Global Property Guide
London, New York and Moscow are the world’s most expensive cities for residential apartment buyers.
Residential apartments or flats in Prime Central London are among the priciest in the world, at US$21,800 to US$36,200 (£10,960 - £18,214 or €16,305 - €27,095) per sq. m. Prime central London include Belgravia, Chelsea, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, Regent's Park, South Kensington, St. John's Woods, and St. James.
Prices in other luxurious areas in London such as Wimbledon, Hampstead, Richmond, and Wandsworth range from US$14,142 to US$19,361 (£8,675 - £9,719 or €10,560 - €14,458) per sq. m., also among the highest in the world.
New York comes in second place with property prices in Upper Manhattan between US$13,270 and US$22,923. Apartment prices in Lower Manhattan are around US$12,510 – US$20,456.
Moscow comes in third place with apartment prices ranging from US$10,764 to US$20,506.
Other cities in Europe that are among the top ten most expensive cities for condominium buyers are Paris, Barcelona and Geneva. Condominium prices in Paris are around US$12,930 to US$18,070 per sq. m.
In Spain, prices of flats in Barcelona are between US$9,160 and US$9,870. Prices of apartments in Madrid are lower than Barcelona, at US$6,535 – US$ 8,000.
In Switzerland, prices of flats in Geneva are around US$6,870 - US$10,400 per sq. m. Prices in Geneva are higher compared to Zurich, US$5,900 – US$9,830.
Of the three German cities included in the study, Munich is the most expensive with prices of flats at US$3,485 – US$3,700 per sq. m.; followed by Frankfurt at US$2,360 – US$3,300 per sq. m. Property prices in Berlin are still relatively subdued at US$1,840 – US$2,600 per sq. m.
Residential apartments in Istanbul, Turkey are among the cheapest in Europe at around US$1,850 to US$2,500 per sq. m.
Expensive Asia-Pacific cities
Four cities in the top ten are in Asia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and Mumbai.
Residential apartment prices in Hong Kong range from US$10,490 to 14,780 per sq. m., in Tokyo from US$7,600 to US$11,870 per sq. m. and in Singapore from US$11,500 to US$13,340 per sq. m.
Mumbai is a notable exception among the ten most expensive cities; it is located in a poor country, albeit rapidly growing. A mix of high population density, archaic land laws, rapid urbanization and strong economic growth contributes to the surprisingly expensive property prices in Mumbai.
Property prices in Mumbai are around US$8,600 to US$10,300 per sq. m. This is significantly higher compared to New Delhi (prices at US$1,970 – US$3,260 per sq. m.) or Bangalore. Despite equally rapid economic expansion, property prices in Bangalore are still among the cheapest in the world at US$950 – US$1,900 per sq. m..
Compared to Mumbai, Chinese cities are significantly cheaper. Prices of flats in Shanghai are around US$2,870 to US$3,540 per sq. m. while those in Beijing are priced at US$2,100 to US$2,330 per sq. m.
Properties in Australia are near the top with apartment prices in Sydney at around US$6,290 to US$9,690 per sq. m. New Zealand is significantly cheaper compared to Australia, with apartment prices in Wellington at only US$4,360 – US$4,500 per sq. m.
In South East Asia, the price of a 120 sq. m. condo in Jakarta is around US$1,073 per sq. m., cheaper compared to Kuala Lumpur (1,400 per sq. m.), Manila (US$1,969 per sq. m.) and Bangkok (US$2,819 per sq. m.).
Americas and the Caribbean
In Canada, properties in Toronto are relatively more expensive than to those in Montreal. Apartment prices in Toronto range from US$4,600 to US$6,400 per sq. m. while condos in Montreal are priced at around US$3,660 – US$5,200.
In Costa Rica, one of the most favored places of American second-home buyers and baby boomers, flats in San Jose are relatively cheap at US$1,250 – US$2,440 per sq. m. Properties along the Pacific coasts in the provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste are relatively more expensive at US$2,120 – US$2,890 per sq. m.
Property prices in the Caribbean are generally at par with Western Europe. Prices of flats in Turks and Caicos Islands are around US$5,670 - 8,230 per sq. m.; in Bahamas at US$3,860 to US$5,680 per sq. m., in Cayman Islands at US$3,660 – US$8,265 per sq. m. and in Trinidad and Tobago at US$3,140 – US$3,170 per sq. m.
Middle East and Africa are inexpensive
Properties in the Middle East are among the cheapest in the world (see article here). For instance, residential apartment prices in Egypt are around US$400 to US$900 in Maadi district of Cairo. Properties in Zamalek are a bit higher than Maadi but are still affordable at US$700 – US$1,400 per sq. m.
Residential flats measuring 120 sq. m. in Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan cost around US$1,250 per sq. m.
