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The 10 fastest trains in the world

  • Not one to rest on its past achievements, China is working to develop faster high-speed trains. The country aims to enhance its rail safety and efficiency, according to a document released by the Ministry of Science and Technology earlier this year. <b>Click on Next to see the top 10 high-speed trains across the world</b>
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    Not one to rest on its past achievements, China is working to develop faster high-speed trains. The country aims to enhance its rail safety and efficiency, according to a document released by the Ministry of Science and Technology earlier this year. Click on Next to see the top 10 high-speed trains across the world
  • The CRH380A high-speed train is one of the four Chinese train series which have been designed for the new standard operating speed of 380 km/h (236 mph) on newly constructed Chinese high-speed main lines.
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    The CRH380A high-speed train is one of the four Chinese train series which have been designed for the new standard operating speed of 380 km/h (236 mph) on newly constructed Chinese high-speed main lines.
  • <b>HSL 1, Belgium</b> runs at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). It is a Belgian High speed rail line from Brussels to LGV Nord.
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    HSL 1, Belgium runs at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). It is a Belgian High speed rail line from Brussels to LGV Nord.
  • Started in 1993, <b>ETR 500 or Elettro Treno Rapido 500</b> is Italian high-speed train runs at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    Started in 1993, ETR 500 or Elettro Treno Rapido 500 is Italian high-speed train runs at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
  • <b>Eurostar, UK</b> that runs at 300 km/h (186 mph) connects London, Paris and Brussels.
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    Eurostar, UK that runs at 300 km/h (186 mph) connects London, Paris and Brussels.
  • Spain’s <b>AVE Talgo-350</b> runs at 330 km/h (205 mph).
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    Spain’s AVE Talgo-350 runs at 330 km/h (205 mph).
  • The <b>THSR 700T</b> is high-speed electric multiple unit trainset derived from the Japanese Shinkansen family for Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan's high-speed rail line. It runs at 335.50 km/h or 208 mph.
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    The THSR 700T is high-speed electric multiple unit trainset derived from the Japanese Shinkansen family for Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan's high-speed rail line. It runs at 335.50 km/h or 208 mph.
  • <b>KTX II or KTX-Sancheon</b> is high speed train built in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem in the second half of the 2000s and operated by Korail since March 2009. It can reach speeds of up to 352.4 km/hour (218 mph).
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    KTX II or KTX-Sancheon is high speed train built in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem in the second half of the 2000s and operated by Korail since March 2009. It can reach speeds of up to 352.4 km/hour (218 mph).
  • The French-owned <b>TGV Réseau (TGV-R)</b> were built by Alstom between 1992 and 1996 and are based on the earlier TGV Atlantique. The train can run up to 380 km/hour (236.12 mph) speed.
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    The French-owned TGV Réseau (TGV-R) were built by Alstom between 1992 and 1996 and are based on the earlier TGV Atlantique. The train can run up to 380 km/hour (236.12 mph) speed.
  • The Shinkansen, also known as the "Bullet Train", is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies. The test run of the train can reach the speed of 443 km/h (275 mph).
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    The Shinkansen, also known as the "Bullet Train", is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies. The test run of the train can reach the speed of 443 km/h (275 mph).
  • <p><b>Transrapid or TR-09</b> is a German high-speed monorail train using magnetic levitation and can hit a speed of 450 km/hour (270.3 mph).</p><p>(Information source for all slides: www.fastesttrain.org)</p>
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    The 10 fastest trains in the world

    Transrapid or TR-09 is a German high-speed monorail train using magnetic levitation and can hit a speed of 450 km/hour (270.3 mph).

    (Information source for all slides: www.fastesttrain.org)

  • Click next to find out the top megacities with the best public transport.
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    Public transport

    Click next to find out the top megacities with the best public transport.
  • The PwC study focused on internal mobility and the city dweller’s experience. None of the top five this year was in the top five last year. For instance, <p>Singapore</p>, which ranks first this year, ranked 17th last year. (Getty Images)
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    The PwC study focused on internal mobility and the city dweller’s experience. None of the top five this year was in the top five last year. For instance,

    Singapore

    , which ranks first this year, ranked 17th last year. (Getty Images)
  • <p>Seoul and Toronto, tied for second place this year, ranked ninth and 15th, respectively, last year.</p> (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Seoul and Toronto, tied for second place this year, ranked ninth and 15th, respectively, last year.

    (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
    Getty Images
  • <p>Toronto is the only non-Asian city in the top five—as opposed to last year, when the top five cities were exclusively European or American.</p> <p>‘Cities of Opportunity 2012’ analyzes the trajectory of 27 cities, all capitals of finance, commerce, and culture—and through their current performance seeks to open a window on what makes cities function best. This year, it also looks ahead to 2025 to project employment, production, and population patterns, as well as “what if” scenarios that prepare for turns in the urban road.</p>
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Toronto is the only non-Asian city in the top five—as opposed to last year, when the top five cities were exclusively European or American.

    ‘Cities of Opportunity 2012’ analyzes the trajectory of 27 cities, all capitals of finance, commerce, and culture—and through their current performance seeks to open a window on what makes cities function best. This year, it also looks ahead to 2025 to project employment, production, and population patterns, as well as “what if” scenarios that prepare for turns in the urban road.

