Better Life Initiative: Your Better Life Index

The Better Life Index allows citizens to compare well-being across 34 countries based on 11 dimensions in the areas of material living conditions and quality of life: housing; income; jobs; community; education; environment; governance; health; life satisfaction; safety; work-life balance.

Restoring public finances

NEW: Structural policies can reduce financial fragility

Policies for a revitalisation of Japan

Japan has several major strengths it can draw upon but major reforms are needed on several fronts. A keystone of the Revitalisation strategy is tax reform, not only to boost revenues but also to support growth and make it greener and more inclusive.

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日本再生のための政策OECDの提言

日本には、拠りどころとなる大きな強みがいくつかある。特に国民の教育水準が非常に高く、そのことが東日本大震災を経済と社会を強くする機会へと変えることには疑いの余地がない。それでも、様々な分野において改革は必要である。再生に向けた戦略の１つの核となるのは税制改革である。これは税収を増やすのみならず、経済成長を促し、かつそれをよりグリーンで、包摂的なものとするためでもある.

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Fiscal Consolidation: How much, how fast and by what means?

The economic crisis has led to a surge in government deficits and pushed public indebtedness to 100% of GDP for the OECD as a whole in 2011. New research shows that bringing debt down to prudent levels will require sustained fiscal consolidation in most OECD countries.

No bonus: More than a Publicis affair

Corporate bosses are not exactly enjoying the sunlight these days, what with public outcries against “fat cat” bonuses and excessive boardroom pay despite the crisis. So when the chair of advertising giant, Publicis, Maurice Lévy, renounced his bonus at the end of 2011, people took notice. A case apart or an example for other bosses to follow? Mr Levy explains.

Gender (in)equality

Men earn more than women, work less, and occupy more of the top jobs – but women live longer, are better educated and get to retire younger. How best to harness the talents of both sexes for better lives all round?

Literacy, Numeracy and Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments - Framework for the OECD Survey of Adult Skills

This report maps the development of the Programme, from determining what should be measured, to defining the meaning of PIAAC’s three core domains.

Ireland: Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the OECD

Biographical note of Ireland's Permanent Representative to the OECD

Rintaro Tamaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD

Mr. Rintaro Tamaki was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD on August 1, 2011. His portfolio includes the strategic direction of OECD policy on Environment, Development, Green Growth, Financial Affairs and Taxes.