France Tops Quality Of Life 2008 Index
International Living rated and ranked 192 countries, and created a Quality Of Life Index based on criteria such as cost of living, culture and leisure, freedom, health, climate and more. Based on the figures, France tops the list, followed by Switzerland, United States, and Luxembourg. But IL editor Kathleen Peddicord disagrees somewhat:
I appreciate that France offers, by all measures, the world’s best medical care. I appreciate its fast trains and its Eurostar service across the Channel. I appreciate Paris’ too-many-to-count museums, cafés, galleries, antiques shops, restaurants, boutiques, jazz clubs, theaters, bakeries, and cheese shops, as well as her multitude of parks and gardens, some growing and tended for hundreds of years. I appreciate the easy and cheap air access its three capital city airports provide to the rest of Europe…and the world beyond. I appreciate the country’s four seasons, none too severe.
On the other hand, I defy you to try to start or operate a business in this country, which has sent some of the most persistent businessmen I know running, arms flailing, for cover. Good luck opening a bank account without a letter of reference. Indeed, bonne chance getting local cell phone service (the secret is to bring a local utility bill, preferably an electric bill). To apply for a visa or even to rent an apartment (legally), you’ll have to prepare an inch-thick dossier, notarized, sealed, stamped, witnessed…
Mon 24-Mar-08 | Posted in: Country & Travel, Statistics
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Comments
Comment from General Pepper
Time: March 25, 2008, 3:02 pm
The World Champions for red tape, strict administrative procedures and bureaucratic forms with dozens of boxes to fill in are… France AND USA tied for first place!
Comment from Thomas
Time: March 24, 2008, 10:37 pm
“Good luck opening a bank account without a letter of reference”??
WTF??