The Economist - The World in 2005

[djprescott]

The quality of life in the UK is bottom of the European countries in 'The world in 2005' survey according to The Economist. Ireland is considered the best in the world. I believe that Portugal is in the top 20, but I don't know in which position. This is out of 111 countries. Anyone know Portugal's actual position? The UK is 29th. Interesting! Dave.

[iane]

According to one of the Portuguese papers I saw yesterday, Portugal sits in 19th place worldwide (9th within the EU behind such luminaries as Luxembourg - but ahead of Germany, UK and France)

Zimbabwe is 111th (and last) - cant think why ???

[Tony Blair]

This can't be right - but what is important is that we focus on the positive issues. And what really matters is...............................................

[Guest]

what is important is that we focus on the positive issues. And what really matters is...............................................

Why keeping up appearance with George Bush

[nosey_parker]

wow...I'm certainly surprised.

[maddi]

It would be useful to know what criteria were used to measure 'quality' perhaps I should go check the www to find out

[digger]

Here’s something I found on http://www.businessworld.ie

"The study combined a series of quality-of-life measures, from income per capita to church attendance, to rank 111 countries around the globe.
It says Ireland's came top because, unlike most other wealthy countries, it had retained strong traditional values.
It was less afflicted than other countries, he says, by the modern problems of western life, from family breakdown to drink and drug addiction.
The survey found that Ireland's income per head of population was fourth in the world.
Its positive factors "easily" offset Ireland's scores for health, climate, and gender equality, which are below the European average"