New Zealand has a relatively low crime rate, according to the US State Department, and HSBC named it the best place for bringing up confident, well-rounded kids.

Ranked number one for experience, the government seems eager to recruit expats. Seventy-seven percent of expats feel their quality of life is better in New Zealand, earning it a gold for the category.

What keeps it at No. 2 is its economics. New Zealand ranked low for expat disposable income and wage growth. Read more on Business Insider and HSBC's annual Expat Explorer survey