Properties in Tel Aviv and Dubai are among the most expensive in the Middle East. Apartment prices in Tel Aviv are around US$4,560 – US$5,220 per sq. m. while those in Dubai range from US$3,590 – US$4,130 per sq. m.
In South Africa, the price of a 120 sq. m. 2BR flat in Cape Town is around US$2,784 per sq. m., around twice the prices of similar sized properties in Johannesburg, US$1,376 per sq. m.
Renters
London, Moscow and New York are also the most expensive cities for renters. The monthly rent for a 120 sq. m. apartment in prime central London is around US$13,000. In other luxurious areas in London, the monthly rent is around US$7,900 for a similar sized unit.
The rent for 120 sq. m. flats in Moscow and New York are around US$8,000 per month.
Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong are the next three most expensive cities for renters at around US$5300 – US$5,600 per month for a 120 sq. m. unit.
Other cities in the top ten are Sydney, Australia (US$4,145 per month for a 120 sq. m. unit), Geneva, Switzerland (US$3,600), St. Petersburg, Russia (US$3,400) and Mumbai, India (US$3,380).
Cairo, Egypt has one of the lowest rents at around US$455 per month for a 150 sq. m. unit apartment. Beirut, Lebanon and San Jose, Costa Rica also have cheap rents at around US$1,150 per month for similar sized units.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
World's Most Expensive Cities In 2008
Labels:
Cities
Monday, July 14, 2008
Best Airports By Category Winners 2008
Singapore Changi Airport is named winner of the Best Airport Duty Free shopping Award for 2008, the Best Airport Dining Award 2008 and Best Airport Leisure Amenities Award 2008.
Seoul Incheon Airport is named winner of Best Airport Security Processing Award 2008 and Best Airport Washrooms Award 2008 ...
Seoul Incheon Airport is named winner of Best Airport Security Processing Award 2008 and Best Airport Washrooms Award 2008 ...
Labels:
Airport
World's Best Airport 2008
For the seventh time in 10 years, Hong Kong International Airport has been named as the traveller's favourite - being voted World's Best Airport 2008 in the World Airport Awards™
LONDON - 14th July 2008 : Hong Kong International Airport has been named the World's Best Airport for 2008, in the worldwide passenger survey results released today by Skytrax. Representing a notable achievement, this is the 7th time in ten years that the accolade has been won by Hong Kong International Airport.
Singapore Changi Airport remains firmly positioned itself at the top end of the rankings, in 2nd position worldwide, ahead of Seoul Incheon International Airport in 3rd place. Asian airport dominance of the high survey rankings is topped off by Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which moves up into 4th place in the 2008 results.
"We congratulate Hong Kong for their repeated success in winning the World's best Airport title" said Skytrax CEO, Mr Edward Plaisted. "In recent years, the whole air travel experience has become much more focussed on the time customers spend in the airport environment, and Hong Kong has established itself as a clear passenger favourite in this respect."
"The World Airport Survey evaluates a broad spectrum of product and service touchpoints across the airport experience, covering a wide spectrum of passenger types. Hong Kong was particularly notable for gaining highest satisfaction ratings in such a diverse market. Like any other business, an airport is striving to deliver world-class standards that will make a customer want to use it again, and achieving this level of loyalty requires the highest levels of quality consistency - something where Hong Kong was singled out again and again during the survey."
"Over the last 10 years, the Skytrax World Airport Awards have become recognised as the trusted, global symbol of quality for airports," said Edward Plaisted. "Our survey participants represent the most experienced, diverse and discerning travellers in the marketplace, and airports throughout the world recognize the inherent value that comes with their endorsement."
The 2006 title winner, Singapore Changi Airport, is ranked 2nd in the 2008 World Airport Awards, with Seoul Incheon Airport in 3rd, and KLIA Kuala Lumpur moving into 4th place.
"We again saw a very tight finish to this 2007/8 passenger survey, with very close margins seen between the World's Top 3 airports. The opening of the new Terminal 3 at Singapore Changi was clearly visible from results during the survey, with customer satisfaction levels showing marked increases for this airport over the period it was included. We have yet to see what impact the new Concourse Terminal will have upon passenger ratings for Seoul Incheon Airport, with this being too late to have any impact on these 2008 results" said Plaisted.
Munich Airport is again the winner of Best Airport in Europe title, and also ranked 5th in the world - out of more than 190 airports. San Francisco was named Best Airport North America, ahead of Vancouver (2nd) and Dallas/Fort Worth in 3rd position for the region.
In the Middle East passengers have to wait awhile for airport improvements, with the new airports yet to open in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. In the meantime, Best Airport for the region is Tel Aviv (1st), Bahrain (2nd) and Muscat (3rd).
