It has been more than 10 years since the first World Happiness Report was published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The annual report surveys residents in more than 150 countries to determine which nations are the happiest.
The study assesses six areas, GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, perceived freedom to make life decisions, trust and cooperation and generosity, as well as the responses of around 1000 individuals in each UN member state. It aims to assess the relationship between development and happiness, and to encourage the use of happiness as a measure of national success and priority.
Perhaps surprisingly, “Average happiness and our country rankings, for emotions as well as life evaluations, have been remarkably stable during the three COVID-19 years,” said John Helliwell, one of the authors of the World Happiness Report. “Even during these difficult years, positive emotions have remained twice as prevalent as negative ones, and feelings of positive social support twice as strong as those of loneliness.”
The 10 happiest countries this year are:
10. New Zealand
While unsurprising, New Zealand making the top 10 is salt in the wound for many Australians, considering that we didn’t make the cut. What makes it all worse is that they absolutely deserve this ranking. Kiwis have to be among the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. Maybe it’s because they enjoy such good social services and workplace satisfaction, while living in some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes.
9. Luxembourg
In 2019, this small European nation of fewer than 700,000 people was ranked the world’s 14th happiest country. Since then, it has smiled its way into the top 10, probably helped by the nation’s mandatory five-week vacations. Along with its world class healthcare system, healthy work-life balance and high salaries. It’s no surprise that one of the happiest countries also has a great social security system that helps to care for its retired citizens.
8. Switzerland
Swiss citizens vote on everything. Consequently, they are thriving in a social and political climate that values the voice of every person, allowing them to have a say in both major and minor decisions that could affect the future of their country, or whether they want a stop sign on their street corner.
7. Norway
Economic stability and trust of the government and its expansive welfare systems seem to be the secret to happiness. In 2017, Norway was ranked the world’s happiest country, but its ranking has been slowly slipping since then. However, as the world learns from their models of social and economic prosperity, it’s no surprise that the competition is getting stronger.
6. Sweden
Social equality, a strong and inclusive education system, 16 months of divisible paid family leave and free childcare – no wonder this is the best country for women and the seventh happiest in the world. It turns out that having a healthy work-life balance and social support really does make for happier people.
5. Netherlands
The Dutch have a strong sense of community and social acceptance, with a focus on equality and the wellbeing of all citizens. They also have a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, education and infrastructure, as well as a strong economy. The Netherlands is also known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and easy access to nature. A strong emphasis on work-life balance and leisure time also contributes to the country’s overall happiness.
4. Israel
Israel is a happy country for several reasons. The country has a strong economy, with a strong and diversified industrial base, high levels of employment and an excellent standard of living. It is also a very safe country, with low levels of crime and strong security measures in place. Finally, it has a vibrant cultural life, with a variety of festivals, events and attractions, as well as a wide range of world-class restaurants, bars and cafes.
3. Iceland
Tough climates seem to grow strong social bonds, and according to the study most Icelandic respondents felt that they could rely upon their fellow citizens when the going gets tough. Socially speaking, Iceland is a model the rest of the world could learn from.
2. Denmark
Denmark is committed to its economic and environmental future, is home to the world’s most bike friendly city and a huge proportion of its energy comes from renewable resources such as wind farms. It’s ranked highly in all areas examined by the UN, including social support, generosity and life expectancy.
1. Finland
A round of applause for the happiest country in the world. Finland has defended its title for six years running, with its exceptional education system that focuses on experiential learning and equal opportunity.a
Australia sits at number 12 on the list. Are you surprised that Australia didn’t make the top 10? How many of the happiest countries did you guess? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Dangerous countries: Where not to plan your 2023 holiday
