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Emigrating from the "best countries" in the world and why...
3 years ago
I've recently took a dive into the economics behind Nordic countries which are arguably some of the 'best places to live and work' according to many economic and social metrics.
But one thing that often confounds me is: why would Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, Finns or Icelanders still emigrate from their home countries for other places? If Nordic countries are considered 'the best' places to live, what is the impetus to leave?
I'm talking from experience meeting them who have moved here to Singapore. Heck, I knew of a Dane who gave up their citizenship for a Singaporean one back in 2021; he now has a Filipina wife and two kids!
Yes, some of the reasons are: 'food', 'weather', 'more sun', 'lower cost of living'. But there has to be more than that, and I want to know what the reasons might be.
The video that inspired me to write this journal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKGwGAHznFQ
NOTE: I am aware that people regularly move from wealthy nations to less wealthy ones. I did that when I was young with my family (from Singapore > China). But given that I've not been to any Nordic country, I am probably still seeing these places through rose-tinted glasses.
But one thing that often confounds me is: why would Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, Finns or Icelanders still emigrate from their home countries for other places? If Nordic countries are considered 'the best' places to live, what is the impetus to leave?
I'm talking from experience meeting them who have moved here to Singapore. Heck, I knew of a Dane who gave up their citizenship for a Singaporean one back in 2021; he now has a Filipina wife and two kids!
Yes, some of the reasons are: 'food', 'weather', 'more sun', 'lower cost of living'. But there has to be more than that, and I want to know what the reasons might be.
The video that inspired me to write this journal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKGwGAHznFQ
NOTE: I am aware that people regularly move from wealthy nations to less wealthy ones. I did that when I was young with my family (from Singapore > China). But given that I've not been to any Nordic country, I am probably still seeing these places through rose-tinted glasses.
Usually they move from a cushy life in their country to another cushy life in another country.
If ever young Scandinavian natives move abroad for a longer time, it is usually to pursue either an adventure or a fancy career. Even just being live-in nannies for rich children in places like the US, France, Spain and Australia is a pretty fancy option that many want.