If you want to immigrate to a country committed to equity above all, Sweden is the place to be. Its low income gap provides a comfortable working class life for everyone, and a strong social safety net keeps folks from falling through the cracks. (For example, new parents get eight months of paid leave each.) If you’re interested in moving to Sweden for a college degree, low-cost, high-quality options abound. A largely agnostic nation, Sweden ranks among the top countries for gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and healthcare access.

This focus on uniformity arises out of Jantelagen, a Scandinavian attitude that discourages ambition. Expats who thrive on competition may lose some sense of purpose, and that collective-focused philosophy may explain why Swedes are slow in warming to newcomers. Sweden’s cool reception extends to its six-month winters, making seasonal depression a real concern. Those who can persevere through the chilly climate and reception may find ample opportunity here, especially in Sweden’s booming tech and bio-chem sectors.