The happiness of a nation is often measured by various factors such as quality of life, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, trust, and generosity. Based on these indicators, the World Happiness Report 2021 ranked the top 10 happiest countries in the world as follows:
1. Finland
Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, and this can be attributed to several key factors:
High standard of living: Finland has a high standard of living, with good healthcare and education systems, low poverty rates, and access to clean water and nutritious food. These basic necessities are important contributors to overall well-being and happiness.
Strong social support network: Finnish people have strong social networks and support systems, with high levels of trust and generosity in their communities. This social support helps provide a sense of security and belonging, which is crucial for overall happiness.
Personal freedom and low corruption: Finland has a high level of personal freedom and a low level of corruption. This allows individuals to make their own choices in life, which is essential for personal satisfaction and happiness.
Access to education and healthcare: Finland provides universal access to education and healthcare, which are important factors in overall well-being and happiness. This access helps individuals achieve their goals and live healthy lives.
Stable political situation: Finland has a stable political situation, with low levels of crime and political unrest. This stability provides a sense of security, which is important for overall happiness.
Beautiful natural surroundings: Finland is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including lakes, forests, and mountains. Access to nature is important for overall well-being and happiness, as it provides opportunities for recreation, exercise, and stress relief.
These factors, combined with the Finnish culture of equality and low levels of income inequality, make Finland one of the happiest countries in the world.
2. Denmark
Here are some factors that contribute to Denmark’s high levels of happiness and well-being:
Strong social welfare system: Denmark has a comprehensive social welfare system that provides citizens with access to healthcare, education, and social security, helping to reduce poverty and inequality.
Emphasis on work-life balance: Danes value their personal time and work-life balance, and employers must provide a minimum of 5 weeks of paid vacation per year. This helps to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Trust and social cohesion: Danish society is known for its high levels of trust, social cohesion, and sense of community. This social trust leads to a lower crime rate and a more relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.
Equality and democracy: Denmark is a country that values equality, democracy, and human rights, which contributes to a more inclusive and diverse society. This, in turn, leads to increased social cohesion and a greater sense of belonging.
Access to nature: Denmark is known for its beautiful landscapes, and Danes have a strong connection to nature. Many enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating, which provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and a connection to the natural world.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks among the happiest countries in the world due to several factors, including:
High standard of living: Switzerland has a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This helps to provide its citizens with a sense of security and stability, which is important for overall well-being.
Natural beauty: Switzerland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Swiss Alps providing a dramatic backdrop to much of the country. Access to natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation are important factors in overall happiness and well-being.
Political stability: Switzerland has a long history of political stability and is known for its strong tradition of democracy and respect for human rights. This contributes to a sense of security and stability that is important for overall well-being.
Strong economy: Switzerland has a strong economy, with low unemployment and a high median income. This provides its citizens with financial security and helps to reduce economic uncertainty, which can be a source of stress and unhappiness.
Social cohesion: Switzerland is known for its strong sense of community and social cohesion. Its citizens have a strong sense of belonging and trust in each other, which is important for overall happiness and well-being.
Multiculturalism: Switzerland is a country that values diversity and multiculturalism, and this contributes to a more inclusive and accepting society. This inclusiveness and respect for differences are essential for overall well-being and happiness.
4. Iceland
Strong sense of community: Iceland is known for its strong sense of community and social cohesion, with a high level of trust among its citizens. This social trust contributes to a more relaxed and harmonious atmosphere, which is important for overall well-being and happiness.
Natural beauty: Iceland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with unique landscapes ranging from glaciers and geysers to hot springs and waterfalls. Access to natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation are important factors in overall happiness and well-being.
Political stability: Iceland is a stable and democratic country with a long history of political stability. This stability and respect for human rights contribute to a sense of security and stability that is important for overall well-being.
Gender equality: Iceland is known for its strong tradition of gender equality, with women participating in the workforce at a high rate and enjoying equal pay and opportunities. This equality contributes to a more inclusive and accepting society, which is important for overall well-being and happiness.
High standard of living: Iceland has a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This helps to provide its citizens with a sense of security and stability, which is important for overall well-being.
Mental health support: Iceland is known for its strong focus on mental health and well-being, with comprehensive support systems in place to help its citizens. This focus on mental health is important for overall happiness and well-being.
5. Netherlands
High quality of life: The Netherlands has a strong economy and a well-developed infrastructure, which contributes to a high standard of living for its citizens. The country is known for its excellent healthcare system, which is accessible and affordable for all, and its robust social safety net, which provides support for those in need.
Work-life balance: Dutch workers enjoy a good work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and good benefits. This allows people to have time for their personal lives and pursue their hobbies and interests, which is important for overall well-being.
Tolerance and social equality: The Netherlands is a very accepting and tolerant country where diversity is celebrated. This creates a sense of social equality and reduces the prevalence of discrimination, which can lead to increased happiness.
Natural beauty: The Netherlands is a country with a lot of natural beauty, including canals, windmills, tulip fields, and pristine beaches. This environment provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to daily life and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Bike-friendly culture: The Netherlands is known for its bike-friendly culture, with a well-developed network of bike paths and a high proportion of the population using bikes for transportation. This contributes to good health and a low carbon footprint and has boosted happiness levels.
