In the International Living magazine every month, we consider the countries around the world where you could live cheaper, pay less tax, enjoy better weather, take advantage of opportunities in emerging markets…places where you could start a new life, start a business, retire…

Then, once a year, every January, we take a different perspective. We consider not only those places that offer particular and timely opportunities for the would-be expatriate…but nearly every nation on earth. This year, our Quality of Life survey looks at 194 countries.

To produce this annual Index we consider, for each of these countries, nine categories: Cost of Living, Culture and Leisure, Economy, Environment, Freedom, Health, Infrastructure, Safety and Risk, and Climate. This involves a lot of number crunching from “official” sources, including government websites, the World Health Organization, and The Economist, to name but a few.

Once the data is collected, we also take into account what our editors from all over the world have to say about our findings. These correspondents and colleagues are working and living in these countries themselves and give us a more realistic view of our official findings.

This year’s winner is a country that scores high marks across the board…from its health care (84 points) to its infrastructure (90 points) to its safety rating (100 points). But the main appeal of living here is arguably its lifestyle (its scores 85 points in our Culture and Leisure category).

Its sensual allure leaves nobody untouched. Spend even a few months here and you will never again regard life in quite the same way. Turn to page 14 of the special Quality of Life January issue this month for more on the world’s best (and worst) places to live in 2009: http://www.internationalliving.com/Publications/International-Living-Magazine

Also in your issue this month, IL contributor Lee Harrison travels to Brazil’s central coast. “Northeast Brazil takes up 400 miles of coastline,” Lee says. “It’s the best example of Brazil’s diversity that you’re likely to find, from the rich Caribbean-style culture of São Luiz to the modern high-rises and dazzling beaches of Fortaleza.” That diversity includes properties. From a 3,766-square-foot waterfront historic home for $64,900 to a large beachfront condo for $77,900, there’s something here for everyone. See Lee’s article on page 24 to read more: http://www.internationalliving.com/Publications/International-Living-Magazine

Steenie Harvey scouts property bargains in Brussels. “No mistaking that Belgium’s capital is in Northern Europe. Its trappings include strong beers and rib-sticking food…stepped-gable houses…Gothic churches with grimacing gargoyles,” Steenie says. “Whatever they’re grimacing at, it’s not the sound of house prices crashing.” Throughout Brussels, properties were far less than Steenie imagined. Turn to page 8 to find out more: http://www.internationalliving.com/Publications/International-Living-Magazine

Suzan Haskins profiles Gary and Merri Scott, who live in Cotacachi, Ecuador. They have found golden opportunities in this little South American country that has changed their lives forever. Our property expert, Ronan McMahon also reports from Ecuador where he finds Manta, a bustling city on the coast, to be the best property value in the world today. We also reveal why it’s time to dump the dollar and why 2009 should be your year of leisurely pursuits. Read all this and more in your January issue: http://www.internationalliving.com/Publications/International-Living-Magazine

Laura Sheridan
Managing Editor, International Living Magazine