Where-to-be-born Index

Where-to-be-born Index, also known as the Quality-of-Life Index, is a ranking that attempts to measure which country will provide the best opportunities for a healthy, safe, and prosperous life in the years ahead. It is created by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper.

Overview

The Where-to-be-born Index takes into account a range of factors to determine the quality of life in different countries around the world. These factors include economic forecasts, physical health, political freedoms, job security, and the likelihood of climate and natural disaster risks. The index uses both subjective life-satisfaction surveys and objective determinants of the quality of life across countries.

History

The index was first published in 1988 and was originally known as the Quality-of-Life Index. It was later rebranded as the Where-to-be-born Index. The index is published intermittently; for example, it was published in 2013, ranking 80 countries on where it is best to be born in that year.

Methodology

The methodology of the Where-to-be-born Index involves combining quantitative data from international organizations with subjective surveys about life satisfaction. The index incorporates indicators such as GDP per capita, life expectancy, divorce rates, and political freedoms. The subjective measures include surveys that ask residents of different countries to rate their own happiness and satisfaction with life.

Rankings

The rankings in the Where-to-be-born Index vary with each publication, reflecting changes in the global economic landscape, political stability, and social conditions. Countries with high levels of economic development, political stability, and quality healthcare systems often rank highly in the index.

Criticism

The Where-to-be-born Index has faced criticism for its methodology and the subjective nature of some of its data sources. Critics argue that the reliance on subjective surveys can introduce bias and that the index may not fully capture the complexities of quality of life in different countries.

See Also

• Economist Intelligence Unit
• Quality of life
• Human Development Index
• List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita
• List of countries by life expectancy

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