Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) Zim ranked country with best climate on earth

Zim ranked country with best climate on earth
By: Our reporter
Posted: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 1:01 pm

ZIMBABWE and Malta have tied for first place with the best climate on earth in this year’s Quality of Life Index, published last week in International Living magazine. Climate is one of nine categories that go into calculating the countries with the best quality of life in the annual International Living index.

The magazine says although Zimbabwe and Malta top the 2011 Index, although their cost of living is high. Zimbabwe beat western countries like the United States which came a distant 61.

Although the U.S. scored high in many categories, the magazine reported that "statistics don’t always reflect the reality in communities on the ground".

"The truth is: In dozens of other countries, ranked lower in the final count than the U.S., you can enjoy a life of equal quality — with the same levels of comfort — at a much lower cost."

International Living magazine ranked countries according to Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index.

This ranks countries across 25 performance indicators, water quality, policy initiatives, biodiversity, air pollution, the effect of environmental factors on human health, and more.

The magazine said Malta had "5.2 hours of sunshine a day, a stable government and economy, ... is a very strong draw for expats. And it’s English-speaking.”

Anchored almost in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles from the Italian island of Sicily, frost and snow are mostly unknown in Malta, and the temperature nudges 70 degrees Fahrenheit even in November.

Zimbabwe scored 100% on climate, 75% on leisure and culture and 67% on cost of living. The crime rate in Zimbabwe was ranked as very low.

The country, however, did not do so well on the economy, politics and infrastructure.

"Despite a near perfect climate you won’t find many expats in Zimbabwe. Runaway inflation and political unrest aren’t great attractions," read the statement from the magazine.

The news will be welcomed by the Ministry of Tourism and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority who have been fighting hard to attract visitors to Zimbabwe.

Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi's latest revenue figures show a surge from tourism earnings of US$560-million in 2009 to US$770-million in 2010, which puts his sector on a par with mining.

A report in the UK Telegraph newspaper reported recently, "Slowly but surely, British tour operators, safari specialists and travel agents are beginning to re-engage with Zimbabwe.

"This week W&O Travel announced a programme for 2011; last month Aardvark Safaris announced a new tour. Expect to see even more operators offering trips over the next few months."

Labels: TOURISM

posted by MrK @ 11:17 AM