Poland is in 33rd place in a list of the best places in the world in which to be born in 2013, according to a ranking compiled by The Economist.

The results are surprising, when compared to some previous rankings. In 1988, while Poland was still under communist rule, the country placed 23rd, higher than Denmark in that same year. This year, Denmark placed 4th. According to the ranking, the best places in which to be born in 2013 are Switzerland, Australia and Norway, respectively. None of these countries cracked the top 10 in 1988.

Back then, the United States topped the ranking, followed by France and West Germany, respectively. This year, the US dropped to 16th and France to 26th. The reunited Germany is tied with the US in 16th place.

In the 2013 list, Poland ranks among the bottom half of EU countries, with countries such as Greece, Bulgaria and Lithuania behind. Among the 80 countries surveyed, Nigeria was ranked last.

The list determines quality of life based on surveys of the population, covering 11 factors including wealth, crime, family life, trust in government and the stability of the economy. It also projects how these factors will look like in 2030, when children born in 2013 come of age.

Jacek Ciesnowski

Where to be born in 1988

1. United States
2. France
3. West Germany
...
7. United Kingdom
...
13. Norway
13. Switzerland
...
18. Australia
...
21. Soviet Union
...
23. Poland
...
32.China

Where to be born in 2013

1. Switzerland
2. Australia
3. Norway
...
16. United States
...
27. Britain
...
32. Slovenia
33. Poland
34. Greece
...
49. China
...
57. Lithuania
...
72. Russia

Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit