Top of the charts: Is East Asia in fact the best place to live?

Are you thinking of moving country? If so, you may want to read the following. While European countries, regularly top the charts in “world’s healthiest countries” lists, sources show that a move East should be considered.

While Japan has consistently held its place atop longest life expectancy charts, owing largely to the benefits of a low saturated fats and sugars diet, East Asian cities have not featured prominently on such lists. Nevertheless, in 2012, changes have occurred.

After nearly a decade of the world’s most livable cities being dominated by Canadian and European cities, the updated 2012 chart, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has shown a convincing shift towards East Asia. This year, the EUI has utilised additional information provided by Buzzdata in order to compile a more complete top ten list.

Asian countries dominate expat living lists

Last year’s top three cities, Melbourne, Vancouver and Vienna have not featured, and instead have been replaced by Hong Kong, Osaka and Tokyo, coming in 1st, 3rd and 10th respectively. The livability survey is compiled in consideration of over thirty different aspects, covering five principal areas such as social stability, infrastructure, education and culture. Perhaps one of the most important aspects by which cities were judged however, is “spatial” qualities, which considers various aspects, namely, the sprawling qualities of a city, its green spaces and pollution.

HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey ranks countries rather than cities, from all over the world under the broad categories of: economics, experience (which includes categories such as local weather, healthy diet and social life) and raising children abroad. Once again, abiding by these categories, Eastern and Southeastern Asian countries demonstrate their prominence in attaining the highest standards. With all of the categories included, Singapore ranks 1st, Hong Kong 2nd, and China 8th.

Don’t be fooled by all the data

Despite this recent consistency in East and Southeast Asian countries topping the polls in best places to live, The Economist magazine demonstrates that the figures may be hiding some truth. An article specifically on the publishing of the 2012 top ten most livable cities list states, “Hong Kong is losing expats by the droves because of pollution: a generation of school children are condemned to carrying asthma inhalers since their little lungs are speckled with contaminants blowing across the harbour from mainland China.” This follows the recent publication of China’s growth rate slowing for a sixth successive quarter.

Therefore, while figures and charts are painting a perfect picture, relying on actual experience to determine where the best place to live is, is the best strategy to employ. Ultimately, the best place to live is an entirely subjective entity and while lists and figures are useful, a decision should be made after visiting the respective city/country.