A Discussion countrys standard of living is typically calculated by measuring statistics such as a countrys income per capita, employment rate, and education levels. However, it does not account for statistics such as the inflation rate, population growth and environmental damage. This report will properly discuss why Norway has a better Standard of Living than Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa. In order to correctly assess the statistics, the report will be divided into four categories: Economic, Social, People and Environment Sustainability. At the heart of every nation is its economy. This is what keeps a country functioning both on a national and international basis. The Gross Domestic Product is one of the most common indicators of an economys well-being. As reflected in Table 1.1, Norway leads all other competitors with a GDP per capita of 40,000 ($US). However, an equally important statistic is the inflation rate. This figure presents the rate of change in prices and therefore a low inflation rate is ideal. Canada does rank 0.1 percent higher than Norway in this category, however, due to Norways exceedingly higher GDP per capita; it can be determined that Norway has the best economy. The unemployment rate and the school life expectancy are the two selected statistics in determining what country is functioning best socially. A low unemployment rate ensures that a high percentage of the population that are seeking employment; are employed. Whereas, the school life expectancy determines the amount of years an individual will spend in the education system. Therefore it can be concluded that the higher a countrys school life expectancy, the higher the average level of education will be. New Zealand leads both categories with % 4.0 and
19.8 years respectively. However, following close behind in both categories is Norway with 4.2% and 17.5 years. In order to appropriately assess the people of the five competing nations, the average life expectancy and the population growth rate have been analyzed. The average life expectancy is an extremely vital statistic when determining the well-being of a nations people. A high figure in this category ensures proper and available healthcare as well as a safe place to live. Leading the average life expectancy is Canada with 80.10 years with Norway once again placing in second with 79.40 years. When measuring the population growth rate in this day and age, it is not necessarily the highest or the lowest number that is the most preferable. Typically a consistent, yet positive figure is the most beneficial to any country. This ensures that the country is growing at a rate that will not harm employment rates or any capacity or resource scarcity issues. Therefore, both Canada and Norway score well in this category with 0.90 and 0.40 respectively. With only one statistic remaining to measure the environment sustainability, CO2 emissions per capita was selected. Despite the fact that Brazil has the lowest CO2 emissions figure, one must keep in mind that Brazil is not an industrial country. In fact the main contributor to Brazils figure of 1.76161 metric tonnes, is the deforestation that is occurring within Brazils borders. Trees are a part of the carbon cycle and without them; there are less plants to absorb the excess carbon. Whereas, an industrial country such as Norway has its leading natural resources listed as petroleum and natural gas. Even with these leading industries, Norway is still able to maintain a low CO2 emission.