Dutch Statistics & Life Rating

     People ask Lewis and I why we wanted to live in the Netherlands.  Would you like to know the reasons?  Here there are...

     We learned that Dutch citizens are some of Europe’s most efficient workers, but they do not live to work.  (Nobody is put on Earth for that).  Visit a Dutch office at 5pm, and nearly every desk will be empty.  While the Dutch are hard workers, they prefer to do their jobs within their official 38-hour work week.  According to the OECD Better Life Index, 0.4% of employees work very long hours—which is the lowest rate.  Staying extra hours is discouraged.  (Compare that to Americans you know who stay late at the office, bring work home, or work a sixth day of the week).  Unlike America, coming to work when sick is considered very bad manners, so businesses encourage employees to stay home and recuperate more quickly.  The Dutch devote more of their average day to personal care, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and leisure.  

     The Netherlands has some of the world’s highest productivity rates.  Happy and healthy people work effectively, as opposed to scared/oppressed people.  Every full-time employee is legally entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation per year.  (America only offers 2 weeks; it is one of the lowest in the entire world).  Employers give a "holiday bonus" to cover employee's expenses for vacations. 

     Life-Work balance is important in the Netherlands.  People take pride in their work but do not feel the need to demonstrate their dedication by working long hours.  The Netherlands achieved the highest rating for Life-Work Balance.  Even better, disposable income nearly equals the United States and the United Kingdom.

     According to the OECD, the Netherlands is one of the best places to work.  Average wages are only exceeded by Denmark, the U.S.A., Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Iceland.   (Yet, the U.S.A. has the worst infrastructure, public safety, and healthcare, and the highest cost of living).  Unemployment is the lowest, aside from Luxembourg and Iceland.  Net pension wealth is also in the top quarter.

     Since the Dutch government invests wisely, its spending ratio is only in the middle of the global spectrum.  Due to America's "for profit" healthcare system, Americans' healthcare spending is twice as high.  The Dutch pharmaceutical spending is practically the lowest in the world.  Hospital stays are the fourth-lowest in the world.  

     When a new baby arrives, the woman giving birth receives 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.  (For comparison, Denmark—the recently-labeled "#1 Place To Live"—gives 14 paid weeks.  (America allows 12 weeks, but it is of UNPAID maternity leave!  Only two other countries do not pay maternity leave: the Marshall Islands and Papau New Guinea).  The other Dutch parent (man or woman) is entitled to 6 weeks of paid paternity leave.  Thus, a Dutch child is brought into the world supportively.  The Dutch enjoy high levels of life satisfaction in childhood: over 93% for ages 11-15.  

     Transparency International has an annual ranking of “Perceived Corruption Index”; the Netherlands ranked as eighth "least corrupt" in the world.  It is among the world’s most prosperous nations (7th largest global investor), while giving its citizens free education, free healthcare, solidly modern infrastructure, eco-friendly industries, renewable energy power supplies, and technological discoveries.  The notion of "giving back" is contagious, and the Dutch involve themselves in a higher level of volunteerism, as compared to the rest of the world: sports, community associations, gardening, mentoring, et cetera. 

     The Dutch government has the wherewithal to provide funding for primary, secondary, vocational, and higher-education.  Ergo, graduates do not begin their lives with $100,000+ debt, as in America.  Only private schools have tuition fees.  The Netherlands outclasses most of the world in mathematics, surpassed by Korea and Japan.  Their science education is within the top quarter of nations.  The Netherlands has 55 universities, art & performance institutions, and research colleges.  There are 8 private-paid medical schools.  That is very impressive for a country with 17 million people!  (New York City has 8.5 million... and some of the country's worst exam grades).

     Of course, not all education is for professional reasons.  Many adults in Dutch communities take classes for cooking, painting, foreign languages, music, or dance... just for fun.  A lot of these classes are publicly funded or offered for a minimal fee.  Per the OECD, the Dutch earned first prize for Lifelong Learning.  