  • <b>Tokyo</b> has also moved up, albeit only two places, to number four.
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Tokyo has also moved up, albeit only two places, to number four.
  • Number-five Hong Kong has also moved up two places.
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Number-five Hong Kong has also moved up two places.
  • <p>Stockholm is ranked sixth.</p> <p>The indicator used in the PwC study reflects not simply of the category, but of the actual role transport and infrastructure play in a city’s development and cohesion.It now seeks to measure and assess the actual networks of internal mobility and physical connection that bind a city together and maximize both its economic efficiency and social integration.</p>
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Stockholm is ranked sixth.

    The indicator used in the PwC study reflects not simply of the category, but of the actual role transport and infrastructure play in a city’s development and cohesion.It now seeks to measure and assess the actual networks of internal mobility and physical connection that bind a city together and maximize both its economic efficiency and social integration.

  • <p><b>New York</b></p> <br>Seventh-ranked New York is in the top 10 this year, along with four European cities. <br><p>Photo by Grendelkhan via Wikimedia Commons</p>
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    New York

    New York


    Seventh-ranked New York is in the top 10 this year, along with four European cities.

    Photo by Grendelkhan via Wikimedia Commons

  • <p>London is ranked at No.8.</p> <p>The public transport systems variable in the study assesses the various systemic elements of a fully modern and efficient public transport network, which are manifestly more than the sum of metro tracks or tram rails. By gauging systemic coverage and connectivity (bus rapid transit, trolleys, or bike share, for example, as well as conventional modes), this variable measures the broadest possible coverage—or the extent to which the largest possible percentage of a city’s population has access to the widest possible means of public conveyance.</p> <br><p>Photo by Jcornelius (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons</p>
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    London

    London is ranked at No.8.

    The public transport systems variable in the study assesses the various systemic elements of a fully modern and efficient public transport network, which are manifestly more than the sum of metro tracks or tram rails. By gauging systemic coverage and connectivity (bus rapid transit, trolleys, or bike share, for example, as well as conventional modes), this variable measures the broadest possible coverage—or the extent to which the largest possible percentage of a city’s population has access to the widest possible means of public conveyance.


    Photo by Jcornelius (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

  • <p><b>Madrid ranks at No.9 in the PwC findings</b></p> <p>Especially famous is the Madrid Metro, which is the sixth longest metro in the world.</p> <br><p> Photo by Valyag at es.wikipedia from Wikimedia Commons</p>
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    Madrid

    Madrid ranks at No.9 in the PwC findings

    Especially famous is the Madrid Metro, which is the sixth longest metro in the world.


    Photo by Valyag at es.wikipedia from Wikimedia Commons

  • The <b>Paris</b> transportation network is very diverse and exists literally over many levels. The city's buses, trams, Métro, Autoroutes, trains and planes together all serve to maintain a high level of connectivity between Paris's many different districts and beyond. The city is ranked at No. 10 in the list.
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    Paris

    The Paris transportation network is very diverse and exists literally over many levels. The city's buses, trams, Métro, Autoroutes, trains and planes together all serve to maintain a high level of connectivity between Paris's many different districts and beyond. The city is ranked at No. 10 in the list.
  • Berlin is ranked at No. 11 in the study. Berlin has developed a highly complex transportation infrastructure providing very diverse modes of urban mobility. 979 bridges cross 197 kilometers of innercity waterways, 5,334 kilometres (3,314 mi) of roads run through Berlin, of which 73 kilometres (45 mi) are motorways.[2] Long-distance rail lines connect Berlin with all of the major cities of Germany and with many cities in neighboring European countries. Regional rail lines provide access to the surrounding regions of Brandenburg and to the Baltic Sea.
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Berlin is ranked at No. 11 in the study. Berlin has developed a highly complex transportation infrastructure providing very diverse modes of urban mobility. 979 bridges cross 197 kilometers of innercity waterways, 5,334 kilometres (3,314 mi) of roads run through Berlin, of which 73 kilometres (45 mi) are motorways.[2] Long-distance rail lines connect Berlin with all of the major cities of Germany and with many cities in neighboring European countries. Regional rail lines provide access to the surrounding regions of Brandenburg and to the Baltic Sea.
  • Rank 12: The Buenos Aires commuter network system is very extensive: every day more than 1.3 million people commute to the Argentine capital.
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Rank 12: The Buenos Aires commuter network system is very extensive: every day more than 1.3 million people commute to the Argentine capital.
  • Rank 12: Transport in <b>Mexico City</b> is managed by the government of the Mexican Federal District through several public companies that administer the different means of transportation. The government of Mexico City operates the second busiest publicly owned transit system in North America after New York City.
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Rank 12: Transport in Mexico City is managed by the government of the Mexican Federal District through several public companies that administer the different means of transportation. The government of Mexico City operates the second busiest publicly owned transit system in North America after New York City.
  • <p>Rank 14: <b>Chicago</b>, Illinois is the third largest city in the United States and a major transportation hub. The city is served by two major airports, and is the main freight rail hub of North America.</p><p>Photo by Rene Schwietzke from Jena, Germany via Wikimedia Commons</p>
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    Chicago

    Rank 14: Chicago, Illinois is the third largest city in the United States and a major transportation hub. The city is served by two major airports, and is the main freight rail hub of North America.

