Sifter

Where are the more favorable places to live in the United States and beyond? Well, the Human Development Index (released annually by the United Nations) and the Morgan Quitno Press (a state and city ranking publication) compiled these 2005 lists based on factors such as education, life expectancy, job growth and poverty and crime rates. Where are the United States and California? Not here.

Most livable countries - Least livable countries

1. Norway   1. Niger

2. Iceland   2. Sierra Leone

3. Australia   3. Burkina Faso

4. Luxembourg   4. Mali

5. Canada   5. Chad

Most livable states - Least livable states

1. New Hampshire   1. Mississippi

2. Minnesota   2. Louisiana

3. Vermont   3. Arkansas

4. Wyoming   4. Tennessee

5. Virginia   5. West Virginia