London, Jan 3 (CNA) — Cyprus ranks 23rd among 80 countries offering the most promising life prospects for children to be born in 2013, according to a quality of life index, composed by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
According to the Economist, the “where-to-be-born index” takes into account 11 statistical indicators concerning financial and social matters, noting that all add up to Switzerland being the best country for a baby to be born in 2013.
The survey takes into account, among other considerations, a country’s geography, its demographic trends, the projected income per head in 2030, the crime rate, life expectancy, quality of health and education as well as life-satisfaction surveys.
Switzerland tops the list with 8.22 points out of 10, and is followed by Australia and Norway. Cyprus ranks, along with Chile, in 23d place with 7.10 points, while bigger countries like Japan, France, Britain and Spain come up later in the list.
According to the Economist, the worst country for a child to be born in 2013 is Nigeria (80th place), preceded by Kenya and the Ukraine.