Best Airport in Africa is Cape Town, which for the first time has entered the World's Top 10 Airports in 10th position, with Johannesburg ranked 2nd in Africa, ahead of Addis Ababa in 3rd place.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
The World Airport Survey is conducted by UK-based aviation research organisation, Skytrax, with more than 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers across the world, during the 10 month survey period.
Passenger interviews include a detailed appraisal for more than 40 categories of product and service quality from check-in to departure, from arrivals to baggage collection - including terminal cleanliness, staff efficiency, staff courtesy, terminal signage, security processing, immigration and customers, walking distances, as well as features like shopping, dining options, internet services.
Labels:
Airport
World's Oldest Blogger Dies, Aged 108
'Oldest' blogger dies, aged 108
An Australian woman - reputed to be the world's oldest internet blogger - has died at the age of 108, officials say. Olive Riley had posted more than 70 entries about her life since she began her blog in February 2007.
She shared her thoughts on modern life and experiences of living through the entire 20th Century, including two world wars and the Great Depression. In her final entry on 26 June, she described singing a happy song at her care home with nurses and a visitor.
An Australian woman - reputed to be the world's oldest internet blogger - has died at the age of 108, officials say. Olive Riley had posted more than 70 entries about her life since she began her blog in February 2007.
She shared her thoughts on modern life and experiences of living through the entire 20th Century, including two world wars and the Great Depression. In her final entry on 26 June, she described singing a happy song at her care home with nurses and a visitor.
'Keeping mind fresh'
Olive Riley died in the nursing home in New South Wales on Saturday.
It was great fun and it was great too to probe her [Olive Riley's] memory more deeply
Mike Rubbo, documentary maker
"Our dear friend Olive Riley passed away peacefully... She will be mourned by thousands of internet friends and hundreds of descendants and other relatives," a note on her website - http://worldsoldestblogger.blogspot.com - said.
In her final post from the town of Woy Woy, she wrote: "I can't believe I've been here in this nursing home for more than a week."How the days have flown, even though I've been in bed most the time. I still feel weak, and can't shake off that bad cough. "I've never been treated so well in all my life. The nurses can't do enough for me," she wrote.
Olive Riley was born in the town of Broken Hill on 20 October 1899. During her long life, she took various jobs, including working as an egg-sorter and barmaid. She also raised three children. Documentary maker Mike Rubbo said the idea for blogging came to Olive Riley from a friend who had taken it up. "He suggested that Ollie could blog so we put it to her and explained what a blog was and then I undertook to do all the sort of leg work," Mr Rubbo was quoted as saying by Australia's ABC News.
"It was great fun and it was great too to probe her memory more deeply and you get ever more stories about her past, many of which of course were set in Broken Hill," he said. Olive Riley's great-grandson said blogging had brought her into contact with people from around the world and had kept her mind fresh.
In her final post from the town of Woy Woy, she wrote: "I can't believe I've been here in this nursing home for more than a week."How the days have flown, even though I've been in bed most the time. I still feel weak, and can't shake off that bad cough. "I've never been treated so well in all my life. The nurses can't do enough for me," she wrote.
Olive Riley was born in the town of Broken Hill on 20 October 1899. During her long life, she took various jobs, including working as an egg-sorter and barmaid. She also raised three children. Documentary maker Mike Rubbo said the idea for blogging came to Olive Riley from a friend who had taken it up. "He suggested that Ollie could blog so we put it to her and explained what a blog was and then I undertook to do all the sort of leg work," Mr Rubbo was quoted as saying by Australia's ABC News.
"It was great fun and it was great too to probe her memory more deeply and you get ever more stories about her past, many of which of course were set in Broken Hill," he said. Olive Riley's great-grandson said blogging had brought her into contact with people from around the world and had kept her mind fresh.
Labels:
Blogger
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The World's Best Places To Live 2008
Mercer Consulting's annual roundup of the global cities with the best quality of life is here, and Zurich once again comes out on top. The best place in the U.S.? Honolulu at No. 28
By Carl Winfield
New York, London, and Paris are internationally renowned cities but consultants at Mercer Consulting have picked Zurich, Switzerland, as the best place to live in the company's annual survey.
Consultants rated each city on a variety of factors including the level of traffic congestion, air quality, and personal safety reported by expatriates living in more than 600 cities worldwide. In the top 25, U.S. cities such as San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago were all edged out by Geneva, Switzerland, Vancouver, B.C., and Auckland, New Zealand. The highest-scoring U.S. city is Honolulu, which came in at No. 28.
Still, Mercer acknowledges that cities with a high quality of life are not necessarily the most exciting. "There are a lot of 'sleepy' towns that got high ratings," said Rebecca Powers, a principal consultant in human capital for the company. "But if you were to judge them on something like nightlife, there are some that probably wouldn't have rated as high."
By Carl Winfield
New York, London, and Paris are internationally renowned cities but consultants at Mercer Consulting have picked Zurich, Switzerland, as the best place to live in the company's annual survey.
Consultants rated each city on a variety of factors including the level of traffic congestion, air quality, and personal safety reported by expatriates living in more than 600 cities worldwide. In the top 25, U.S. cities such as San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago were all edged out by Geneva, Switzerland, Vancouver, B.C., and Auckland, New Zealand. The highest-scoring U.S. city is Honolulu, which came in at No. 28.
Still, Mercer acknowledges that cities with a high quality of life are not necessarily the most exciting. "There are a lot of 'sleepy' towns that got high ratings," said Rebecca Powers, a principal consultant in human capital for the company. "But if you were to judge them on something like nightlife, there are some that probably wouldn't have rated as high."
RANK BEST PLACES TO LIVE
====================
No. 1: Zurich
Switzerland
Mercer score: 108*
2007 rank: No. 1
GDP: $300.9 billion (2007 est.)**
Population: 7,581,520 (total country); 347,517 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.74 years
* The rankings are based on a point scoring index, with Zurich scoring 108 and Baghdad scoring 13.5. Cities are compared to New York as the base city, with an index score of 100. The quality-of-living survey covers 215 cities and is conducted to help governments and major companies place employees on international assignments. The survey also identifies those cities with the highest personal safety ranking based on internal stability, crime, effectiveness of law enforcement, and relationships with other countries.
No. 2 (tie): Vienna
Austria
Mercer score: 107.9
2007 rank: No. 3
GDP: $319.7 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 8,205,533 (total country); 1,825,287 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.36 years
No. 2 (tie): Geneva
Switzerland
Mercer score: 107.9
2007 rank: No. 2
GDP: $300.9 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 7,581,520 (total country); 185,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.74 year
No. 4: Vancouver
Canada
Mercer score: 107.6
2007 rank: No. 3
GDP: $1.274 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 33,212,696 (total country); 560,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 81.16 years
No. 5: Auckland
New Zealand
Mercer score: 107.3
2007 rank: No. 5
GDP: $112.6 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 4,173,460 (total country); 1.18 million (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.24 years
No. 6: Dusseldorf
Germany
Mercer score: 107.2
2007 rank: No. 6
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 581,858 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years
No. 7 (tie): Munich
Germany
Mercer score: 107
2007 rank: No. 8
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 1,332,650 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years
No. 7 (tie): Frankfurt
Germany
Mercer score: 107
2007 rank: No. 7
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 3,700,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years
No. 9: Bern
Switzerland
Mercer score: 106.5
2007 rank: No. 9
GDP: $319.7 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 8,205,533 (total country); 122,178 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.36 years
No. 10: Sydney
Australia
Mercer score: 106.3
2007 rank: No. 9
GDP: $766.8 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 20,600,856 (total country); 4,297,100 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.73 years
No. 11: Copenhagen
Denmark
Mercer score: 106.2
2007 rank: No. 11
GDP: $204.6 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 5,484,723 (total country); 1, 086,762 (total city)
Life expectancy: 78.13 years
No. 12: Wellington
New Zealand
Mercer score: 105.8
2007 rank: No. 12
GDP: $112.6 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 4,173,460 (total country); 370,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.24 years
No. 13: Amsterdam
Netherlands
Mercer score: 105.7
2007 rank: No. 13
GDP: $638.9 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 16,645,313 (total country); 740,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.25 years
No. 14: Brussels
Belgium
Mercer score: 105.4
2007 rank: No. 14
GDP: $378.9 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 10,403,951 (total country); 1,067,162 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.07 years
No. 15: Toronto
Canada
Mercer score: 105.3
2007 rank: No. 15
GDP: $1.274 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 33,212,696 (total country); 2,481,494 (total city)
Life expectancy: 81.16 years
No. 16: Berlin
Germany
Mercer score: 105
2007 rank: No. 16
GDP: $2.833 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 82,369,548 (total country); 3,405,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 79.1 years
No. 17 (tie): Melbourne
Australia
Mercer score: 104.8
2007 rank: No. 17
GDP: $766.8 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 20,600,856 (total country); 3,850,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.73 years
No. 17 (tie): Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Mercer score: 104.8
2007 rank: No. 18
GDP: $38.79 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 486,006
Life expectancy: 79.18 years
No. 19: Ottawa
Canada
Mercer score: 104.7
2007 rank: No. 18
GDP: $1.274 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 33,212,696 (total country); 774,072 (total city)
Life expectancy: 81.16 years
No. 20: Stockholm
Sweden
Mercer score: 104.5
2007 rank: No. 20
GDP: $333.1 billion (2007 est.)
Population: 9,045,389 (total country); 794,700 (total city)
Life expectancy: 80.74 years
No. 28: Honolulu
U.S.
Mercer score: 103.1
2007 rank: No. 27
GDP: $13.86 trillion (2007 est.)