    Photo by Rene Schwietzke from Jena, Germany via Wikimedia Commons

  • San Francisco has fallen 10 slots from fourth last year. It is tied at the same spot as Chicago.(Think Stock Images)
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    San Francisco has fallen 10 slots from fourth last year. It is tied at the same spot as Chicago.(Think Stock Images)
  • Mumbai has the sixth-worst rail service among the 27 major cities studied, according to the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
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    World's best megacities for public transport

    Mumbai has the sixth-worst rail service among the 27 major cities studied, according to the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
  • Click next to find out the 10 countries with the best quality of life.
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    Quality of life

    Click next to find out the 10 countries with the best quality of life.
  • <b>1. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/australia/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Australia;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Australia</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Safety, Civic Engagement, Health<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Work-Life Balance<br><br> Australia scored the highest voter turnout of all 36 countries in the OECD and scored high on most health criteria. However, a large percentage of workers working long hours and a relatively large gap between the rich and the poor brought down the country's overall score.
    30/58

    Travel Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

    1. Australia

    BEST SCORES Safety, Civic Engagement, Health
    WORST SCORES Income, Work-Life Balance

    Australia scored the highest voter turnout of all 36 countries in the OECD and scored high on most health criteria. However, a large percentage of workers working long hours and a relatively large gap between the rich and the poor brought down the country's overall score.
    Getty Images
  • <b>2. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/sweden/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweden;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweden</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Environment, Life Satisfaction, Health<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> Despite what Republicans may want to tell you, Sweden remains one of the world's best places to live. The Scandinavian country is one of the least-polluted in the OECD, and its citizens are healthier. Smoking has decreased significantly and obesity rates are well-below average.
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    10 countries with the best quality of life

    2. Sweden

    BEST SCORES Environment, Life Satisfaction, Health
    WORST SCORES Income, Housing

    Despite what Republicans may want to tell you, Sweden remains one of the world's best places to live. The Scandinavian country is one of the least-polluted in the OECD, and its citizens are healthier. Smoking has decreased significantly and obesity rates are well-below average.
  • <b>3. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/Canada/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Canada;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Canada</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Safety, Health, Life Satisfaction<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Civic Engagement<br><br> The Great White North had the lowest rate of assaults among all OECD countries, contributing to a high safety score, and Canadians reported being generally healthy and happy. We lost points for our growing income disparity and low voter turnout.
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    Nations with highest number of airports

    3. Canada

    BEST SCORES Safety, Health, Life Satisfaction
    WORST SCORES Income, Civic Engagement

    The Great White North had the lowest rate of assaults among all OECD countries, contributing to a high safety score, and Canadians reported being generally healthy and happy. We lost points for our growing income disparity and low voter turnout.
    Getty Images/Hemera
  • <b>4. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/norway/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Norway;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Norway</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Life Satisfaction, Environment, Work-Life Balance<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Civic Engagement<br><br> Norwegians gave their general satisfaction with life the second-highest grade among the 36 countries, which may have something to do with ranking fifth in total leisure time. Norway's income score was dragged down by a low average household financial wealth (though that was somewhat offset by the third-highest average disposable income.)
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    7. Norway 5-year price growth: 28.7 percent Switzerland and Norway are the only European countries to make the list of the world's hottest housing markets. Unlike most European nations that face a gloomy economic outlook, oil-rich Norway is set to expand 2.7 percent in 2012. Low interest rates have led citizens to take on debt to buy property contributing to a jump in prices that gained 6.8 percent year on year in March. Another incentive for Norwegians to buy property is a 28 percent tax deduction on interest payments. An unexpected cut in interest rates to 1.5 percent in March further raises the risk of an already developing housing bubble. In February, the IMF warned that Norwegian home prices were up to 20 percent overvalued. According to government figures, housing prices are seen to be growing almost twice as fast as wages this year. Housing prices in the west coast city of Stavanger , which is the capital of the country’s oil industry, rose 92 percent between 2005 and 2011. Pictured left: The waterfront of Bergen, Norway. Photo: Connie Coleman | Getty Images

    4. Norway

    BEST SCORES Life Satisfaction, Environment, Work-Life Balance
    WORST SCORES Income, Civic Engagement

    Norwegians gave their general satisfaction with life the second-highest grade among the 36 countries, which may have something to do with ranking fifth in total leisure time. Norway's income score was dragged down by a low average household financial wealth (though that was somewhat offset by the third-highest average disposable income.)
    Getty Images
  • <b>5. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/switzerland/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Switzerland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Switzerland</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Life Satisfaction, Health, Jobs<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Civic Engagement, Housing<br><br> Switzerland scored a perfect 10 in Life Satisfaction, the highest among all 36 countries, and also led with the highest employment rate. On the other hand, the historically-neutral state bred little engagement amongst its citizens, with the second-worst voter turnout, particularly among lower-income people. The high cost of housing (23 per cent of disposable income goes to housing) also dragged down the Swiss.
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    Travel Zermatt Switzerland

    5. Switzerland

    BEST SCORES Life Satisfaction, Health, Jobs
    WORST SCORES Civic Engagement, Housing

