Expat happiness ranking released

The Expat Insider 2026 ranking, conducted by InterNations across 31 countries, identifies where expatriates are the happiest by considering factors such as cost of living, access to housing and healthcare, and sociability.

Ranking highlights emotional differences

The site Quartz highlights the significance of such rankings, noting that two people can follow similar paths—such as a new job offer, a retirement plan, or a foreign partner—and end up in vastly different emotional situations depending on their place of residence.

Practical conditions shape expat experience

Some find life easier than the one they left behind, while others may feel like permanent foreigners in their new neighborhood, unable to shake the feeling of never having truly found their place. The difference between these experiences often lies in practical conditions rather than luck.

Panama leads, Norway trails

Panama remains number one in the ranking for the third year, while Norway comes last, penalized by social isolation despite a high quality of life and difficulties regarding professional life. Norway is poorly rated on "career prospects, salary equity, and overall job satisfaction," even though job security and economic health are real advantages.

Panama's challenges and appeal

Panama is not an ideal country: "its automotive infrastructure is the worst in the world, and expatriates are very critical of the availability of ecological goods and services, as well as the urban environment in general." Nevertheless, it excites those who choose to live there.

Thailand's appeal and drawbacks

Thailand is highlighted by the magazine Travel + Leisure, where 86 percent of expatriates say they are happy and 42 percent want to live there permanently. They are attracted by the cost of living, the hospitality of the locals, and well-rated healthcare.

Thailand's environmental issues

However, it is necessary to nuance this enthusiasm: Thailand ranked last in the environment and climate category, and only a third of expatriates evaluated the air quality positively. Among other potential problems raised by foreigners were freedom of expression, the administrative burden of banks and banking services, as well as learning Thai.

French expat publication launched

Launched in April 2016 and aimed at French expatriates and those considering expatriation, Courrier Expat offers information drawn from international press on the professional and personal environment of French people abroad, on the same model as Courrier international.

Courrier Expat's features

This information is organized into three sections: business, education, health. Courrier Expat also explores new frontiers by combining information, services, and a community dimension. Readers can, by becoming members of the Courrier Expat Club, access the site's information, access expert advice, consult job offers, participate in forums, and travel through the blogs of our expatriate correspondents.