     A dozen government officials and parliamentarians are in same-sex relationships, as well as one of the King's 12 appointed Province Commissioners.  They openly bring their partners to events.  Homosexuality was only decriminalized in America (supposedly the Land of the Free) in 2003.  Way ahead of that, Denmark legalized it in 1933, and the Netherlands did it in 1811!  Dutch society was the first the legalize same-sex marriage, in April 2001.  LGBT rights in the Netherlands are some of the most progressive in the world.

     If you need to pay your taxes, report a bicycle theft, or make an appointment with the public health service in the Netherlands, you can do it from your computer or cellphone app.  Almost every agency and public official can be reached online, and each citizen has a specific digital signature to “sign” important documents.  That is so much easier than in America—especially NYC.  The Dutch government made a commitment to go “digital by default”, with paper used only as a last resort.  The high level of their broadband penetration makes digital-only services practical and accessible.  Cash is used much less in the Netherlands: only 40% of yearly transactions.  Businesses generally buy and sell from each other using online transfers, and people pay for things using mobile phones and payment cards.  Half of "card payments" are "tap and go"—keeping things quick and efficient: the Dutch way!  Banks offer special payment cards for children as young as 8 years-old.  Just like riding a bicycle, members of society start learning at a young age.

     Tax deductions from paychecks are similar in amount to America, yet the Netherlands gives back tremendously higher benefits for them.  A friend who lives in Amsterdam told me that 44% of his salary (after deductions) is paid in taxes.  I pay the same for living/working in NYC, but NYC is a crumbling corrupt city.  In contrast, my friend received free education, affordable/excellent healthcare, and supreme government services.  

     The Netherlands has exceptional standards of healthcare, which is not only accessible but affordable.  It won first place of 35 countries in the 2017 Euro Health Consumer Index.  It's the only country to hold the top-three positions consistently since 2005.  Cumulatively, the Dutch citizens spend 10% of GDP on healthcare.  While that's the 8th-highest in Europe, it is better than America, which spends the most on healthcare in the entire world.  For Dutch employees, their monthly deduction is 100 Euros ($109).  Mine is $160 per month (others pay $200+) for BASIC coverage!  Dutch insurance offers free medical treatment, including standard prescriptions where the pharmacist must legally offer generic brands first.  Unlike in America, a doctor/pharmacist cannot promote a specific brand (for their personal gains).  Dental treatment requires a private insurance policy, which covers most costs for check-ups, cleanings, and approved oral surgery.  Dental prices are standardized by the government, so that demonstrates your tax dollars helping you.  €21 for a check-up.  €30 for an X-ray.  Compare that to American prices!  Dutch healthcare is among the best in Europe, which is a role-model for the rest of the world.  It is managed by the government and aided by insurance companies.  It won a rating of #2 in the 2018 Euro Health Consumer Index, topped only by Switzerland.  

     Keep in mind that the average gross Dutch salary is $37,000.  

     One of the best aspects of the Netherlands is its outstanding infrastructure.  Unlike uber-wealthy America that neglects such things, it is one of Europe's wealthiest nations and invests heavily in citizens' wellbeing.  It is the fifth-most-prosperous nation.  Its 100% digital telecommunications network ranks among the world's best for quality, speed, and reliability.  They are a huge exporter of electronics.  Their huge agricultural sector grows crops under see-through solar panels, so more of the nation can live on solar power.  On the topic of efficiency, the global average uses 214 liters of water to grow 1kg of tomatoes; the Dutch only use 4 liters.

     By 2050, the economy aims to run on reusable raw materials.  By 2030, Amsterdam intends to generate 80% of its power from wind and solar energy.  By 2050, the kingdom wants to eliminate CO2 emissions by half and generate 40% of its electricity from sustainable sources.  It has 2,525 onshore wind turbines, with offshore wind turbines farms under construction.  (Meanwhile, the American president falsely claims that coal is clean, and wind turbines are harmful to the environment).  Speaking about energy, the Netherlands has the 5th-lowest energy prices.  It also has the most density for charging stations for electric vehicles.

