World's best nations to live in

[Christa]

The United States drops to 13, while China makes a big jump in the global rankings.

PARIS (AFP) – Norway takes the number one spot in the annual United Nations human development index released Monday but China has made the biggest strides in improving the well-being of its citizens.

The index compiled by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) ranks 182 countries based on such criteria as life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

Norway, Australia and Iceland took the first three spots while Niger ranks at the very bottom, just below Afghanistan.

China moved up seven places on the list to rank as the 92nd most developed country due to improvements in education as well as income levels and life expectancy.

Colombia and Peru rose five spaces to rank 77th and 78th while France -- which was not part of the top 10 last year -- returns to the upper echelons by moving up three places to number 8.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091005/ts_afp/undevelopmentpoverty_20091005115324

[orpupilofnature57]

1. France has more amenities than a hotel ,and don't take shit from us.

Sorry I'm still pissed about FreeDumb fries.

[MercutioATC]

2. Why do you think those with the means frequently relocate outside the U.S.?

I'm not going to retire fabulously wealthy, but I'm sure as hell not staying in the U.S. when I do.