Joie de vivre

What it is to live in France, where poll after poll finds people happy with their level of healthcare.

What it is to live in France, where poll after poll finds people happy with their level of healthcare.

A recent WHO report put France at the top of the world league of health systems, with hospitals that are by and large clean and efficient, short waiting lists, plenty of doctors and specialists available.

These benefits are available to everyone, because everyone with a job pays part of his or her salary to support the health system - and that money is earmarked only for that task.

The rating was based on a comprehensive assessment of medical treatment, including factors such as availability of medical insurance and pharmacies.