Thursday, March 13, 2025
According to a recent immigration index, Sri Lanka has been recognized as the most family-friendly country in the world for 2025. This new ranking was compiled by a global money transfer service that analyzed 82 countries based on 24 different categories. These categories include factors such as education quality, economic strength, healthcare, and safety metrics, all crucial aspects for families considering relocation abroad.
Sri Lanka’s Appeal to Families
Sri Lanka emerged as the top choice for families looking to settle down overseas, thanks to its impressive education system and incredibly low childcare costs. The island nation boasts a rich cultural heritage with picturesque beaches, tea plantations, and sacred rituals, making it an attractive destination not only for its natural beauty but also for its family-friendly environment. Childcare costs in Sri Lanka are notably affordable, with an annual cost of just $354.60 (£274). This low cost, combined with a solid educational framework, contributed to Sri Lanka’s high family-friendly score of 63.
Other Highly-Ranked Family-Friendly Countries
Following Sri Lanka in the rankings are Sweden and Norway, both of which have long been known for their high-quality education systems. Sweden, with a score of 52.6, was praised for its superior educational standards and moderate childcare costs. Norway, coming in third place with a score of 51.2, also stood out for its educational quality, though the cost of childcare was higher than that in Sri Lanka.
New Zealand and Iceland tied for fourth place, both scoring 50.9. These countries are recognized for their high education standards, contributing to their family-friendly reputations. Even though both nations provide excellent education, the relatively higher costs of childcare did have an impact on their overall rankings.
Countries with Strong Education Systems But High Childcare Costs
While Germany and Finland were ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, their high-quality education systems couldn’t fully offset their costly childcare options. In Germany, the annual cost of childcare can reach up to $5,347.40, while in Finland, it’s slightly lower at $3,948.10. Despite these high childcare expenses, both countries scored well for their education systems, with Germany earning 50.8 and Finland securing 50.3 in the family-friendly rankings.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Countries for Expats
The top 10 list includes several other nations that offer excellent education systems and varying degrees of childcare costs. Denmark and Australia round out the top ten, with Denmark scoring 49.9 and Australia scoring 49.7. The United States followed closely behind with a score of 49.5. However, despite their impressive educational systems, these countries fell short due to high childcare costs, which can range from $6,218.30 to $16,439.40 per year.
Interestingly, the UK did not make the top 10 for family-friendly countries but did appear in 19th place in the rankings for the best countries for immigrants to move to in 2025.
Global Impact on Travel and Relocation
This new immigration index is likely to have a significant impact on the global travel and relocation industry, as families consider factors like education, affordability, and childcare costs when planning to move abroad. The cost of living and the quality of life are central concerns for many, particularly for those with young children. Countries like Sri Lanka that offer affordable childcare and strong educational systems will likely see a rise in expats, especially those looking for affordable living options.
Countries such as Sri Lanka, Norway, and Sweden, which rank highly on the index, could see increased migration from families seeking a better life for their children. Meanwhile, nations like the United States and Australia, despite their excellent educational systems, may face challenges in attracting families due to the high cost of childcare.
This ranking highlights the countries that offer the best quality of life for families, combining essential factors such as education, safety, and costs of living. While Sri Lanka takes the top spot for its affordability and strong educational system, other nations such as Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, and Iceland are also gaining traction as attractive destinations for families looking to relocate. As global migration trends continue to evolve, this index will likely influence the decision-making process for families considering moving abroad.
