The best countries to live with children in 2022 according to the UN

UNICEF analyzed the quality of housing and city dwellers, the level of education and the environmental situation in consumer countries and the OECD. Of these, four countries did not make it into the ranking: the weather, Mexico and Luxembourg were low, information about Colombia was not enough for research.

To compile the Places and Spaces rating, UNICEF experts evaluated the states according to various indicators in three categories — "The world for the child", "The world around the child" and "The world as a whole". Checked:

• water and air quality;

• condition of children’s centers, green and pedestrian zones;

• the quality of housing and public transport;

• climate change;

• conscious consumption of natural resources.

The scores were given on a scale from 1 to 39 for each category: the better the score, the lower the score. The countries with the lowest average score won.

Spain ranked first and received high scores of 8 to 13 in all categories. 99,5% of the country’s tap water is safe to drink. The government also regulates noise pollution and car emissions.

Spain has the fifth largest economy in the EU and one of the cleanest air. The country ranks among the top ten countries with the best health care: more than 95% of children are in good health. This is the data provided by Eurostat.

Ireland came second in the ranking. There are more educated people living in the country: many children start school at the age of four. Education in the country is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 16.

Portugal took third place. The country thinks about how technological progress affects the environment, and strives for carbon neutrality, for example, switching to electric transport.

Portugal is the fourth most secure country in the world and the first in terms of economic growth in the European Union. The Portuguese city of Funchal is recognized as the best for raising children in Europe in 2022. According to the educational platform Preply, Funchal has a low crime rate and quality education.

Cyprus was ranked fourth. The island has one of the warmest climates in Europe, with 320 days of sunshine a year. Most of Cyprus' beaches are ideal for children: the water is clear, the descent is gentle and there are toilets on site. The island has many amusement parks: aquariums, water parks and even a donkey farm.