Don’t get us wrong, Spain isn’t perfect. It has struggled out of a crippling economic crisis as well as having high pollution levels and a perpetually corrupt political system. But despite all that, it is still the best place to live in the world. And here is why:
The weather
The first thing many people think of about Spain is its sunshine, which attracts millions of holidaymakers to its coasts and cities every year, making Spain the most tourist-friendly country in the world. Everyone feels happier in the sunshine, so grab a cocktail and bask under the Spanish rays.
Highest life expectancy
Whether down to the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fish and fresh vegetables, the excellent healthcare or the sociable society, Spaniards have the highest life expectancy in Europe. Live here for a while and hopefully you’ll pick up some of their healthy habits.
Best place for mums
A recent survey revealed that Spain is one of the best places in the world to be a mum; it is so good in fact that children never want to leave home – well, until at least the age of 30.
A UNESCO paradise
Spain has the third most UNESCO world heritage sites out of all the countries in the world (after China and Italy) with 44. The country’s rich and multicultural history is kept very much alive by the many impressive sites that dot the country: from the Roman Tower of Hercules in the north to the breathtaking Alhambra fortress in the south.
If you need a transplant – you’re in luck
The Spanish healthcare system is renowned for being among the very best in the world. It is free at the point of service and the country tops the world organ donation rankings. So living in Spain means if you are ever in the unfortunate position of needing a transplant, you’re much more likely to get one.
A foodie paradise
Spain has four of its resaurants ranked in the top ten in Europe. Spaniards, whatever their budget, adore food and the ritual that surrounds it. You don’t have to fork out a fortune to eat like a king in Spain, where fresh produce is bountiful and the most amazing food invention (tapas!) means you can try multiple morsels in one evening. And if you like ham, there is no greater place on earth.
Spaniards cherish their grannies and their children
Spain is a sociable society, one in which grandparents are virtually never carted off to an old people’s home, but become the cherished head of the family, often living and socialising with their younger relations. The same goes for family members at the other end of the family tree – Spaniards love children, who are welcome in every restaurant and bar and always made a fuss of – a new mother in Spain can’t walk two minutes down the street without being stopped by interested strangers who want to coo over her new tot.