While Italy is one of the most popular European countries to visit, it's also a fantastic destination to call home. With a wealth of historic and cultural landmarks (including a whopping 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), picture-perfect small towns, cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous beaches, towering mountains, and world-famous cuisine, the Bel Paese is a dream for expats seeking top-notch recreation.c

But Italy also offers a fantastic quality of life. According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, only three percent of Italian employees complain of working long hours — much less than the average 10 percent worldwide. Italians also enjoy better life expectancy (84 years), higher civic engagement, and low crime rates.