Bloody Wolf Moon Jan 2019 photo courtesy of Angelo Siglos
Every time I look at the moon, it reminds me of a conversation with a Thai lady that I lived with in Chiang Rai. We were sitting in the dark, looking at the full moon and she asked: “Can you see the moon from Canada?” It’s a valid question since her life is confined in Thailand.
Recently, the World’s Best Country of 2018 reported overall Switzerland is No. 1. Understandably so. I’ve visited Switzerland and it’s a beautiful country. Small and free of strife. When there is an argument amongst my colleagues and they want me to take sides, my response is “I want to be Switzerland.” Free and not taking any sides.
The second best country is Japan. I don’t quite understand how they have chosen Japan. The third is my country, Canada. That makes me proud.
Here are the results of the 2019 Best Countries report: Do you see your country on the list?
Overall
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Canada
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Sweden
- Australia
- United States
- Norway
- France
For Quality of Life
- Canada
- Sweden
- Denmark
To Start a Business
- Thailand
- India
- China
Most Powerful
- United States
- Russia
- China
For Women
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Canada
For Education
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
For Comfortable Retirement
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Australia
Reflections 
Most of the time I’m proud to be Canadian. Every once in a while we trip and it’s embarrassing, but for the most part, life is good here.
I was ok with this survey result until I got to education. I would seriously question their criteria on this one that gave the US #2 spot.
As Canadians when we trip, we can always say I’m sorry. Tee hee. As for education, I suppose, Canadians still go to US for masters or PhD.
I was thinking along the line of public school systems, access to higher education, per capita literacy rates, and per capita post secondary school education. There are many surveys that would contract this ranking based on these categories.
I see what you mean. Canada does have more educated people since its mandatory for children to go to school and at least finish high school. Now that you’ve raised the subject, I’m curious and might researched on this.
Thank you for sharing the list and the link. Yay for Canada (quality of life)!
Yay for women living in USA.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Feel pretty lucky to be a Canadian.
You said it well, VJ. We are very lucky indeed.
It’s good to see the uK on the list. Considering the state of affairs here I think 5th is pretty good. It does not say much about the rest of the world though. Canad does seem such a good place, I have always wanted to come see..
Being on the list is pretty good. Do come. Here’s what Vancouver is like: https://3psbyseeker.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/meanwhile-in-vancouver-3/