As many as 50 million people could be out of work by the end of 2009. But the unemployed in some countries definitely have it better than others.

SCANDINAVIA

Benefits: 80 to 90 percent of prior income

For how long? 10 months to four years

Life on the dole: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. They¡¯re cold. They¡¯re dark.cheap ugg boot And they¡¯re the best places on Earth to be sacked. On virtually every metric, these countries outspend and outdo all others in supporting the involuntarily unemployed. Denmark -- home to the most generous entitlement in the world -- offers up to 90 percent of prior earnings for up to 48 months. Average-income workers in Finland take home about 85 percent for up to 500 days,buy ugg boots a little over 17 months. Comparatively stingy Sweden provides about 80 percent of earnings for about 10 months¡£

All of the Scandinavian countries require registration with public offi-es that connect job seekers with employers and retrain workers into high-demand industries. Denmark, for instance, staffs 190 such offices. They offer computer training and r¨¦sum¨¦ review, and even help place unemployed workers into temporary positions, filling in for employees who leave for educational sabbaticals and parents on maternity or paternity leave.