6. Sweden
Sweden is often considered one of the happiest countries in the world due to a number of factors, including:
High standard of living: Sweden has a strong economy and a high standard of living, with a well-developed infrastructure and an accessible healthcare system. This contributes to a sense of security and well-being among its citizens.
Generous social welfare system: Sweden is known for its generous social welfare system, which supports those in need. This safety net helps to reduce poverty and inequality, contributing to a more equal and happier society.
Work-life balance: Swedish workers enjoy a good work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and good benefits. This allows people to have time for their personal lives and pursue their hobbies and interests, which is important for overall well-being.
Natural beauty: Sweden is a country with a lot of natural beauty, including forests, lakes, and coastlines. This environment provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to daily life and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Emphasis on personal freedoms: Sweden is known for its strong emphasis on personal freedoms and individual rights. This creates a sense of freedom and autonomy, which has contributed to happiness levels.
High level of trust: Sweden has a high level of trust between its citizens and the government. This trust contributes to a sense of stability and security, which is important for overall well-being.
7. New Zealand
Natural beauty: New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and a rugged coastline. This environment provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to daily life and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Outdoor culture: New Zealand is a country where outdoor recreation is highly valued, with many opportunities for activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. This active outdoor culture contributes to good health and happiness levels.
Strong sense of community: New Zealand is a country with a strong sense of community, where people look out for each other and support one another. This contributes to a sense of belonging and security, which is important for overall well-being.
Low crime rates: New Zealand has low crime rates, contributing to a sense of safety and security for its citizens. This is important for overall happiness levels.
Progressive social policies: New Zealand is known for its progressive social policies, including equal marriage rights and family support. This contributes to a more equal and accepting society, which can lead to increased happiness levels.
Good work-life balance: New Zealand workers enjoy a good work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and good benefits. This allows people to have time for their personal lives and pursue their hobbies and interests, which is important for overall well-being.
8. Canada
High standard of living: Canada has a strong economy and a high standard of living, with a well-developed infrastructure and an accessible healthcare system. This contributes to a sense of security and well-being among its citizens.
Strong social safety net: Canada has a robust social safety net that supports those in need. This helps to reduce poverty and inequality, contributing to a more equal and happier society.
Tolerance and diversity: Canada is a very accepting and tolerant country where diversity is celebrated. This creates a sense of social equality and reduces the prevalence of discrimination, which can lead to increased happiness.
Natural beauty: Canada is a country with a lot of natural beauty, including forests, lakes, and mountains. This environment provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to daily life and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Good work-life balance: Canadian workers enjoy a good work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and good benefits. This allows people to have time for their personal lives and pursue their hobbies and interests, which is important for overall well-being.
Strong sense of community: Canada has a strong sense of community, where people look out for each other and support one another. This contributes to a sense of belonging and security, which is important for overall well-being.
9. Austria
High standard of living: Austria has a strong economy and a high standard of living, with a well-developed infrastructure and an accessible healthcare system. This contributes to a sense of security and well-being among its citizens.
Rich cultural heritage: Austria is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a rich history and cultural heritage dating back centuries. This cultural richness contributes to a sense of pride and identity, which can lead to increased happiness levels.
Natural beauty: Austria is a country with a lot of natural beauty, including the Alps and other scenic areas. This environment provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to daily life and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Good work-life balance: Austrian workers enjoy a good work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and good benefits. This allows people to have time for their personal lives and pursue their hobbies and interests, which is important for overall well-being.
Strong social security system: Austria has a strong social security system that supports those in need. This helps to reduce poverty and inequality, contributing to a more equal and happier society.
Political stability: Austria is known for its political stability, which contributes to a sense of security and well-being among its citizens. This stability allows people to plan their futures confidently, which is important for overall happiness.
10. Australia
High standard of living: Australia has a strong economy and a high standard of living, with a well-developed infrastructure and an accessible healthcare system. This contributes to a sense of security and well-being among its citizens.
Natural beauty: Australia is known for its stunning natural beauty, including beaches, forests, and deserts. This environment provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to daily life and contributes to a sense of well-being.
Good work-life balance: Australians enjoy a good work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and good benefits. This allows people to have time for their personal lives and pursue their hobbies and interests, which is important for overall well-being.
Strong sense of community: Australia is a country with a strong sense of community, where people look out for each other and support one another. This contributes to a sense of belonging and security, which is important for overall well-being.
Progressive social policies: Australia is known for its progressive social policies, including equal marriage rights and support for families. This contributes to a more equal and accepting society, which can lead to increased happiness levels.
Outdoor culture: Australia is a country where outdoor recreation is highly valued, with many opportunities for activities such as hiking, fishing, and surfing. This active outdoor culture contributes to good health and happiness levels.
Conclusion
The happiest countries of the world are often characterized by a combination of a high standard of living, good work-life balance, strong social safety nets, tolerance and diversity, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Factors such as political stability, rich cultural heritage, and progressive social policies can also play a role in overall happiness levels. It’s important to note that happiness is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person and that these factors can interact and affect happiness in complex ways. Nevertheless, understanding what makes a country happy can provide insights into what makes individuals happy and can inform policies and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being and happiness of everyone.