    Switzerland scored a perfect 10 in Life Satisfaction, the highest among all 36 countries, and also led with the highest employment rate. On the other hand, the historically-neutral state bred little engagement amongst its citizens, with the second-worst voter turnout, particularly among lower-income people. The high cost of housing (23 per cent of disposable income goes to housing) also dragged down the Swiss.
    Shayantani Sarkar
  • <b>7. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/denmark/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Denmark;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Denmark</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Work-Life Balance, Life Satisfaction, Environment<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> The Danes just wanna have fun, apparently. They ranked first in leisure and personal care time, dedicated an average of 16.06 hours per day in "me time." They were only middle-of-the-pack in wealth, and in the bottom 10 in housing expenditures.
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    10 countries with the best quality of life

    7. Denmark

    BEST SCORES Work-Life Balance, Life Satisfaction, Environment
    WORST SCORES Income, Housing

    The Danes just wanna have fun, apparently. They ranked first in leisure and personal care time, dedicated an average of 16.06 hours per day in "me time." They were only middle-of-the-pack in wealth, and in the bottom 10 in housing expenditures.
  • <b>8. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/netherlands/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Netherlands;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Netherlands</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Work-Life Balance, Life Satisfaction, Community<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> The Netherlands had very similar results as Denmark, with high scores for personal time and happiness, and middle-of-the-pack results on income and housing. The Dutch also reported an above-average incidence of assault.
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    Travel Amsterdam Canals

    8. Netherlands

    BEST SCORES Work-Life Balance, Life Satisfaction, Community
    WORST SCORES Income, Housing

    The Netherlands had very similar results as Denmark, with high scores for personal time and happiness, and middle-of-the-pack results on income and housing. The Dutch also reported an above-average incidence of assault.
    Lakshmi Sharath
  • <b>9. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/iceland/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Iceland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Iceland</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Community, Safety, Life Satisfaction<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> The small island nation reported the highest sense of community and had the lowest homicide rate of any country on the Index. However, the average income in Iceland was towards the bottom of the 36 countries.
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    Reykjavik en Islande

    9. Iceland

    BEST SCORES Community, Safety, Life Satisfaction
    WORST SCORES Income, Housing

    The small island nation reported the highest sense of community and had the lowest homicide rate of any country on the Index. However, the average income in Iceland was towards the bottom of the 36 countries.
  • <p><b>10. Ireland</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 48%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR32,801 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p> (AFP PHOTO ARTHUR HERBULOT)
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    FBL-WC2010-EUR-FRA-IRL-PLAYOFF-FANS

    10. Ireland

    Highest income tax rate: 48%

    Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR32,801 of taxable income.

    Click here to convert the currency

    (AFP PHOTO ARTHUR HERBULOT)
    AFP
  • <p><b>6. (Tied) United Kingdom</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at GBP150,000. The top rate has been reduced to 45 percent from 6 April 2013.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
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    Countries with highest income tax rates

    6. (Tied) United Kingdom

    Highest income tax rate: 50%

    Top marginal rate kicks in at GBP150,000. The top rate has been reduced to 45 percent from 6 April 2013.

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/Polka Dot RF
  • <p><b>6. (Tied) Japan</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal rate (40 percent) kicks in at JPY18,000,000 of taxable income. Local inhabitant (municipal and prefectural) tax of additional 10% is also payable.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p> (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
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    Tokyo Named As The Most Expensive City In The World

    6. (Tied) Japan

    Highest income tax rate: 50%

    Top marginal rate (40 percent) kicks in at JPY18,000,000 of taxable income. Local inhabitant (municipal and prefectural) tax of additional 10% is also payable.

    Click here to convert the currency

    (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
    Getty Images
  • <p><b>6. (Tied) Belgium</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR37,330 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
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    Countries with highest income tax rates

    6. (Tied) Belgium

    Highest income tax rate: 50%

    Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR37,330 of taxable income.

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/Ingram Publishing
  • <p><b>6. (Tied) Austria</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal tax rate kicks in at EUR60.000 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
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    Countries with highest income tax rates

    6. (Tied) Austria

    Highest income tax rate: 50%

    Top marginal tax rate kicks in at EUR60.000 of taxable income.

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <p><b>5. Finland</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 51.13%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR 100,000 of taxable income. Note however that municipal tax rates are significant in Finland (vary between approximately 16.25 percent and 22 percent). If the individual belongs to a Finnish church, church tax of approximately 1 percent to 2.20 percent may also be due.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
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    Countries with highest income tax rates

    5. Finland

    Highest income tax rate: 51.13%

    Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR 100,000 of taxable income. Note however that municipal tax rates are significant in Finland (vary between approximately 16.25 percent and 22 percent). If the individual belongs to a Finnish church, church tax of approximately 1 percent to 2.20 percent may also be due.

