Discover the Top Destinations for Raising Happy, Healthy Kids
Choosing where to raise your children is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make. Naturally, safety, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life are top priorities when searching for the ideal place to call home. After all, a nurturing environment that helps little ones grow and thrive lays the foundation for a happy and healthy future.
If you’re considering moving abroad with your children, this article highlights some of the best places to raise a family in 2026, based on the latest available global rankings for family well‑being, safety, education, and quality of life.
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Several key factors contribute to creating a safe, healthy, and enriching environment for parents and children alike.
When choosing the best places to raise a family, consider:
Overall Well-Being and Happiness: Strong social support and high life satisfaction contribute to emotional health and a sense of belonging for both parents and children.
Education Quality: A strong education system provides essential skills, promotes equality, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Healthcare Access and Quality: Reliable healthcare supports healthy growth and effective disease prevention from infancy to adolescence.
Safety and Security: Low crime rates and political stability allow children to explore and grow without fear, which supports their emotional well-being.
Economic Stability and Opportunities: A robust economy helps families access housing, nutrition, education, and extracurricular activities, which are crucial for child development.
Work-Life Balance and Family Support: Family-friendly policies, including parental leave and flexible work hours, allow parents to spend quality time with their children.
Our Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Places to Raise a Family
Our ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of the world’s most reputable global indices that evaluate child well-being, education, healthcare, safety, and family support.
The main sources we used include:
UNICEF Innocenti Report Card 19 (2025): Measures child well-being across 43 OECD and EU countries, focusing on education quality, health outcomes, safety, and life satisfaction.
OECD Better Life Index: Evaluates education, healthcare access, safety, work-life balance, and family life across 36 nations, which are key factors for raising children.
UNDP Human Development Report 2025: Assesses education, life expectancy, and living standards across 193 countries to evaluate environments that support child development.
2025 Global Peace Index (GPI): Ranks 163 countries based on peace, crime rates, and political stability, which are critical to family safety and security.
World Happiness Report 2025: Measures social support, life satisfaction, and well-being across 147 countries, which contribute to family happiness and quality of life.
By combining insights from trusted sources, we identified the best countries to raise children, where they have the greatest opportunities to thrive.
The 10 Best Places to Raise a Family in 2026
If you’re seeking a safe, supportive, and happy place to raise your children, these countries consistently top the charts for education, stability, and overall quality of life.
Whether you prioritize generous parental leave, world-class schools, or a strong sense of community, each offers something uniquely valuable for families.
1. Denmark
Best for: Family-friendly culture, outstanding child wellbeing, excellent work-life balance, world-class education, and safety.
Based on the latest available global rankings, Denmark shines as one of the best countries to raise a family – and not just for its famous “hygge” lifestyle.
The country ranks second in both the World Happiness Report and the UNICEF Report. This places it among the top OECD and EU nations for overall child well-being.
It also ranks fourth in the latest Human Development Report, and fifth for education, thanks to its exceptional schooling system and strong support for families.
Parents benefit from 52 weeks of paid parental leave, shared between mothers and fathers, giving them valuable time to bond and nurture their children.
Work-life balance is also a major highlight, with Denmark placing second in the Better Life Index. This reflects a culture that values personal time alongside professional growth.
Safety is equally impressive, as Denmark ranks eighth on the Global Peace Index, showcasing its political stability and low crime rates. This aligns with the nation’s reputation as a safe, supportive environment where families can truly flourish.
With its winning combination of happiness, education, family support, and safety, this Scandinavian gem offers a warm, nurturing environment ideal for raising happy, healthy children.
Best for: Exceptional safety, education, human development, and a happy family environment.
Iceland is one of the best places to raise a family for those seeking safety, education, and a strong quality of life.
Renowned for its peaceful society, the Nordic nation ranks first on the Global Peace Index. It offers unparalleled safety and political stability, which are key to raising children in a secure environment.
Iceland proudly claims the top spot on the Human Development Report, thanks to its excellent social support systems and healthcare that foster children’s physical, mental, and social growth.
Education is another major strength. Iceland tops the UNICEF Report for education and ranks fifth in child well-being indicators, making it a nurturing and emotionally supportive place for families.
Happiness and well-being are deeply ingrained in Icelandic culture, with the country placing third in the World Happiness Report.
Its close-knit communities and progressive family policies make it an inspiring choice for parents prioritizing equality and quality of life.
Despite ranking 32nd for work-life balance, the country offers some of the world’s most generous parental leave policies. Each parent is granted six months of paid leave, enabling them to share a full year focused on bonding and childcare.
Add to that excellent air quality and stunning natural landscapes, and it’s no wonder Iceland is one of the most inspiring and sought-after places among families.
Best for: Exceptional safety, world-class healthcare and education, and stunning nature
Kids won’t just love Switzerland for its legendary chocolate. This alpine gem offers so much more for families. From skiing down pristine slopes and hiking through wildflower-filled meadows to exploring charming villages, growing up here feels like living in a storybook.
Switzerland ranks second on the Human Development Index, reflecting its high life expectancy, strong education system, and excellent standard of living.