     The Netherlands ranked first in KPMG's Autonomous Vehicles Index of 2018, thanks to its plethora of electric cars, digital connectivity, telecommunications networks, and e-vehicle charging stations.  Amsterdam won fifth place on Frost & Sullivan's Smart Mobility City Tracker.  After London, it was the highest-ranked European city.  Amsterdam also won fourth place of 168 European cities for the Innovation Cities Index by 2thinknow.  

     The nation's reliable airports and seaports are some of the most efficient on the planet... and they are 4-meters below sea level!  Unlike how NYC failed miserably during Hurricane Sandy, the Netherlands is awesomely protected against flooding.  It is one of Europe's main entry points for shipping.  After China and America, it is the world's fifth-biggest exporter (yet consider its size!).  Bigger is NOT always better.

     Rotterdam is the world's largest port.  Amsterdam is busily right behind it.

     Amsterdam's airport is the 4th-busiest in Europe.  Unlike America—especially NYC—the airports are smoothly connected to cities by railways.  Modern railroads, high-speed trains, and high-quality roads create smooth-flowing transportation.  Thanks to its biking culture and educated drivers, road accidents are some of the scarcest in the world.  The Dutch own more bicycles per capita than anywhere in the world, and they cycle more often and longer distances... which equates to good health.  

     The nation's constitutional capital, Amsterdam, moved up one position to #11 on the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Ranking.  

     The United Nation's World Happiness Report rated the Netherlands as #5 out of 156 nations!  

     Here is how the Netherlands ranked in IMD’s World Competitiveness Scoreboard for 2019: 6 out of 125!  After Switzerland, it's the top spot in Europe.  Its strengths include, Management of Cities, International Experience, Immigration Laws, and Foreign Highly-Skilled Personnel.  It was #1 for Credit Rating.  

     According to the Environmental Performance Index, out of 180 nations, the Netherlands achieved #14 for water and sanitation.  Worldwide, the Dutch separation of waste is the most effective, and they continue to find recycling innovations.  

     CityMetric.com proclaimed that Amsterdam had the best transportation system.  They cited its easy-to-read/all-inclusive map.  Its Metro is becoming automated.  Like Copenhagen, the city built an entirely new Metro line (while being under sea level AND beneath the city's most historic district).  Despite NY's ever-growing population, Unlike Copenhagen and Manhattan, it kept its trams and steadily improved the tramways.  Clearly unlike NYC, every station is handicap-accessible.  Public transport is included in visitor-friendly Amsterdam Cards, which give free museum passes.  The system is amazingly quiet and clean; it doesn't intrude on the cityscape.  

     In 2019, Amsterdam won best rating for Commuting / Commuter Wellbeing, from the global financier, Moneybarn.  In 2019, it was ranked as Europe's safest city and the world's fourth-safest city, by the Economist's Safe Cities Index, using 57 criteria for 60 cities.

     On a moral note, the Netherlands refuses to be a haven for people convicted of crimes against humanity.  It combats corruption, confiscates criminal assets, and fights illicit gun imports.  It has an impressively low "violent crime" rate.  Compare that to how global embassies warn travelers that America is unsafe due to prolific gun violence, terrorism, and theft rates in 2019.  Add to that NYC's typical four infrastructure disasters per year: exploding underground gas pipes, ruptured water mains (they are all 100-years-old), power plant explosions, power plant malfunctions, and underground fires.  It is 2020, yet NYC's corrupt/unreliable MTA transit system is still claiming to need more to time to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012!

     The Netherlands won the top position for the 2018 Good Country Index, exceeding 35 indicators.  According to the World Bank, the Dutch government is one of the most effective in world, with a high-quality of civil service and a lack of political pressures.  Credibility is also high.  It is no surprise that it was valued as one of the least corrupt countries by the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index = #8 out of 180.

     On a related topic, the Netherlands is one of only six countries that met the United Nations’ goal for rich countries providing a minimum of 0.7 gross national income for “development assistance” of poor countries.  Only five others meet that UN goal: the United Kingdom, the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. 

     Despite all of this evidence and data, swarms of people choose to immigrate to America.  They gullibly believe America's global advertising... whereas I do my research.  

Lewis and I were born here, but we prefer to take the smarter path and live elsewhere (now that we can).  We will relocate to the most-suitable place.