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <p><b>4. Netherlands</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 52%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at approximately EUR55,991 of taxable income. The following assumptions have been taken:</p> <p>* Dutch tax resident</p> <p>* 30 percent ruling not applicable</p> <p>* Subject to the Dutch social security scheme</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
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    Countries with highest income tax rates

    4. Netherlands

    Highest income tax rate: 52%

    Top marginal rate kicks in at approximately EUR55,991 of taxable income. The following assumptions have been taken:

    * Dutch tax resident

    * 30 percent ruling not applicable

    * Subject to the Dutch social security scheme

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/Hemera
  • <p><b>3. Denmark</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 55.56%</p> <p>Taxation is based on categories of income and different tax rates apply to the different categories. The combined top marginal rate in the ordinary scheme, which applies to employment income and certain types of investment income, kicks in at DKK457,608 (2013). Generally, share income (dividends and capital gains) is taxed in a separate tax scheme at 27-42 percent, depending on income level, while certain types of investment income are taxed in the ordinary tax scheme at rates up to 43.5 percent.</p>
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    Countries with highest income tax rates

    3. Denmark

    Highest income tax rate: 55.56%

    Taxation is based on categories of income and different tax rates apply to the different categories. The combined top marginal rate in the ordinary scheme, which applies to employment income and certain types of investment income, kicks in at DKK457,608 (2013). Generally, share income (dividends and capital gains) is taxed in a separate tax scheme at 27-42 percent, depending on income level, while certain types of investment income are taxed in the ordinary tax scheme at rates up to 43.5 percent.

    Getty Images
  • <p><b>2. Sweden</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 56.6%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at SEK574,300 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
    46/58

    Countries with highest income tax rates

    2. Sweden

    Highest income tax rate: 56.6%

    Top marginal rate kicks in at SEK574,300 of taxable income.

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <p><b>1. Aruba</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 58.95%</p> <p>Top marginal tax rate kicks in at USD171.149,00 (AWG309.131,00) of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
    47/58

    Countries with highest income tax rates

    1. Aruba

    Highest income tax rate: 58.95%

    Top marginal tax rate kicks in at USD171.149,00 (AWG309.131,00) of taxable income.

    Click here to convert the currency

    Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • Inactivity still accounts for as many deaths globally as does tobacco use, and that's a lot of preventable deaths. Here's Forbes list of the laziest nations in the world
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    Laziest Nations

    Inactivity still accounts for as many deaths globally as does tobacco use, and that's a lot of preventable deaths. Here's Forbes list of the laziest nations in the world
  • About a third of people across the world do not meet the minimum activity recommendations (which is generally about 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week). But countries vary greatly, with Malta topping the inactive list at 71.9%, and Greece faring best, at 15.6%. The situation is worse for adolescents (ages 13-15) across the globe, of whom about 80% fall into the inactive category.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    About a third of people across the world do not meet the minimum activity recommendations (which is generally about 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week). But countries vary greatly, with Malta topping the inactive list at 71.9%, and Greece faring best, at 15.6%. The situation is worse for adolescents (ages 13-15) across the globe, of whom about 80% fall into the inactive category.
  • Unsurprisingly, in the higher-income countries, jobs are providing less of a person's overall activity than they did decades ago. Calorie expenditure from work-related activity has fallen by about 100 calories per day, which would translate roughly to a weight gain of about 7.5 pounds/year. Luckily, the amount of activity gotten from one's leisure time has increased in recent years, filling this gap somewhat. But we're still in the red when it comes to energy intake vs. output.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    Unsurprisingly, in the higher-income countries, jobs are providing less of a person's overall activity than they did decades ago. Calorie expenditure from work-related activity has fallen by about 100 calories per day, which would translate roughly to a weight gain of about 7.5 pounds/year. Luckily, the amount of activity gotten from one's leisure time has increased in recent years, filling this gap somewhat. But we're still in the red when it comes to energy intake vs. output.
  • At heart, the issue is not an aesthetic one. Experts estimate that 5.3 million deaths worldwide are the result of inactivity, which is about the same number attributed to tobacco use, making the situation seem even more grave. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of deaths due to non-communicable diseases worldwide.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    At heart, the issue is not an aesthetic one. Experts estimate that 5.3 million deaths worldwide are the result of inactivity, which is about the same number attributed to tobacco use, making the situation seem even more grave. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of deaths due to non-communicable diseases worldwide.
  • The researchers point out that the publication of the studies at the time of the summer Olympics is "not a coincidence. Although the world will be watching elite athletes from many countries compete in sporting events requiring tremendous training, skill, and fitness, most spectators will be quite inactive." They hope that the timing of the series, along with Olympic excitement, will propel people into action. Literally.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    The researchers point out that the publication of the studies at the time of the summer Olympics is "not a coincidence. Although the world will be watching elite athletes from many countries compete in sporting events requiring tremendous training, skill, and fitness, most spectators will be quite inactive." They hope that the timing of the series, along with Olympic excitement, will propel people into action. Literally.
  • And there's another element of irony to our growing inactivity that shouldn't be overlooked. Advances designed to make our lives easier and more enjoyable have made us less mobile. Not only do they contribute to the inactivity pandemic, but they may have the grimmer effect of shortening our lives.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    And there's another element of irony to our growing inactivity that shouldn't be overlooked. Advances designed to make our lives easier and more enjoyable have made us less mobile. Not only do they contribute to the inactivity pandemic, but they may have the grimmer effect of shortening our lives.
  • As the authors put it, "Several behavioural and environmental factors, and megatrends (major forces in societal development that affect people's lives) affect population levels of physical activity. Rapid urbanisation, mechanisation, and increased use of motorised transport could have caused global changes in physical activity."
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    The laziest countries in the world

