Here’s a list of
liberal social democracies that consistently rank at or near the top of global outcome metrics — happiness, health, wealth (per capita), freedom, education, social mobility, and stability.
We are behind all these countries in the key metrics other than wealth and military power. We could learn a thing or two from them without scrapping our government.
1. Norway
- Top 5 globally in happiness, wealth per capita, education, social mobility
- Universal healthcare + generous welfare state
- High social trust + low corruption
- Blended capitalist economy with strong regulations and public ownership of key resources (oil fund)
2. Denmark
- Often #1 in “opportunity,” equality, trust, and corruption-free governance
- Top-tier education outcomes
- High worker productivity
- Strong welfare state + flexible labor market (“flexicurity”)
3. Finland
- Usually #1 in global happiness
- Elite education system (top 5 globally)
- Universal healthcare, robust safety nets
- High trust, low crime, strong institutions
4. Sweden
- High per-capita income, high innovation
- Universal healthcare, free higher education
- Strong social mobility
- Pro-market economy paired with high taxation and social protection
5. Iceland
- Top 5 in happiness, safety, and equality
- Strong social cohesion and very low corruption
- Universal healthcare + strong worker protections
6. Netherlands
- Top 10 globally in wealth, health, education, freedom
- Highly productive economy and strong social safety net
- Progressive but stable political system
7. Canada
- Highly ranked for freedom, education, immigration outcomes
- Universal healthcare
- High quality of life and social mobility
- High per-capita wealth and extremely diverse, peaceful society
8. Switzerland (Centrist social democracy with unique quirks)
- Top 3 in wealth per capita
- Very high education and innovation
- Hybrid model: market-oriented economy + mandatory healthcare + strong social insurance
- High trust and low crime
9. Germany
- Strong manufacturing & export economy
- Universal healthcare
- Powerful vocational training system
- High social mobility and strong labor protections
10. New Zealand
- High rankings in freedom, quality of government, and social trust
- Universal healthcare
- Progressive social protections + competitive market environment
11. Australia
- High per-capita wealth
- Universal coverage via Medicare
- High immigration + strong educational attainment
- Very safe and stable democracy
12. Austria
- Strong universal healthcare and education
- High social mobility
- Very low poverty
- Strong economy and worker protections
13. Belgium
- Strong healthcare system
- High GDP per capita
- Highly educated population
- Robust welfare state
14. France
- Elite healthcare system ranked among world’s best
- Longest life expectancy in EU
- High productivity