The social sphere is a priority for many countries. The indicator of social well-being takes into account such factors as low level of corruption, wide access to education and medical care for all social groups, and high living standards. Several European states leads the ranking. See the list of socially advanced countries in our photo gallery.

Denmark

Denmark leads the list. Last year the country received the highest score in the Basic Human Needs category of the Social Progress Index.

New Zealand

The second place in the list of the most progressive countries in terms of social well-being is given to New Zealand, where citizens aged 65 and older receive impressive state benefits. The government supports children, single parents, as well as students and elderly people. Experts also note a high level of political stability in the country.

Canada

Canada rounds up the top three. Along with impeccable observance of basic human rights, Canada maintains a high level of political stability and low levels of violence and terrorism. The Canadians have wide access to medical care and education.

Japan

Japan is on the fourth place in this list. The quality of medical care and education is very high in Japan. The country takes a leading position in the World Bank's rating on the efficiency of governance and political stability. Japan has a high Social Progress Index thanks to wide access to basic education and a high level of sanitation and health services.

Botswana

Oddly enough, experts gave the fifth place not to a European but to an African state, Botswana. Experts note a high quality of governance and low level of corruption in the country. The government highly respects and protects personal and property rights and freedoms, as well as freedom of the press.

Chile

On the sixth place in the ranking of socially advanced states is Chile. This South American country is friendly to foreigners but has a strict division into social classes. Chile has high rates in such categories as transparency of public administration, access to basic education and health care. Moreover, the level of corruption is rather low. The political situation in the country is quite stable.