    As the authors put it, "Several behavioural and environmental factors, and megatrends (major forces in societal development that affect people's lives) affect population levels of physical activity. Rapid urbanisation, mechanisation, and increased use of motorised transport could have caused global changes in physical activity."
  • Getting back to basics, like walking or bicycling to work, would help the situation markedly, say the researchers. They calculate, for example, that if all of Denmark's non-cycling population suddenly hopped on bicycles regularly, about 12,000 deaths per year would be avoided. Of course, there's an important intersection between outdoor activity and environmental concerns, particularly cyclist safety and park safety, which can significantly affect our odds of engaging in healthy activities.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    Getting back to basics, like walking or bicycling to work, would help the situation markedly, say the researchers. They calculate, for example, that if all of Denmark's non-cycling population suddenly hopped on bicycles regularly, about 12,000 deaths per year would be avoided. Of course, there's an important intersection between outdoor activity and environmental concerns, particularly cyclist safety and park safety, which can significantly affect our odds of engaging in healthy activities.
  • If people are put off the by idea of thought of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per day (like brisk walking), at least we can take solace in the fact that even less activity offers a benefit: Getting just 1.5 hours per week can extend lifespan by three years.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    If people are put off the by idea of thought of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per day (like brisk walking), at least we can take solace in the fact that even less activity offers a benefit: Getting just 1.5 hours per week can extend lifespan by three years.
  • Tracking physical activity is notoriously difficult, and because of the range of activity level within each country can be wide, getting a handle on what's going on even within a given country can be difficult.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    Tracking physical activity is notoriously difficult, and because of the range of activity level within each country can be wide, getting a handle on what's going on even within a given country can be difficult.
  • Though the studies seem expansive, for about a third of countries in the world, there exists no data on physical activity, mainly countries in central Asia and "those of low and middle income in Africa." Striking, the authors say, is the divide between where the studies are done and where disease occurs. Closing the gap in which there exists no data is critical for getting a handle on people's habits, lifestyles, and activity levels, or lack thereof.
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    The laziest countries in the world