Population: 303,824,646 (total country); 380,000 (total city)
Life expectancy: 78.14 years
Labels:
Cities
World's Happiest Countries
Rating Countries for the Happiness Factor
A study pulled together from sources and surveys found that good health care and education are as important as wealth to modern happiness
Feeling sad? Researchers at Britain's University of Leicester reckon you might just be in the wrong country. According to Adrian White, an analytic social psychologist at Leicester who developed the first "World Map of Happiness," Denmark is the happiest nation in the world.
White's research used a battery of statistical data, plus the subjective responses of 80,000 people worldwide, to map out well-being across 178 countries. Denmark and five other European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and Iceland, came out in the top 10, while Zimbabwe and Burundi pulled up the bottom.
Not surprisingly, the countries that are happiest are those that are healthy, wealthy, and wise. "The most significant factors were health, the level of poverty, and access to basic education," White says. Population size also plays a role. Smaller countries with greater social cohesion and a stronger sense of national identity tended to score better, while those with the largest populations fared worse. China came in No. 82, India ranked 125, and Russia was 167. The U.S. came in at 23.
IT'S SUBJECTIVE. White's study, to be published later this year, was developed in part as a response to the British media's fascination with life satisfaction. A recent BBC survey concluded that 81% of Britain's population would rather the government make them happier than richer.
Despite its often bleak weather, England ranked relatively happy at 41. "There is increasing political interest in using measures of happiness as a national indicator along with measures of wealth," White says. "We wanted to illustrate the effects of global poverty on subjective well-being to remind people that if they want to address unhappiness as an issue the need is greatest in other parts of the world."
To produce the "Happy Map," White dug deep. He analyzed data from a variety of sources including UNESCO, the CIA, The New Economics Foundation, and the World Health Organization. He then examined the responses of 80,000 people surveyed worldwide.
MONEY STILL COUNTS. Good health may be the key to happiness, but money helps open the door. Wealthier countries, such as Switzerland (2) and Luxembourg (10) scored high on the index. Not surprisingly, most African countries, which have little of either; scored poorly. Zimbabwe, which has an AIDS rate of 25%, an average life expectancy of 39, and an 80% poverty rate, ranked near the bottom at 177. Meanwhile, the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis gave fellow Africans in Burundi, ranked 178, even less to smile about, despite their having a slightly lower poverty rate of 68%.
Capitalism, meanwhile, fared quite well. Free-market systems are sometimes blamed for producing unhappiness due to insecurity and competition, but the U.S. was No. 23 and all the top-ranking European countries are firmly capitalist—albeit of a social-democratic flavor.
White says the only real surprise in his findings was how low many Asian countries scored. China is 82, Japan 90, and India an unhappy 125. "These are countries that are thought as having a strong sense of collective identity, which other researchers have associated with well-being," he says.
ARE WE HAPPY YET? White admits that happiness is subjective. But he defends his research on the grounds that his study focused on life satisfaction rather than brief emotional states. "The frustrations of modern life, and the anxieties of the age, seem to be much less significant compared to the health, financial, and educational needs in other parts of the world."
One of the study's intentions was to see how Britain, given media preoccupation with well-being, fared compared to other parts of the globe. His conclusion: "The current concern with happiness levels in the U.K. may well be a case of the 'worried well.'"
A study pulled together from sources and surveys found that good health care and education are as important as wealth to modern happiness
Feeling sad? Researchers at Britain's University of Leicester reckon you might just be in the wrong country. According to Adrian White, an analytic social psychologist at Leicester who developed the first "World Map of Happiness," Denmark is the happiest nation in the world.
White's research used a battery of statistical data, plus the subjective responses of 80,000 people worldwide, to map out well-being across 178 countries. Denmark and five other European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and Iceland, came out in the top 10, while Zimbabwe and Burundi pulled up the bottom.
Not surprisingly, the countries that are happiest are those that are healthy, wealthy, and wise. "The most significant factors were health, the level of poverty, and access to basic education," White says. Population size also plays a role. Smaller countries with greater social cohesion and a stronger sense of national identity tended to score better, while those with the largest populations fared worse. China came in No. 82, India ranked 125, and Russia was 167. The U.S. came in at 23.
IT'S SUBJECTIVE. White's study, to be published later this year, was developed in part as a response to the British media's fascination with life satisfaction. A recent BBC survey concluded that 81% of Britain's population would rather the government make them happier than richer.
Despite its often bleak weather, England ranked relatively happy at 41. "There is increasing political interest in using measures of happiness as a national indicator along with measures of wealth," White says. "We wanted to illustrate the effects of global poverty on subjective well-being to remind people that if they want to address unhappiness as an issue the need is greatest in other parts of the world."
