging market opportunities.
13. Peru — The survey says that Peru mainly attracts business owners, so expats who already have an income. Many relocate for the weather and low cost of living.
(iStock)
11. Taiwan — The country features near the top of many sub-indexes and expats in Taiwan are "relatively well-off despite low absolute income." Access to quality healthcare and education also makes expats happy there.
11. Taiwan — The country features near the top of many sub-indexes and expats in Taiwan are "relatively well-off despite low absolute income." Access to quality healthcare and education also makes expats happy there.
Tourists taking photos at Xiangshan or Elephant Mountain with the Taipei 101 seen in the background in Taipei, Taiwan (EPA)
Barcelona's Barceloneta beach (Getty)
8. Vietnam — The popular expat destination for Western Europeans scores highly because you can live pretty decadently on a low wage (by Western standards). There is also incredible scenery, activities and places to explore.
Vietnam has extended visa-free travel for Brits (Shutterstock)
Monkeys eat bananas at an ancient temple during the annual 'monkey buffet' in Lopburi province, north of Bangkok, Thailand (ge)
Motorhome, RV, travelling near the snowcapped Mount Cook/Aoraki Mountain Range, South Island, New Zealand (iStockphoto)
(Getty)
Manila, capital of the Philippines, is going glam with new openings from Paris Hilton and Donald Trump (AFP/Getty)
(Reuters)
Costa Rican Beach: (Getty Images/google.com)
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