What makes a country a desirable nation of residence may be what knocks it off the list of possibilities for another.  Climate is a big issue.  There are folks who wouldn’t live anywhere that didn’t have four distinct seasons, and others who are grateful for year-round warmth.  Proximity to other people is important for many, too:  some sociable persons will live anywhere their friends and family reside, or are buried, and others find charm in total independence.  There are adventurers who don’t mind living in remote spots that are relatively inaccessible, which means visitors will have a hard time finding them, and they will have a hard time coming and going, not to mention keeping the fridge stocked.  Some city folk could never abide the suburbs because they’d have to drive 20 minutes to go to a movie.

There are, however, elements that every prospective ex-pat (or stay-putter) should consider when choosing to move to (or stay in) a country, regardless of climate, population, latitude or longitude:

1.  How much personal freedom do citizens have, and how does it compare to the personal freedom of noncitizens?  Is there a free press or is it government-run?  Can you be arrested for expressing a disapproved-of viewpoint?

2.  Will you be in a religious, political, racial, national or other significant minority in that country, and what will that mean to your daily convenience, your ability to express yourself freely and your personal safety?  A Muslim may find comfort in a land ruled by a Muslim administration; a Hindu may feel endangered by same, and the reverse is also true.

3.  Can you afford to live there?  What is the cost of living and how does it compare to your current assets?

4.  Will you be able to live on your current assets or are you planning to work, and if so, do you need a work visa (if you’re not a citizen)?  Is a work visa easy, or even possible, to obtain?  Are there employment opportunities in your field?  Employment can be an important consideration even for someone considering remaining in his or her own country.

5.  If you intend to become a citizen of another country, is that possible, and if so, what is required?  Are the requirements something you are both capable of satisfying and willing to satisfy?  Will new citizenship cancel your original citizenship or is dual citizenship acceptable to both countries?

6.  Is the country in question at war, or in the midst of a natural disaster, an economic crash or a political revolution?  How does this affect the daily lives of those who live there?

7.  How are the institutions that matter to you, such as schools and businesses?  Can you study, can your children study, are working conditions acceptable, can you get your hands on art supplies, or internet access, or whatever it is you need to do your thing?

8.  If you already are a citizen, how much say do you have in any of the above?  Are you still struggling for civil rights, or are they more or less assured, for you and for others, and if you’re struggling, how is that struggle going?

Keep in mind that for some noble souls, a desirable country is one that needs help, and they are going there specifically to help.  Conditions may be dire, but the impetus to be of use will override the need to be safe and comfortable.

Naturally, the nation with the most personal freedoms will appeal to the most people, for in the last analysis, personal freedom boils down to how easily you can live, or seek to improve, your daily life.    Do your homework.  Find out.  Then, once you’ve made your short list of countries where you’re least likely to be restricted, ask someone who lives there:  how’s the weather?