To produce the "Happy Map," White dug deep. He analyzed data from a variety of sources including UNESCO, the CIA, The New Economics Foundation, and the World Health Organization. He then examined the responses of 80,000 people surveyed worldwide.
MONEY STILL COUNTS. Good health may be the key to happiness, but money helps open the door. Wealthier countries, such as Switzerland (2) and Luxembourg (10) scored high on the index. Not surprisingly, most African countries, which have little of either; scored poorly. Zimbabwe, which has an AIDS rate of 25%, an average life expectancy of 39, and an 80% poverty rate, ranked near the bottom at 177. Meanwhile, the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis gave fellow Africans in Burundi, ranked 178, even less to smile about, despite their having a slightly lower poverty rate of 68%.
Capitalism, meanwhile, fared quite well. Free-market systems are sometimes blamed for producing unhappiness due to insecurity and competition, but the U.S. was No. 23 and all the top-ranking European countries are firmly capitalist—albeit of a social-democratic flavor.
White says the only real surprise in his findings was how low many Asian countries scored. China is 82, Japan 90, and India an unhappy 125. "These are countries that are thought as having a strong sense of collective identity, which other researchers have associated with well-being," he says.
ARE WE HAPPY YET? White admits that happiness is subjective. But he defends his research on the grounds that his study focused on life satisfaction rather than brief emotional states. "The frustrations of modern life, and the anxieties of the age, seem to be much less significant compared to the health, financial, and educational needs in other parts of the world."
One of the study's intentions was to see how Britain, given media preoccupation with well-being, fared compared to other parts of the globe. His conclusion: "The current concern with happiness levels in the U.K. may well be a case of the 'worried well.'"
Happiest Countries Ranked :
=====================
No. 1: Denmark
Population: 5.5 million
Life Expectancy: 77.8 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,600
With a high standard of living, negligible poverty, and a broad range of public and social services, it's easy to see why Denmark tops the happiness map. There's a high level of education; public schools are top-quality and private ones are affordable. The low population gives the nation a strong sense of identity. And Denmark's physical beauty forms a great backdrop to daily life. The weather is a bit tough, though.
No. 2: Switzerland
Population: 7.5 million
Life Expectancy: 80.5 years
GDP Per Capita: $32,300
Smack in the middle of Europe and surrounded by picture-postcard scenery, Switzerland ranks second among the world's happiest countries. It has a low crime rate, good infrastructure, and a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing in the Alps to boating on Lake Geneva. Home to the International Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and parts of the U.N., it's not surprising that the Swiss devote a large portion of private and public money to health care — spending an average of $3,445 per person. It's pretty peaceful, too: years of political neutrality have sheltered the Swiss from the conflicts of their neighbors.
No. 3: Austria
Population: 8.2 million
Life Expectancy: 79 years
GDP Per Capita: $32,700
Another Alpine hotbed of happiness, Austria also boasts beautiful scenery and a surprisingly rich cultural scene. Like many of the world's happiest countries, it boasts a strong health-care system, as evidenced by the long average life expectancy of its citizens. Strict environmental regulations are starting to pay dividends, says Oskar Hinteregger, of the Austrian National Tourist Office. He credits the country's happy mood to its relaxed atmosphere, efficient public transport system, and general cleanliness. Austria does have some poverty, though: nearly 6%
No. 4: Iceland
Population: 300,000
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $35,600
There's more to Iceland than hot springs and Björk. The tiny country's extensive welfare system plays a big part in its citizens' happiness. The Icelandic government offers a broad range of services, such as generous housing subsidies, and with very little poverty, wealth is evenly distributed among Icelandic society. Literacy is high and unemployment, at 2.1%, is low.
No. 5: Bahamas
Population: 303,800
Life Expectancy: 65.6 years
GDP Per Capita: $20,200
Bahamanians know how to enjoy life. “Maybe it's our 'Bahama Mamas,' our sweet sea breeze, our conch salad, and fun loving people,” suggests Kendenique Campbell-Moss, a senior executive at the Bahamas Tourism Ministry. Although the poverty rate, at 9.3%, is relatively high, the beautiful weather and laid-back lifestyle keep Bahamas' citizens smiling. Campbell-Moss also reckons the fusion of African and European cultures, strong family values, and Christianity contribute to the happy vibe in the
No. 6: Finland
Population: 5.2 million
Life Expectancy: 78.5 years
GDP Per Capita: $30,900
It's dark and cold in the winter and has some of the highest taxes in Europe. But that doesn't get in the way of Finns' overall happiness. High quality medical care — at little to no cost — contributes to the country's high average life expectancy. The country's free educational system is one of the best, resulting in a 100% literacy rate. Poverty is rare; so too, is extreme wealth. “Our beloved government makes sure that taxes are high enough to prevent easy ways to riches,” says Jaakko Lehtonen, director-general of the Finnish Tourism Board. “Finns think a good salary is two cents higher than your neighbor's; it's enough to make you feel wealthy and subsequently, happy,” he says.
