Canada named top country to raise children

Canada is the top country in the world to raise children, according to HSBC's latest report.

The 2012 Expat Explorer Survey, which interviewed 5,300 expats around the world, found that Canada was highly regarded when it comes to raising a family

High levels of safety, education and childcare helped the country to rank above Netherlands, the USA and Australia. Indeed, kids raised in Canada are more active, according to the survey, with 55 per cent of expat parents in Australia and 40 per cent in Canada saying that they children were spending more time outdoors since moving to the country.

40 per cent of expats in Australia said their children were playing more sports, topped by 45 per cent in Canada. But it's not only opportunities for children to be more active that provide appeal to expat parents in these countries. One third (31%) of expats in Australia reported that they themselves were more active in sports since relocation, as were a quarter of those in Canada.

Local neighbours also rated highly, with 62 per cent of expats praising the friendliness of residents and 70 per cent saying that found it easy to integrate into the community.

As a result, it is no surprise that 97 per cent of expats now living in Canada said their children were enjoying living.

HSBC commented: "Canada proved a popular choice among expat parents with one fifth (20 per cent) of expat parents living in the country suggesting that of all of the expat locations, they would choose to relocate elsewhere within the country rather than choose a new location or move back to their home country."