The 2024 Best Countries for Raising Kids ranking by The US News & World Report is based on a global survey of nearly 17,000 people. Countries were evaluated across eight key attributes including human rights, family-friendliness, gender equality, safety, income equality, happiness, and access to quality education and healthcare.
This gallery highlights each country's GDP, population, and GDP per capita in USD, as these factors provide insight into economic stability, public resources, and overall quality of life. You'll also find facts about life in each country and why it's considered family-friendly.
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Thailand’s GDP stands at $515 billion, with a population of 71.8 million and a GDP per capita of $23,423. Family is considered the foundation of social life in Thailand.
Croatia has a GDP of $82.7 billion, a population of 3.85 million, and a GDP per capita of $45,910. People in Croatia work to live instead of live to work. Family is very important here and kids often live at home until they get married or go to college.
Hungary’s economy totals $212 billion in GDP, with a population of 9.59 million and a GDP per capita of $45,942. The low crime rates, excellent education system, and inclusive healthcare system are all reasons Hungary is family-friendly.
The Czech Republic records a GDP of $331 billion, a population of 10.9 million, and a GDP per capita of $53,817. A lot of public spending in the Czech Republic goes towards families.
South Korea has a GDP of $1.71 trillion, a population of 51.7 million, and a GDP per capita of $54,033. Most cities are clean, safe, and have easy-to-use public transport.
Singapore’s GDP stands at $501 billion, with a population of 5.92 million and a GDP per capita of $141,500. In Singapore, safety, education, and multicultural environments are highly valued making it a great place for families.
The United States has a GDP of $27.4 trillion, with a population of 335 million, and a GDP per capita of $81,695. The US has many good characteristics for families but it also suffers from racial tensions, income inequality, and prohibitively expensive healthcare and higher education.
Greece reports a GDP of $238 billion, a population of 10.4 million, and a GDP per capita of $41,187. Greece is considered forward-thinking, good for racial equity, and a great place to experience green living. Children and families can enjoy Greek culture.
Poland’s economy totals a GDP of $811 billion, with a population of 36.7 million, and a GDP per capita of $49,464. This country is known for its work-life balance and for being an affordable place to raise children. This is thanks in part to its low living costs and affordable childcare expenses.
Japan has a GDP of $4.21 trillion, a population of 125 million, and a GDP per capita of $50,207. Here you'll find a relatively low cost of living and a place that is considered safe for families.
Portugal has a GDP of $287 billion, a population of 10.5 million, and a GDP per capita of $48,759. Mothers in Portugal are entitled to 120 maternity leave days paid at 100% of their salary. This can be extended to 150 days paid at 80% if shared with the child's father.
Italy generates a GDP of $2.25 trillion, with a population of 58.8 million, and a GDP per capita of $58,755. Italian parents can take nine months of leave when a child is born: three months for each parent and the remaining three shared between them.
France reports a GDP of $3.03 trillion, a population of 68.2 million, and a GDP per capita of $61,157. It also is known for finding a balance between work and play. Additionally, France has one of the most generous statutory annual leave entitlements.
Spain holds a GDP of $1.58 trillion, a population of 48.4 million, and a GDP per capita of $52,779. Spain boasts generous maternity and paternity leave and a comparatively low cost of living, making it an excellent choice for families.
Luxembourg, one of the world’s wealthiest nations, boasts a GDP of $85.8 billion, a population of 669 thousand, and an outstanding GDP per capita of $143,341. There is a high standard of living in Luxembourg and it ranks high on lists for quality of life and social purpose.
The United Kingdom is a major global economy, with a GDP of $3.34 trillion, a population of 68.4 million, and a per capita GDP of $58,906. In the UK, the welfare and rights of children are well protected. Additionally, for families who value exposure to culture, the UK is great.
With a GDP of $31.0 billion, a population of 394 thousand, and a GDP per capita of $77,567, Iceland continues to maintain a strong economy despite its small size.
Germany ranks 13th overall, boasting a GDP of $4.46 trillion, a population of 84.5 million, and a GDP per capita of $69,338. According to Remote.com, Germany spends a large proportion of its GDP on benefits for the family.
With a $546 billion GDP, a population of 5.26 million, and a $127,623 GDP per capita, Ireland is a great place for families and kids.
Belgium comes in at the 11th spot with a GDP of $632 billion, a population of 11.8 million people, and a $70,456 GDP per capita. Here you'll find a good job market, economic stability, and income equality.
Austria has 9.13 million people, a GDP of $516 billion, and a GDP per capita of $73,751. There is a high quality of life in Austria including safety, a well-developed public education system, and public health.
New Zealand boasts a $253 billion GDP and a population of 5.22 million bringing its GDP per capita to $54,110. New Zealand has one of the highest global minimum wages and is seen as a safe country to live in.
With a GDP of $1.72 trillion and 26.6 million people living there, Australia has a GDP per capita of $69,115. Family benefits in Australia include a great healthcare system and excellent educational facilities.
The GDP in the Netherlands is $1.12 trillion and it has a population of 17.9 million people. Therefore, its GDP per capita is $78,215. There is comprehensive healthcare and the family life is supported through a well-structured education system.
In Canada, the GDP is $2.14 trillion and it has a population of 40.1 million people bringing its GDP per capita to $92,980. There are high safety standards and an education system known for being multicultural.
Switzerland's GDP is $888 billion and its population is 8.85 million people, making its GDP per capita $92,980. In Switzerland, there is a focus on multilingual learning and academic achievement. There are great family benefits also including family-oriented policies and programs.
Finland's GDP is $300 billion and its population is 5.58 million people making its overall GDP per capita $65,061. The Finnish education system is known for being student-centered. Additionally, there is an emphasis on early childhood development.
Coming in at number three is Norway. They have a $486 billion GDP, 5.53 million people, and a $104,460 GDP per capita. Working moms are given 54 weeks of paid maternity leave and the country spends more than many others on work-life balance and equality.
In Sweden, you'll find a $593 billion GDP along with a population of 10.5 million people. The GDP per capita is $70,207. This country is one of the best overall in terms of childcare as it spends more of its GDP on pre-primary education and sets affordable childcare costs.
Topping the charts is Denmark where you'll find a GDP of $404 billion. There is a population of 5.95 million people and a GDP per capita of $76,688. Denmark is considered safe for families and it often spends more on childcare, family benefits, and pre-primary education compared to other nations.
Sources: (U.S. News & World Report) (Remote) (Global Passport) (Immigrant Invest) (TUI) (World Footprints)
The 30 best countries for raising kids
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LIFESTYLE Children
The 2024 Best Countries for Raising Kids ranking by The US News & World Report is based on a global survey of nearly 17,000 people. Countries were evaluated across eight key attributes including human rights, family-friendliness, gender equality, safety, income equality, happiness, and access to quality education and healthcare.
This gallery highlights each country's GDP, population, and GDP per capita in USD, as these factors provide insight into economic stability, public resources, and overall quality of life. You'll also find facts about life in each country and why it's considered family-friendly.
Curious about where you might call your next home? Click through now.