How New Zealand rates
New Zealand consistently ranks highly in international studies to measure everything from peace and happiness to quality of life.
Examples are:
Peacefulness - 1st
The country was rated the most peaceful on earth by the Global Peace Index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace in consultation with representatives from peace organisations and data collected by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The index takes into account 24 factors including measures of violence and crime and external relations through military expenditure and involvement in wars.
Least corrupt nation - 1st
New Zealand is the least corrupt country in the world, according to the annual Corruptions Perception Index which is a survey of 180 nations. New Zealand tops the poll ahead of Denmark, Singapore and Switzerland.
Education - 1st equal
New Zealand has one of the world's best educated populations according to the Education Index prepared annual by the United Nations. The index measures factors such as adult literacy and enrollments at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. New Zealand was tied in top spot with Australia, Denmark and Finland.
Most Desired Emmigration destination - 3rd
New Zealand's adult population would exceed 11 million if all adults who wished to settle there were allowed to immigrate, a global survey by Gallup shows. Using a measurement called the Potential Net Migration Index (PNMI), New Zealand registered third, behind only Singapore and Saudi Arabia, as immigration destinations.
Generosity - 4th
New Zealand is one of the most generous countries in the world according to the World Giving Index published by the Britain's charities Aid Foundation. It occupies joint first place with Australia in an index which measures three types of charitable activy - giving money, giving time and helping strangers.
Best Place to Live - 5th
New Zealand is the fifth-best country in which to live, according to an annual study that measures a long list of factors. The index ranks 194 countries and is run by International Living magazine, based in the United States.
Human Development - 5th
New Zealand ranks fifth in the United Nations Human Development Index of 187 countries. Each country is marked according to the standard of living of its people, its population's access to knowledge and its population's chance of living a long and healthy life.
Being a Mum - 6th
New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to be a mum! The 2011 Save the Children's World Mother's Index rank 164 countries against various criteria that help decide where the best places are to raise children. New Zealand was ranked 6th.
Happiness - 8th
New Zealand ranked 8th in a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to measure personal happiness. Using data from a Gallup World Poll conducted in 140 countries, the survey asked respondents whether their lives were dominated by positive or negative experiences and feelings. See also Happiest places in New Zealand.
Prosperity - 10th
The Legatum Prosperity Index is an annual ranking of 104 countries based on factors including wealth, economic growth, personal well being and the quality of life. New Zealand was ranked 10th in the 2008 study.
Quality of life - 15th
New Zealanders have a quality of life that is ranked 15th of 111 countries that participated in the study by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The index takes into account factors such as health, family life, community life, material well being, political stability and security, climate and geography, job security, political freedom and gender equality.
Life expectancy - 18th
Kiwis born this year can expect an average life expectancy of 80 years, placing the nation 18th in international comparisons.
Well being - 20th
A United Nations report on migration and development names New Zealand as the 20th best country for well being. The Human Development Report (HDR) calculates the well being of people in 182 countries taking into account residents' life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment and GDP per capita. People living in countries such as New Zealand can expect to be better educated, to live longer and to earn more, the report said.