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Best Socialist Countries
We have identified the best socialist countries to visit, or even live in. The term socialism has different meanings to different people.
For the purpose of rating our top 9, we are using a pragmatic approach. Therefore, we are listing those countries where the government intervenes to tame the injustice and violence of ‘capitalism’ in the name of justice and equality.
Top 5 Best Socialist Countries
#1 Slovenia is our best socialist country
Formerly knows as ‘Socialist Republic of Slovenia’, Slovenia ranks above average in social and economic indicators. So this includes earnings, housing, health status, social connections, work-life balance, environmental quality, and personal security.
88% of adults aged 25-64 have completed upper secondary education (higher than the OECD average of 78%).
Life expectancy in Slovenia is 81 years (one year higher than the OECD average).
#2 Belgium
Number 2 of our top socialist countries is Belgium. Belgium is small and densely populated. The annual growth rate of the Belgian population is very low; overall birth rates and immigration exceed death rates and emigration only slightly.
The life expectancy in Belgium has continued to increase while the death rate has fallen. This has been due to advances in medicine and public health. Belgium is also providing better care during childbirth, leading to higher births rates. Life expectancy in 2016 was 80.5 years (a significant increase from previous years), with male life expectancy at 78 years and the female life expectancy at 83 years.
#3 Finland
Coming in at number 3 of our 9 best socialist countries is Finland. The central role of the state is illustrated by the fact the Finnish government owns nearly one-third of the nation’s wealth.
Labour has real power in Finland. Indeed this large and powerful labour movement gives Finnish workers significant power in the economy. Indeed, around 90 percent of Finnish workers are covered by a union contract.
In addition, Finland has one of the best education systems in the world. There are no tuition fees and students even receive free meals. Indeed, Finland has a 100 percent literacy rate and one of the highest living standards in the world.
#4 Sweden
Sweden has higher than average taxation rates. However, the high levels of taxation are used to provide a range of public services.
Sweden has one of the very best education systems in the world. The Swedish Education Act says that all people are to have equal access to education, regardless of gender, location or wealth. In addition to education, the state funds health care and the child care costs of citizens.
Gender equality and embracing diversity is natural in Sweden. There are laws against discriminatory behaviours. In addition, the vast majority of Swedish people find such behaviours unacceptable and taboo.
#5 Netherlands
The Netherlands makes our list of best socialist countries because it is very egalitarian and organised. Bosses even treat their workers with respect!
Dutch governments use direct and indirect taxes to fund extensive welfare rights. They levy a graduated personal income tax and a property tax, a motor vehicle tax, an energy tax, and a tax on legal transactions.
The government has imposed rent controls to protect tenants. Education is mainly publicly funded and all public transportation in the country is owned by the Government. As a result, the state controls prices and schedules. All this makes the Netherlands #5 in our list of the best socialist countries
Best Socialist Countries 5-9
#6 Norway
The main political division reflects differing views on the importance of free-market forces; but non-socialists have accepted extensive governmental control of the country’s economy.
Such evident national consensus—along with abundant waterpower, offshore oil, and peaceful labour relations—was a major factor in the rapid growth of Norway as an industrial nation during the 20th century and in the creation of one of the highest standards of living in the world, reinforced by a comprehensive social welfare system. Life expectancy rates in Norway are among the highest in the world.
#7 Denmark
Denmark consistently ranks in the world’s top nations for quality of life. This Scandinavian nation is known for its excellent track record in terms of child care, safety standards, and enabling infrastructure. Citizens with per capita GDP of over $55,000 are more than happy to pay higher taxes as they are getting the best atmosphere for the upbringing of children.
#8 Belgium
Belgium performs well in many dimensions of well-being relative to other countries in the Better Life Index. It outperforms the average in income, education, housing, health, civic engagement and life satisfaction. It underperforms average in social connections.
In terms of health, life expectancy at birth in Belgium is around 82 years, one year higher than the OECD average of 81 years. In Belgium, the average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is always higher than the OECD average.
#9 Costa Rica is the best socialist country in America
Costa Rica has achieved a record high rural literacy rate at 96% for children. This means that nearly all children in rural Costa Rica are educated.