to live as Bermuda.

At least that's according to American magazine, International Living.

In January's edition, Bermuda ranked an eyebrow-raising 38th equal in a "quality of life'' survey of 188 countries.

As well as Chile, it was put on a par with the United Arab Emirates, Micronesia, and the Caymans.

Topping the list was the US, followed by Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, Norway, Germany, Iceland, Austria, Denmark, and Australia.

Among the places best avoided were Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Laos, Chad, and Equitorial Guinea.

The fun survey took into account cost of living, economic prosperity, entertainment, infrastructure, health, freedom, and environment.

Surprisingly, Bermuda tripped up over its economic prosperity, scoring barely half marks.

Tagged the most important category, it was based on such heady indicators as gross national product, and "overall economic diversity''.

Cyprus, Chile, China, Cameroon and Hungary were among a host of nations rated more prosperous.

But it was environment, based on population density, amount of protected land, and ecological problems, which proved Bermuda's greatest undoing.

She notched up just 41 out of a possible 100 points.

There was some consolation, however. Bermuda was placed among 28 of the world's most free countries.

Before taking the survey too seriously, however, people should heed the magazine's own warning: "We admit to a Western bias.

"Furthermore, we not only write from this bias, but we also write for a Western bias. You, our reader, generally share our ideas about what conveniences and amenities constitute a high standard of living.''