The answer that entails this question to most minds would be Switzerland. But, looking beyond the ‘sovereign- neutral’ stereotype assigned to Switzerland, I believe that Norway better deserves the title of the most politically and economically stable country. Its history is comparable to that of Switzerland- Norway has been neutral in both World Wars and is not a part of the European Union. Yet, a thorough examination of economic and political statistics reveals that Norway stands at a better footing than Switzerland or any other country when it comes to economic and political stability.
The preference of living in a country is scaled on one’s personal security and the spectrum of opportunities available for social, financial and individual growth. Norway is a country that best fulfills these demands of a prosperous life. It has the lowest crime rate in the world and no serious transnational disputes, affirming the earlier statement about personal security. It ranks first on the Human Development Index which is crucial in determining the collective welfare standing of a country. Its 100 per cent literacy rate says something about the importance of education to its people, a realization markedly significant for any country’s growth. Norway has always been a monarchy with absolutely no opposition pressures. This is evidence of political satisfaction among its masses and a stable promise for the future as well. It allows for free market to operate but with state intervention and control of vital sectors such as its petroleum production which has been met by no discontentment. Norway’s oil resources and fish stocks continue to boost its economy along with others sectors offering employment to 2.5 million people with an unemployment rate of 2.4 per cent, again one of the lowest in the world. Its GDP is witnessing a growth of 4.9 per cent at the moment and is expected to stay high owing to high consumer confidence and strong investment spending in the oil and gas sector. Norway has a budget surplus of $250 billion thanks to its savings from the oil and gas in a Government Petroleum Fund invested abroad. This is an impressive future planning of a conscientious nation aware of a situation of when it runs out of the primary propellers of its economy.
Even though the figures speak for themselves, there’s more to living in a country besides the economic and the political factors. Country is like a family, given to you by birth. With increasing globalization, a choice has been forwarded but no matter how disorganized, impoverished or corrupt my country might seem to anyone else, I would still prefer it over Norway.
You make a strong case for wanting to immigrate to Norway. But you forgot to mention their miserable weather and their proximity to the Arctic Circle which gives them long dark winters.
But even if a person wanted to immigrate to Norway they would find it tough because Norway does not encourage much immigration.
One of the reasons they are such a content society is that they are a very ethnically and socially homogenous society. They don't enjoy the (dubious) "benefits" of diversity.
verg good point. a homogenous society has better living conditions. I am also wondering what are their work ethics? I know some European countries only work about two or three times a week and their per capita?
i would also consider their depression rate. it would be ideal for me to discover what country is the happiest.