Spain is living life on the sunny side
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 16 2008
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A recent study published by a British Service Comparison Website – U-Switch – states that, in the terms of quality of life, Ireland and Britain comes rock bottom, even though these two countries enjoys the highest average income in Europe. At the top of the index we find Spain.
19 different factors was assessed, in this study, that is affecting quality of life, ranging from working and income conditions to healthcare, education and the cost of living. Even having the highest average income in Europe, Brits pays between up to 18 per cent more for fuel and 49 per cent more for gas, topped by soaring high housing costs and food prices. According to the European Quality of Life Index, the Brits have the shortest holidays, lowest life expectancy and latest retirement age. (Statistics from ten European countries). Coming in last in the Index, from U-Switch, is Ireland even worse off than The Brits. "We may earn substantially more than our European neighbors but when it comes to quality of life we remain the sick man of Europe," said Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at U-Switch. "Soaring food prices and inflation, not to mention high property costs, are placing the biggest squeeze on disposable incomes in well over a decade," she added, noting also below-average investment in health and education services. The Spaniards have the lowest average income in Europe, but essential goods are far cheaper and the tax lower. Spain has 36 public holidays a year, compared to 28 in Britain. And while Spain has the most sunshine hours in Europe, Britain and Ireland has the fewest. The Spanish also have a longer life expectancy, making it to almost 80 years on average. Maybe free time has a greater value than income does; at least that is what is concluded in this survey!
 

Last changed: Jul 17 2008 at 2:55 PM