Australia is the best place in the world to live and work, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

British are happier than the Germans or the French. Australia’s strong economy, good public health, low pollution and low levels of crime were some of the reasons why it is better off, the OECD said.

In general, Australians are more satisfied with their lives than the OECD average, with 84 per cent of people saying they have more positive experiences in an average day.

France came 18th due to high unemployment and poor education for some of its people, beaten by the  Germans, who were in 17th place. Despite high life expectancy and levels of health spending, they rated poorly on health.

However, if work-life balance is given the most weight, Australia becomes one of the worst developed nations in which to live. More than 14 per cent of Australian workers put in more than 50 hours a week, way above the OECD average of 9 per cent.

Eurozone countries, many struggling with debt crises and high unemployment, did badly in the index. France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece were all rated in the bottom half of the table.

Here is the ranking

1) Australia

2) Sweden

3) Canada

4) Norway

5) Switzerland

6) USA

7) Denmark

8) Netherlands

9) Iceland

10)UK

Source: eturbonews.com