    Though the studies seem expansive, for about a third of countries in the world, there exists no data on physical activity, mainly countries in central Asia and "those of low and middle income in Africa." Striking, the authors say, is the divide between where the studies are done and where disease occurs. Closing the gap in which there exists no data is critical for getting a handle on people's habits, lifestyles, and activity levels, or lack thereof.
Not one to rest on its past achievements, China is working to develop faster high-speed trains. The country aims to enhance its rail safety and efficiency, according to a document released by the Ministry of Science and Technology earlier this year. <b>Click on Next to see the top 10 high-speed trains across the world</b>
The CRH380A high-speed train is one of the four Chinese train series which have been designed for the new standard operating speed of 380 km/h (236 mph) on newly constructed Chinese high-speed main lines.
<b>HSL 1, Belgium</b> runs at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). It is a Belgian High speed rail line from Brussels to LGV Nord.
Started in 1993, <b>ETR 500 or Elettro Treno Rapido 500</b> is Italian high-speed train runs at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
<b>Eurostar, UK</b> that runs at 300 km/h (186 mph) connects London, Paris and Brussels.
Spain’s <b>AVE Talgo-350</b> runs at 330 km/h (205 mph).
The <b>THSR 700T</b> is high-speed electric multiple unit trainset derived from the Japanese Shinkansen family for Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan's high-speed rail line. It runs at 335.50 km/h or 208 mph.
<b>KTX II or KTX-Sancheon</b> is high speed train built in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem in the second half of the 2000s and operated by Korail since March 2009. It can reach speeds of up to 352.4 km/hour (218 mph).
The French-owned <b>TGV Réseau (TGV-R)</b> were built by Alstom between 1992 and 1996 and are based on the earlier TGV Atlantique. The train can run up to 380 km/hour (236.12 mph) speed.
The Shinkansen, also known as the "Bullet Train", is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies. The test run of the train can reach the speed of 443 km/h (275 mph).
<p><b>Transrapid or TR-09</b> is a German high-speed monorail train using magnetic levitation and can hit a speed of 450 km/hour (270.3 mph).</p><p>(Information source for all slides: www.fastesttrain.org)</p>
Click next to find out the top megacities with the best public transport.
The PwC study focused on internal mobility and the city dweller’s experience. None of the top five this year was in the top five last year. For instance, <p>Singapore</p>, which ranks first this year, ranked 17th last year. (Getty Images)
<p>Seoul and Toronto, tied for second place this year, ranked ninth and 15th, respectively, last year.</p> (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
<p>Toronto is the only non-Asian city in the top five—as opposed to last year, when the top five cities were exclusively European or American.</p> <p>‘Cities of Opportunity 2012’ analyzes the trajectory of 27 cities, all capitals of finance, commerce, and culture—and through their current performance seeks to open a window on what makes cities function best. This year, it also looks ahead to 2025 to project employment, production, and population patterns, as well as “what if” scenarios that prepare for turns in the urban road.</p>
<b>Tokyo</b> has also moved up, albeit only two places, to number four.
Number-five Hong Kong has also moved up two places.
<p>Stockholm is ranked sixth.</p> <p>The indicator used in the PwC study reflects not simply of the category, but of the actual role transport and infrastructure play in a city’s development and cohesion.It now seeks to measure and assess the actual networks of internal mobility and physical connection that bind a city together and maximize both its economic efficiency and social integration.</p>
<p><b>New York</b></p> <br>Seventh-ranked New York is in the top 10 this year, along with four European cities. <br><p>Photo by Grendelkhan via Wikimedia Commons</p>
<p>London is ranked at No.8.</p> <p>The public transport systems variable in the study assesses the various systemic elements of a fully modern and efficient public transport network, which are manifestly more than the sum of metro tracks or tram rails. By gauging systemic coverage and connectivity (bus rapid transit, trolleys, or bike share, for example, as well as conventional modes), this variable measures the broadest possible coverage—or the extent to which the largest possible percentage of a city’s population has access to the widest possible means of public conveyance.</p> <br><p>Photo by Jcornelius (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons</p>
<p><b>Madrid ranks at No.9 in the PwC findings</b></p> <p>Especially famous is the Madrid Metro, which is the sixth longest metro in the world.</p> <br><p> Photo by Valyag at es.wikipedia from Wikimedia Commons</p>
The <b>Paris</b> transportation network is very diverse and exists literally over many levels. The city's buses, trams, Métro, Autoroutes, trains and planes together all serve to maintain a high level of connectivity between Paris's many different districts and beyond. The city is ranked at No. 10 in the list.
Berlin is ranked at No. 11 in the study. Berlin has developed a highly complex transportation infrastructure providing very diverse modes of urban mobility. 979 bridges cross 197 kilometers of innercity waterways, 5,334 kilometres (3,314 mi) of roads run through Berlin, of which 73 kilometres (45 mi) are motorways.[2] Long-distance rail lines connect Berlin with all of the major cities of Germany and with many cities in neighboring European countries. Regional rail lines provide access to the surrounding regions of Brandenburg and to the Baltic Sea.
Rank 12: The Buenos Aires commuter network system is very extensive: every day more than 1.3 million people commute to the Argentine capital.
Rank 12: Transport in <b>Mexico City</b> is managed by the government of the Mexican Federal District through several public companies that administer the different means of transportation. The government of Mexico City operates the second busiest publicly owned transit system in North America after New York City.
<p>Rank 14: <b>Chicago</b>, Illinois is the third largest city in the United States and a major transportation hub. The city is served by two major airports, and is the main freight rail hub of North America.</p><p>Photo by Rene Schwietzke from Jena, Germany via Wikimedia Commons</p>
San Francisco has fallen 10 slots from fourth last year. It is tied at the same spot as Chicago.(Think Stock Images)
Mumbai has the sixth-worst rail service among the 27 major cities studied, according to the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Click next to find out the 10 countries with the best quality of life.
<b>1. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/australia/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Australia;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Australia</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Safety, Civic Engagement, Health<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Work-Life Balance<br><br> Australia scored the highest voter turnout of all 36 countries in the OECD and scored high on most health criteria. However, a large percentage of workers working long hours and a relatively large gap between the rich and the poor brought down the country's overall score.
<b>2. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/sweden/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweden;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweden</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Environment, Life Satisfaction, Health<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> Despite what Republicans may want to tell you, Sweden remains one of the world's best places to live. The Scandinavian country is one of the least-polluted in the OECD, and its citizens are healthier. Smoking has decreased significantly and obesity rates are well-below average.
<b>3. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/Canada/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Canada;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Canada</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Safety, Health, Life Satisfaction<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Civic Engagement<br><br> The Great White North had the lowest rate of assaults among all OECD countries, contributing to a high safety score, and Canadians reported being generally healthy and happy. We lost points for our growing income disparity and low voter turnout.
<b>4. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/norway/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Norway;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Norway</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Life Satisfaction, Environment, Work-Life Balance<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Civic Engagement<br><br> Norwegians gave their general satisfaction with life the second-highest grade among the 36 countries, which may have something to do with ranking fifth in total leisure time. Norway's income score was dragged down by a low average household financial wealth (though that was somewhat offset by the third-highest average disposable income.)
