The Allure of Portugal for American Expats
Portugal, a nation founded 882 years ago, is increasingly becoming a top destination for Americans seeking a new life abroad. The primary driver is the stark contrast in safety and quality of life compared to the United States.
Key Factors Driving the Move
According to a study by Expatsi, a company assisting Americans with relocation, Portugal ranks first among preferred countries. This is largely due to its seventh-place ranking in the Global Peace Index 2024, a significant improvement over the US's 128th position. Portugal offers universally accessible healthcare, a low cost of living, robust anti-discrimination laws, and freedom of movement within the EU. In 2023, there were only 89 murders in Portugal, compared to 16,935 in the US, highlighting the safety appeal.
Other Top Destinations
While Portugal leads the pack, other countries are also attractive. Spain and Italy follow closely in second and third place on the Expatsi list, with Canada and Mexico rounding out the top five. Further options include Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Australia, offering diverse benefits from natural beauty to welcoming policies.
Differing Perspectives
Not all rankings agree; the UK-based Immigration Advice Service places Ireland first and the UK third, with Portugal in sixth. However, articles from sources like Forbes suggest alternatives like Albania for its welcoming policies and low costs, or Vietnam for its untouched nature.
Why the Surge?
The trend underscores a broader desire among Americans to escape issues such as gun violence and political instability, making countries with higher peace indices and better living standards highly desirable.
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