In the midst of political turmoil, and the sounds of war in countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Somalia where blood continues to flow every day, fortunately, there are some countries which provide hopes for World happiness.
Every Year since the beginning of this Century, the United Nations measures the quality of life taking into consideration the various aspects of a country, and compile the list of the top 10 happiest countries in the World. Amazingly, it has been seen that the top 13 countries have dominated the list for the last 4 years. While this list does not take into account the visitor’s experience, but it has often been seen that the countries which are happy, are high in public trust and generosity, hence making it a great place for travelers. Read through to know about the top 10 happiest countries in the World.
10.Sweden
Sweden, one of the five Nordic countries, has always been one of the happiest countries in the World. With the high level of satisfaction found in Sweden, it is very evident that it will be one of the happiest countries in the World in the days to come. Sweden is the third largest consumer of coffee in the World. Sweden possesses a good governance scheme, high quality of life and a strong perception of the community. Their sense of Community increases by what is called a fika, which when translated into English stands as “Break Time”. In the fika, people meet in the coffee shops to catch up with the daily hum drum. The elders meet and have a great time discussing news over a cup of coffee, while the children play. Other than this, the Quality of life is amazing in Sweden. Lower class exists in a blindfold, and most importantly, most of Sweden is the middle class. There are no income gaps between the citizens. Another reason, that may be one of the most important reasons why Sweden is one of the happiest countries in the World, is that around 80% of Swedish people are Atheist, making them independent from the Religious humdrum.
9.Australia
The Sixth largest country of the World, Australia is ranked ninth in the happiest countries of the World list. With high levels of engagement for the local people and very low amount of population, Australia boasts a healthy environment. With its mineral wealth and the insatiable demands of coal and raw materials all over the World, Australia’s economy was booming while rest of the World was saddened by the economic recession. Not only economy, but factors like low cost health care, free education, local engagement and low crime rates are also some of the primal factors which contribute towards making Australia a happy country.
8.New Zealand
New Zealand, is occupied by Humans for the last 800 years. Today known as one of the biodiverse islands in the World, New Zealand boasts about an environment free of any pollution. The scenic view of New Zealand is also a treat for eyes. With its great coffee culture and the delicious food of New Zealand, it is one of the country which thrives of its ecology. The perfect place to lift your spirits, this Island country has some of the best sights in the World like the ancient Maori sites, the volcanoes, the penguins in the southern islands etc.
7.The Netherlands
While the most preferred of transportation in this country is Bicycling, Netherlands have been reported to have the highest rate of physical activity the World. With 20,000 miles of bicycle lanes in the country, Netherlands is reported to be the safest bike travelling nation in the World. The capital city of Netherlands, Amsterdam, is also rated as one of the happiest city in the World. As per the global report of 2013, it has been seen that the Dutch are the most satisfied workers in the World. With the world’s shortest working hours per week, the Netherlands also boasts of high salary range for the people. As per a report of 2007, the Netherlands is very child centered. The children are brought up to be happy as adults.
6.Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the World, and extends towards the Arctic circle in the North. With plenty to explore in this vast landscape, Canada ranks 6th in this list. In 2012, Canada’s per capita income was approximately $36000 slightly missing Norway by 11,000$. Due to booming economy, Canada is content and therefore, is happy. Other factors like normal life expectancy and strong social ties make Canada a happy country. A great place for hikers and adventure sports enthusiasts, Canada has the best of everything.
5. Finland
Isn’t it astonishing that a country of only 5.5 million people has over 3 million saunas? Yes, we are talking about Finland. The obsession of Finland with Sauna is not something new, but, maybe the Saunas are the prime reason of Finland being happy. Sauna’s are so popular in Finland, that there are Saunas in the Parliament too. Finland is a country that hosts Santa Claus every day of the year. Therefore, to sum it up, the people of Finland have a high quality of life with excellent educational standards, low levels of corruption and a healthy balance between life and work.
4.Norway
Hike along the Fjord mountains or the Mount Skala in Summer, to enjoy the greatest view that you have ever seen. Once you are in this country, try taking advantages of the external views. Norway ranks 4th in the list of happiest countries in the World. The extensive Oil and Gas makes the government rich. A lot of opportunity has been inculcated in the Norway. From Health care, Education and governance, Norway has it all sorted. Health Care in Norway is subsidized and free. The big expenses are often covered by the state. Personal Freedom is never at stake in Norway. Equality, freedom of speech and tolerance are some of the most valued virtues.
3.Iceland
This small Nordic country has consistently been atop in the world’s happiest countries list. Even after the 2008 economic recession when the unemployment increased to eightfold than what it actually was, the country still topped the list. In fact, due to the recession, the communities in Iceland came closer in unity. Mainly known for its tourism industry, Iceland has a number of indoor shopping malls and outdoor swimming pool. While the temperature is freezing cold all throughout the year, the blue lagoon offers the locals and the travelers to take a dip in Iceland’s healing geothermal waters. With many island volcanoes, beaches and national park, Iceland is one hell of a place to visit.
2.Switzerland
With rich chocolate flavors and magnificent ski slopes, Switzerland is a beautiful country and a traveler’s paradise. Switzerland was ranked as the happiest country in the World in 2015. Switzerland has ample amount of outdoor spaces, which provides the local a healthy lifestyle. From tidy and clean public transport and fresh drinking water on public fountains, to organic foods in every corner of the marketplaces and a thriving economy, Switzerland has many reasons to be the happiest place in the world. Up till 2014, Switzerland has 11 world heritage sites as inscribed by the United Nations. With a higher literacy rate than the average literacy rate, unemployment is not an issue in Switzerland. Switzerland has the best of everything, from the wine of Italy and the beer of Germany to the food of France, Switzerland is really fit to be the world’s happiest place.
1.Denmark
The Scandinavian country, Denmark has been the in this list for quite a long time, and in 2016, they were ranked the happiest country in the World surpassing Switzerland. There are many factors which leads to the contentment of the people about their country. In Denmark, there is a perfect balance between work and life, where the stipulated amount of time for work is 37 hours per week, with a 5 week holiday each year. ‘Hygge’ brings the people of Denmark together. In the winter, sitting in front of the fireplace and getting the cuddly feeling, and a gathering in the park or a café in the summers, is what they call as ‘Hygge’. With an abundance of free public services like education and health care, the Danes has got a strong sense of life and community.
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”
-Charles Spurgeon.
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