<b>5. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/switzerland/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Switzerland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Switzerland</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Life Satisfaction, Health, Jobs<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Civic Engagement, Housing<br><br> Switzerland scored a perfect 10 in Life Satisfaction, the highest among all 36 countries, and also led with the highest employment rate. On the other hand, the historically-neutral state bred little engagement amongst its citizens, with the second-worst voter turnout, particularly among lower-income people. The high cost of housing (23 per cent of disposable income goes to housing) also dragged down the Swiss.
<b>7. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/denmark/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Denmark;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Denmark</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Work-Life Balance, Life Satisfaction, Environment<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> The Danes just wanna have fun, apparently. They ranked first in leisure and personal care time, dedicated an average of 16.06 hours per day in "me time." They were only middle-of-the-pack in wealth, and in the bottom 10 in housing expenditures.
<b>8. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/netherlands/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Netherlands;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Netherlands</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Work-Life Balance, Life Satisfaction, Community<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> The Netherlands had very similar results as Denmark, with high scores for personal time and happiness, and middle-of-the-pack results on income and housing. The Dutch also reported an above-average incidence of assault.
<b>9. <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/iceland/#/00000000000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Iceland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Iceland</a></b><br><br> <b>BEST SCORES</b> Community, Safety, Life Satisfaction<br> <b>WORST SCORES</b> Income, Housing<br><br> The small island nation reported the highest sense of community and had the lowest homicide rate of any country on the Index. However, the average income in Iceland was towards the bottom of the 36 countries.
<p><b>10. Ireland</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 48%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR32,801 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p> (AFP PHOTO ARTHUR HERBULOT)
<p><b>6. (Tied) United Kingdom</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at GBP150,000. The top rate has been reduced to 45 percent from 6 April 2013.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
<p><b>6. (Tied) Japan</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal rate (40 percent) kicks in at JPY18,000,000 of taxable income. Local inhabitant (municipal and prefectural) tax of additional 10% is also payable.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p> (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
<p><b>6. (Tied) Belgium</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR37,330 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
<p><b>6. (Tied) Austria</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 50%</p> <p>Top marginal tax rate kicks in at EUR60.000 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
<p><b>5. Finland</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 51.13%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at EUR 100,000 of taxable income. Note however that municipal tax rates are significant in Finland (vary between approximately 16.25 percent and 22 percent). If the individual belongs to a Finnish church, church tax of approximately 1 percent to 2.20 percent may also be due.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
<p><b>4. Netherlands</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 52%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at approximately EUR55,991 of taxable income. The following assumptions have been taken:</p> <p>* Dutch tax resident</p> <p>* 30 percent ruling not applicable</p> <p>* Subject to the Dutch social security scheme</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
<p><b>3. Denmark</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 55.56%</p> <p>Taxation is based on categories of income and different tax rates apply to the different categories. The combined top marginal rate in the ordinary scheme, which applies to employment income and certain types of investment income, kicks in at DKK457,608 (2013). Generally, share income (dividends and capital gains) is taxed in a separate tax scheme at 27-42 percent, depending on income level, while certain types of investment income are taxed in the ordinary tax scheme at rates up to 43.5 percent.</p>
<p><b>2. Sweden</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 56.6%</p> <p>Top marginal rate kicks in at SEK574,300 of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
<p><b>1. Aruba</b></p> <p>Highest income tax rate: 58.95%</p> <p>Top marginal tax rate kicks in at USD171.149,00 (AWG309.131,00) of taxable income.</p> <p><a href="http://in.finance.yahoo.com/currencies/converter/#from=INR;to=USD;amt=1" data-ylk="slk:Click here to convert the currency;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Click here to convert the currency</a></p>
Inactivity still accounts for as many deaths globally as does tobacco use, and that's a lot of preventable deaths. Here's Forbes list of the laziest nations in the world
About a third of people across the world do not meet the minimum activity recommendations (which is generally about 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week). But countries vary greatly, with Malta topping the inactive list at 71.9%, and Greece faring best, at 15.6%. The situation is worse for adolescents (ages 13-15) across the globe, of whom about 80% fall into the inactive category.
Unsurprisingly, in the higher-income countries, jobs are providing less of a person's overall activity than they did decades ago. Calorie expenditure from work-related activity has fallen by about 100 calories per day, which would translate roughly to a weight gain of about 7.5 pounds/year. Luckily, the amount of activity gotten from one's leisure time has increased in recent years, filling this gap somewhat. But we're still in the red when it comes to energy intake vs. output.
At heart, the issue is not an aesthetic one. Experts estimate that 5.3 million deaths worldwide are the result of inactivity, which is about the same number attributed to tobacco use, making the situation seem even more grave. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of deaths due to non-communicable diseases worldwide.
The researchers point out that the publication of the studies at the time of the summer Olympics is "not a coincidence. Although the world will be watching elite athletes from many countries compete in sporting events requiring tremendous training, skill, and fitness, most spectators will be quite inactive." They hope that the timing of the series, along with Olympic excitement, will propel people into action. Literally.
And there's another element of irony to our growing inactivity that shouldn't be overlooked. Advances designed to make our lives easier and more enjoyable have made us less mobile. Not only do they contribute to the inactivity pandemic, but they may have the grimmer effect of shortening our lives.
As the authors put it, "Several behavioural and environmental factors, and megatrends (major forces in societal development that affect people's lives) affect population levels of physical activity. Rapid urbanisation, mechanisation, and increased use of motorised transport could have caused global changes in physical activity."
Getting back to basics, like walking or bicycling to work, would help the situation markedly, say the researchers. They calculate, for example, that if all of Denmark's non-cycling population suddenly hopped on bicycles regularly, about 12,000 deaths per year would be avoided. Of course, there's an important intersection between outdoor activity and environmental concerns, particularly cyclist safety and park safety, which can significantly affect our odds of engaging in healthy activities.
If people are put off the by idea of thought of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per day (like brisk walking), at least we can take solace in the fact that even less activity offers a benefit: Getting just 1.5 hours per week can extend lifespan by three years.
Tracking physical activity is notoriously difficult, and because of the range of activity level within each country can be wide, getting a handle on what's going on even within a given country can be difficult.
Though the studies seem expansive, for about a third of countries in the world, there exists no data on physical activity, mainly countries in central Asia and "those of low and middle income in Africa." Striking, the authors say, is the divide between where the studies are done and where disease occurs. Closing the gap in which there exists no data is critical for getting a handle on people's habits, lifestyles, and activity levels, or lack thereof.
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As technology pushes train speeds to close to 400 kms per hour, safety and efficiency will be paramount. (Photo credits: AFP/ Reuters/ Getty Images and Wikimedia Commons)