Britain falls to 25th best place to live in the world

[alienlovechild 75]

Britain falls to 25th best place to live in the world... behind Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary

Britain has dropped to 25th place on a list of the best places in the world to live – behind countries like the Czech Republic, Andorra and Lithuania.

While France tops the poll for the fifth year in row, the UK is associated with a dismal climate, soaring crime rate and cost of living, congested roads and equally overcrowded cities.

Even former Communist countries where unemployment is still rife are considered better places to live.

The Czech Republic and Lithuania were not even accepted into the European Union until 2004.

Since then thousands of people from both countries have flooded into the UK, but most are drawn by the chance to make money in a liberal, entrepreneurial economy, rather than because of Britain's quality of life.

Many eastern Europeans make as much money as they can in the UK before returning home at the earliest opportunity.

The Quality of Life Index, published by International Living magazine for the 30th year in a row, puts Britain down five places from 20th in 2009.

In all, 200 countries are surveyed across nine categories, including cost of living, culture and leisure, environment, safety, culture and weather.

Australia is placed second after France, with Switzerland in third.

Residents across the Channel enjoy everything from Riviera beaches and Alpine ski resorts to arguably the best health service in the world, but it is the country's 'bon vivant' lifestyle which sets it apart.

Enlarge Ice skaters trek around the frozen Lake Nasijarvi in Tampere, southern Finland: The Scandinavian country came 18th in the list of best places in the world

While British people are nowadays renowed for their TV dinners and binge drinking, the French savour the finer things in life day-in, day-out.

This includes freshly baked bread twice a day, two hour lunch breaks in which to enjoy cheap cordon bleu restaurants, and some of the best wine in the world.

Working hours are far shorter than those experienced by stressed-out British people, who have far less holiday entitlement too.

The French, in contrast, take most of August off, view Sunday leisure as sacrosanct, and have far more public holidays, as well as less crime and dirt.

'In France, life is savoured,' said Jackie Flynn, publisher of International Living Magazine

TOP 25 PLACES TO LIVE

1. FRANCE

2. AUSTRALIA

3. SWITZERLAND

4. GERMANY

5. NEW ZEALAND

6. LUXEMBOURG

7. UNITED STATES

8. BELGIUM

9. CANADA

10. ITALY

11. NETHERLANDS

12. NORWAY

13. AUSTRIA

14. LIECHTENSTEIN

15. MALTA

16. DENMARK

17. SPAIN

18. FINLAND

19. URUGUAY

20. HUNGARY

21. PORTUGAL

22. LITHUANIA

23. ANDORRA

24. CZECH REPUBLIC

25. UNITED KINGDOM

'I don't think anyone will argue that France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, where there is so much pride in all the small details.

'The French love little window boxes filled with flowers, tidy gardens, pretty sidewalk cafes, and clean streets. Cities are well tended and with little crime.'

Variety is also seen as a major factor in France's attractiveness, with the survey noting: 'Romantic Paris offers the best of everything, but services don't fall away in Alsace's wine villages, in wild and lovely Corsica, in lavender-scented Provence. Or in the Languedoc of the troubadors, bathed in Mediterranean sunlight.'

The U.S.A dropped from third to seventh place this because of last year's economic collapse. 'Sustaining the American Dream has escalated out of the reach of many,' said a magazine spokesman.

While countries like France, Italy and Australia are considered to have the best climates, Britain does not top a single category.

Germany, which comes fourth in the overall survey, is widely praised for its efficiency and leisure facilities.

The survey notes: 'In Germany, everything works and works well. Its houses are built to last, and their legendary autobahns are still mostly without speed limits.

'If you enjoy sports, even small towns have numerous facilities. Some odd ones too—the Harz Mountains now has a specialist hiking trail for nudists. From spas to parks to North Sea beaches, Germany is arguably the world's most naturist-friendly country.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/...ishes-25th.html

[Danno 1,228]

Britain falls to 25th best place to live in the world... behind Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary

Britain has dropped to 25th place on a list of the best places in the world to live – behind countries like the Czech Republic, Andorra and Lithuania.

While France tops the poll for the fifth year in row, the UK is associated with a dismal climate, soaring crime rate and cost of living, congested roads and equally overcrowded cities.

Even former Communist countries where unemployment is still rife are considered better places to live.

The Czech Republic and Lithuania were not even accepted into the European Union until 2004.

Since then thousands of people from both countries have flooded into the UK, but most are drawn by the chance to make money in a liberal, entrepreneurial economy, rather than because of Britain's quality of life.

Many eastern Europeans make as much money as they can in the UK before returning home at the earliest opportunity.