It also comes fifth on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries to raise a family.
Parents benefit from one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems and a culture that prioritizes family well-being and community support.
The country ranks sixth for child well-being and eighth for education, owing to its excellent schools, strong social support networks, and overall high quality of life.
Work-life balance is another bright spot, with Switzerland placing 12th globally. This flexibility gives parents more time to spend with their children while still pursuing successful careers.
Switzerland’s strong social fabric, clean environment, and high life satisfaction are reflected in its 13th ranking on the World Happiness Report.
Add in fresh alpine air, low crime, and postcard-perfect landscapes, and Switzerland emerges as one of the best places to raise a family.
Best for: Generous parental leave, exceptional education, strong community support
If you want to savor every moment with your little ones and fully embrace parenthood, Sweden might be your dream destination.
The country offers the world’s most generous parental leave – up to 480 days (around 68 weeks), shared between parents.
And it’s not just moms who get a break: Sweden’s famous “daddy quota” ensures fathers have dedicated leave too, which promotes equality and shared parenting from the get-go.
Sweden ranks seventh for work-life balance in the Better Life Index, reflecting a culture that truly values family time and personal well-being.
Add to that a proud fourth place in the World Happiness Report, and it’s easy to see why this charming nation is often seen as a family utopia.
The country places 10th globally for child wellbeing, backed by strong healthcare and social support systems.
It also ranks fifth in the Human Development Report and ninth for education, thanks to its high-quality schools and broad access to lifelong learning opportunities.
While safety ranks lower at 35th on the Global Peace Index, Sweden remains a stable and welcoming country known for its strong community support.
With all these perks, it’s one of the best countries to raise a family for those seeking the perfect balance of support and happiness, all rolled into one.
Best for: Outstanding child well-being, strong education and healthcare, safety, and happiness
With its iconic windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and endless bicycle paths weaving through charming towns and countryside, the Netherlands offers a fairytale-like setting that feels tailor-made for raising children.
But beyond the picturesque scenery, the country excels in family-friendly metrics. Thanks to exceptional education, healthcare, and child safety standards, it ranks first among OECD nations for child well-being.
It also comes in seventh in the Human Development Report, reflecting high life expectancy and overall living conditions.
Safety is another major strength, with the Netherlands ranking 14th on the Global Peace Index. This reflects a stable society with low crime rates where families can feel safe.
The country also shines when it comes to happiness. It places fifth globally in the World Happiness Report, thanks to strong social support networks and high life satisfaction.
With its enchanting landscapes and impressive scores across education, safety, and happiness, the Netherlands offers an inspiring and nurturing environment for families to truly blossom.
Best for: Outstanding happiness, top education, childhood independence, and safe communities
For families who value exceptional education and a childhood filled with fresh air and independence, Finland is truly unparalleled.
It ranks first in the World Happiness Report, making it the happiest country globally for families and individuals alike.
Finland also ranks sixth for education quality and 12th in the Human Development Report, reflecting strong support for learning and overall well-being.
From birth, Finnish children enjoy a unique sense of freedom. In fact, it’s common for babies to nap outdoors, safely bundled in strollers, even in chilly weather, to promote better sleep and health.
As they grow, little ones benefit from Everyman’s Right (Jokamiehenoikeudet). This legal freedom allows anyone to roam forests, pick wild berries and mushrooms, and camp almost anywhere without permission. This deep connection to nature fosters resilience and independence from an early age.
Finland ranks 10th on the Global Peace Index, highlighting its safe, family-friendly communities. Parents also enjoy up to 164 days of paid parental leave and universal access to excellent healthcare, which supports family well-being.
Though work-life balance and child well-being rank 17th, Finland’s outstanding happiness, education, and outdoor lifestyle make it one of the best places to raise a family.
Best for: Exceptional education, excellent work-life balance, family-friendly support, and outdoor living
If you’re looking for a place where family life thrives amid stunning natural beauty, Norway is hard to beat.
Its breathtaking landscapes make it one of the best places to raise a family, especially for those who love hiking, skiing, and exploring together.
This Nordic nation ranks second in the Human Development Report, reflecting excellent standards in health, education, and income. Thanks to its outstanding schooling system, it holds third place for education.
Work-life balance is another highlight, with Norway ranking third, helping parents stay present and engaged at home.
They also benefit from up to 49 weeks of paid parental leave, providing ample time to bond during those crucial early months.
Although Norway ranks 32nd in the Global Peace Index, it remains a stable and secure country with low crime rates and strong community trust.
It also places seventh in the World Happiness Report, reflecting high life satisfaction and an inspiring environment where both kids and parents can flourish.
For families seeking the perfect blend of happiness, support, and access to the great outdoors, Norway offers an unmatched quality of life.
Best for: Childhood independence, excellent education, and strong work-life balance
Germany is undoubtedly one of the best places to raise a family for those who want to nurture independent, confident children.
German parenting encourages kids to think for themselves from an early age, which helps foster independence and self-reliance.
Children are spoken to with respect and guided to understand the reasons behind rules rather than just following them blindly.
