A high quality of life often reflects a country’s ability to provide economic stability, quality healthcare, education, safety, employment opportunities and strong public services.

According to a new ranking by The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Sweden leads the world for quality of life in 2026, with Europe dominating the top positions.

Below are the 10 highest-ranked countries and what sets them apart.

1. Sweden (Quality of Life Score: 100.0)

Sweden tops the global ranking thanks to its strong welfare system, excellent healthcare and education, stable economy, and globally recognised companies such as Volvo and IKEA.