Vietnam drops in quality of life ranking, stands 7th in Asia

The ranking is part of the publication's overall Best Countries report and is based on an equally weighted average of nine attributes considered essential to quality of life: affordable, a good job market, economically stable, family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and well-developed public health system.

In the 2024 report, Vietnam—home to 98.9 million people with a GDP per capita of US$15,194—scored highest in the "affordable" category, earning 99.2 out of 100.

It also scored 24.8 for "family friendly" and 23.1 for "a good job market."

However, for the remaining criteria, Vietnam received scores below 10, with the lowest ratings given to the public education system and public health system, at 4.1 and 2.1, respectively.

Students sit a high school entrance exam in Ho Chi Minh City, June 6, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Among the 16 Asian countries included in the rankings, Vietnam placed seventh in quality of life, behind Japan, Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Globally, Denmark ranked first for quality of life, followed by Sweden and Switzerland.

Vietnam maintained its 44th position in the 2024 Best Countries Overall Rankings, the same as in 2023.

The rankings were based on a survey conducted between March 22 and May 23, 2024, involving nearly 17,000 people worldwide. The project was a collaboration between U.S. News & World Report, global marketing and communications firm WPP, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

According to the report, Vietnam is densely populated and rapidly developing, with roughly one-third of its population living in urban centers. Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous city.

Despite a history marked by war, the country boasts striking natural features such as caves, imperial landmarks, and emerald island coves. Vietnamese cuisine, especially pho—a brothy noodle soup—continues to gain global recognition.

Vietnam's efforts to reduce international isolation are reflected in its 2007 membership in the World Trade Organization and participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations starting in 2010. The country is also an active member of the United Nations, ASEAN Regional Forum, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, among other international organizations.