Forbes has listed Malta among the top 15 countries to retire to this year, particularly for Americans.

The survey comes hot on the heels of another survey, the 2013 edition of the World Risk Report, which placed Malta as the second safest country.

Forbes said it had teamed up with InternationalLiving.com’s newly-released Annual Global Retirement Index 2014—now in its 23nd year—which ranked the best international retirement destinations on the basis of data  from its team of experts on the ground in the most popular countries among US and Canadian expat retirees.

Editors assessed factors ranging from the price of groceries and average temperature, to utility costs and the friendliness of locals.

The survey also considered real estate, benefits for retired people, healthcare, entertainment and amenities and ease of integration. 

Panama ranked No. 1 this year because it offers a “great combination of variety and value,” she says.

Ecuador was second and Malaysia third.

Malta is eighth, behind Spain but ahead of Ireland, Italy and Portugal, the  other European countries at the top.