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S. Koreans rank last when it comes to having someone to rely on

June 19, 2015
(Courtesy of Samuel Yoo via Flickr/Creative Commons)

(Courtesy of Samuel Yoo via Flickr/Creative Commons)

South Koreans ranked last among OECD countries when it came to the percentage of people who said they believe they know someone they can rely on in a time of need, according to the organization’s recently released Better Life Index 2015.

According to the OECD, the index is a compilation of data from 36 countries in 11 topics that “contribute to well-being in OECD countries.”

The average among all countries in the quality of a support network in terms of community was 88 percent, compared to Korea’s 72 percent.

The country ranked 24th when it came to disposable income for an average household, at $19,510 a year for in comparison to the overall average of $25,908.

Korea ranked 22nd in employment rate, at 64 percent. It ranked among the worst in OECD countries when it came to gender inequality. For gender inequality in regard to employment rate, it ranked 30th. In long-term unemployment and in personal earnings, it ranked 36th, and for job security, 28th, in gender inequality.

Korea fared better in educational attainment, where it ranked 16th.

Other rankings were as follows: air pollution (33nd), water quality (26th), voter turnout (12th), life expectancy (14th, at 81 years), life satisfaction (29th), assault rate (6th), homicide rate (20th), employees working very long hours (33rd), time devoted to leisure and personal care (25th).

Overall, Korea ranked 27th, two steps down from last year’s results. Australia took the No. 1 spot, followed by Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Canada and the United States.

The Better Life Index has been released by the OECD annually since 2011.