9 of the Best Countries to Raise a Family

From education and healthcare systems to crime rates and economic status, there are dozens of things to consider when choosing the best country to raise a family. Every nation has its strong suits, but some countries offer significantly better prospects for families than others. 

Before we get started, it's worth keeping in mind that the most suitable country for you and your loved ones will depend on a range of external factors. These include visa options, your line of work, language barriers, and cultural differences, among other variables.

Without further ado, let's dive into the world's best countries to rear a family!

Switzerland

This small but mighty European nation is among the wealthiest in the world. It's frequently applauded for its booming economy, stellar education system, and neutrality on the world stage. 

With its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and spotlessly clean cities, Switzerland is the perfect choice for both outdoor families and downtown dwellers. In fact, you've more than likely spotted Switzerland at the top of many lists ranking the planet's most livable countries.

Swiss salaries are some of the highest in the continent, so it's essential to keep in mind that the cost of living will align with these standards.

Germany

Germany's inclusion on this list is no surprise, as it boasts Europe's largest economy and some of the finest yet inexpensive education opportunities for children and adults alike.

The country is very safe, children are taught independence and practical life skills from a young age, and it's relatively affordable based on the quality of life it offers.

At present, housing in Germany is in limited supply, which is something to take into account if you're considering a move to one of the bigger cities.

Norway

Much like many of its Nordic counterparts, Norway ticks almost all of the boxes for the perfect family-centric destination.

In addition to its world-class education offerings, reliable healthcare system, and overall safety, Norway has some of Europe's most generous parental leave policies. Throw in the abundant natural beauty, and you've got a pretty incredible place to bring up your kids.

Norway's high taxes and costly living experiences are well-documented, but luckily, it has enviable salaries to match.

Finland

This time, we're heading a few hundred miles west of Norway to one of its northern neighbors, Finland.

Regularly dubbed the happiest place on earth, this title alone is enough to pique the interest of globe-trotting families. That being said, Finland has the stats to back it up, as it outperforms many nations in terms of work-life balance, education, safety, and personal freedoms.

Despite Finland's almost six-month-long maternity and paternity leaves, it lags slightly behind those of Norway and Sweden.

The Netherlands

While Finland comes out on top for population-wide happiness, findings suggest that The Netherlands is home to the world's most content youngsters.

This pint-sized country takes a child-led approach to schooling, with educational settings in place to cater to a range of needs and learning styles. Additionally, parents will also be drawn to The Netherlands for its thriving job market, competitive salaries, and welcoming locals.

Unfortunately, relocating here has some disadvantages, including spiraling car ownership costs and the ongoing housing shortage.

Denmark

Denmark has long been hailed as a superb place for residents of any age to live. When you consider what the smallest Scandinavian nation offers, it's hard to argue against this statement.

Whether you're discussing healthcare, education, amenities, or jobs, Denmark knocks it out of the park every time. If that wasn't enough to convince any parent, you might also be eager to learn that Denmark has lengthy maternity and paternity leaves and modestly priced childcare.

As you may already know, Denmark has lucrative salaries and high taxes. Yet, housing costs remain noticeably more in line with earnings than in other countries.

Sweden

Sweden performs well in all the categories you'd expect from any Nordic country, but it really excels in its parental policies. Parents in Sweden can enjoy almost eight months of paid leave, and this goes for both mothers and fathers.

Unsurprisingly, Sweden has a prosperous economy, robust healthcare system, and top-tier education. What might shock you is that, even with the country's elevated living costs, housing isn't quite as unattainable as you'd expect.

If you're a family that's into the great outdoors, you're sure to fall in love with Sweden's snow-capped peaks, sprawling landscapes, and tranquil lakes.

Iceland

The Land of Fire and Ice is not only stunningly beautiful, but it's also remarkably safe and consistently ranks first on the Global Peace Index.

However, spectacular natural wonders and exceptionally safe surroundings aren't the only things luring parents to Iceland. Freedom, healthcare, free education, and a strong sense of community have also made Iceland a delightful place to parent your children.

Salaries are high across almost every sector, but Iceland is easily among the most expensive countries worldwide. Though prices tend to reflect the average earnings, the cost of living here can be off-putting for some families.

Singapore

The majority of the world's most desirable countries to raise a family are in Europe, but the affluent Asian city-state of Singapore might just give its Western peers a run for their money.

Few nations come close to Singapore in terms of safety, education, and healthcare. It's certainly known for its steep living costs, but this is not too much of an issue for residents as salaries are far superior to those in most countries.

Singapore loses a few points with regard to parental leave. Although mothers are granted sixteen weeks of paid maternity leave, and fathers receive two, it falls quite a bit behind European nations in this respect.

Start Planning Your Little Ones' Future in These Family-Friendly Countries

When it comes to raising a family, these countries are as good as it gets. Not only do they offer a fantastic quality of life for the younger generation, but they're also equally appealing to adults.

Whether you're after excellent job opportunities, captivating scenery, or child-centered amenities, you're sure to find what you're looking for in one of these sought-after nations.