The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has published its annual Better Life Index report. For 2012, it ranked Canada as one of the ten best countries in the world in terms of the quality of life that its citizens enjoy.

When comparing 11 key well-being indicators, Canada placed sixth in the world. This continues a trend of high performance on the Better Life Index - in 2011 the country ranked second overall. In many aspects, Canada possessed the highest quality of life scores. For instance, nine in 10 Canadians are satisfied with their living situation, and eight in 10 are comfortable walking alone at night. On an overall scale ranking ‘life satisfaction’, Canadians graded their happiness an impressive 7.4.

Canada leads in other factors as well. It possesses one of the smallest jobs and earnings gaps between men and women. In additional indicators such as good governance, environmental protection, population health, and income, the country also continues to lead.