No. 7: Sweden
Population: 9 million
Life Expectancy: 80.50 years
GDP Per Capita: $29,800
Taxes are high and the winter is trying. But social equality, one of the best welfare systems in Europe, and a great work/life balance keep Swedes smiling. Parents get extensive maternity and paternity leave, and child care is heavily subsidized and available to all. Sweden also has unusually transparent government and a strong emphasis on ensuring the freedom and equality of its people. “Ordinary citizens in Sweden have the right to see the prime minister's official mail, and they often exercise that right,” notes Susanna Wallgren, of the Swedish Tourism Board.
No. 8: Bhutan
Population: 2.3 million
Life Expectancy: 55 years
GDP Per Capita: $1,400
Here's a surprise: The small Asian nation of Bhutan ranks eighth in the world, despite relatively low life expectancy, a literacy rate of just 47%, and a very low GDP per capita. Why? Researchers credit an unusually strong sense of national identity. Plus, the country has beautiful scenery and a largely unspoiled culture, thanks to strict governmental limits on tourism, development, and immigration. Pretty counterintuitive, but Bhutan seems to have found a recipe for happiness.
No. 9: Brunei
Population: 380,000
Life Expectancy: 75
GDP Per Capita: $23,600
It helps to have oil. Wealthy and politically stable, Brunei's government plays a major role in its citizens' happiness. The same family has ruled the Southeast Asian nation for more than six centuries, providing free medical services and education. Even university-level education is paid for by the government, which also subsidizes rice and housing. That ensures virtually nonexistent poverty.
No. 10: Canada
Population: 33 million
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,000
Canada may sometimes feel overshadowed by its giant neighbor to the south, but a strong sense of national identity and abundant natural beauty help make the sprawling and sparsely populated country one of the world's happiest. Canada also punches above its weight economically, with a huge $1.1 trillion GDP and per-capita that ranks among the world's highest. It also has strong health care and a low crime rate.
No. 11: Ireland
Population: 4 million
Life Expectancy: 77.7 years
GDP Per Capita: $41,000
Once so poor that its citizens fled by the millions, the Celtic Tiger has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth over the past dozen years. Credit membership in the European Union and a can-do attitude has raised standards of living and even lured former immigrants back home. The excellent education system, open economy, and relaxed pace of life all contribute to the overall happiness of the Irish.
No. 12: Luxembourg
Population: 474,500
Life Expectancy: 79 years
GDP Per Capita: $55,600
Luxembourg's position proves that sometimes money can buy happiness. It has the highest GDP per capita in the world. And with great access to education, 100% of the population is literate. The people of Luxembourg should find comfort in their surroundings, too. Mercer Resource Human Consulting ranked the city-state as the safest in the world in 2005.
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Countries
Top 11 Underground Transit System In The World
When you're traveling around the world, it's good to know that there are public transit systems available to help you get where you want to go. Underground subway systems offer the convenience of getting where you want when you want without the hassle of having to flag down a taxi or rent a car. In just about all cases, it's the most cost effective option.
There are some beautiful, modern, and vast rapid transit systems throughout the world. The most popular and diverse international underground transit systems are listed below, but are merely a sample of the quite eye-catching transit systems that exist throughout the world.
1. London, England
The London Underground is The World's Largest metro subway system and is the world's oldest underground system (it was inaugurated in 1863). It covers 253 miles of track and transports 976 million people yearly. The Underground is also connected to a variety of rail services to London's surrounding areas (including the Eurostar to Paris). Among these services is the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), a popular driverless light rail extension, which offers many scenic views of the Thames river and surrounding areas.
Highlights: Cushioned seats. LED time displays hanging from the ceiling in stations indicate the number of minutes you need to wait before the next train. Eclectic station artwork. Oyster cards allow you to touch against a subway turnstile and go -- and you can pay as you ride.
There are some beautiful, modern, and vast rapid transit systems throughout the world. The most popular and diverse international underground transit systems are listed below, but are merely a sample of the quite eye-catching transit systems that exist throughout the world.
1. London, England
The London Underground is The World's Largest metro subway system and is the world's oldest underground system (it was inaugurated in 1863). It covers 253 miles of track and transports 976 million people yearly. The Underground is also connected to a variety of rail services to London's surrounding areas (including the Eurostar to Paris). Among these services is the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), a popular driverless light rail extension, which offers many scenic views of the Thames river and surrounding areas.
Highlights: Cushioned seats. LED time displays hanging from the ceiling in stations indicate the number of minutes you need to wait before the next train. Eclectic station artwork. Oyster cards allow you to touch against a subway turnstile and go -- and you can pay as you ride.
