10 BEST COUNTRIES FOR KIDS 2018

While, parental leave policies did not directly factor into the “Best Countries for Raising Kids” ranking, it turns out that the best countries on the list did, in fact, have some of the most generous.

Whether you are thinking about moving or planning your next vacation, whether you are thinking about your own kids or others you know and love -- or about society’s children in general, check out the top 10 best countries to raise children 2018:

Austria ranked also ranked especially high in overall citizenship. People tend to be fair-minded, concerned with integrity, and interested in the greater good. And, of course if kids are into skiing, followed by some apple strudel mit schlag … that simply gilds the lily!

Australia is also one of the best countries for cultural influence, contemporary forward-looking attitudes, green living, women’s rights, and, for grandparents, it’s a great place to retire. The weather’s pleasant all-year round. The beaches are world-class. And those kangaroos….

New Zealand is also one of the best countries for adventure, thanks to its dramatic diverse landscapes.

Switzerland ranked as the #1 Best Country overall. In particular, it is also one of the best countries for cultural influence, most modern, most forward-looking countries, green living, education, retiring comfortably, women, and more. And ditto on the skiing bonus…

The Netherlands also ranked as one of the best countries for most modern quality of life, green living, women, and more.

Canada also ranked as a top country for most modern quality of life, forward-looking, green living, education, women, and more. And another ditto on the skiing...

Finland also ranked as a top country for most modern, quality of life, green living, women, and more. And this is Santa and reindeer country :)

Norway also ranked as one of the top 10 best countries most modern quality of life, green living, women, and more.

Sweden also ranked in the top 10 best countries for best cultural influence, most modern, quality of life, retiring comfortably, green living, education, women, and more.

Denmark, a top 10 overall Best Country, also ranked especially well for education, quality of life, women, most modern, most business-friendly, headquartering a corporation, transparency, green living, women, and more.

While the US didn’t make the cut, check out these US-based companies that ranked tops in most generous benefits for parents, in this Glassdoor Study.  

Read more about Children in These Trips Make Kids More Beautiful, Raising a More Beautiful World, and Because… Children.

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1. Image: by Elvin. “Curieus.” Voorschoten, Netherlands.
2. Image: by Mister_Roberts. “That piano.” Wellington, New Zealand.
3. Image: by Claus Rebler. Untitled. Ernstbrunn, Austria.
4. Image: by Patrick. “Switzerland/Austria Trip.” Hallstatt, Austria.
5. Image: by Chris Ford. “Forever Young, Australia, Northern Territory, Darwin, Mindil Beach Sunset.” Darwin, Australia.
6. Image: by Donnie Ray Jones. Untitled. Queenstown, New Zealand.
7. Image: by Kosala Bandara. “Kids at play.” Zermatt, Switzerland.
8. Image: by Ymke Elfring. “Beach in Zeeland The Netherlands.”  Zeeland, Netherlands.
9. Image: by Ruth Hartnup. “Little pink skier.” British Columbia, Canada.
10. Image: by Gareth Williams. “Me and the Kids by our Lake - Tampere, Finland.” Tampere, Finland.
11. Image: by *saipal. “Narnia.” Akershus, Norway.
12. Image: by Mikael Wiman. “Make your own interpretation.” Varmland, Sweden.
13. Image: by Haabet. “Gurre sø.” Horserød, Denmark.
14. Image: by b k. “Swinging towards Breiviken.” Bergen, Norway.
15. Image: by Gunnvor Bakke. “Golf :: Wrong Club For Putting.” Møre og Romsdal, Norway.
16. Image: by Camillo Särs. “The wonder of falling leaves.” Elimäki, Finland.
17. Image: by Lars Strandberg. “Sports and Activities.” Courtesy of Familjen Helsingborg Ven, Sweden.