New Zealand

New Zealand's ranking in the top 10 for quality of life in 2025 reflected its unique combination of natural beauty, low population density, and strong public institutions. New Zealand's Wellbeing Budget framework, which directs government spending toward measures of citizen wellbeing rather than GDP growth alone, was cited as a global policy model, and 25% more citizens report high life satisfaction compared to the OECD average. New Zealand ranked fourth globally for personal safety and social cohesion.