The Quality of Life Index, published by International Living magazine for the 30th year in a row, puts Britain down five places from 20th in 2009.

In all, 200 countries are surveyed across nine categories, including cost of living, culture and leisure, environment, safety, culture and weather.

Australia is placed second after France, with Switzerland in third.

Residents across the Channel enjoy everything from Riviera beaches and Alpine ski resorts to arguably the best health service in the world, but it is the country's 'bon vivant' lifestyle which sets it apart.

Enlarge Ice skaters trek around the frozen Lake Nasijarvi in Tampere, southern Finland: The Scandinavian country came 18th in the list of best places in the world

While British people are nowadays renowed for their TV dinners and binge drinking, the French savour the finer things in life day-in, day-out.

This includes freshly baked bread twice a day, two hour lunch breaks in which to enjoy cheap cordon bleu restaurants, and some of the best wine in the world.

Working hours are far shorter than those experienced by stressed-out British people, who have far less holiday entitlement too.

The French, in contrast, take most of August off, view Sunday leisure as sacrosanct, and have far more public holidays, as well as less crime and dirt.

'In France, life is savoured,' said Jackie Flynn, publisher of International Living Magazine

TOP 25 PLACES TO LIVE

1. FRANCE

2. AUSTRALIA

3. SWITZERLAND

4. GERMANY

5. NEW ZEALAND

6. LUXEMBOURG

7. UNITED STATES

8. BELGIUM

9. CANADA

10. ITALY

11. NETHERLANDS

12. NORWAY

13. AUSTRIA

14. LIECHTENSTEIN

15. MALTA

16. DENMARK

17. SPAIN

18. FINLAND

19. URUGUAY

20. HUNGARY

21. PORTUGAL

22. LITHUANIA

23. ANDORRA

24. CZECH REPUBLIC

25. UNITED KINGDOM

'I don't think anyone will argue that France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, where there is so much pride in all the small details.

'The French love little window boxes filled with flowers, tidy gardens, pretty sidewalk cafes, and clean streets. Cities are well tended and with little crime.'

Variety is also seen as a major factor in France's attractiveness, with the survey noting: 'Romantic Paris offers the best of everything, but services don't fall away in Alsace's wine villages, in wild and lovely Corsica, in lavender-scented Provence. Or in the Languedoc of the troubadors, bathed in Mediterranean sunlight.'

The U.S.A dropped from third to seventh place this because of last year's economic collapse. 'Sustaining the American Dream has escalated out of the reach of many,' said a magazine spokesman.

While countries like France, Italy and Australia are considered to have the best climates, Britain does not top a single category.

Germany, which comes fourth in the overall survey, is widely praised for its efficiency and leisure facilities.

The survey notes: 'In Germany, everything works and works well. Its houses are built to last, and their legendary autobahns are still mostly without speed limits.

'If you enjoy sports, even small towns have numerous facilities. Some odd ones too—the Harz Mountains now has a specialist hiking trail for nudists. From spas to parks to North Sea beaches, Germany is arguably the world's most naturist-friendly country.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/...ishes-25th.html

Not that I put to much stock in these "Best of" lists but you hardly hear a good report come out of Britain anymore, I have not been there in a number of years and I can't think of a thing to make me want to return.

Still it's hard to believe France rates so high. I am loosely exploring the idea of a Czech trip.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Australia is the best at everything.

[_Simpson_ 250]

but but but how could USA be better than Finland.

One should put no stock in this list.

[lostinblue 1,989]

It has to do with all the cold weather they seem to be having.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

This girl seems happy.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

This girl seems happy.

Hey Six! Nice boots! You shouldnt mix your liquor.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I guess if I was going to go on a drunken bender you'd be the person to take liquor advice from.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I guess if I was going to go on a drunken bender you'd be the person to take liquor advice from.

Dude, you dont need liquor. Knee high boots and mini skirts just aint workin for ya.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You wish. What a kinky guy you are Mr Marc.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

You wish. What a kinky guy you are Mr Marc.

And I am PROUD of it! But i dont wear girly boots.

[Amby 490]

I liked living in England but was very surprised by the crimes and insane drinking

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You don't? Why did you mention it then?

I smell a guilty conscience (over the sour tang of urine and old scotch)

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

You don't? Why did you mention it then?

I smell a guilty conscience (over the sour tang of urine and old scotch)

If your smellin urine and a sour tang you best be gettin the ** out of there. Or maybe a bath is in order. Might be a yeast infection? I would definitely get checked out if I were you.

Or if you cant afford it, just stick your head in your pillow.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

But they have FREE medical care!

I liked living in England but was very surprised by the crimes and insane drinking

They have gun control also.