Increasingly overseas removals are becoming more popular and people are looking to move overseas with their families and begin a new family life in another country, and it is not difficult to see why. 84% of children living overseas are likely to learn at least one other language, 47% play more sports and 53% of children spend more time with their family than they did in their home country. Here are our top ten picks for which countries provide the ideal family environment.

Sweden

Statistically Sweden has one of the highest birth rates in Europe and it is not surprising why as Swedish people are actively encouraged to start a family, making it perfect for those looking to move overseas. The Swedish policy on maternity and paternity leave is very generous, for both mothers and fathers. The Försäkringskassan, (Social Insurance Agency) supports progressive family-friendly policies and benefits including free childcare, free schooling, healthcare and healthy school meals. Factor in as well that Sweden is a relatively safe country and you are left with the perfect base in which to start a family.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country of outstanding natural beauty and one that lends itself well to leading a healthy life style. About a third of the population live in Auckland, a large multi cultural city in the North Island, the other two-thirds being scattered sparsely over the two islands. Smaller cities and fewer people generally means less crime and the majority of towns are relatively small where time is spent Kayaking, skiing, swimming, surfing and walking. Furthermore, the Programme for International for Student Assessment ranks New Zealand’s education as 7^th best in the world.

Finland

According to the Properity Index, Finland was ranked the third  best place to live in the world according to wealth, happiness and general well-being.  Combine this with the fact that it has consistently ranked in the top five for education in all subjects according to the Programme for International for Student Assessment. Finland’s winters are notoriously cold and dark, however this  is not the case during the Summer months which allows for plenty of time to spend with the family outdoors.

Canada

Canada is a popular choice for families due to the low crime rate, free health care and good schools. Canada also offers tax benefits for parents and often covers the cost of child care costs. Furthermore, should you decide to stay at home or reduce your earnings, the Canadian Child Rearing Drop-out Provision protects parents against significant reductions in their future pensions.

Hong Kong

A survey conducted by HSBC outlined that for those moving overseas, Hong Kong was one of the best places to raise children, with over 84% of children living here learning at least one new language. The education system is one of the best in the world, and there are numerous international schools available. It is often the consideration that Hong Kong offers little for children in terms of outdoor space. This however is not the case – 70 percent of Hong Kong’s total land area is actually open parkland, 40 percent of which is protected natural reserves. In addition, that Hong Kong has a large and vibrant expatriate population from all over the world.

Australia

Since 2008, applications for family Visas has increased by over 10% and this continues to increase year on year. It is not surprising however when you consider other statistics alongside of this. Children living in Australia spend statistically less time watching TV and more time enjoying outdoor activities and exercising, with 70% of children cycling regularly. Parents are also entitled to family tax benefits and in addition, living in one of the worlds most robust economies provides a secure, stable environment for families.

Norway

Norway has a high tax, high welfare spend style of government and has used its oil wealth wisely with its investments in sovereign funds. This means that overall, Norway has an extremely strong economy and although the cost of living is higher, generally wages match this.  Its low population density and natural assets have helped it see off the worst ravages of this latest recession.

UK

Although suffering from economic problems, the UK is still a desirable place to raise children due to free health care, social benefits and good schools. The UK is also an excellent place to raise children given its largely left policies along with its cosmopolitan and liberal views.

The Netherlands

In 2007, Unicef conducted a survey in which children in the Netherlands reported to be the most subjectively happy. This is due to the social climate within the Netherlands, in particular in that there is a lot of focus on children within the family. The Netherlands is famous for its liberal attitudes and this extends into parenting and schooling which means that children living in the Netherlands often report to feel creatively expressive, natured and well rounded.

Spain

Living costs in Spain are fairly low, and the Spanish get 41 days of annual leave as opposed to the standard UK 22, meaning that you can spend double the amount of time with the family. Not only this, but working hours are generally shorter and quality of life is much higher, with healthy eating and exercise actively encouraged as part of daily life.