2. Paris, France
The Paris subway system is the second oldest in the world (the initial system was completed in 1900) and aids roughly 1.365 billion people with their daily commutes. Running over 133.7 miles of track and stopping at 380 stations, it has a great amount of coverage throughout the city.
Highlights: Excellent coverage: every building in the city is within 500 meters (1600 feet) of a subway station. Many stations were designed with the distinctive unique art noveau style. Modest fares.
The Paris subway system is the second oldest in the world (the initial system was completed in 1900) and aids roughly 1.365 billion people with their daily commutes. Running over 133.7 miles of track and stopping at 380 stations, it has a great amount of coverage throughout the city.
Highlights: Excellent coverage: every building in the city is within 500 meters (1600 feet) of a subway station. Many stations were designed with the distinctive unique art noveau style. Modest fares.
3. Moscow, Russia
The Moscow subway system has the biggest ridership of all metro systems throughout the world, with 3.2 billion riders annually traveling on 12 subway lines to 172 stations. In total, the Moscow Metro covers approximately 178 miles. On an average weekday, the subway itself carries about 8.2 million passengers. While most of the Moscow trains run underground, some lines cross bridges and provide scenic views of the Moskva River and the Yauza River.
Highlights: Ornate architecture (at least 44 of these stations are rated as architectural sights). The system has many trains that stop frequently (trains stop at stations approximately every 90 seconds during peak hours). Fastest worldwide system (120km/h or 75mph).
4. Madrid, Spain
The Madrid Metro is the second largest underground system in Europe and the sixth largest system in the world. It has 141.7 miles of track and an additional 27.5 miles are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The Madrid Metro is the densest metro network in the world.
Highlights: Very clean and is implementing an ecologic cleaning system. Fast rides. Affordable fares. Great progress in system expansion (47 miles of new subway lines were built between 1999 and 2003). Modern stations.
5. Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo subway system carries approximately 2.8 billion people per year to 282 subway stations. In addition to underground subways, the Tokyo transit system consists of the Toden Arakawa light rail line and the Ueno Zoo Monorail.
Highlights: Extremely clean. Trains are on time. The seats are heated. Trains always stop in the same place alongside markers. Subway stops are announced in both Japanese and English. Modern system. The system has underground malls and customer amenities.
6. Seoul, Korea
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is one of the most heavily used subway systems in the world with more than 8 million daily trips. It is also one of the biggest subway stations worldwide, running 179.4 miles in length. The trains mostly run underground, but 30% of the system is above ground.
Highlights: Beautiful architecture. Growth of the system has been incredible over the past few years. Utilizes T-money, a prepaid transportation card for transport throughout the city.
7. New York City, USA
The New York City rapid transit system is one of the most extensive public transit systems worldwide. It has grown from 28 stations when it was founded in October of 1904 to 462 stations presently. The subway carries 4.9 million people daily.
Highlights: Offers express services that run on separate tracks from local trains. The MTA is currently testing out LED displays in subway stations to let commuters know when the next train is expected to arrive. 24 hour service. Unique and distinct artwork (mosaics) throughout the system.
8. Montreal, Canada
The Montreal Metro is a modern system that was inaugurated in 1966. It is a small (37.8 miles reaching 65 stations on four lines) yet unique and modern system that was inspired by the Paris Metro.
Highlights: Diverse, beautiful architecture and unique station art (each station is designed by a different architect). Pleasant riding experience (smooth rides: the trains run on a rubber surface to reduce the screech of train cars). Trains are frequent and fairly comfortable.
9. Beijing, China
The Beijing Subway is a relatively new subway system that opened in 1969 and serves Beijing and the surrounding suburbs. It is currently being expanded upon in a 7.69 billion USD (63.8 billion yuan) project to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games. The expansion project is expected to bring the current length of the subway station from approximately 71 miles to nearly 300 miles.
Highlights: Fairly easy subway to navigate (especially if you're a foreigner). Cheap fare (3 yen for most trips). Interesting architecture on the newer subway lines. A very ambitious expansion project is in the works.
10. Hong Kong
The Hong Kong subway, also known as the Mass Transit Railway (which translates to "underground railway" in English), was established in 1979. Despite its relatively small size compared (56 miles) to other transit systems, the MTR transports an average of 2.46 million rides per day. The Hong Kong system is based on a British design.
Highlights: Efficient. Frequent service, High-capacity cars. Extremely affordable. Clean and modern system with air-conditioned cars. Uses the Octopus contactless smart card for subway currency, allowing travelers to swipe their card near the turnstile for easy access to train platforms.
11. Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Sao Paulo Metro is the first underground transit system in Brazil. It works alongside a larger company called the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) and together they cover 187 miles of track and transport approximately 3.7 million people daily.
Highlights: Known as one of the cleanest and safest systems in the world. Affordable fare.
San Paulo Metro.
San Paulo Metro Interior
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Subway
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