This mindset is reinforced by Germany’s strong education system, which ranks ninth globally in the Better Life Index.
Parents also enjoy a healthy work-life balance, which gives them more time and energy to nurture their children’s development at school and at home.
Germany ranks fifth on the Human Development Index, reflecting its high standards in healthcare, education, and overall living conditions.
While safety isn’t at the very top, its respectable 20th place ranking contributes to a stable and nurturing environment for families.
The country ranks 22nd in the World Happiness Report, highlighting a society that balances well-being with opportunity.
Overall, this European gem combines respectful parenting, quality education, and a high standard of living, making it an ideal place for children to grow into confident, independent adults.
Best for: Outstanding safety, excellent education, strong social support, and stunning nature
Famed for its breathtaking “Lord of the Rings” landscapes, New Zealand offers families a safe, nurturing environment surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
It ranks third on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world to raise children.
Kids in New Zealand grow up immersed in nature, with outdoor adventures, like hiking, biking, and beach days, woven into daily life.
From rugged coastlines to lush forests and snow-capped peaks, the natural landscape fosters physical activity, emotional well-being, and strong family bonds.
The country also excels in education, tying for sixth place globally, and ranks 17th on the Human Development Index. This reflects its high standards in healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
While its 30th-place showing for work-life balance suggests room for improvement, most families still benefit from accessible healthcare and a culture that values both ambition and downtime. This is evident in its 12th-place ranking on the World Happiness Report.
With its unique blend of safety, education, social support, and natural beauty, New Zealand stands out as one of the best countries to raise a family, where children can grow, explore, and thrive.
Best for: Vibrant outdoor lifestyle, excellent climate, and world-class education
Home to stunning beaches, iconic wildlife, and a vibrant multicultural society, Australia offers families a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and urban convenience.
Its famously laid-back approach to parenting also makes it one of the best places to raise a family for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Families enjoy countless opportunities to connect with nature and stay active together. Whether building sandcastles on the Gold Coast, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, or hiking through lush national parks, there is always something to spark adventure.
This close relationship with the outdoors supports healthy, happy childhoods.
Safety is also a priority. Australia ranks 18th on the Global Peace Index, reflecting a stable, low-crime environment.
Thanks to broad access to high-quality schools, the country also ranks ninth globally on the Better Life Index for education.
Its universal healthcare system, supplemented by private options, also ensures children receive timely and quality medical care.
While paid parental leave and family-friendly work policies vary by region, Australia promotes a balanced lifestyle filled with opportunities for outdoor play, learning, and quality family time under its sunny skies.
Its overall high life satisfaction is evident in its 11th-place ranking on the World Happiness Report.
With its unique blend of natural wonders, excellent education, safety, and quality of life, the land down under is a fantastic choice for families seeking a stable and adventurous place to call home.
While the countries we’ve highlighted consistently rank among the best places to raise a family, global data alone doesn’t capture every family’s unique needs.
After all, what’s ideal on paper might not match your lifestyle, budget, or long-term goals in real life.
This shows why it’s so important to look beyond the numbers. Rankings offer a great starting point, but choosing the right destination for your family means weighing both the stats and the real-world factors that matter most to you.
Here are a few practical considerations to keep in mind as you evaluate your options:
Cost of Living: Even top-ranked countries can vary widely in affordability. Consider how local housing, childcare, education, and day-to-day expenses align with your budget and income potential.
Language and Cultural Fit: A safe, high-quality environment is essential, but so is your ability to integrate. Think about how easily your family can adapt to the local language, customs, and social norms.
Residency and Visa Options: Some countries make it easier for families to obtain residency, citizenship, or long-term visas than others. These processes can influence your timeline, finances, and legal rights abroad.
Access to International Schools: Quality education in your preferred language is crucial, especially for expat families. Research whether your destination offers bilingual or international schools that meet your child’s needs.
Healthcare System Structure: Whether a country offers universal coverage or a mix of public and private care, it’s important to understand how healthcare works – and what’s covered for expats.
By considering these factors alongside global rankings, you’ll be better equipped to choose a country that truly supports your family’s well-being, both now and for years to come.
By considering these factors alongside global rankings, you’ll be better equipped to choose a country that truly supports your family’s well-being, both now and for years to come.
As we’ve seen, deciding where to raise a family is a deeply personal choice that goes beyond statistics and rankings.
Global indices offer valuable insights into the best places to raise a family. However, the ideal country is ultimately the one that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and future goals.
By combining trusted data with thoughtful reflection on your priorities, you can find a nurturing environment where your children will not only grow and learn but truly thrive.
But no matter where you choose to call home, one thing remains constant: access to quality healthcare is essential for protecting your family’s well-being.
Healthcare systems vary from country to country. Some provide universal coverage, others rely more on private care, and many use a combination of both.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand how healthcare works in your new destination and secure the right international health insurance.
With the right coverage, you can enjoy peace of mind as you embark on this exciting new chapter abroad.
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Sophie Pettit is Head of Content at ICI and brings extensive experience in content strategy and management within the expat and travel space. She has led major websites across Europe and Southeast Asia and creates content that inspires readers to explore with confidence.
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